Castlegate and Mercat Cross
1 / 10

Castlegate

4.6
·491k reviews·, United Kingdom

Aberdeen's historic Castlegate blends ancient landmarks with urban charm, while Pretoria's Castle Gate buzzes with dining and lifestyle.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

Lively atmosphere & dining

CrowdHigh
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Castlegate and Mercat Cross

Castlegate

Best Time

Weekends

Lively atmosphere & dining

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Aberdeen's historic Castlegate blends ancient landmarks with urban charm, while Pretoria's Castle Gate buzzes with dining and lifestyle.

4.6
(491k reviews)

"Castle Gate in Pretoria is the ultimate restaurant plug for date nights and family gatherings!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Book dining in advance

Popular restaurants in Castle Gate, Pretoria, fill up fast, especially for date nights.

👟 Wear comfy shoes

Exploring Aberdeen's Castlegate and Union Street involves walking.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Tolbooth

The Tolbooth

Castlegate, Aberdeen

Aberdeen's oldest building, a historic landmark offering a glimpse into the city's past.

Union Street Flight

Union Street Flight

Union Street, Aberdeen (from Holburn Street to Castlegate)

A scenic walk or ride down Aberdeen's main thoroughfare, ending at the historic Castlegate.

Fire Room Restaurant

Fire Room Restaurant

Castle Gate, Pretoria

A popular spot for date nights and celebrations, known for its delicious food and ambiance.

Castlegate Mannie

Castlegate Mannie

Castlegate, Aberdeen

A charming 19th-century drinking fountain, a unique historical marker in the heart of the city.

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Planning Your Visit

Aberdeen's Historic Hub

Castlegate in Aberdeen is a vibrant historic heart, blending old-world charm with modern life. Expect a lively atmosphere, especially during events. Plan your visit around potential festivals or markets for the full experience. TikTok

Pretoria's Culinary Scene

Castle Gate in Pretoria is a go-to for dining and entertainment. It's known for its diverse restaurant offerings, making it ideal for date nights or family outings. Booking ahead is recommended, especially on weekends. TikTokInstagram

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
Lively atmosphere & dining
Crowd
High
When
Event days
Why
Festivals & markets
Crowd
High
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Quieter dining
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

We celebrated my sister @fireroom Castle Gate ❤️ Here is a date night restaurant plug ✨#kamop #kamophachane #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #trending #blendedfamily #restaurantplug #fingerfoodideas #ricerecipeideas #mealideafordinner #datenight #datenightidea #castlegate #fireroomcastlegate #restaurant #birthdayidea
@kamophachane
37.3K likes • 482.2K views

🎯 Book dining in advance

Popular restaurants in Castle Gate, Pretoria, fill up fast, especially for date nights. TikTokInstagram

👟 Wear comfy shoes

Exploring Aberdeen's Castlegate and Union Street involves walking. TikTok

I needed this so much bandla 🩷🥹 #momentswithclaire #metime #solodate #solo #thingstodoinpretoria #luckybread #castlegate #resturant #resturantlife #mommylife #southafrica #southafricatiktok🇿🇦 #contentcreator #adayinmylife #Vlog #savlogger
@clairenthamoloto
6.6K likes • 74.4K views
Mad performance!🥶Castlegate Festival 👊🔥👀#sheffield #performance #fyp #festival #rap #rapper #femalerappers
maja_m_rap_official
59 likes • 3.4K views

☔ Check event schedules

Castlegate hosts festivals and events; check listings for a vibrant experience. Instagram+1

💧 Refill your water bottle

Castle Gate Shopping Centre in Pretoria has a new water station for easy refills. Instagram

💧 Faster refills, smarter solutions! We’re proud to have partnered with Oasis to create a brand-new water station, designed with Bonno Pods. This delivery marks the very first station at Castle Gate Shopping Centre – making it easier than ever for customers to refill their water on the go. 👉 Stay tuned for more to come! 🚀 #BonnoPods #SmartBuilding #OasisWater #CastleGate #FutureOfBuilding #Modu...
bonno_pods
45 likes • 1.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book dining in advance

Popular restaurants in Castle Gate, Pretoria, fill up fast, especially for date nights. TikTokInstagram

👟 Wear comfy shoes

Exploring Aberdeen's Castlegate and Union Street involves walking. TikTok

☔ Check event schedules

Castlegate hosts festivals and events; check listings for a vibrant experience. Instagram+1

💧 Refill your water bottle

Castle Gate Shopping Centre in Pretoria has a new water station for easy refills. Instagram

📸 Capture the Mannie

Don't miss the historic Mannie fountain in Aberdeen's Castlegate for a unique photo op. TikTokInstagram

What Travellers Say

4.6
(491k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Castle Gate in Pretoria for its vibrant dining scene, making it a top choice for date nights and family outings. Aberdeen's Castlegate is appreciated for its historical significance and picturesque urban setting, though some may find it less of a destination for extensive activities beyond sightseeing. The area is noted for its lively atmosphere during events.

