Holiday rentals and lettings in Aberdeen

Table of Contents

• At a glance: what should you know about renting a holiday letting in Aberdeen?
• Holiday rentals and lettings in Aberdeen: find your perfect retreat
• Exploring Aberdeen: our top recommendations
• Activities: what are the top things to do and see in Aberdeen?

• Choice of accommodation: From granite townhouses to modern apartments and coastal cottages, Aberdeen suits couples, families and groups, many welcoming dogs.
• Where to stay: In the city centre near Union Street, out towards the beach and esplanade, or in historic Old Aberdeen.
• What guests love: The sparkling granite architecture, the sweeping sandy beach, the historic harbour and easy access to Royal Deeside.
• Best time to visit: Summer for the beach and long days, spring and autumn for exploring the city, and cosy, atmospheric winters.
• Things to do: Stroll Union Street, walk the beach esplanade, explore Old Aberdeen and visit the colourful cottages of Footdee.

Aberdeen's holiday lettings range from characterful granite townhouses in the city centre to stylish apartments in Aberdeen and welcoming B&Bs in Aberdeen near the beach and Old Aberdeen. Many enjoy period charm or sea and harbour views, with space for the family, and there is something for couples, groups and dog owners alike. Whether you want a central base near Union Street or a quieter spot towards the esplanade, there is a self-catering letting to match, and most come well equipped for a comfortable stay. Expect features such as:

• Wi-Fi and a cosy lounge for evenings in
• Period granite features and characterful interiors
• A garden or courtyard for warm evenings
• Parking or a central spot near the shops
• Dog-friendly cottages in Scotland so the whole family can come along
• Well-placed bases for last-minute breaks in Aberdeen when the mood takes you

Wherever you base yourself, the beach, the harbour or the old town is rarely far away. Fancy exploring further afield? You can also compare cottages across Scotland, apartments in Glasgow and log cabins in Aviemore.

What are the best areas to stay in Aberdeen?

It depends on the holiday you have in mind: the city centre is best for shops and nightlife, while the outskirts suit the beach and countryside. The table below details areas for specific interests:

What do our guests say?

Guests booking holiday lettings in Aberdeen through Holidu often highlight the striking granite architecture, the sweeping sandy beach and the wealth of museums, shops and restaurants. Many mention the historic harbour, the charming cottages of Footdee and the easy access to Royal Deeside and the Aberdeenshire castle trail, and return for the rare mix of coast, city and countryside all close together.

Set on the north-east coast between the Rivers Dee and Don, Aberdeen is Scotland's famous "Granite City", its buildings glittering with mica in the sunshine. A lively university city with a long maritime heritage, it boasts a sweeping sandy beach and esplanade, a busy historic harbour and the ancient quarter of Old Aberdeen, home to King's College and St Machar's Cathedral. With grand Marischal College, bustling Union Street and the colourful cottages of Footdee, it makes a delightful base for a holiday and a gateway to Royal Deeside and the Cairngorms.

✈️What is the best way to get to Aberdeen?

Most visitors arrive by car, train or plane from across Scotland and beyond. Here are the most common ways to get to the city:

• By car: Aberdeen is reached via the A90 and A96, within easy reach of Dundee, Inverness and the Aberdeenshire coast. A car is handy for exploring Royal Deeside, the castles and the countryside, and most holiday lettings offer parking nearby.
• By train: Aberdeen has a central station with services connecting to Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. The station is a short walk from Union Street, making it a relaxed, car-free way to arrive and explore the granite streets on foot.

🥗Where to eat in Aberdeen?

According to Google Maps reviews, Estabulo Rodizio Bar & Grill is one of the best rated restaurants in Aberdeen. Below is a table showing top highly-rated spots hand-picked by our travel experts.

⭐Our guests' recommendation: Our guests love Wild Goose, a relaxed spot on Union Terrace championing locally sourced Scottish produce, perfect for a leisurely lunch or dinner after a wander through the city centre.

☀️When is the best time to visit?

There is no bad time to visit, but the summer months of June to August bring the warmest weather and longest days for the beach, while spring and autumn are ideal for exploring the city and Royal Deeside. Winter is atmospheric and cosy, with snug pubs and crisp coastal walks.

Summer (June–August)

• Best for: The beach, festivals and day trips
• Weather: Mild with long daylight hours
• Atmosphere: Lively along the esplanade and Union Street

Spring & Autumn (April–May, September–October)

• Best for: Walking, castles and fewer crowds
• Weather: Fresh and often bright
• Atmosphere: Relaxed, with easy availability

Winter (November–March)

• Best for: Cosy pubs, museums and bracing walks
• Weather: Cold and crisp, sometimes snowy
• Atmosphere: Quiet and snug, with a festive glow

⭐Our Hosts' recommendation: Our Aberdeen hosts recommend an early morning walk along the beach esplanade before the city wakes, then a wander through Old Aberdeen to admire King's College and St Machar's Cathedral. Ask your host about the best route out to Royal Deeside and their favourite spot for fresh seafood by the harbour.

1. Stroll Union Street and the granite heart
2. Explore Old Aberdeen and St Machar's
3. Relax on the beach and esplanade
4. Wander the harbour and Footdee
5. Discover the museums and Duthie Park

1. Stroll Union Street and the granite heart

   The heart of Aberdeen is grand Union Street, a mile-long thoroughfare lined with glittering granite buildings, shops, bars and galleries. Admire the imposing facade of Marischal College, one of the largest granite buildings in the world, and soak up the city's confident Victorian architecture. Wander the side streets for independent shops and cosy cafés, and discover why this sparkling city has long been known as the Granite City.

2. Explore Old Aberdeen and St Machar's

   Step back in time in Old Aberdeen, a peaceful quarter of cobbled lanes and historic buildings. Admire the crown tower of King's College and the twin-spired St Machar's Cathedral, one of the city's most striking landmarks. Wander the university streets, browse the botanic gardens and enjoy the timeless atmosphere of this ancient part of the city, a world away from the bustle of the modern centre.

3. Relax on the beach and esplanade

   Aberdeen boasts a magnificent sandy beach stretching for around two miles between the Rivers Dee and Don, backed by a breezy esplanade. Perfect for bracing walks, sandcastles and watching the surf, it feels wonderfully wide and open, especially at low tide. Stop for an ice cream or fish and chips, watch the waves and enjoy the fresh sea air just minutes from the city centre.

4. Wander the harbour and Footdee

   Explore Aberdeen's busy historic harbour, where fishing boats and vessels come and go against a backdrop of the North Sea. Nearby, discover Footdee, known locally as Fittie, a charming former fishing village of colourful little cottages arranged around sheltered squares. Wander its quirky lanes, admire the decorated huts and gardens and soak up the maritime character of one of the city's most photogenic corners.

5. Discover the museums and Duthie Park

   Delve into the city's seafaring past at the excellent Aberdeen Maritime Museum, which tells the story of fishing, shipbuilding and the North Sea oil industry. Afterwards, unwind in leafy Duthie Park, home to the wonderful Winter Gardens glasshouses, boating pond and rose beds. Together they offer a perfect rainy-day and sunny-day pairing, and a rewarding glimpse into the culture and greenery of the Granite City.