Aberdeen: City Centre Walking Tour & Street Art Stories

Summary

Aberdeen’s history, street art and secrets on foot with locals

You’ll follow a local through Aberdeen’s twisting old streets, hear stories about witch trials and ancient markets, and spot bold street art hidden in plain sight. Expect laughter with your guide, surprising details around every corner, and moments where history feels strangely close beneath your feet.

What’s the experience like?

I nearly tripped over my own feet right outside Marischal College — not because of the granite (though there’s plenty), but because I was staring up at those spires instead of watching where I was going. Our guide, Jamie, just grinned and told me it happens all the time. Aberdeen’s got this way of pulling your eyes up and around, especially when you’re not expecting modern murals to pop out between centuries-old buildings. The city centre walking tour started right in the thick of it at 2pm sharp — apparently that’s when the light hits the stone best, or maybe Jamie just likes a late lunch.

We wound through these narrow lanes that honestly felt older than they should be — Netherkirkgate is one of those names you want to say out loud just to feel it in your mouth. Jamie pointed out tiny details: a carved face here, a splash of paint there. He told us about witch trials that happened in tunnels below our feet; I caught myself glancing down every so often, half-expecting to see something move in the shadows. There was this moment near St Nicholas’ Kirk where everything went quiet except for some distant gulls and a busker playing something mournful on Union St. It smelled faintly like rain on stone — or maybe that’s just what Aberdeen always smells like in my head now.

The street art really surprised me (in a good way). One mural was so bright against the grey walls it almost hurt my eyes; another was tucked away behind bins where you’d never look unless someone showed you. Jamie seemed to know every artist by name or at least by nickname — he even tried explaining one piece in Doric, which I definitely didn’t understand but made everyone laugh anyway. We ended up outside the Maritime Museum, looking at old townhouses and talking about how people have lived here for thousands of years. It’s weird to think about all those layers under your feet while you’re just standing there trying not to get hit by a seagull.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Aberdeen city centre walking tour

• Visit Marischal College in Marischal Square
• Discover street art and galleries
• Walk along one of Aberdeen's oldest streets
• Explore tunnels and learn about witch trials
• Visit The Green historic area
• Delve into historic Shiprow trade area
• Admire outside of Aberdeen Maritime Museum

Top questions

How long does the Aberdeen city centre walking tour last?

The walking tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts every day at 2pm.

Is the Aberdeen city centre walking tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible throughout.

Are strollers or prams allowed on this walking tour?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Does this tour include any entry fees or museum visits?

No entry fees are included; you’ll admire sights from outside such as Marischal College and Maritime Museum.

Will we see Aberdeen street art during this walking tour?

Yes, spotting street art is a highlight of this city centre walking tour.

Are service animals allowed on this Aberdeen walking tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted on the tour.

Is public transportation nearby for getting to or from the starting point?

Yes, public transportation options are available close to the meeting point.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes a passionate local guide who leads you through Aberdeen’s oldest streets, shares stories at key spots like Marischal College and Shiprow, points out vibrant street art along Union Street and The Green, and ensures everyone can join with full wheelchair accessibility.