Aberdeen is the third largest city in Scotland and is famous for being the oil capital of Europe. Although relatively large in size, Aberdeen is laid out in quite a compact style with much of the business and shopping district situated within a confined area, making it easier to find your way around.

Union Street runs through the heart of the city and provides the focus for the main shopping area as well as being the site of many of the city's banks and restaurants. You can find the best of everything in Aberdeen, from the latest designer fashions to traditional Scottish crafts. Indulge in good food, great entertainment, a vibrant bar and club scene and festivals and events to suit all tastes.

Not far from the city you will find yourself in the middle of the breath-taking scenery of Royal Deeside, where the Queen and her family spend their annual summer holidays. You can follow Scotland's world-famous Castle Trail and the world's only Malt Whisky Trail. The Grampian mountains offer some of the most spectacular scenery in Scotland, with mountains, lochs (lakes) and glens(valleys). If you prefer beaches, Aberdeenshire has miles of beautiful coastline with many nature reserves.

To find out more about Aberdeen, where to go and what to see, you can visit the Aberdeen and Grampian Tourist Board Information Centre which is on Union Street or phone (tel 01224 288828). Visit Scotland provides lots of information about Aberdeen and also tourist attractions all over Scotland (tel 0845 22 55 121 or www.visitscotland.com).

Other useful websites include: