The world's top 'unsung' destinations have been revealed in a poll by Lonely Planet, the Evening Express reports.
The travel expert has compiled a list of ten countries which "aren't given the credit they deserve" and Aberdeen has ranked in fifth position.
Previously described as 'grim', list author Abigail Blasi praised the Granite City's university, beach and 15th Century King's Chapel as hidden gems. Blasi referred to Footdee as "a hobbit-quaint fishing village", stressing that the "dreamy coastal scenes" are worth a visit.
The centre of Aberdeen can be explored easily on foot and for those lucky enough to have time to investigate attractions which are slightly further afield, car rental is ideal.
Members of the city's tourism industry have welcomed the news, saying it's long overdue but more must be done to increase visitor numbers.
"Aberdeen has long been an unsung hero in Scotland and has history to rival Edinburgh," said Fiona Jane Brown of Hidden Aberdeen Tours to the Mail Online. "For years it was favoured by the Scottish kings and there is so much on offer in Aberdeen.
"I don't think we make the most of what we have for our tourists - we should take a leaf out of Edinburgh's book because we have a lot to offer."
Ranking above Aberdeen on the list were Trieste in Italy, France's Arras, Gujarat in India and Chonqing in China.