4 Easy Trips from Aberdeen, Scotland

Words and photos by Eva Rando, who studied abroad with ASA in Aberdeen during the fall semester of 2024.

Aberdeen is a beautiful city with many opportunities. Located on the east coast of Scotland, it lies right on the North Sea, surrounded by the countryside of Aberdeenshire. From Aberdeen, you can reach many destinations by bus or train, such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, and the Cairngorms National Park.

While Aberdeen also provides easy access to other major cities in the UK, there are also many accessible European cities you can visit during your time in Aberdeen. I have had the pleasure of visiting a few of these cities during my time here.

PARIS, FRANCE

In fall 2025, Aberdeen International Airport introduced a flight directly to Paris (CDG). One of Europe’s most visited cities, Paris offers historical sites, beautiful architecture, amazing cuisine and shopping, and much more. Art enthusiasts can visit museums like the Louvre,   Musée D’Orsay, and the Musée National Picasso.

Paris has many famous landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Arc de Triomphe. If you want to see a part of Paris’s history a little off the beaten path, I recommend taking a trip to Paris’s catacombs.

While Paris is a bustling city with many activities to do, don’t forget to stop and sit in one of Paris’s beautiful cafes and really soak it all in.

DUBLIN, IRELAND

The gorgeous capital of the Republic of Ireland is only an hour and a half flight from Aberdeen International Airport (ABZ). The city is rich with culture, with many local shops and weekend flea markets.

Dublin has beautiful historic buildings, like St Patrick’s Cathedral and Dublin Castle.

Dublin also provides train and bus access to other beautiful cities in Ireland, such as Galway, Limerick,  and Cork, and if you want a countryside break, you can travel down to areas like the Dingle peninsula to see impressive cliffs and rolling green hills.

STAVENGER, NORWAY

Only an hour’s flight away from ABZ, Stavanger is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway. Located on the northeast coast of Norway, Stavanger offers ocean views, Europe’s best-preserved wooden houses, and a colorful downtown with local shops and cafes.

Stavanger also sits near the mouth of Lysefjord, one of Norway’s many gorgeous natural wonders. I highly recommend booking a trip to cruise along Lysefjord to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Norway.

If you’re feeling outdoorsy, you can also climb Preikestolen, a flat-topped cliff located almost 2,000 feet above Lysefjord, for breathtaking views.

GDAŃSK, POLAND

A 2-hour flight directly from ABZ, Gdansk is a gorgeous city on the Baltic coast of Poland with a rich history. Visit the historic old town, which was originally built in the 1200s and reconstructed after WWII. Head to the main town hall and go up to the tower for a panoramic view of the city! Gdansk is the amber capital of the world, and you can find many beautiful pieces of amber jewelry and sculpture.

Only 25 minutes by train from Gdansk, you can find Malbork Castle, the largest brick castle in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Malbork Castle has an impressive history, being originally built by the Teutonic Order and eventually passing to the monarchy of Poland. The castle is absolutely breathtaking inside and out and is definitely worth a visit!

GETTING TO ABERDEEN AIRPORT

When traveling to ABZ from the University of Aberdeen or Hillhead Student Village, I recommend taking the Ember bus, which you must book in advance, but is inexpensive and closer in proximity than the nearest bus stop for the 727 First Bus, which also goes directly to the airport. Taxis are also readily available.

ABZ also offers direct flights to Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Corfu, Geneva, Mallorca, Riga, and many other beautiful European destinations. Happy travels!

Thanks, Eva!