UNESCO granted Dundee a ‘City of Design’ status in 2014 (the only one in the United Kingdom!) and since then, this industrial coastal city has gone from strength to strength. It’s Scotland’s fourth-largest city and used to be overlooked in favor of prettier cities nearby like St. Andrews. No longer! There are tons of things to do in Dundee for the whole family.
Dundee has two nicknames, the ‘City of Discovery’ and the ‘City of Jute, Jam, and Journalism.’ Once known for its textile factories, today it boasts tons of interesting museums and Dundee’s waterfront has undergone a £1 billion regeneration project.
It’s the perfect place to visit in Scotland if you want to check out a cultural, up-and-coming city. Sp, let’s dive into the lists all the best things to do in Dundee so that you have a fantastic family day out with a jam-packed itinerary, or a simple stroll through history with friends.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN DUNDEE
The V&A’s ever-changing exhibitions require tickets, but the costs are minimal. This is one of the top things to do in Dundee, for sure, so don’t miss it!
V&A DUNDEE
Designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, V&A Dundee opened in 2018 as Scotland’s first design museum. It’s the first V&A museum built outside of London and its grey, geometric facade stands out in Dundee’s skyline.
Its full title is the Victoria & Albert Museum named after the 19th-century British monarch and her husband. It features a permanent exhibition on all aspects of Scottish design with free entry.
DUNDEE SCIENCE CENTRE
Fun for people of all ages, Dundee Science Centre is a great place for family days out in the Dundee city centre. It has interactive exhibits split into different ‘zones’ such as the Sensory Zone, Life Sciences, Space Exploration, the Human Body, Microbes, Inventing, and more. Book ahead as tickets do sell out.
DISCOVERY POINT AND RRS DISCOVERY
Located on Dundee’s thriving waterfront, this is one of the most exciting things to see in Dundee. The RRS Discovery was a ship that sailed on an expedition to Antarctica in 1901 led by Captain Robert Falcon Scott and famous explorer Ernest Shackleton.
Because it was built in the old shipyards on the River Tay in Dundee, it returned home in 1992. Discovery Point is a visitor center where you can head into the ship’s galley and see some artifacts from the expedition. It’s such an important part of the history of Dundee.
HMS UNICORN
RRS Discovery was not the only ship built in this historic city that has since returned, spruced up and ready for visitors. The HMS Unicorn (named after the mythical creature on the ship’s stern, also Scotland’s national animal) is a Royal Navy warship dating back to 1824.
It’s one of the oldest ships in the world and the HMS Unicorn is also known as the most original old ship. This vessel has never really been modernized or modified in any way, so it’s pretty unique! You can climb aboard all four decks to explore this important piece of local history and there’s a fascinating museum too.
DUNDEE LAW
Did you know that Dundee and the surrounding landscape have tons of extinct volcanoes?! One of the most famous is the one that Edinburgh Castle sits on, but there’s an extinct volcano in the heart of Dundee too.
Today, it’s called Dundee Law with a series of gentle hiking trails you can climb to reach the top. It’s the home of Dundee’s War Memorial and offers incredible views across the River Tay.
VERDANT WORKS
For those who want to learn more about the textile industry in Dundee, one of the best places to check out is Verdant Works. Housed in a former jute mill, this interactive exhibition space tells the story of the jute industry during the 18th and 19th centuries. You’ll learn all about how whale oil was sprayed on jute fibers and many more crazy facts.
DUNDEE WATERFRONT
While Dundee Law is the literal heart of the city, Dundee Waterfront is the cultural heart.
Considering the amount of money that has been thrown at Dundee’s waterfront area, you’d expect it to be pretty cool, and it is.
Some of the top things to do here aside from what’s been mentioned are the Wild Shore Dundee water activities and the lookout point over the Tay Rail Bridge. You can watch regular flights land and depart from Dundee Airport on the waterfront too.
MILLS OBSERVATORY
Located in Balgay Park, Mills Observatory was Britain’s first purpose-built public observatory. There’s free admission to use the telescopes and enter the planetarium and it’s set in a beautiful part of the city.
