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Our recent trip to the United Kingdom was driven by the desire to discover underrated destinations – and Dundee, Scotland fits squarely in that category.
Visiting Dundee was not necessarily about the city itself, but rather location. It’s nestled neatly on the River Tay, just north of the Fife peninsula. Once there, however, we found quite a few fun things to do in Dundee, Scotland!
From world-class museums to hilltop hikes to historic places, Dundee is definitely worth spending a day or two exploring. To venture out to more of Eastern Scotland, the city is well-connected by train and bus, too.
10 Things To Do in Dundee
When researching what to do in Dundee, we were actually surprised by the number of sights we discovered. Our list of fun Dundee things to do is designed to help you plan your perfect trip!
#1 Visit the Magnificent V & A Dundee
The Victoria and Albert Museum in Dundee is the city’s top attraction…and it’s exceptional. Built in 2018, the exhibitions (and building) focus on elements of design. The permanent galleries feature innovative concepts used in fashion, decorating and construction.
We were particularly impressed by the Charles Rennie MacKintosh tearoom, the fashionable Scottish tartans and the temporary photography exhibit that detailed key elements of designing cities.
There is no admission fee; visiting the V&A is the best free thing to do in Dundee, Scotland! Guests can also join a complimentary guided tour to learn more about the displays and the building’s unique design.
Nearby: RRS Discovery
Right next door to the Dundee V&A is the Discovery Point Museum and RRS Discovery ship. The three-masted vessel is impressively perched in dry-dock, but a ticket is required to step on board. The adjacent museum invites visitors to learn about the ship’s historic 1901 Antarctic expedition.
#2 Wander along the Dundee Waterfront
The Dundee City Center hugs the Tay riverside. The history of the city and River Tay are so intertwined that Dundee would not likely exist as it does now without the waterway. During the Industrial Revolution, the river was key to the city’s growth and thriving trade.
Today, visitors can enjoy a long walk along the shoreline. A pedestrian promenade stretches 2.5 miles from Dundee Harbour to the city’s small airport.
The route passes by several Dundee landmarks, including Waterfront Gardens (and the Whale Sculpture), the V&A and the famous Tay Rail Bridge.
Informational placards detail the history of the River Tay and the tragic Tay Rail Bridge Disaster, making it both an educational and invigorating activity in Dundee.
Nearby: HMS Unicorn
Ship enthusiasts and history buffs will want to detour to see the HMS Unicorn. Built in 1824, it’s the oldest remaining of its kind and third oldest floating ship in the world . She may not look like much from the outside, but the interior is impressively persevered and the staff very helpful.
#3 Marvel at the Exhibits at The McManus
The McManus Museum is highly touted as one of the top things to do in Dundee – and we agree! The venue is an absolute treasure trove of artwork and relics.
We were most intrigued by the ground floor gallery, which displays artifacts relating to the history of Dundee. The skeleton of a whale can – quite literally – not be missed. Meanwhile, the upper floor is dedicated to art with fascinating works from around the world.
The museum is housed in a stunning 1860s Gothic Revival building, which features stained-glass windows and an elegant staircase.
Be sure to take a walk around the exterior, where you’ll find statues of Queen Victoria and Robert Burns. Often referred to as the People’s Museum, admission is free of charge.
Worth Seeking Out: Howff Cemetery
This ancient burial ground ranks as one of our favorite historic attractions in Dundee, Scotland. Mary Queen of Scots gave the land to the city in 1564 to establish a cemetery outside the town walls – and burials took place here until 1878.
The graveyard stands as one of the oldest in Scotland, with many tombstones crumbling and leaning. Also be on the lookout for the resident bunnies!
#4 Tour Verdant Works
Dundee is most famous for the jute trade of the late 1800s. The Verdant Works Museum traces the history of the once prosperous business, from crop to final product.
The museum is housed in a former mill and contains functioning machinery from its heyday. This allows visitors to truly get a sense of what it was like to work in the jute factories of Dundee.
Not only does the venue outline the industry and impact on the city, but also offers a glimpse into the lives of the people who worked here. In fact, one volunteer enthralled us with stories of her – and her mother’s – experience working in a jute mill.
Seeing (and hearing) the machines and the interaction with the staff helped us to better understand the jute industry and the conditions workers endured.
More Dundee Museums
There are an impressive number of museums in Dundee, Scotland! In addition to the institutions on our list, the Museum of Transport and Dundee Science Center are two more great venues to visit. While both are rated as top things to do in Dundee for families, they can be enjoyed by kids and adults, alike.
