Do you picture Aberdeen as a rather bleak, grey-stone Scottish city and the oil capital of Europe? Or perhaps as home to eminences such as Lord Byron, the Eurythmics’ Annie Lennox or writer Stuart McBride, whose Logan McRae novels – including ‘Granite City’ – are set there? I did too, but now I know more.

Despite regularly passing through its Dyce airport en route to Shetland, I’d never been into the city. That was until last August when, due to changed flight schedules, and finding ourselves at the airport’s Hampton by Hilton hotel, we ventured into ‘the silver city by the golden sands’ to see what it offered.

Challenging grey preconceptions

Even with just a few hours to fill, Aberdeen satisfies with rich cultural, historical and leisure appeal. From its maritime museum to expansive Aberdeen Beach and Old Aberdeen’s cobbled streets, prepare for grey preconceptions to be challenged – not least by a culinary scene that’s anything but dull and grey. Try seafood overlooking the harbour mouth at stylish Silver Darling. Or eerie, gothic-inspired, Dracula-themed dining in wood-panelled Slains Castle pub.

Alternatively, choose from 30-or-so eateries in the Union Centre opposite the city’s popular Tivoli Theatre – a stone’s throw from moored oilfield support ships and the Shetland ferry terminal on Regents Quay.

Our choice that August evening? We loved the food, atmosphere and warm welcome at Turkish restaurant Nargile on Skene Street; it’s a perfect supper destination after exploring central Aberdeen. Oh yes, from Michelin-rated seafood and traditional Cullen Skink soup, to Rowies with jam, Aberdonians’ beloved Macaroni Pie or locally-invented deep-fried Mars bars, Aberdeen has every food base covered.

More than just a stop on the way north

If you’re like us, visiting Aberdeen will reveal a city that’s much more than just a transit point en route to a gas platform or other points north. Whether you explore Old Aberdeen’s fourteenth-century St Machars Cathedral, or venture out to Balmedie Country Park or the nearby Grampian Mountains, Aberdeen promises to delight.

And from our experience it does so with solid, granite-imbued style and distinctive personality. The city that was Byron’s hometown for a decade definitely offers more than just silvery-sheened mica-rich masonry, dreich winters and the oil and gas industry.

Having seen what’s beyond the grey, we can’t wait to go back for longer. Maybe you should put Granite City on your must-visit list too.