Check out some of our favorite movies that were filmed in Scotland HERE.
UNIVERSITY OF DUNDEE BOTANIC GARDEN
While the University of Dundee is mainly known for its Computer Games and Science degrees, it also has a lovely (and free!) botanic garden. It probably won’t be as impressive as other botanic gardens you’ve seen as it concentrates on growing local plants but it has a large water garden and herb garden.
Don’t forget to grab your skip-the-line tickets HERE.
BAXTER PARK
The great thing about Dundee is the abundance of green spaces. Baxter Park is yet another with enclosed children’s play areas with a beautiful pavilion at the center.
It’s one of the locations on the popular Dundee Treasure Trail which is a self-guided walking trail/treasure hunt. It’s a great way to discover new things and places in the city.
DUNDEE CONTEMPORARY ARTS
This multi-discipline creative center is your go-to place in the city for whatever type of entertainment you’re in the mood for. Whether you want to watch independent movies, see temporary art exhibitions, or just relax in a cafe then you can at Dundee Contemporary Arts.
DUNDEE REP THEATER
This beloved community theater has a year-round diverse performance program of dance, musicals, plays, and music. Check Dundee Rep Theater’s events calendar to see if anything catches your eye during your trip.
AVERTICAL WORLD CLIMBING CENTRE
If you’re visiting Dundee with kids and the weather is miserable, visit the Avertical World Climbing Centre. It’s a modern rock climbing gym with an excellent bouldering area for kids aged seven and up.
CAMPERDOWN WILDLIFE CENTRE
Camperdown Country Park is a lush, sprawling green woodland on the outskirts of Dundee and it’s where you’ll find the Camperdown Wildlife Centre. It’s a modest zoo with a range of animals including bears, meerkats, and chimps but it specializes in birds of prey like owls and eagles.
BROUGHTY FERRY BEACH
Just a short drive along the coast from Dundee, Broughty Ferry Beach is a long stretch of clean, soft sand on the edge of the North Sea. Although the weather isn’t usually warm enough to sunbathe or swim in the sea, it’s a relaxing place to go for a stroll at sunrise or sunset.
GLAMIS CASTLE
Drive around 20 minutes north of Dundee and you’ll reach Glamis Castle, a 14th-century estate where the late Queen Mother of Elizabeth II grew up. With narrow turrets and vines climbing the outer walls, it looks like a fairytale castle. You can book guided tours of the interiors and see statues of past monarchs in the formal gardens.
Check out this tour of Glamis Castle and Bonnie Dundee
DAY TRIP TO ST. ANDREWS
The birthplace of modern golf and a pretty seaside town, St. Andrews is a super easy day trip you can take from Dundee. It’s only a 30-minute drive by bus or by car, though it doesn’t have a train station. You can walk along West Sands Beach, check out the Old Course, visit St. Andrews Castle, and wander through the quaint, cobblestone city center.
MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES TO SEE IN DUNDEE
As well as the V&A Dundee, the city has some fantastic art galleries and special interest museums. Here are some great suggestions for your trip.
MCMANUS GALLERIES
Looking for an art gallery with historic decorative art and modern art by local and international artists? Want to visit a local history museum? You’re in the right place! McManus Art Gallery and Museum is housed in a sprawling Victorian Revival estate with a seemingly endless collection of fine arts and historic artifacts.
Unlike bare contemporary art galleries with cohesive collections, anything goes in McManus Gallery and Museum which makes it a warm and welcoming place to visit. Plus, admission to the McManus Galleries is free.
BROUGHTY CASTLE MUSEUM
Located next to Broughty Ferry Beach, the Broughty Castle Museum is based in a 15th-century medieval castle. It has exhibitions on life and sea and local wildlife plus temporary exhibitions, a gift shop, and free entrance.
D’ARCY THOMPSON ZOOLOGY MUSEUM
This gruesome university museum was founded in the 1880s for research purposes before it opened to the public. It’s a small natural history museum that’s less focused on showcasing family-friendly exhibits than other museums you might have visited.
Expect to see lots of animals in jars and taxidermied animal body parts. As long as you’re prepared, this free science museum could be absolutely fascinating!
