Food tells the real story of Aberdeen. On this guided walking tour, you’ll discover how the city was shaped by fishing, brewing, baking and trade — and by the people who worked in these industries every day.
Starting near the harbour, you’ll hear about herring fishing, salmon rivers and overnight fish trains to London. Walk through historic streets where women once dominated brewing and alehouses, and learn why oats, rowies and smoked fish became staples of local life.
Along the way, your guide will point out historic wells, markets, food streets and buildings that reveal how Aberdeen fed itself for centuries.
Highlights
4 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
4 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Seven tasting stops showcasing local flavours and food heritage.
Meeting Points
Departure
Aberdeen Maritime Museum
Please meet to the left at the main entrance, in front of the statue of Fisher Folk.
Return
Important Information
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Service animals allowed
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Public transportation options are available nearby
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Walking Distance: Around 3.5 km (just over 2 miles) at a relaxed pace
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Terrain: The route includes some cobbled streets, uneven surfaces, and moderate inclines
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
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Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
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If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
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This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
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Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
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Food tells the real story of Aberdeen. On this guided walking tour, you’ll discover how the city was shaped by fishing, brewing, baking and trade — and by the people who worked in these industries every day.
Starting near the harbour, you’ll hear about herring fishing, salmon rivers and overnight fish trains to London. Walk through historic streets where women once dominated brewing and alehouses, and learn why oats, rowies and smoked fish became staples of local life.
Along the way, your guide will point out historic wells, markets, food streets and buildings that reveal how Aberdeen fed itself for centuries.
Highlights
4 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
4 hours
Offered in English
Free Cancellation
Mobile Ticket
What's Included
Seven tasting stops showcasing local flavours and food heritage.
Meeting Points
Departure
Aberdeen Maritime Museum
Please meet to the left at the main entrance, in front of the statue of Fisher Folk.
Return
Itinerary
1
Aberdeen Maritime Museum
We kick things off where the city meets the sea — at the Aberdeen Maritime Museum overlooking the bustling harbour. Here, we delve into the city’s deep fishing heritage, shipbuilding past, and maritime trade. It’s a chance to imagine Aberdeen’s historic shoreline lined with smokehouses, fish markets, and granaries.
Enjoy a classic Aberdonian “rowie” — or buttery — with a smear of marmalade. These salty, flaky treats are part of the region’s coastal identity, once a staple for fishermen needing a hardy bite at sea.
45 minutes
2
The Green
Once the heart of medieval Aberdeen, The Green tells stories of bustling trade, women brewsters, and brewing traditions that stretch back centuries. Before industrialisation, brewing was a domestic skill, and many women earned a living crafting small-batch ales.
We explore the area’s transformation, from the old market to today's creative corner, featuring bold NuArt murals. While we don’t taste beer just yet, you’ll start to see how deeply rooted brewing is in the city’s culture.
35 minutes
3
Union Terrace Gardens
In the shadow of the Wallace Monument and above what was once a lively stream powering Aberdeen’s early mills, we pause to raise a toast — not with whisky, but with Scotland’s other national drink: Irn-Bru! We reflect on William Wallace, the vanished mills of Denburn, and the city's connection to the textile and grain trades. Around us are layers of architectural history — the striking Triple Kirks spire, St. Mark’s Church, the grand His Majesty’s Theatre, and the Central Library — all part of the Victorian vision of the city.
45 minutes
4
Marischal College
Standing before the gleaming granite façade of Marischal College, we turn to Scotland’s favourite grain — oats. From porridge to bannocks, oatcakes to crowdie cheese pairings, oats have fuelled Scots for centuries. We enjoy a taste of local oatcakes and cheese, while hearing how Robert the Bruce supported Aberdeen in times of conflict — and how the city gave back. If the moment feels right, we may share a reading of Sheena Blackhall’s witty "How to Make an Aberdonian" — a poetic celebration of local character and food.
35 minutes
5
Mercat Cross
In the historic Castlegate, where the Mercat Cross once marked the centre of trade and proclamation, we explore Aberdeen’s market culture. For centuries, this was the place to buy, sell, and celebrate — from weekly markets to royal visits. Now it’s time to enjoy a locally brewed beer, a nod to both the area’s trading past and today’s growing craft beer scene. It's also a chance to highlight Aberdeenshire’s legacy in brewing and distilling — from traditional farm ales to the global success of names like Chivas Brothers.
45 minutes
6
Provost Skene's House
We finish at one of Aberdeen’s oldest surviving townhouses — Provost Skene’s House. This museum tells stories of Aberdonians who shaped the world. Nearby, Guest Row and Ragg’s Lane once buzzed with bakers and local shops feeding the city centre. We wrap up the tour with a scoop of Mackie’s ice cream — a creamy, locally made treat from Aberdeenshire dairy farms. A sweet way to end our journey through Aberdeen’s flavours, past and present.
