The bustling seaport of Aberdeen is Scotland's third biggest city, and has been dubbed the Oil Capital of Europe. This alone is not likely to entice visitors to the city, other than those on business trips, but the fact that Aberdeen boasts a fascinating and bloody history, historic granite buildings, beautiful churches, attractive green spaces and plenty of Scotch whisky, just might.

Once a site of brutal conflict with the English during the Scottish Wars of Independence, the city was razed to the ground by King Edward III in 1336, but was quickly rebuilt and expanded rapidly over the centuries as it grew in prominence as a port. The 18th and 19th centuries saw an increase in elegance and style in the city, predominantly in the architecture of Old Aberdeen, an area of buildings made from the glittering local granite. Here, architectural gems include the 15th-century Kings College, the Town House, and Marischal College, one of the best examples of Edwardian architecture in Britain.

Modern Aberdeen is friendly and fun, although foreigners may struggle to understand the thick local accent. Belmont Street and surrounds are packed with restaurants, clubs, bars and live music venues; there are plenty of top-class museums and galleries including the Maritime Museum and the Aberdeen Art Gallery; and the city boasts a host of lush parks, including Duthie Park, which opened in 1883. The vibrant waterfront district also merits exploration, as well as some of the lovely sandy beaches close by.

Aberdeen also acts as a perfect hub from which to explore the beauty and majesty of the Grampian Highlands, enjoy a tipple on the Malt Whisky trail or ramble around ancient Scottish castles.

Malt Whisky Trail

Address: Glenfiddich Distillery: Dufftown, Banffshire Aberdeen

Admission: Glenfiddich: £20 per tour Glenfiddich: Monday to Saturday 9:30am-4:30pm, Sunday 12pm-4:30pm.

Telephone: (0)1340 820 373 (Glenfiddich)

Duthie Park

Address: Polmuir Road Aberdeen

Admission: Free, donations welcome Daily from 8am until one hour before dusk

Brig o' Balgownie

Address: River Don, Old Aberdeen Aberdeen

Aberdeen Maritime Museum

Address: Shiprow Aberdeen

Admission: Free Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 12pm-3pm

Telephone: (0)1224 337 700

Aberdeen Art Gallery

Address: Schoolhill Aberdeen

Admission: Free Monday to Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 2pm-5pm

Telephone: (0)1224 523 700

Balmoral Castle

Address: Ballater, Aberdeenshire Aberdeen

Admission: £8.70 (adults), £4.60 (children 5-15 years), concessions available Daily 10am-5pm; final admission at 4pm (29 March to 31 July)

Telephone: (0)1339 742 534

International Street Market

Where: Castlegate (Friday), Union Street (Saturday and Sunday),Aberdeen

When: April and May 2011

Aberdeen Highland Games

Where: Hazelhead Park,Aberdeen

When: 2 July 2011