Exercise Increased Caution
“Reissued after periodic review with minor edits. Exercise increased caution in the United Kingdom due to terrorism.”
Updated Thu, 08 May 2025
Full advisory →Is Aberdeen safe? 🇬🇧
United Kingdom · Safety report last updated
As of September 2026, Aberdeen scores 87/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — very safe. Yes — Aberdeen is generally safe for visitors, with low violent crime and terrorism risk, though pickpocketing and scams require normal precautions. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams. The U.S. State Department rates it Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Aberdeen 🇬🇧
United Kingdom · Assessed 12 September 2026
87
/ 100
Yes — very safe
Safer than ~94% of countries
What drives this score
Crime89/100GoodHomicide 1.1 / 100k
Sentiment84/100GoodMostly positive
Advisories72Good
Stability80Good
Health92Good
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
Exercise a high degree of caution
“Canada's official risk level for United Kingdom: exercise a high degree of caution.”
Updated 2026-09-09T10:13:48.140000-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Good
Urban scale factor
199k residents
83
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
1.1 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6United Kingdom1.1World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
93
Robbery / mugging
LowMugging or armed robbery is very rare for visitors and not concentrated in tourist areas.
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag-snatching occur occasionally, mainly on public transport during rush hour and in busy city centre areas like Union Street.
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Good
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Stable
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
84/100
Reported feel78Mostly positive
Robbery risk92Low risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
Recent visitor and resident reports describe Aberdeen as generally safe to walk around, with students and expats noting a lively but secure atmosphere, though some caution is advised at night in certain districts.
Yes — Aberdeen is generally safe for visitors, with low violent crime and terrorism risk, though pickpocketing and scams require normal precautions.
Aberdeen's safety profile is strong, with low homicide and terrorism rates, good air quality, and accessible healthcare. While the UK government advisories urge increased caution due to terrorism, the actual risk to visitors in Aberdeen remains low. Visitors should guard against pickpocketing in busy areas and remain alert to common tourist scams.
Recent developments
- Sep 2026Offshore businessman found guilty of sexually assaulting a young child— Press and Journal
- Sep 2026Climate activists staged a large protest over controversial Jackdaw gas field approval— inkl
- Aug 2025Airport crime reports across Scotland rose by 40% over two years— BBC
Common scams
- Fake charity collectors
- Overpriced taxi fares
- Distraction thefts in cafes
Full briefing
Aberdeen is a safe destination for travelers, with low levels of violent crime and terrorism. The city benefits from strong public services, good air quality, and nearby medical facilities. While national UK advisories urge increased caution due to terrorism threats, Aberdeen itself is not a major target, and the risk to visitors remains low. The main safety concerns are petty crime and scams, which are typical of any urban area.
Recent reports confirm that pickpocketing occurs occasionally in busy spots like Union Street and on public transport during rush hour. Mugging is rare and not linked to tourist zones. Visitors should also be wary of common scams such as fake charity collectors, overpriced taxi fares, and distraction tactics in cafes. Areas like Tillydrone and Torry are best avoided after dark, according to both local insight and crime mapping. Overall, Aberdeen feels secure for most travelers who exercise normal precautions, particularly around their belongings and nighttime movements. Staying alert, using licensed transport, and keeping valuables hidden will go a long way toward ensuring a trouble-free visit.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 8 Aberdeen districts for visitors: 3 safer, 3 needing caution and 2 best avoided. See them plotted on the Aberdeen safety map.
Torry (south of River Dee)avoidHigher crime incidence; Wikivoyage and local sources advise caution, especially after dark
Tillydrone (north of Bedford Road)avoidIdentified as a crime hotspot in 2024 Police Scotland data; avoid at night
City Centre (Union Street, Castlegate)cautionGenerally safe by day; pickpocketing and nightlife disturbances reported, especially weekends
Aberdeen Beach and EsplanadecautionPopular promenade; petty theft possible in crowds, especially evenings
MastrickcautionNorthern residential zone with occasional anti-social behaviour; exercise caution after dark
Old AberdeensaferHistoric university area with low crime and strong community presence
West EndsaferAffluent residential area with low crime and good lighting
HillheadsaferStudent area near university; well-patrolled and generally secure
07 · After Dark
Is Aberdeen safe at night?
Mugging or armed robbery is very rare for visitors and not concentrated in tourist areas.
After dark, be most careful around Torry (south of River Dee), Tillydrone (north of Bedford Road), City Centre (Union Street, Castlegate), Aberdeen Beach and Esplanade. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Aberdeen safety FAQ
Is Aberdeen safe for tourists right now?
Yes — Aberdeen is generally safe for visitors, with low violent crime and terrorism risk, though pickpocketing and scams require normal precautions. Aberdeen's safety profile is strong, with low homicide and terrorism rates, good air quality, and accessible healthcare. While the UK government advisories urge increased caution due to terrorism, the actual risk to visitors in Aberdeen remains low. Visitors should guard against pickpocketing in busy areas and remain alert to common tourist scams. (Assessed 12 September 2026.)
Which areas of Aberdeen should tourists avoid?
Field research flags Torry (south of River Dee), Tillydrone (north of Bedford Road) as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in Aberdeen?
- Fake charity collectors
- Overpriced taxi fares
- Distraction thefts in cafes
How does Aberdeen compare with other places in United Kingdom?
Aberdeen ranks #1 of 9 United Kingdom destinations we've assessed, scoring 87/100. See the United Kingdom safety overview for the full list.
How is this Aberdeen safety score calculated?
The score blends 12+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 82% of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries 18%. Full methodology.
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4 reportsBrowse the United Kingdom safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: aberdeen.json (CC BY 4.0).