Aberdeen Shopping and Districts

(Aberdeen, Scotland, UK)

Shopaholics will feel very much at home in Aberdeen, since the city boasts every retail outlet it should have and many more besides. Aberdeen has become a major shopping destination for visitors from all over Scotland.

There are a number of large city centre malls and shopping complexes, such as The Academy, Bon Accord, St. Nicholas Centre, Trinity Centre and Union Square.

These all take care of high-street fashion and designer outlets under their extensive roofs, as well as providing convenient supermarkets, coffee shops, eateries, fast-food joints and entertainment. The newest is the Union Square complex just off Union Street, a leading venue for fashion, independent outlets, thrift stores and local designer boutiques.

When to Shop and Where

The small streets around the main shopping area of Union Street and George Street are well worth wandering, as new and interesting little shops are opening all over this area. Another appealing shopping area lies around the university, aimed at the student population as well as budget-minded visitors.

For those interested in antiques, a good choice of galleries and shops can be found lining the west end of Union Street, around Castle Street and along George Street. The Aberdeen Antiques Centre with its 30 dealers is in South College Street. A must-have souvenir (or souvenirs!) of any trip to Aberdeen is an example of the distinctive single malt whiskies distilled hereabouts. A trip to one of the distilleries followed by a tasting session is also a good idea.

Other popular purchases are items made from woollen cloth woven with the traditional clan tartan designs. Also available for those shopping in Aberdeen are as many different tartans as there are clans, all with different patterns and colours.

Traditionally designed Cairngorm jewellery using various shades of natural agates set in silver makes for a great souvenir, and if Scotland's got under your skin or your ancestors were from this land, a kilt, a set of bagpipes and DVDs featuring the skirl of the pipes are the ultimate present to yourself.