There are superb shopping and eating opportunities in the city of Aberdeen. If you want to take in some breath-taking scenery then a trip along the banks of the River Dee is a must. It is an ideal location for salmon fishing, castle visiting and sampling tots of Scotch along the various whiskey trails. There are also plenty of places where you can enjoy a few rounds of golf, as there are a number of courses in the surrounding area.

The city is relatively compact, so wherever you choose to stay you will have easy access to all the attractions both within the city and the surrounding countryside. Car hire is available and you can visit Dundee which is only an hour away, or Perth which is just over a two-hour drive.

The vast range of Aberdeen hotels reflects how in demand accommodation is in the city thanks to its industrial neighbours. Not only that, Aberdeen is also a great base from which to explore both the city and the breath-taking Scottish Highlands.

Hotels can be found at a wide variety of locations across the city in all different price categories. Many are within easy reach of fascinating attractions such as the Aberdeen Art Museum and the Maritime Museum. You can find all the major chains of hotels in Aberdeen. These include budget brands such as Travelodge, Premier Inn and the Holiday Inn Express. Aberdeen is also home to hotels such as Best Western, Jurys, Thistle, Mercure, Macdonald, Marriot, Hilton and Copthorne.

You will be able to find rooms in every different price bracket to help you make the most of your time in Aberdeen. Many hotel rooms are available on a bed-and-breakfast basis or you can book a room in a traditional B&B. There is also a wide range of self-catering apartments available in the city of Aberdeen.

The attractions of Aberdeen are certainly varied. When you've visited the following highlights, you can explore the glorious countryside of Aberdeenshire too.

Top five attractions

Balmoral

Around an hour from Aberdeen is the Scottish home of the Royal Family, which Queen Victoria once described as her “paradise in the Highlands”. Time your visit right though, as the castle is only open to the public from April until July.

Aberdeen Maritime Museum

Set by the water's edge, this interesting museum allows a look at Aberdeen's long-standing relationship with the sea. View exhibits on shipbuilding, fishing and the oil and gas industry in the North Sea, plus much more.

Satrosphere Science Centre

Young scientists can get their tiny fingers on all kinds of science exhibits at this fun discovery centre.

Codona's Amusement Park

Located at the seashore, this family favourite features plenty of both indoor and outdoor activities.

Duthie Park

This pretty park has been open to the public for more than a century and still boasts many traditional charms, such as a bandstand. Even on a rainy day, the exotic collection within the Winter Gardens can fill an hour or two. When the sun shines however, boating on the lake is sublime.

Find out what's on when in Aberdeen.

Highland Games; June: Hazlehead Park hosts this popular tournament on the third Sunday in June. All the family can get involved with a range of activities, while the competitors take centre stage during events such as the tug-o-war, hammer throwing and caber tossing.

Tartan Day; July: Follow the typically Scottish sounds of the morning parade to discover a day-long programme packed with ways to celebrate Aberdeen. There's traditional music and dance, plus historical re-enactments.

 Winter Festival; November-January: From the fireworks of November 5 through to the terrific and joyous welcoming of the New Year at Hogmanay, there's plenty to see and do in Aberdeen during the annual Winter Festival.