Best Clubs in Aberdeen: Your Ultimate Student Guide 2025

Aberdeen might surprise you with its fabulous nightlife scene. It's not London or Manchester, but this granite city packs some serious clubbing punch. With over 22,000 students, Aberdeen is an excellent place for top universities, including the University of Aberdeen and Robert Gordon University. On the other hand, the city's nightlife has evolved to cater specifically to student tastes and budgets.

The factors like diversity and accessibility contribute to the success of Aberdenn’s clubs. There are retro bars, underground spots, chart music clubs, and everything in between. Plus, the city centre's compact size means you can easily hop between venues without breaking the bank on taxis. Many students enjoy living close to it all with student accommodation in Aberdeen. 

The Retro Kings: Club Tropicana & Vogue

Club Tropicana - 80s Heaven

Aberdeen, an ideal student destination that offers fascinating things for students to thrive academically and personally.  Club Tropicana owns the 80s retro scene in Aberdeen. 

This place gets packed every Friday and Saturday with students who weren't even born in the 80s but somehow know every word to "Come on Eileen."  

What makes it special: Two separate rooms - Tropicana plays pure 80s bangers while Vogue next door handles 90s classics. The atmosphere gets mental in the best possible way. Everyone's singing along, dancing on benches, and having the kind of night you'll remember (assuming you pace yourself with those cheap drinks). If you're looking for things to do in Aberdeen, this spot should be high on your list.

The money stuff: Entry typically runs £5, but get yourself on the guest list and it drops to £4. Show up early, and sometimes they do £2-3 entry deals. Drinks are genuinely affordable compared to other weekend venues - we're talking basic mixers from £3.50.

Student perks: They offer VIP booth packages that work out as brilliant value for big groups. You can pick which room you want your booth in when booking online.

Best night: Friday nights are legendary. Saturday works too, but Friday has that proper student crowd energy.

Dress code: Smart casual works fine. Don't show up in trackies, but you don't need to dress like you're heading to a wedding either.

Vogue - 90s Nostalgia Central

Right next to Tropicana, Vogue handles the '90s crowd. Think Britpop, dance anthems, and enough Oasis to last you several lifetimes.

The vibe: Slightly more laid back than Tropicana but equally mental when the right songs come on. The crowd tends to be a mix of students and young professionals who remember the 90s the first time around.

Entry and drinks: Same deal as Tropicana - £5 standard entry, cheaper if you're on guest lists or arrive early. If you have spent the day exploring museums in Aberdeen, Vogue is the perfect place to switch gears and enjoy a nostalgic night out.

The Underground Alternative: The Tunnels

What Makes The Tunnels Special

The Tunnels exist underground beneath Union Street. This place isn't just unique in Aberdeen, it's unique anywhere. Two actual tunnels converted into a club space with serious sound systems and lighting. Moreover, students can also enjoy nearby Aberdeen’s top restaurants and bars before heading into the venue, making it a perfect spot for a full night out.

Music policy: Alternative, electronic, techno, house, and indie. This is where you go when you're tired of hearing the same chart hits everywhere else. They book proper DJs and occasionally get decent live acts too.

The crowd: Mix of students and local music heads. Less mainstream than most Aberdeen clubs, which means better music and fewer people taking selfies every five minutes.

Pricing: Entry varies but usually £5-10 depending on the event. Drinks are standard Aberdeen prices (reasonable).

When to go: Check their event listings. They don't do the same thing every weekend like some places. Quality over quantity approach.

The Mainstream Giant: ATIK

Three Floors of Different Vibes

ATIK is Aberdeen's biggest club. Three floors, each with different music styles. When you can't decide what mood you're in, this place covers all bases.

Ground floor: Chart music and current hits. This is where you'll find most first-year students and the mainstream crowd.

Middle floor: R&B and hip-hop. Better for dancing, less singing along to Power Ballads.

Top floor: Dance music and house. More serious dancing, less casual chatting.

Student appeal: Massive capacity means you'll get in one of the top fun facts in Aberdeen is that The Tunnels rarely turns people away, even on packed nights. With three different music styles under one roof, your group won’t argue about where to go. Plus, VIP booth options are available for special occasions, making it a top pick for student celebrations.

Pricing: Entry around £5-8. Drinks standard for Aberdeen (not cheap, not extortionate).

Best feature: You can change the vibe of your night just by going upstairs or downstairs.

The Pop Paradise: Popworld Aberdeen

Guilty Pleasures Central

Popworld does exactly what it says - It plays pop music loud and proud. This is where you go when you want to dance to songs you'd never admit to liking.

Music policy: Chart hits, pop classics, guilty pleasures. If it was number one at some point, they'll play it.

The atmosphere: Perfect for birthday celebrations or when you just want to dance badly to good songs.

Student focus: Pitched at students and young professionals. Pricing reflects this.

When it works: Great for group celebrations. Less good if you're trying to impress someone with your sophisticated music taste.

The Daytime Option: Aberdeen Aura

Afternoon Clubbing Revolution

Aura runs "Disco Days" - afternoon clubbing sessions that finish before traditional nights out even start. This concept sounds weird, but it works brilliantly.

The concept: 2:30 pm-7:30 pm clubbing. You can dance all afternoon and still get home at a reasonable time. 

Who goes: Mix of ages, but plenty of students who want to party without the 3 am consequences. Over 30s events and mixed age sessions available.

Why it works: Cheaper than evening clubs, easier to get to and from, and you still get your weekend nights free for other stuff.

