BrewDog Aberdeen Castlegate

The vibrant Castlegate square is the historic heart that Aberdeen is rightfully proud of. Located in the northeast of the United Kingdom, it serves as a symbolic threshold leading into the city's old quarter. It is a place where centuries-old traditions meet the pace of modern life.

The main feature of the square is its architectural unity. The surrounding buildings are constructed from the famous local grey granite, which takes on a silvery hue in the sunlight. It is because of the buildings in the Castlegate area that the city earned the poetic nickname "The Granite City."

Today, Castlegate is not just an open-air architectural monument, but also a popular leisure hub. It is home to many cozy bars, pubs, and restaurants, where you can always find both curious travelers and locals relaxing after a day's work.

For those planning to visit this iconic spot and perhaps stop by one of the popular venues on the square, it’s useful to have the contact information on hand.

The first thing to do in the square is to stop and carefully examine the Mercat Cross. This richly decorated monument is one of the best-preserved in Scotland and served as the center of city commerce for centuries.

As you stroll past the majestic buildings, take note of the former bank designed by Archibald Simpson. Today, this monumental colonnaded building houses a popular pub where you can relax in unique historical interiors and sample traditional cuisine.

In the evening, the atmosphere in this part of Aberdeen changes noticeably: the lights come on, and the venues fill with the hum of voices. This is the best time to drop into BrewDog Castlegate or other bars to enjoy craft beer and feel the authentic Scottish flair among friendly locals.

Castlegate is incredibly easy to reach, as the square is located in the very heart of Aberdeen. If you are already in the city center, a pleasant stroll is the best option. From the main railway station, the walk takes only 10–15 minutes if you head along the famous Union Street.

For those who prefer public transport, almost any bus passing through the center will work — stops are located just a few steps from the historic square. You can also always use a taxi or city ride-sharing services, which will drop you right at the "entrance" to the old town.

If you are traveling by car, there are parking zones nearby, but keep in mind that the center can be quite busy. Therefore, walking or taking the bus is often a more convenient and faster way to reach the heart of the Granite City.

The name Castlegate dates back to the deep Middle Ages and literally means "castle gate." A fortress once stood here, but it was destroyed back in 1308 during the Wars of Independence led by Robert the Bruce. Although the castle was never rebuilt, its name was forever attached to the square.

For centuries, this place was the main trading hub. From the 12th century, market life bustled in front of the fortress gates, symbolized by the Mercat Cross. This monument, which has survived to this day, serves as a reminder of the times when royal decrees were officially proclaimed and the most important business deals were made right here.

The modern appearance of Castlegate was shaped in the 19th century thanks to the talent of famous architects Archibald Simpson and John Smith. It was they who transformed the area into a masterpiece of grey granite, creating the unique atmosphere that sets Aberdeen apart from other Scottish cities.

For a leisurely look at Castlegate's architecture, studying the details of the Mercat Cross, and taking a few commemorative photos, 1 hour is sufficient for most tourists. This spot is perfect for taking a short break during your city center itinerary.

However, if you decide to soak up the local atmosphere in one of the pubs or have dinner in a historic building, your stay here could stretch to 2–3 hours or more. The evening hours are particularly conducive to long conversations and discovering Scottish pub culture.

Castlegate square itself, as a public space, is open to visitors 24/7. You can admire its architecture and monuments at any time of the day or night, completely free of charge.

If you plan to visit the BrewDog venue on the square, keep the following schedule in mind: from Monday to Thursday and on Sunday, it is open from 11:00 (10:00 on Sunday) until midnight, and on Friday and Saturday, the doors are open until 01:00 AM.

Exploring Castlegate is just the beginning of your journey into the region's rich heritage. The square's location in the historic core makes it easy to combine your visit with a tour of other unique sites within walking distance.

A stroll through the surroundings will reveal ancient museums, magnificent architectural monuments, and picturesque sea views that harmoniously complete the city's overall picture.