7 Best Nightlife in Aberdeen and the Northeast, Scotland

Holding art exhibitions, film nights, and live performances, this arts venue packs a mean cultural punch for a renovated barn.

Aberdeen's pioneering craft brewery–turned–global brand runs its flagship bar with suitable gusto and no lack of style. A bare-brick warehouse interior with lots of steel means there's lots of noise and chatter flying around the cavernous space, oiled by a choice of over 100 craft beers.

A fine selection of malt whiskies and Cuban cigars (which can be smoked in the outside seating area) makes this one of Aberdeen's more sophisticated watering holes. CASC, which stands for cigars, ale, Scotch, and coffee, is popular for its craft beers (more than 150 of them) and cool industrial interior. It can seem a bit crowded and noisy on weekends.

The old-fashioned Illicit Still is named after the 18th-century practice of brewing your own beer to avoid the malt tax. A beautifully fitted-out drinking establishment, it's popular with local students and has live music on weekends.

Dating from 1850, the Prince of Wales has retained its paneled walls and wooden tables. Still regarded as Aberdeen's most traditional pub, it's hardly regal, but good-quality food and reasonable prices draw the regulars back.

Youthful Aberdonian bon viveurs have taken this subterranean and sophisticated (by Belmont Street standards) late-night drinking den to their hearts and stomachs. It's a great place to escape and mingle and offers casual dining, innovative cocktails, craft beers, and spirits.