The Tolbooth Museum in Aberdeen is a 17th-century former jail that now serves as a fascinating museum dedicated to the city's history of crime, punishment, and law enforcement. Built between 1616 and 1629, the Tolbooth is one of Aberdeen's oldest buildings, located on Union Street and attached to Aberdeen Town House. Originally a prison, it housed a range of prisoners, including those accused of witchcraft, Jacobite rebels, and even local children sent to America as indentured laborers in the 18th century.

The museum offers visitors a glimpse into the grim reality of historical imprisonment, featuring original cells with barred windows and doors, along with displays of items related to law and order. Among the most notable artifacts is Aberdeen's first guillotine, used in the mid-16th century to execute criminals, which is now on public display. A haunting episode in the Tolbooth’s past involves Marion Hardie, an Elgin woman accused of witchcraft in the 1630s, who was imprisoned, strangled, and burnt in front of the building.

During the Jacobite risings of 1715 and 1745, the Tolbooth played a significant role as a place where supporters of James Francis Edward Stuart declared their allegiance and where over 96 Jacobite prisoners were held following the Battle of Culloden. An interactive display in the "Jacobite Cell" allows visitors to meet Willie Baird, a prisoner in 1746, who recounts his story alongside his fellow rebels, bringing this turbulent period of Scottish history to life.

The museum's unique atmosphere, complete with its original jail cells, offers a sobering yet captivating experience, providing a powerful insight into the evolution of justice and punishment in Aberdeen. The Tolbooth Museum remains a popular destination for both locals and tourists, having celebrated its 400th anniversary in 2016. It has also gained notoriety through ghostlore stories and an appearance on the paranormal TV show Most Haunted in 2009.

Union Street is a major thoroughfare that cuts through the midst of the city. Starting at Alfred Place and ending at Castle Street, Union Street is about one mile long. This includes 130 foot Union Bridge, which crosses over Denburn Road. Completed in 1805, the Union Bridge holds a world record as the world's largest single span granite bridge.

The street was originally developed in 1794 from a design by engineer Charles Abercrombie. The idea was to create a larger street for visitors to the city who were congesting the narrow streets. Likewise, the town council asked Abercrombie to provide access from five different entry points.

Union Street is ideal for walking because it is completely closed to traffic between Bridge Street and Market Street. Visitors can use their time on Union Street to shop, stop to eat or take photos of the many sites along the way. Among these sites are the historic Saint James' Episcopal Church, Gilcomston Church and the Aberdeen Music Hall.

The Aberdeen Music Hall, located on Union Street in the heart of the city, is one of Scotland’s oldest and most significant concert venues. Originally designed as the Assembly Rooms by renowned Aberdeen architect Archibald Simpson in 1820, the building was completed in 1822. It transformed into a concert hall in 1859 and has since been a cornerstone of Aberdeen's cultural scene. A historic venue, the Music Hall hosted Aberdeen’s first cinema screening in September 1896. It also houses a bronze plaque memorializing the citizens of Aberdeen who served in the Spanish Civil War.

The Music Hall reopened in 2018 after undergoing a major redevelopment. Its main auditorium, known for its excellent acoustics, seats 1,300 and regularly welcomes performances by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, the Scottish Chamber Orchestra, and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra. The venue also plays host to the Aberdeen International Youth Festival and a variety of pop and rock acts, having seen performances by icons like David Bowie, Emeli Sandé, Led Zeppelin, and Iron Maiden.

In addition to the main auditorium, the Music Hall features two smaller spaces, the Big Sky Studio and the Tutti Creative Learning Studio, offering versatile spaces for events and community engagement. Operated by Aberdeen Performing Arts, alongside His Majesty's Theatre and The Lemon Tree, the Music Hall continues to serve as a vital hub for concerts, comedy shows, and cultural events, embodying nearly 200 years of Aberdeen's rich musical and community life.

His Majesty's Theatre opened in 1906. The granite building was designed by Frank Matcham in the Free Renaissance architectural style. The four-story theatre has a copper domed tower and a Tragedy and Comedy statue.

His Majesty's Theatre underwent a significant refurbishment in 1999. Along with new seats and backstage facilities, it was granted a new box office, bars that are open for pre-show drinks, a cafe and a restaurant.

Though it originally held more than 2,300 seats, it remains the largest theatre in Aberdeen with a seating capacity of more than 1,400. It regularly hosts touring companies, international performing artists and local acts. Along with the Music Hall, His Majesty's Theatre hosts the annual Aberdeen International Youth Festival.

Tourists can visit His Majesty's Theatre in person during box office hours. The box office is open from 10 AM to 6 PM on Tuesday through Saturday. It is also open one hour before each show is scheduled to start.

The Aberdeen Science Centre, located on Constitution Street in Aberdeen, is a dynamic and interactive science museum designed to spark curiosity and creativity in visitors of all ages. Established in 1990 under the name "Satrosphere" and later relocated to its current site in 2001, the center offers hands-on exhibits, fun educational workshops, and live science shows. It caters particularly to school groups, providing an engaging, play-based learning experience that appeals to young minds.

The center underwent significant refurbishment in 2019, adding a mezzanine floor and expanding its offerings to include six new zones with over 60 interactive exhibits. These zones feature the UK’s first immersive theatre experience, The OPITO Theatre of Energy, and even a humanoid talking robot. Following the renovation, the center reopened in November 2020, boasting state-of-the-art facilities that enhance its role as a leading educational attraction.

Run as a registered charity, Aberdeen Science Centre is supported by public funding and corporate donations. Its long history, from temporary science exhibitions to its multimillion-pound renovation, reflects its commitment to making science accessible to everyone. Visitors can also relax at the on-site café, operated by Grub Fresh Food, offering a variety of refreshments.

With a history rooted in Aberdeen's former tram depot and a future firmly grounded in fostering scientific curiosity, the Aberdeen Science Centre remains one of the city's top family-friendly destinations.