#5 Climb to the Top of Dundee Law
Sitting at an elevation of 572 feet, Dundee Law Hill is a recognizable part of the city landscape. The peak was formed millions of years ago by volcanic activity. Today, the summit hosts a memorial to those who lost their lives in the World Wars and a viewing platform.
Walking trails lead to the top, allowing active travelers a nice hiking opportunity, but it’s also possible to drive up. No matter how you get there, it’s one of the best places in Dundee to take in scenic panoramas.
Additionally, visitors can embark on the Hidden Treasures Trail or go Geocaching. We made the trek from the city center to the peak several times, following this route.
Enroute: Dudhope Castle
The recommended walk from the city center to Law Hilltop passes by Dudhope Castle, which is one of the interesting things to see in Dundee, Scotland.
Situated at the base of Dundee Law, the castle dates to the 13th century. It has been used as a residence, a wool mill and military barracks. Today it houses the Dundee City Council and is therefore closed to the public, but the exterior is worth a look!
#6 Ponder an Exhibition at Dundee Contemporary Arts
An all-in-one cultural space, the Dundee Contemporary Arts Centre hosts a gallery, cinema, café, art workshops and community events. There is no admission fee to enter the DCA; it’s one of the free Dundee places to go!
During our visit, the main exhibit displayed the works of Claudia Martínez Garay and included textiles, ceramics, prints and video animation. We didn’t catch a show at the cinema, but the theater runs documentaries and indie films alongside popular new releases.
More Dundee Theaters
One of the top activities in Dundee, Scotland is watching a performance – and there are multiple venues in the city center.
Caird Hall on City Square is the premier theater and hosts everything from live concerts to ballets to comedy shows. The Dundee Rep and Scottish Dance Theater also features a regular lineup from various artists.
#7 Seek Out Statues in Dundee
A somewhat odd assortment of statues dots the city center – and seeking out the peculiar sculptures is another one of the fun things to do in Dundee. Although they seem off-beat, each one actually has a special significance.
The March of the Penguins, which are a series of five Spheniscidae walking along the wall at Steeple Church, is our favorite public installation.
It might be perplexing to see penguins in Scotland, but it’s a nod to the RRS Discovery expedition to Antarctica. Sometimes they’re even dressed up for special occasions!
The large Dundee statues of Desperate Dan, his dog and Minnie the Minx stand on High Street on the north side of City Square.
The beloved characters are from a popular comic that was printed in the mid-1900s by local publisher DC Thompson. A statue of Oor Wullie, another comic creation from the Sunday Post newspaper, sits by the McManus Art Gallery.
The Polar Bear Statue at High and Castle Street is not quite as cuddly as comics and penguins. Instead, it memorializes the escape of a polar bear in 1878. The curious creature wandered the Dundee streets and even visited a shop before being recaptured!
Statues of Lemmings – characters from a 1990s video game that was created in Dundee – can be found climbing a post near the Seabraes Steps and Viewpoint on Perth Road.
More Public Artworks
Statues aren’t the only artworks in Dundee. The city has recently commissioned artists to add a splash of color to the area with murals via the Open Close Street Art Project. The program seems to be in its infancy, but hopefully gains traction in the future. Find more info – and a map to the murals – here.
#8 See the Striking St. Paul’s Church, Dundee
Although St. Paul’s Cathedral ranks among the lesser-known Dundee tourist attractions, we believe it’s a must-see!
Built in the 1850s, the church features a Gothic Revival style – complete with a soaring 200-foot-tall spire. Inside, light shimmers through colorful stained-glass windows, making it a marvelous place to visit when the sun is shining.
More Churches in Dundee
Together the Dundee Parish Church of St. Mary and Steeple Church are recognized as the Dundee City Churches.
Prominently located on Nethergate, a house of worship has occupied the site since the year 1190. The Tower – called the Old Steeple – has been standing since the 15th century, but the current building surrounding it dates to 1789.
Visiting hours to St Mary’s are limited to Thursday and Friday from 10am until 12 noon. However, we feel it’s well worth timing your day to tour the interior. Top features are the detailed woodwork, refurbish organ, stained-glass windows and unique Black Watch war memorial.
#9 Enjoy Outdoor Dundee Activities
Enjoying a breath of fresh air in the city parks is one of the best things to do in Dundee. Fortunately, there are numerous spots to do so when the Scottish weather cooperates!
