Visit Aberdeen, the Silver City with the Golden Sands
Aberdeen is one of Scotland’s largest cities (with only Edinburgh and Glasgow being larger) and has a couple of nicknames including “the Granite City” and “the Silver City with the Golden Sands”. Since the discovery of oil in the North Sea the city has prospered and the local economy is now dominated by oil related industries. However modern the city may appear it has a long and prestigious history with some evidence proving that the area has been inhabited for over 8,000 years.
Aberdeen has a fascinating selection of museums and art galleries and other cultural tourist attractions but most people visit the city to indulge in the lively vibrant nightlife. For those looking for such entertainment Aberdeen has various classy restaurants and bistros, wild nightclubs, numerous cafes and bars and a varied selection of festivals. For the younger visitor there is the incredibly popular 2 mile beach with the usual selection of fairground rides and other seaside attractions.
A place definitely worth visiting is the House of Fun which can be found on the Beach Esplanade. Inside you will find loads of family entertainment including Just For Kids, the foam factory, the family amusement arcade. You will find lots, lots more throughout the two storeys which also include all of the most popular video games such as driving games.
As well as finding the usual gift and souvenir shops you will find an over 18 cash arcade and bingo. There are a few places to eat including the Central Park Deli and the Motown Bar. It is in the Motown Bar that the entertainment is a little more geared towards adults with a large television and a BBQ terrace. The Motown Bar is also a popular venue for live music.
Aberdeen has plenty to keep the keen shopper entertained with a number of malls and markets. The main shopping area can be found at Union Street but, if you enjoy shopping, you really need to visit the Bon Accord St Nicholas Shopping Centre which has a large number of shops on two levels. Other noteworthy shopping areas are The Academy and The Mall shopping centres.
Aberdeen’s history includes many stories of sporting excellence.
Typical of Scotland golf has been an important sport practiced in Aberdeen and the surrounding countryside. In 1780 the Society of Golfers at Aberdeen was founded making it the world’s 6th oldest golf club. In 1815 the club changed it’s name to Aberdeen Golf Club and in 1903, having been awarded Royal status, it became the Royal Aberdeen Golf Club. The club has two golf courses, the Balgownie Championship Links and the Silverburn Course. Aberdeen boasts a further six golf courses, all public, Auchmill Golf Course, Balnagask Golf Course, an 18-hole and a 6-hole golf course at King’s Links and three Golf Courses at Hazlehead two of which are 18-hole and the other is a a 9-hole Pitch and Putt.
Soccer is one of the most popular sports in Aberdeen with the city having a number of football clubs including Aberdeen FC which was formed in 1903 and has had some major successes including winning two European championships. At home Aberdeen FC has it most successful period during the 1980’s when they won the Scottish Premier League on three occassions. Of course there are plenty of facilities for soccer and other sports throughout the city.
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