Shopping in Aberdeen

When it comes to shopping in Aberdeen there's certainly something for everyone. Union Square, the most significant shopping and leisure location in the city, has over 50 well-known international stores and over 30 restaurants. Most shopping stores shut at 2000 hours.

Key areas

There is a profusion of smaller independent shops dotted around the city. For traditional kilts (available for purchase or hire) and a good grade of Scottish souvenirs and gifts, try Alex Scott & Co (43 Schoolhill, +44 122 467 4874, www.kitmakers.co.uk). For traditional country and leisurewear, try Country Ways (115 Holburn Street). For seriously stylish Scottish homeware and gifts, ranging from Harris tweed clocks to tartan greetings cards, pop into Teasel & Tweed (85 Rosemount Viaduct). The West End is also useful for unique designer boutiques.

Markets

The award-winning International Street Market visits the city quarterly and features over 70 stalls piled high with food, flowers, and crafts from across Europe.

Aberdeen Country Fair, on Little Belmont Street, sells mainly food and crafts from the northeast of Scotland. This market opens on the last Saturday of every month between 0900-1700 hours, with extra dates in December.

Shopping centres

Aberdeen's snazziest mall is Union Square on Guild Street and Market Street. It is home to more than 70 shops and restaurants, plus a multi-screen cinema.

Also crammed with high-street stores is the Bon Accord & St Nicholas shopping centre on George Street.

You can also stock up on your favourite designer brands at The Academy on Belmont Street before sipping cocktails in the open courtyard.

Opening hours

Most of the big retailers are open seven days a week while smaller shops may close on Sundays. Shops typically close at around 1730/1800 hours, although Union Square remains open until 2000 hours on weekdays.

Souvenirs

Kilts, jewellery, shortbread, whisky and woollen jumpers are just some of the many memories that you can pick up in Aberdeen.

Tax information

A VAT of 20% is added in the United Kingdom. If you live outside the EU, however, you can sometimes claim back VAT (value-added tax). See www.gov.uk/tax-on-shopping/taxfree-shopping for more information.