Known as the Granite City, Aberdeen has emerged victorious in a new study over Scotland’s ‘big two’Aberdeen, Scotland, UK - July 13, 2024: A street view in the downtown of Aberdeen. Two people walking along the buildings. Buildings made of granite - grey colour. Above, the Umbrella Project, about Neurodiversity, in Shiprow, a historic street near Aberdeen Harbour, Scotland

Aberdeen has been named Scotland’s most fun city(Image: Getty)

When asked there to go for fun night out in a Scottish city, you could be forgiven for thinking of Glasgow or Edinburgh. With its vibrant nightlife, Glasgow is seen as Scotland’s coolest city, while Edinburgh is the cultural hub, with so much on offer.

But according to one study, neither are the most ‘fun’ city in the country. Instead, the honour goes to Aberdeen – and you’ll even pick up the cheapest city pint in Scotland.

Travel experts Braw Scottish Tours analysed 50 towns and cities across the UK to uncover where visitors are most spoiled for choice. Seventeen key factors were considered across three main areas: entertainment and nightlife, recreation and outdoor activities, and lifestyle and amenities.

The likes of pubs and live music venues, parks and the cost of a pint or movie ticket, were all considered so value of money was also a consideration in coming up with the ranking. And the Granite City ended up the best placed Scottish city, and sixth overall in the UK.

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Braw Scottish Tours praised Aberdeen for its affordability. It said: “It is among the cheapest cities for both pints and cinema tickets, while also ranking highly for golf courses and beverage stores. Its nightlife and gym provision is more limited, but it appeals to visitors looking for value and a slower pace.”

A typical pint in Aberdeen will cost £4, compared with £4.95 in Glasgow and £5.35 in Edinburgh, while a cinema ticket is just £6.50, compared with £11 in Edinburgh and a whopping £13 in Glasgow.

Tradeston Bridge, a footbridge, over the Clyde River taken about an hour before sunrise at Glasgow, Scotland

Glasgow finished eighth overall(Image: Getty)

Glasgow finished 8th, with the analysis saying its high placing was “underpinned by a strong live music scene and lifestyle amenities”. It added: “It places second for live music venues and performs well for gyms and beverage stores.

“While it ranks low for sunshine hours, its vibrant cultural scene ensures there is always something happening indoors.”

Despite being home to the biggest arts festival in the world, Edinburgh finished in 13th place. Top spot went to Newcastle Upon Tyne.

Top 10 most ‘fun’ cities in the UK

  1. Newcastle Upon Tyne
  2. Westminster
  3. Manchester
  4. Norwich
  5. Belfast
  6. Aberdeen
  7. Southampton
  8. Glasgow
  9. Plymouth
  10. Oxford

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