The pretty-as-a-picture Magdalen Green Park has long been a local favorite. It was the first city park in Dundee and features a 1890 bandstand at its center. With views over the Tay toward Fife, the wide-open space is ideal for summer picnics.
Families and travelers with dogs should check out Dudhope Park. It has a playground, tennis courts, skate park and plenty of lawn space for relaxing or playing games.
Balgay, Lochee and Victoria Park are all connected on the city’s west side. Trails wind through Balgay Park to the Mills Observatory; it’s been recently renovated and admission is free.
We wandered through forested paths and soon found ourselves in the adjoining Balgay Cemetery, which is a peaceful spot, as well.
More Green Spaces
Two more outdoor places to visit in Dundee are the Botanic Gardens and Riverside Nature Park.
The University of Dundee Botanic Gardens features plants from Scotland and around the world (ticket is required). The Dundee Nature Park is located to the west and gets rave reviews for wildlife spotting, especially birdwatching.
#10 Go To Broughty Ferry
While there are plenty of things to see in Dundee City Centre, it’s well worth going a few miles east to visit Broughty Ferry. The Dundee suburb was once a separate burgh and has a quaint, village appeal.
Looming over the Firth of Tay, Broughty Castle and Museum is an excellent place to start exploring. Visitors can also stroll along the Esplanade (which extends all the way to Monifieth), dip their toes in the water at Broughty Beach, follow a trail through the Nature Reserve and see what’s blooming at Barnhill Rock Garden.
We spent an afternoon at Broughty Ferry, but it would be easy to stay longer. The small community is home to numerous eateries and pubs. Sol y Sombra Tapas Bar and Forgan’s are highly rated restaurants and the ice cream at Viso is said to be spectacular. The Medieval Claypott’s Castle is another point of interest in the vicinity.
How To Get to Broughty Ferry
Those without a car will have no problem getting to Broughty Ferry. The neighborhood is connected to Dundee by train and bus. Plus, a dedicated that path curves around the working harbor and then follows the riverside can be used by walkers and cyclists.
Things To Do Near Dundee
We’ve outlined our top picks for Dundee, Scotland things to do. However, as mentioned earlier, one of the reasons we decided to stay in Dundee was for its proximity to nearby destinations.
St Andrews
Famous for being the Home of Golf, St Andrews is an idyllic place to visit. From Dundee, it’s just a 40-minute bus ride away.
In addition to the numerous golf links (including the historic Old Course), visitors can explore a crumbling castle, see the remains of an ancient cathedral and spend a leisurely day on a sandy beach. Use our guide of What To Do in St Andrews to plan your trip!
Fife Coastal Walk
The Fife Coastal Path is just one of many well-established trails along the east coast of Scotland. The route can be completed as a multi-day trek or in sections. In our opinion, the most picturesque segment is the 10-mile stretch from Elie to Crail.
We also enjoyed walking along the Coastal Paths near Aberdeen; the ones in Arbroath and Stonehaven are easy to reach from Dundee.
Perth
The city of Perth is an excellent place to spend a day – and it’s just upriver from Dundee. The town center hosts two superb museums and a hike to the Kinnoull Summit offers sublime views. Nearby, the Scone Palace is steeped in Scottish history and intrigue. Find out more in our article, Best Things To Do in Perth.
Scotland Castles
Visiting castles is one of the top things to do around Dundee, Scotland, and there are several in the vicinity.
We were enthralled by the Blair Castle and Gardens, where there are 30 interior rooms to discover. Plus, they have regular bagpiping performances in the courtyard and guests can visit Highland Cows in the pasture!
The 14th century Glamis Castle is bursting with Scottish lore. Patrons are free to roam at their own pace or join a guided tour. The spacious grounds feature gardens, sculptures and hairy coos, too! Stirling Castle and Balmoral Castle are also in the vicinity (although the latter is difficult to reach without a car).
Restaurants in Dundee
Before our Dundee trip, we were looking forward to eating some of our Favorite Scottish Foods. Instead, we found that the dining scene was lacking traditional meals.
Most Dundee, Scotland restaurants fall into four categories: fast food, pub meals, international fare and swanky, multicourse affairs.
In the end, we decided to eat most of our dinners in our Airbnb, but did find a few fun eateries serving lunch.
The Flame Tree Cafe
The Australian-run Flame Tree Cafe ranks as one of the best restaurants in Dundee for a satisfying lunch.
Known for their rainbow bagels, the cafe whips up delicious sandwiches, soups and smoothies for the midday crowds. For something simple on the go, our favorite is the Cream Cheese and Bacon Bagel.
