Aberdeen Digital Nomad Guide

Thinking about making Aberdeen your new remote base? This Aberdeen guide covers everything you need to know about being a digital nomad in this unique Scottish city. From the best times to visit and the local language to getting around, finding accommodations, coworking spaces, dining options, and more—Aberdeen offers history, modernity, and coastal beauty.

Can I Be a Digital Nomad in Aberdeen?

Absolutely! Aberdeen is a great city for digital nomads looking for a balance between urban amenities and coastal beauty. Known as the Granite City, Aberdeen’s unique grey stone architecture and maritime history add character to this northeastern Scottish city. While it may be quieter than Glasgow and Edinburgh, Aberdeen offers a high quality of life, strong internet connectivity, and a welcoming community, making it a great spot for remote work.

What Is the Best Month to Visit Aberdeen?

Aberdeen’s climate is moderate, but the best months to visit are from May to September. During these months, the weather is milder, and the daylight hours are longer, giving you more time to explore the city’s attractions and coastline. Summer also brings a variety of cultural events and festivals, adding to the city’s atmosphere.

What Language Is Spoken in Aberdeen?

The primary language spoken in Aberdeen is English. However, you might also hear Scots and Doric, the local dialect. Don’t worry, though—most locals speak standard English, and you’ll find it easy to communicate and navigate the city.

What Currency Is Used in Aberdeen?

The currency used in Aberdeen, as in the rest of Scotland, is the British Pound Sterling (£). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and you’ll find ATMs throughout the city for easy cash withdrawals.

Intercity Travel: Getting Around Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a compact city with excellent public transport options, making it easy to get around.

Buses: First Aberdeen and Stagecoach provide bus services throughout the city and surrounding areas. Buses are frequent, reliable, and cover most areas you’ll want to visit.
Trains: Aberdeen Railway Station connects the city to other major destinations in Scotland and the UK, including Edinburgh, Glasgow, and London. It’s a convenient option for day trips and further travel.
Biking: Aberdeen is becoming more bike-friendly with dedicated cycling lanes and bike rental options. It’s a great way to explore the city and stay active.
Walking: Many of Aberdeen’s attractions are within walking distance of each other, making it easy to explore the city on foot.

Accommodations in Aberdeen

Aberdeen offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. Here are some top choices:

Hostels

Citi Hostel: Central location with basic amenities. Prices range from £18-£30 per night.
Royal Crown Guest House: Budget-friendly and cozy. Prices range from £25-£40 per night.
Brig Inn: Basic but convenient. Prices range from £20-£35 per night.
The Lost Guest House: Comfortable and affordable. Prices range from £20-£35 per night.

Budget Hotels

Travelodge Aberdeen Central: Reliable and economical. I was stranded here during a snowstorm for over a week. The bacon at breakfast was really good. Prices range from £40-£70 per night.
Ibis Aberdeen Centre: Budget-friendly with good service. Prices range from £50-£80 per night.
Holiday Inn Express Aberdeen: Basic comfort and convenience. Prices range from £50-£80 per night.
Premier Inn Aberdeen City Centre: Affordable and central. Prices range from £40-£70 per night.
The Coffee House Hotel: Quaint and budget-friendly. I have stayed here on multiple occasions and each time was a good experience. Request a room facing the street. Prices range from £50-£80 per night.

Midlevel Hotels

The Village Hotel: Modern amenities and a great location. Restaurant has nice variety and fancy cocktails. Prices range from £70-£110 per night.
Jurys Inn Aberdeen: Comfortable with good facilities. Prices range from £80-£120 per night.
DoubleTree by Hilton Aberdeen: Reliable comfort and service. Prices range from £80-£120 per night.
Park Inn by Radisson Aberdeen: Convenient and well-equipped. Prices range from £70-£110 per night.
Moxy Aberdeen Airport: Modern and stylish. Prices range from £70-£110 per night.

Luxury Hotels

Marcliffe Hotel and Spa: Luxurious with top-notch amenities. Prices range from £200-£300 per night.
Malmaison Aberdeen: Boutique luxury with great service. Prices range from £180-£260 per night.
Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel: Historic and elegant. Prices range from £160-£240 per night.
Hilton Aberdeen Teca: Contemporary luxury. Prices range from £170-£250 per night.
The Chester Hotel: High-end with excellent facilities. Prices range from £190-£270 per night.

Serviced Apartments

Parkhill Luxury Serviced Apartments City Centre: Spacious and well-equipped. I stayed here a little over a week. Great experience even with the heater breaking. Bathroom floor is heated. Prices range from £100-£160 per night.
Skene House HotelSuites – Holburn: Comfortable with all amenities. Prices range from £90-£150 per night.
The Craibstone Suites: Modern and central. Prices range from £100-£160 per night.
Apple Apartments Aberdeen: Fully furnished with great service. Prices range from £100-£160 per night.
Aspect Apartments City Centre: Convenient and comfortable. Prices range from £90-£150 per night.

