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 Whiskey, 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 the Duthie Park that 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: Weekdays 9.30am to 4.30pm

Telephone: (0)1340 820 373 (Glenfiddich)

The Grampian Highlands area is famous for its delicious malt whisky, and the best way to explore this long-standing tradition is by following a whisky route (self-drive or guided) to eight different distilleries, including the Glenfiddich Distillery that was started in 1887. Visitors can learn about the age-old process of coaxing different smells, tastes and colours from a mixture of yeast, barley, peat and water, and take tours of different distilleries. Some distilleries can only be visited with advanced bookings, and usually offer tastings.

Duthie Park

Address: Polmuir Road Aberdeen

Admission: Free, donations welcome Daily from 9.30am

Created by Lady Elizabeth Duthie in 1881 to commemorate her uncle and brother, Duthie Park is beautifully situated on the banks of the River Dee and draws hundreds of visitors to its colourful floral displays and 44 acres (18ha) of grounds. The Park is famous for its Winter Garden - an indoor garden with a spectacular array of tropical plants and cacti - as well as its extensive rose garden, with over two million plants, and the Japanese Garden. There is also a boating pond, plenty of winding walkways for a romantic stroll, bowling greens, tennis courts, a children's playground and a restaurant. Other 'green lungs' worth visiting in Aberdeen include Hazelhead Park, the Union Terrace Gardens and the Johnston Gardens.

Brig o' Balgownie

Address: River Don, Old Aberdeen Aberdeen

Built from granite and sandstone, the single-arched Brig o' Balgownie, stretching over the River Don, dates back to the 13th century, and was completed in 1320 during the Scottish War of Independence. The bridge long served as an important route for large armies, as well as for traders and was extensively renovated in the 1600s after it had fallen into disrepair. The bridge stretches for 39 feet (12m) and offers beautiful views over the river.

Aberdeen Maritime Museum

Address: Shiprow Aberdeen

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

Telephone: (0)1224 337 700

Situated on historic Shiprow with spectacular views of the busy harbour, the Aberdeen Maritime Museum proudly exhibits Aberdeen's strong maritime history, and its close connection to the sea. The city's significance in the North Sea oil industry is explored, as well as the importance of fishing, shipbuilding and sailing in the development of the area. Displays at the museum include a 28-foot (8.5m) high model of the Murchison oil production platform, collections of photographs and plans from major Aberdeen shipbuilders and naval paintings. There is also a café and gift shop at the museum.

Aberdeen Art Gallery

Address: Schoolhill Aberdeen

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

Telephone: (0)1224 523 700

The Aberdeen Art Gallery first opened its doors in 1885 and centuries later, it continues to be a popular attraction in the city. The Gallery has a large permanent and changing collection, housed in an impressive building with an exquisite marble interior. Highlights include collections of Modern Art, the Scottish Colourists (including artists such as Leslie Hunter and Francis Cadell), and Post-Impressionists. There is also a collection of local applied art and crafts, including fine examples of Aberdeen silver.

Balmoral Castle

Address: Ballater, Aberdeenshire Aberdeen

Admission: £7 (adults), £3 (children 5-15 years), concessions available Daily 10am to 5pm; final admission at 4pm (29 March to 31 July)

Telephone: (0)1339 742 534

No trip to Scotland is complete without a visit to one of its magnificent castles, and Balmoral Castle, set on the River Dee, is one of the best known. The castle, with its fairytale turrets, is set on 50,000 acres (20,234 ha) of spectacular grounds, and the Royal Family has preserved the surrounding wildlife, buildings and scenery since it was bought by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1852. A visit to the castle includes access to the gardens, the ballroom and the grounds, but the Queen's Rooms are out of bounds. The castle and estate are set within the Cairngorms National Park and offer breathtaking vistas of the Highlands. Visitors can also enjoy a Castle tour, which takes in other impressive castles such as Crathes Castle and neighbouring Craigievar Castle.

International Street Market

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

When: November 2010 TBA

The bustling and exciting International Street Market offers visitors and locals alike a chance to browse and purchase goods from Europe and the UK, with over 70 stalls offering anything from food and crafts to gardening supplies. The market takes place over a weekend in two separate venues.

Aberdeen Highland Games

Where: Hazelhead Park,Aberdeen

When: June 2010 TBA

The beautiful Hazelhead Park comes alive with kilt-wearing, burly Scotsmen and women participating in a number of traditional Highland Games such as Caber Tossing and Hammer Throwing. Soak up the true Scottish atmosphere with pipe band competitions, giddy highland dancing and various exciting, often alarming, traditional games that date back more than 1000 years. There is also a funfair, children's events and plenty of food and drink to add to the atmosphere. For more information phone (0)1224 288828 or email Aberdeen@visitscotland.com.