Aberdeen City Food Tour
Join us on a delicious stroll through Aberdeen’s city centre, where rich history and local flavours go hand in hand. Discover the city’s maritime roots at the harbour, explore the vibrant Green and merchant quarter, and raise a toast to William Wallace in Union Terrace Gardens.
Along the way, we’ll sample classic Aberdonian treats like butteries, oatcakes with cheese, locally brewed beer, and creamy Mackie’s ice cream. We’ll share stories of women brewsters, historic markets, and Aberdeen’s role in Scotland’s food, brewing, and distilling traditions.
With plenty of tasting stops, hidden corners, and engaging tales, this tour offers a real flavour of Aberdeen — past and present. Bring your appetite and your curiosity!
Options
Aberdeen City Food Tour
What's included in Aberdeen City Food Tour
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Aberdeen Maritime Museum
We kick things off where the city meets the sea — at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum overlooking the bustling harbour. Here, we delve into the city’s deep fishing heritage, shipbuilding past, and maritime trade. It’s a chance to imagine Aberdeen’s historic shoreline lined with smokehouses, fish markets, and granaries. Enjoy a classic Aberdonian “rowie” — or buttery — with a smear of marmalade. These salty, flaky treats are part of the region’s coastal identity, once a staple for fishermen needing a hardy bite at sea.
The Green
Once the heart of medieval Aberdeen, The Green tells stories of bustling trade, women brewsters, and brewing traditions that stretch back centuries. Before industrialisation, brewing was a domestic skill, and many women earned a living crafting small-batch ales. We explore the area’s transformation, from the old market to today's creative corner, featuring bold NuArt murals. While we don’t taste beer just yet, you’ll start to see how deeply rooted brewing is in the city’s culture.
Union Terrace Gardens
In the shadow of the Wallace Monument and above what was once a lively stream powering Aberdeen’s early mills, we pause to raise a toast — not with whisky, but with Scotland’s other national drink: Irn-Bru! We reflect on William Wallace, the vanished mills of Denburn, and the city's connection to the textile and grain trades. Around us are layers of architectural history — the striking Triple Kirks spire, St. Mark’s Church, the grand His Majesty’s Theatre, and the Central Library — all part of the Victorian vision of the city.
Inclusions
- Seven tasting stops showcasing local flavours and food heritage.
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Walking Distance: Around 3.5 km (just over 2 miles) at a relaxed pace
- Terrain: The route includes some cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, and moderate inclines
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- Please meet to the left at the main entrance, in front of the statue of Fisher Folk.
