Aberdeen Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Aberdeen

Castlegate Square is a small section of the city of Aberdeen. The area is surrounded by Castle Street and Castle Terrace. It is signified by the Mercat cross, which was built in 1686.

The Mercat Cross was designed by John Montgomery. It is a hexagonal structure that is enclosed and adorned with medallions featuring Stewart monarchs, the Royal arms and the burgh's arms. A gilded, marble unicorn sits atop the structure.

Castlegate Square was once the spot where merchants met to peddle their wares. The cobbled streets still give visitors access to shops, restaurants and pop-up vendors who may sell arts, crafts or antiques. It is also home to the Salvation Army Citadel.

The square is the traditional location of the city Christmas Tree, which usually stands next to the Mercat Cross. It is also known as being the site of public executions. The last of these took place in 1857.

The Salvation Army Citadel is a Christian church on Castle Street. This famous landmark of Aberdeen was built in 1896. The building was designed by James Souttar. It was based on Balmoral Castle, which was built some 40 years earlier.

The citadel's construction took place on the site of the ancient Aberdeen Castle. That castle was destroyed by an angry mob of citizens in 1308. The legend states that the mob then used the stones from Aberdeen Castle to build a church in the same location.

The outside of the building has a castle-like facade with turrets, stained glass and an arched entrance. The exterior is made from granite, which gives it an old world appeal while continually looking new. Inside, the citadel has a worship hall, meeting rooms and a cafe.

Visitors are welcome to attend Sunday church services at 10:15 AM.

The Tolbooth Museum in Aberdeen is a 17th-century former jail that now serves as a fascinating museum dedicated to the city's history of crime, punishment, and law enforcement. Built between 1616 and 1629, the Tolbooth is one of Aberdeen's oldest buildings, located on Union Street and attached to Aberdeen Town House. Originally a prison, it housed a range of prisoners, including those accused of witchcraft, Jacobite rebels, and even local children sent to America as indentured laborers in the 18th century.

The museum offers visitors a glimpse into the grim reality of historical imprisonment, featuring original cells with barred windows and doors, along with displays of items related to law and order. Among the most notable artifacts is Aberdeen's first guillotine, used in the mid-16th century to execute criminals, which is now on public display. A haunting episode in the Tolbooth’s past involves Marion Hardie, an Elgin woman accused of witchcraft in the 1630s, who was imprisoned, strangled, and burnt in front of the building.

During the Jacobite risings of 1715 and 1745, the Tolbooth played a significant role as a place where supporters of James Francis Edward Stuart declared their allegiance and where over 96 Jacobite prisoners were held following the Battle of Culloden. An interactive display in the "Jacobite Cell" allows visitors to meet Willie Baird, a prisoner in 1746, who recounts his story alongside his fellow rebels, bringing this turbulent period of Scottish history to life.

The museum's unique atmosphere, complete with its original jail cells, offers a sobering yet captivating experience, providing a powerful insight into the evolution of justice and punishment in Aberdeen. The Tolbooth Museum remains a popular destination for both locals and tourists, having celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2016. It has also gained notoriety through ghostlore stories and an appearance on the paranormal TV show Most Haunted in 2009.

The Aberdeen Maritime Museum, located on the historic Shiprow near the River Dee, is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in the seafaring history of Aberdeen. Housed in a blend of historic buildings, including the 1593 Provost Ross's House and the former Trinity Congregational Church, the museum offers visitors a rich overview of the city's long relationship with the sea.

This award-winning museum showcases Aberdeen’s role in shipbuilding, fishing, and its bustling port, as well as the city's pioneering involvement in the North Sea oil and gas industry—one of the only museums in the UK to feature such exhibits. Inside, visitors can marvel at ship models dating back to 1689, historical harpoons, medieval artifacts, and even a lighthouse lens assembly. There’s also an immersive steamer deck display and interactive, hands-on exhibits that bring the drama of the North Sea industries to life.

A special highlight is the top-floor gallery, where visitors are treated to a panoramic view of Aberdeen Harbour, providing a perfect vantage point to appreciate the scale of the city's maritime activity. The museum's engaging displays cover over 1,000 years of trade in the harbor, making it a truly immersive experience for visitors of all ages.

With its blend of history and modern interactive exhibits, along with a café offering scenic views and a gift shop stocked with nautical-themed items, the Aberdeen Maritime Museum is a must-see for anyone exploring Aberdeen’s deep maritime roots.

Union Street is a major thoroughfare that cuts through the midst of the city. Starting at Alfred Place and ending at Castle Street, Union Street is about one mile long. This includes 130 foot Union Bridge, which crosses over Denburn Road. Completed in 1805, the Union Bridge holds a world record as the world's largest single span granite bridge.

The street was originally developed in 1794 from a design by engineer Charles Abercrombie. The idea was to create a larger street for visitors to the city who were congesting the narrow streets. Likewise, the town council asked Abercrombie to provide access from five different entry points.

Union Street is ideal for walking because it is completely closed to traffic between Bridge Street and Market Street. Visitors can use their time on Union Street to shop, stop to eat or take photos of the many sites along the way. Among these sites are the historic Saint James' Episcopal Church, Gilcomston Church and the Aberdeen Music Hall.