DUNDEE MUSEUM OF TRANSPORT
This independent museum displays a range of vehicles from air, land, and sea from all over Scotland from a range of eras. Expect to see mid-20th-century police cars, double-decker buses, and more.
ANNUAL EVENTS IN DUNDEE
As one of the biggest cities in Scotland, there are fun things happening in the centre of Dundee and the surrounding area year-round. Here are some of the best festivals and events in Dundee you should attend if you’re in town during those dates.
- Burns’ Night (January 25th)
- Dundee Science Festival (February)
- Dundee Fake Festival (May)
- Cider and Sausage Festival (August)
- Dundee Design Festival (September)
- Bonfire Night (November 5th)
- Dundee Film Festival (November)
- St Andrews Day (November 30th)
- Dundee Light Night (December)
- Scottish Hogmanay (December 31st)
Read our complete guide to the best Scotland travel destinations
Dundee Trip Planning Guide
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Flying into Dundee?
Looking for the best flights to Dundee? We love to track flights via Expedia.com. Not only do we find great rates, but we earn points to use on future travel too.
You can also keep an eye on GOING deals, which is how we got to Ireland roundtrip from LAX for under $500 each. The free version is good, but the paid subscription will save you way more than the cost of the actual subscription.
Hotels in Dundee
- Hotel Indigo Dundee
- Sleeperz Hotel Dundee
- Hampton by Hilton Dundee City Centre
- Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa (eco-certified hotel)
- Quayside 2-Bed Apartment in Dundee
Find more Dundee hotels HERE
Need a Rental Car?
We use DiscoverCars.com to get the best rates and availability on rental cars. Find your car HERE, along with all of the extras you may need (insurance, car seats, ski racks, etc.)
Travel Insurance
Do NOT forget to buy travel insurance for your trip, even if you booked through a travel agent.
Things do and will happen and it’s cheaper to buy travel insurance ahead of time instead of paying out of pocket later.
Check out Travelex for rates on a single trip or an annual plan that could be right for you if you take more than one or two trips a year.
Buy a SIM card?
We all love our smartphones, but we don’t love those international roaming charges. Even if you have a travel pass, you could max out your service, which is why we always grab an eSIM card to pop into our phones. It’s especially great for the kids, as it limits what they can do and how much data they can use, but still allows them to text friends back home.
Check out Airalo, our preferred eSIM card store for the best prices on eSIM cards and international data plans.
Don’t Forget about Your Vacation Photos!
Don’t forget to book your Flytographer session to capture awesome memories from your trip. We do it as often as we can, even though I’m a photographer. Sometimes, this mom just wants to be in a few photos with her kiddos.
How to get to Dundee Scotland
By Train
Dundee has a centrally located train station, Dundee Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities in Scotland and the rest of the UK. You can take a train from cities like Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, and London.
By Bus
National and regional bus services operate to and from Dundee. The main bus station is Seagate Bus Station, conveniently located in the city center. You can find bus routes from various cities and towns in Scotland.
By Car
If you prefer to drive, Dundee is accessible by car via the A90, which connects it to Edinburgh (approximately 60 miles south) and Aberdeen (approximately 70 miles north). The M90 motorway also connects Dundee to Perth and the central belt of Scotland.
By Air
Dundee has its own airport, Dundee Airport (DND), which primarily offers domestic flights. You can fly to Dundee from London Stansted and other select destinations. Alternatively, you can fly into larger airports like Edinburgh Airport or Glasgow Airport and then take a train or bus to Dundee.
By Ferry
If you’re traveling from continental Europe, you can take a ferry to ports in Scotland or northern England and then continue your journey by train, bus, or car to Dundee.
By Bike
Dundee is part of the National Cycle Network, and there are cycling routes that lead to the city. You can also rent a bike locally to explore the city.
By Foot
If you’re already in the vicinity, Dundee is a walkable city, especially in the city center, making it accessible for pedestrians.
A Brief History of Dundee Scotland
Early History
The area around Dundee has been inhabited for thousands of years. In prehistoric times, it was home to ancient tribes. The Romans also had a presence in the region, but their influence was limited.