Music: Usually disco, dance classics, feel-good hits.

The Student Budget Breakdown

Before planning nights out, it's essential to understand the bigger picture, the cost of living in Aberdeen. While the city offers affordable options than Edinburgh or London, students still need to budget wisely to make the most of their time here. If some students find it expensive, they can apply for part-time jobs in Aberdeen and get a help help managing paying bills and enjoy the nightlife without stress. 

What You'll Spend

Money-Saving Tips

Get the Yellow Card: Costs £1-2 during freshers, gives you discounts at multiple venues throughout the year.

Guest lists: Most clubs run guest lists through their social media. Follow them on Instagram/Facebook for weekly codes.

Pre-drinks strategy: Aberdeen's off-licenses are competitive. Stock up before heading out.

Group bookings: Most places offer booth packages that work out cheaper per person for groups of 8+.

Weekly Schedule: When to Go Where

Monday-Wednesday

Most clubs are closed or quiet. Focus on pub quiz nights and student bar events.

Thursday

Check student union events or smaller venues. Some places run student nights.

Friday

Club Tropicana/Vogue for retro vibes, ATIK for mainstream crowds, The Tunnels for alternative music. Start early for cheaper entry, and get prepared for crowds after 11 pm.

Saturday

Similar to Friday but often busier. Consider Aura's afternoon sessions if you want something different.

Sunday

Aura's Disco Days sometimes run Sunday sessions. Otherwise, recovery day.

The Alternative Scene

For When You Want Something Different

Cheerz: Aberdeen's LGBTQ+ venue. Open seven days, friendly atmosphere, diverse crowd.

The Cellar: Live music venue near Rosemount. Capacity 80, intimate gigs, jazz nights, open mic sessions.

Revolution Aberdeen: Good for society nights, cocktails, and often has live DJs. Outdoor seating when weather permits.

Practical Stuff You Need to Know

Entry Requirements

ID essential: Bring a passport or a driving license since student cards don't count.

Age limits: Standard 18+ everywhere except specific 21+ events.

Getting Around

Aberdeen’s transportation system is student-friendly, with reliable buses, affordable fares, and routes that make it easy to get around the city.

Walking: City centre clubs are all within a 10-minute walk of each other.

Taxis: Plenty available, but expect queues after 2 am. Consider booking return trips.

Night buses: Limited service, but some routes run late on weekends.

Student Accommodation Near The Action

Where to Stay for Easy Access

Students can look for the best areas to live in Aberdeen based on their budget and lifestyle. These places offer an easy commute to university, local amenities, including clubs and nightlife spots around the city. There are countless options for the best properties in Aberdeen.  Students may get confused while choosing one. Fortunately, with a student accommodation guide in Aberdeen, it's easy to find a perfect place suiting your budget and lifestyle.

City centre options: Walking distance to all clubs. Higher cost but maximum convenience.

King Street area: Good bus links, 10-15 minutes to clubs. More budget-friendly.

Old Aberdeen: A Bit further out, but has regular buses. Accommodation options on a budget.

Students can find the best properties 

Music Genres: Finding Your Scene

Where to Go for Different Sounds

Special Events and Themed Nights

Beyond Regular Club Nights

Fresher's Week: All venues run special events with reduced prices and extended hours.

Halloween: Themed nights at most venues. Costume competitions are common.

Christmas period: Expect busier crowds and sometimes higher prices. Book tables early.

Valentine's Day: Some venues run couples deals, others specifically target singles.

Summer: Outdoor events occasionally. Some venues extend to beer gardens.

Seasonal Variations

How Aberdeen Clubbing Changes Through the Year

September-October: Freshers' season. Everywhere is busy, with special events, good atmosphere for meeting people.

November-February: Steady student crowd. The weather gets rough, so indoor venues are more appealing.

March-May: Exam period affects attendance. Some quieter periods, but still regular events.

June-August: Many students have gone for the summer. Different crowds, some venues adjust schedules.

Beyond the Main Clubs

Hidden Gems and Alternative Options

BrewDog Aberdeen: Craft beer focus, good food, student discounts. Less traditional clubbing, more hanging out.

Soul Bar: Converted church building, impressive interior, cocktails and food.

Ma Cameron's: Aberdeen's oldest pub (1746), traditional Scottish atmosphere.

Tippling House: Underground cocktail bar, more sophisticated than typical student venues.

Making the Most of Your Aberdeen Club Experience

Insider Tips

Follow venues on social media: First to know about special events, guest list opportunities, themed nights.

Make friends with regular bartenders: Better service, occasionally stronger drinks, and insider knowledge about quiet periods.

Learn the layout: Know where toilets, exits, and quiet areas are in each venue.

Pace yourself: Aberdeen nights can go late. Plan for stamina.

Try different nights: Don't just stick to Fridays and Saturdays. Thursday student nights can be brilliant.

Are you all ready to experience Aberdeen? This guide isn’t just about what you’ll do once you arrive; it’s your complete packing guide for Aberdeen, making sure you don’t forget a thing before you get here.

Final words

Aberdeen's nightlife is vibrant, student-focused, and full of surprises. Whether you're into retro throwbacks, underground beats, or pop anthems, there's a venue to match every vibe. With affordable drinks, themed events, and live music, the Granite City offers something for every kind of night out.  

For everything you need to know about Aberdeen, from budgeting and student discounts to nightlife hotspots and day-to-day essentials, this guide is your go-to resource for making the most of student life in one of Scotland’s most dynamic cities.