What People Like

Diverse dining options
Historic landmarks
Lively event atmosphere

What People Dislike

Limited activities beyond sightseeing (Aberdeen)
Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Castlegate is easily accessible in Aberdeen city center. You can walk down Union Street from various points, or use local buses that stop nearby. It's a central hub, so many routes will pass through or near it. TikTok

Castle Gate in Pretoria is accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local ride-sharing services or bus routes is advisable. TikTok

Yes, Castlegate is very walkable and is a central point in Aberdeen. It's the end of Union Street, making it easy to explore on foot. TikTok

Yes, Castle Gate Shopping Centre in Pretoria offers parking facilities for visitors. Instagram

Taxis are readily available in Aberdeen and can drop you off directly at Castlegate, which is a well-known landmark. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Castlegate itself is a public square and does not require tickets to visit. However, specific attractions within or near it, like museums or event venues, may have their own admission fees. TikTok

No, Castle Gate Shopping Centre in Pretoria is free to enter. You only pay for purchases made within the shops or restaurants. Instagram

Castlegate is an open public space and is accessible at all times. Individual businesses and attractions in the area will have their own operating hours. TikTok

Yes, Castlegate Festival is open to the public. While some events might have ticketed entry, many are free to attend, offering a vibrant community experience. Instagram+1

The Tolbooth, being a historic landmark in Castlegate, Aberdeen, may have specific visiting hours and potential small entry fees for tours or exhibitions. It's best to check locally for current details. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Castle Gate in Pretoria offers a diverse range of dining options, from casual cafes to restaurants perfect for date nights and family gatherings, including popular spots like Fire Room. TikTokInstagram

While Castlegate itself is more of a historic square, the surrounding city center of Aberdeen has numerous cafes and eateries offering lunch options, from quick bites to sit-down meals. Reddit

Yes, Castle Gate in Pretoria is known for its variety, often including international cuisine options to cater to different tastes. Instagram

Castlegate Festival typically features food vendors offering a variety of street food and snacks, complementing the music and entertainment. Instagram

While Castlegate is a historic area, there are cafes nearby. One mentioned is 'Castlegate Cafe' in Edinburgh, suggesting similar establishments might be found in Aberdeen's vicinity. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Key photo spots include the historic Tolbooth, the Castlegate Mannie fountain, and the panoramic view looking down Union Street towards Castlegate. TikTokInstagram+1

Yes, you can generally take photos within Castle Gate Shopping Centre for personal use. However, professional photography might require permission. Instagram

Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can offer beautiful light for photographing the historic architecture. Daytime offers good visibility for the Mannie and Tolbooth. TikTok

Generally, there are no specific restrictions for casual photography in the public square of Castlegate, Aberdeen. However, be mindful of private businesses and individuals. TikTok

The Mannie is a unique historical artifact, a former drinking fountain with intricate details like a lion's head spout and the city's coat of arms, making it a distinctive subject. TikTokInstagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

For families visiting Castle Gate in Pretoria, the diverse dining options make it a great spot for a meal out. Restaurants are often noted as being suitable for family gatherings, offering a relaxed environment for everyone. TikTokInstagram

In Aberdeen, while Castlegate is more of a historic square, families can enjoy a walk down Union Street ending at the Castlegate, perhaps stopping for a treat from a local bakery. The presence of historical landmarks like the Tolbooth and the Mannie can also spark children's curiosity about the past. TikTok+1

🍽️ Foodies & Date Night Planners

Castle Gate in Pretoria is a prime destination for food enthusiasts and those planning a romantic evening. Fire Room is a standout recommendation for date nights, praised for its ambiance and food. The area is consistently referred to as a 'restaurant plug,' suggesting a high concentration of quality eateries. TikTokInstagram+1

For those exploring Aberdeen, while Castlegate itself is historical, the surrounding city center offers numerous cafes and restaurants. Reddit users often seek recommendations for good lunch spots in the city center, indicating a desire for quality dining experiences beyond the typical supermarket meal deal. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ History Buffs & Urban Explorers

Aberdeen's Castlegate is a must-visit for anyone interested in urban history. Exploring the Tolbooth and the Castlegate Mannie provides a direct link to the city's past. A walk along Union Street towards Castlegate offers a journey through Aberdeen's architectural evolution. TikTokInstagram+1

While the Boston 'Castlegate' reference points to a different historical context related to urban boundaries and social dynamics, it highlights how 'Castlegate' can evoke historical narratives in various locations. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Aberdeen's Historic Castlegate

Castlegate in Aberdeen is a significant historical area, marked by landmarks like the Tolbooth, the city's oldest surviving building, and the distinctive Castlegate Mannie fountain. This area served as a key point in the city's development and offers a tangible connection to its past. The Mannie, originally a drinking fountain, has a fascinating history of being moved around the city, now standing watch at the corner of Castle Street. TikTokInstagram

Walking down Union Street from its higher points towards Castlegate provides a scenic perspective of the city's architecture and urban layout. This thoroughfare is a central artery, and its descent towards the historic Castlegate offers a sense of arrival into the city's older core. It's a popular route for both locals and visitors, often featured in vlogs showcasing Aberdeen. TikTok

Beyond its historical significance, Castlegate is also a venue for community events and festivals, bringing a lively atmosphere to the square. These events can transform the area, offering a dynamic contrast to its everyday historical presence. Instagram+1

Castle Gate, Pretoria: Dining and Lifestyle

Castle Gate in Pretoria is a prominent lifestyle and dining destination, particularly celebrated for its array of restaurants. It's frequently highlighted as an ideal location for date nights and family gatherings, offering a diverse culinary scene that caters to various preferences. Restaurants like Fire Room are specifically recommended for these occasions, emphasizing the vibrant social atmosphere. TikTokInstagram+1

The area also focuses on visitor convenience, as seen with the installation of a new water station at Castle Gate Shopping Centre, designed for easy refills. This initiative by Bonno Pods and Oasis highlights a commitment to smart solutions and customer comfort, making it easier for shoppers and visitors to stay hydrated. Instagram

While primarily known for its modern amenities and dining, Castle Gate also has a history, as suggested by mentions of 'Castlegate' in contexts like '1980s: Boundaries of fear' in Boston, indicating that the name 'Castlegate' can refer to different places with varied historical narratives. Instagram

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