Aberdeen's buildings (many of them made from the local granite that gives the city its nickname) are one of its main attractions, with the popular Granite Trail dedicated to discovering the city's many architectural sights.
In any event, a wander around Old Aberdeen is high on our list of recommendations. The city has not one but three cathedrals - St Andrew's, St Mary's and St Machar's - each with its own unique style and heritage. The striking neo-gothic Marischal College is one of the city's most photographed spots.
For art lovers, there's the popular Aberdeen Art Gallery and a number of quirky exhibition spaces including LookAgain and the Suttie Arts Space at the Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
The excellent collection of museums in the city has something to suit all tastes, including the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, the University of Aberdeen Zoology Museum, the Aberdeen Science Centre and the Tolbooth Museum.
One of Aberdeen's gems is the charming Footdee ("Fittie", to the locals), an old fishing village next to the promenade. A unique collection of but and ben cottages and colourful outbuildings, this area is lovely to wander around - a little oasis amid the hustle and bustle of Aberdeen seafront. Since 1968, it has had conservation status.
Shoppers could do a lot worse than Union Square mall, which has a mix of high street and independent stores.
Free walking tours of Aberdeen are offered by Scot Free from January through to September - this is an excellent way to get your bearings, discover the city's colourful social history and set yourself up to make the most of your visit.