Aberdeen has been described as "soulless" and snootier than Dundee, by a travel guide.
The Granite City was also said to have a "feeling of corporate sterility", due to its oil wealth and self confidence.
The latest Rough Guide to Scotland describes Dundee as a "less snooty alternative" to Aberdeen.
Lord Provost of Aberdeen John Reynolds said: "I wondered if they were talking about the same Aberdeen, or an Aberdeen somewhere else in the world."
"I was flabbergasted because this is not the Aberdeen I know."
Mr Reynolds said: "I was not born in Aberdeen but I probably feel as angry if not angrier about this description than most people who were born here.
"When I first came to Aberdeen 37 years ago I found it to be an extremely friendly place and that has not changed - there is a buzz about the place."
He said that Aberdeen had indeed benefited from oil wealth, but this had helped give it a vibrant scene in other areas, such as sports and the arts.
Dundee is said to have fun-packed attractions with regeneration being praised.
Its Lord Provost John Letford said: "More and more people are discovering the delights of our city and the warm welcome they receive visiting here as we keep up the momentum of the city's exciting transformation."
Elsewhere, Shetland is praised for its wildlife, but Fort William is criticised for its "wrecked" waterfront.
Edinburgh is said to be "handsome and engaging" and Glasgow is described as a "cultured and dynamic city".
Story from :
BBC NEWS
Published: 2006/05/16 10:34:02 GMT
talk about stating the bleedin obvious