The Aberdeen Music Hall, located on Union Street in the heart of the city, is one of Scotland’s oldest and most significant concert venues. Originally designed as the Assembly Rooms by renowned Aberdeen architect Archibald Simpson in 1820, the building was completed in 1822. It transformed into a concert hall in 1859 and has since been a cornerstone of Aberdeen's cultural scene. A historic venue, the Music Hall hosted Aberdeen’s first cinema screening in September 1896. It also houses a bronze plaque memorializing the citizens of Aberdeen who served in the Spanish Civil War.

The Music Hall reopened in 2018 after undergoing a major redevelopment. Its main auditorium, known for its excellent acoustics, seats 1,300 and regularly welcomes performances by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. The venue also plays host to the Aberdeen International Youth Festival and a variety of pop and rock acts, having seen performances by icons like David Bowie, Emeli Sandé, Led Zeppelin, and Iron Maiden.

In addition to the main auditorium, the Music Hall features two smaller spaces, the Big Sky Studio and the Tutti Creative Learning Studio, offering versatile spaces for events and community engagement. Operated by Aberdeen Performing Arts, alongside His Majesty's Theatre and The Lemon Tree, the Music Hall continues to serve as a vital hub for concerts, comedy shows, and cultural events, embodying nearly 200 years of Aberdeen's rich musical and community life.

His Majesty's Theatre opened in 1906. The granite building was designed by Frank Matcham in the Free Renaissance architectural style. The four-story theatre has a copper domed tower and a Tragedy and Comedy statue.

His Majesty's Theatre underwent a significant refurbishment in 1999. Along with new seats and backstage facilities, it was granted a new box office, bars that are open for pre-show drinks, a cafe and a restaurant.

Though it originally held more than 2,300 seats, it remains the largest theatre in Aberdeen with a seating capacity of more than 1,400. It regularly hosts touring companies, international performing artists and local acts. Along with the Music Hall, His Majesty's Theatre hosts the annual Aberdeen International Youth Festival.

Tourists can visit His Majesty's Theatre in person during box office hours. The box office is open from 10 AM to 6 PM on Tuesday through Saturday. It is also open one hour before each show is scheduled to start.

The Kirk of Saint Nicholas is a historic church that dates as far back as 1151. The church was significantly upgraded in the 15th century and again in 1755. It is considered the Mither Kirk, or mother church, of the city. Saint Nicholas is the patron saint of Aberdeen due to the miraculous rescue of sailor in a treacherous storm.

The interior of the church is outfitted in dark oak. It contains a large, stained glass window that celebrated the church's 500th anniversary. The carillon of 36 bells was installed in the granite tower in 1887. They were replaced in 1950 with 48 bells, making it one of the largest carillons in the country.

The graveyard surrounds the church on three sides. Monuments, dating to the mid-17th century, include a number of notable burials from the city's history. Some of these include Sir Thomas Blaikie, Alexander Dingwall Fordycce, Captain William Penny, William Rickart and Archibald Simpson. Rev. Prof. William Laurence Brown is buried inside the church.

Provost Skene's House, located in the heart of Aberdeen, is a remarkable piece of the city’s architectural history. Originally built in 1545 by Matthew Lumsden, it is the oldest surviving townhouse in Aberdeen. The house gained its name from Sir George Skene, a prosperous merchant and provost (mayor) of Aberdeen from 1676 to 1685, who purchased the property in 1669 and likely commissioned the exquisite 17th-century plaster ceilings that still adorn the interior.

The building has undergone several transformations over the centuries. It was remodeled in the mid-18th century when larger windows were added, but it retains its medieval burgh architecture, making it one of the rare surviving examples in the city. One of the most notable features is the Renaissance-painted ceiling in the attic gallery, commissioned by a member of the Lumsden family, which includes strapwork decoration and religious scenes.

Provost Skene’s House opened as a museum in 1953, offering a glimpse into Aberdeen’s past with period rooms furnished in the styles of the 17th, 18th, and early 19th centuries. Visitors could explore local history, admire antique furniture, and view period costumes in the Costume Gallery. The museum offers interactive exhibits across nine themed displays, including a Hall of Heroes, and is family-friendly with hands-on activities for children. Admission is free, making it a delightful and accessible way to explore Aberdeen’s history repeatedly.

Provost Skene’s House is an enduring symbol of Aberdeen’s architectural and cultural heritage, showcasing how life in the city has evolved over the centuries while celebrating the pioneering individuals who have left a lasting impact on both the local and global stage.

Marischal College is an iconic, granite building that was originally created for the University of Aberdeen. It is the second largest granite building in the world. The building was designed in the Gothic Revival architecture style by architect Archibald Simpson.

Construction on Marischal College began in 1835 and was completed during the early 20th century. It was used as office space and to hold classes for the campus. However, over time, the building fell into disrepair. Only Mitchell Hall, the anatomy department and the Marischal Museum were still in use through 2009 when renovations took place.

Though still owned by the University of Aberdeen, the building has served as the headquarters of Aberdeen City Council since 2011. Parts of the college are used as office space for the university. It is remains the home of the Marischal Museum.

A statue of Scottish King Robert the Bruce was erected outside of Marischal College in 2011. Robert the Bruce was King of Scots from 1306 to his death in 1329. He was one of the most famous warriors of his time and led the Kingdom of Scotland during the First War of Scottish Independence against England. King Robert the Bruce is revered in Scotland as a national hero. He sits on horseback holding the university charter.