Medieval Dundee
Dundee’s history as a town began to take shape in the medieval period. It became a Burgh in the 12th century and developed as a trading and fishing port. The city’s name is believed to have Gaelic origins, possibly meaning “fort of the Tay.”
Trade and Industry
In the late medieval period, Dundee was known for its textile industry, particularly the production of linen. It also played a role in the Wars of Independence between Scotland and England, with notable events like the Siege of Dundee in 1651.
Maritime History
Dundee’s location on the east coast of Scotland made it a prominent maritime city. It was a center for shipbuilding and trade during the 18th and 19th centuries. The whaling industry also thrived, with ships from Dundee venturing to the Arctic.
Jute Industry
The mid-19th century saw the emergence of the jute industry in Dundee, which had a significant impact on the city’s economy. Jute mills and factories sprang up, and Dundee became known as the “City of Jute.” This industry brought prosperity but also labor disputes.
Innovation and Education
Dundee has a history of innovation, including the construction of the first Tay Bridge in the 19th century. The city’s educational institutions, such as the University of Dundee, have played a vital role in research and innovation.
World Wars
Like much of the UK, Dundee was affected by both World War I and World War II. The city contributed to the war effort, and its shipyards were crucial during these periods.
Post-Industrial Era
The decline of traditional industries in the mid-20th century led to economic challenges for Dundee. However, the city has since diversified its economy, with a focus on technology, healthcare, and education.
Cultural and Tourism Hub
Dundee has reinvented itself as a cultural and tourist destination. The opening of the V&A Dundee Museum in 2018 brought international attention to the city’s cultural offerings.
Modern Dundee
Today, Dundee is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city. It continues to evolve with ongoing development projects and a focus on education, healthcare, and creative industries.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dundee Scotland (FAQ)
What is the best time to visit Dundee?
The best time to visit is typically during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is mild and there are various outdoor events.
How can I get to Dundee?
You can reach Dundee by train, bus, or car. Dundee also has its own airport with domestic and some international flights.
Is Dundee a safe city for travelers?
Dundee is generally considered safe for travelers, but it’s always wise to take standard precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
What are some must-visit attractions in Dundee?
Some popular attractions include the V&A Dundee Museum, Discovery Point, Dundee Contemporary Arts, and Broughty Castle.
Can I explore the nearby countryside from Dundee?
Yes, Dundee serves as a great base for exploring the surrounding countryside, including the Angus Glens and the scenic East Neuk of Fife. You can hop on a tour of East Neuk HERE if you don’t want to drive.
Is there a local cuisine unique to Dundee?
Dundee is known for its “Dundee Cake” and “Arbroath Smokies,” which are smoked haddock. You can also enjoy traditional Scottish dishes like haggis and neeps.
What are some family-friendly activities in Dundee?
The Dundee Science Centre, Camperdown Wildlife Centre, and a visit to the beach at Broughty Ferry are great options for families.
How is the public transportation system in Dundee?
Dundee has an efficient bus system, and the city is compact and walkable. Taxis are also readily available.
What are some cultural events or festivals in Dundee?
Look out for the Dundee Science Festival, Dundee Jazz Festival, and various art exhibitions throughout the year.
Are there any hiking or outdoor activities near Dundee?
Yes, you can explore the nearby hills and trails like the Law Hill for panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area.
What should I know about the local customs and etiquette?
Scots are generally friendly, and it’s customary to greet with a “hello” or “hi.” Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory.
Can I use my credit/debit card in Dundee?
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but it’s a good idea to carry some cash for small purchases or in case you visit more remote areas.
Are there any travel restrictions or visa requirements for international visitors?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality. Check with the UK government’s official website or your country’s embassy for the latest information.
What’s the local time zone in Dundee?
Dundee follows Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) during the winter months and British Summer Time (GMT+1) during the summer.
Are there any special events or exhibitions at the V&A Dundee Museum?
The V&A Dundee often hosts temporary exhibitions and events, so it’s a good idea to check their website for current offerings.