Clark’s Bakery
A well-established Dundee baker, Clark’s has been serving savory pies since 1950. Recently, they have broadened their offerings to include innovative options – like Chicken Tikka Pie, Kebab Pie (my personal favorite) and Bolognese Pie. Their 24-hour bakery on the west side is wildly popular, but they have two locations in the city center, as well.
Fisher and Donaldson
In business since 1919, Fisher and Donaldson Bakery doles out an array of lunch favorites and sweet treats. The toasty sandwiches and soup are top picks, but we love their Stovies. Of course, it wouldn’t be a trip to F&D without their famous Fudge Donut or Coffee Tower for dessert!
The Cheesery
Not technically a restaurant, but worth a mention nonetheless, The Cheesery is a sensational shop selling an incredible selection of local and international cheeses. We especially enjoyed their fresh baked cheese bread!
Best Pubs in Dundee
There are a hefty number of pubs and bars in Dundee – far too many for us to try them all! That said, our top traditional pubs are Tickety Boo’s and Star & Garter.
As our tastes lean towards craft beer, our favorite spots are Duke’s Corner and The Braes. The best cocktails can be found at Draffens, a not-so-secret speakeasy accessed via an unmarked door down a dodgy alley.
Map of Dundee, Scotland
Use this Google Map for an interactive version of our Dundee map of attractions below.
Dundee Travel Tips
Ready to visit Dundee? Great! Before you go, we have some honest advice to help make your trip easy.
How To Get There
Dundee, Scotland can be reached by plane, train, bus or car. How you arrive will likely depend on where you’re traveling from.
The Dundee Airport is extremely small with very limited flights operated by Logan Air. However, it can be convenient for getting to/from London Heathrow or Sumburgh, Shetland.
The most convenient way to get to Dundee is likely by train or bus. Frequent services connect major cities across Scotland, including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Aberdeen. Both the train and bus station are located in the city center (but not next to each other).
Visitors traveling by car should note that free parking is sparse. Check with your hotel or Airbnb host for options.
How To Get Around
We believe the best way to get around Dundee is by walking. The city features several pedestrian-only lanes and wide sidewalks. (Although crossing streets can sometimes feel cumbersome due to long wait times and obstructed corners.)
The city also boasts a robust network of public buses. Additionally, there is a Dundee Tourist Hop On Hop Off Bus that is great for travelers who want to rest their feet.
Where To Stay in Dundee
The choices of accommodation in Dundee, Scotland range from budget hostels to high end hotels. Our advice is to choose a spot that is in the heart of the city so that you are close to the top Dundee attractions.
The modern Sleeperz Hotel is incredibly convenient for those arriving by train. It’s located right above the station, which is just steps from the V&A Museum and Riverside Walk.
Visitors staying for a few days, however, should consider the Staybridge Suites. Situated next to the popular Hotel Indigo, the rooms feature kitchenettes and a cozy sitting area.
What You Will Need
Whether visiting Dundee on a day trip or using the city as a base to explore more of Scotland, there are a few items you will need.
Comfortable Shoes: Our list of things to see and do in Dundee covers various terrains. Be sure to pack versatile shoes for your trip to Scotland. Our reviews on the Best Travel Shoes can help you with some ideas!
Day Pack: Whether visiting museums or hiking trails, you will want a place to store your everyday travel items. We prefer these small backpacks, but share other styles in our article, Best Day Bags for Travelers.
Weather Gear: The weather in Scotland is notoriously fickle. Make sure you are prepared with a raincoat, travel umbrella…and maybe even some sunscreen!
Travel Camera: We use a DSLR Canon Rebel for all our photos. It’s a great camera for travelers – and is still one of the most affordable options, too.
Trip Insurance: If you don’t already have coverage for your European Vacation, check rates and consider the policies from World Nomads.
Organize Your Trip to Dundee, Scotland
Your visit to Dundee is likely part of a longer Scotland Itinerary. You will want to make sure to stay on top of all the details! Our Printable Travel Planner features 26 pages to keep your trip organized.
Start planning your trip to the UK! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional travel tips? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more advice – and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
More Top Scotland & UK Destinations
- How To Spend 3 Days in Edinburgh
- What To Do in Glasgow
- Things To See in Inverness & the Highlands
- Best of Isle of Skye
- Hiking the West Highland Way
- A Perfect London Itinerary
- What To See in Belfast, Northern Ireland
- One Day in Cardiff, Wales
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