Coliving Spaces

The Spires Aberdeen: Flexible stays with communal areas. Prices range from £140-£220 per week.
Cove Bay: Modern co-living with great facilities. Prices range from £130-£210 per week.
Urban Stay Aberdeen: Comfortable with all amenities. Prices range from £150-£230 per week.
Zinn Apartments: Convenient and well-equipped. Prices range from £140-£220 per week.
Signature Apartments Aberdeen: Stylish and flexible stays. Prices range from £150-£230 per week.

Coworking in Aberdeen

Aberdeen has a growing coworking scene with spaces catering to different needs and preferences.

Coworking Spaces

Regus Aberdeen: Professional environment with flexible options.
The Elevator: Great facilities and community events.
Spaces Marischal Square: Modern workspace in a central location.
The Soap Factory: Creative space with a collaborative atmosphere.
The Hub: Tech-focused coworking with excellent amenities.

Cafes

The Coffee House: Central and cozy with good Wi-Fi.
Books and Beans: Relaxed atmosphere with great coffee.
Cup Aberdeen: Ideal for working with a cup of tea or coffee.
Foodstory: Great for healthy food and a work-friendly environment.
Cognito on the Corner: Perfect spot for a productive day.

Dining in Aberdeen

Aberdeen offers a diverse dining scene with options ranging from budget-friendly eats to upscale dining experiences.

Budget

Brewdog Aberdeen: Great burgers and beers. Prices range from £6-£12.
Books and Beans: Affordable and healthy options. Prices range from £5-£10.
Cognito Deli: Tasty and budget-friendly. Prices range from £5-£10.
The Adelphi Kitchen: Delicious BBQ at good prices. Prices range from £6-£12.
Madame Mews: Authentic Thai food. Prices range from £5-£10.

Midlevel

The Silver Darling: Great seafood with a view. Prices range from £12-£25.
Rustico: Italian cuisine in a cozy setting. Prices range from £10-£20.
Musa: Contemporary dishes and live music. Prices range from £12-£25.
The Chester Hotel: Modern British cuisine. Prices range from £12-£25.
No.10 Bar and Restaurant: Classic dishes with a twist. Prices range from £10-£20.

Expensive

Moonfish Cafe: Innovative dishes with local produce. Prices range from £40-£70.
The Marcliffe at Pitfodels: High-end dining experience. Prices range from £50-£80.
Fusion Bar + Bistro: Creative and luxurious. Prices range from £40-£70.
Granite Park: Fine dining with excellent service. Prices range from £50-£80.
Nargile: Upscale Turkish cuisine. Prices range from £40-£70.

Pros and Cons of Being a Digital Nomad in Aberdeen

Pros:

High Quality of Life: Aberdeen offers a high standard of living with access to excellent healthcare, education, and public services. The city is clean, well-maintained, and has a low crime rate, contributing to a sense of security and well-being.
Beautiful Coastal Scenery: Aberdeen’s location on the northeast coast of Scotland provides stunning coastal views and opportunities for seaside activities. The beaches, cliffs, and nearby countryside are perfect for weekend getaways and outdoor adventures.
Welcoming Community: Aberdeen is known for its friendly and welcoming locals. The city has a tight-knit community feel, making it easy to integrate and make new connections, whether you’re a solo traveler or moving with family.
Rich History and Culture: Aberdeen boasts a rich maritime history and impressive granite architecture. Cultural attractions like the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, St. Machar’s Cathedral, and various festivals offer plenty to explore and enjoy.
Strong Internet Connectivity: Aberdeen has robust internet infrastructure, with high-speed broadband widely available. This is crucial for digital nomads who rely on reliable internet for work.

Cons:

Higher Cost of Living: Due to its association with the oil industry, Aberdeen can be more expensive compared to other Scottish cities. Housing, dining, and certain services might come at a premium.
Weather Variability: Aberdeen’s weather can be quite unpredictable, with frequent rain and windy conditions, particularly outside the summer months. This might not be ideal for those who prefer consistent, sunny weather.
Limited Nightlife: While Aberdeen has a range of pubs, bars, and restaurants, it doesn’t have the same vibrant nightlife scene as larger cities like Glasgow or Edinburgh. This might be a downside for those who enjoy a bustling evening social life.
Smaller Expat Community: Although there is a welcoming community, the expat population in Aberdeen is smaller compared to other major cities. This can make it slightly more challenging to find and connect with other international digital nomads.
Dependence on Oil Industry: The city’s economy is heavily influenced by the oil and gas sector. Economic fluctuations in this industry can have a broader impact on the cost of living and job opportunities in Aberdeen.

Aberdeen, with its unique charm and unique infrastructure, is an excellent choice for digital nomads. Whether you’re looking to work in a cozy cafe, a professional coworking space, or enjoy a scenic walk along the coast, Aberdeen has something for everyone.

Safe Travels!