Dundee is fast making a claim for one of the best cities to visit in Scotland. Its mix of history, culture, coastal adventures and great restaurant and bar scene means that it is ideal for long weekends, or as a base to go and enjoy adventures along the East Coast.
We’ve visited Dundee lots of times, always finding something new to discover. Below, we’ve compiled our ultimate guide to making the most of this legendary city.
How to get to Dundee?
Only an hour from Edinburgh (by train or car), or a fraction longer from Glasgow – Dundee is easily accessible. Situated on the East coast and the banks of the River Tay, whichever way you approach it you can be guaranteed a scenic entrance.
Where to stay in Dundee?
To make the most of your time in the city it’s best to stay central and there are few better places to do this than then the waterfront Malmaison Dundee, or trendy Hotel Indigo .
The waterfront Malmaison Dundee has an unrivalled location a stone’s throw from V&A Dundee and its incredible breakfast and bar (not forgetting its iconic staircase), make this a great base for enjoying all the city has to offer.
Hotel Indigo, meanwhile, is housed within an old textile mill, and the hotel pays homage to the city’s incredible history in unique ways. Our best tip is to keep an eye out for subtle writing on the wallpaper, which can contain everything from the recipe for Dundee cake, to cheat codes for video game, GTA 5! The hotel offers a great breakfast and a renowned restaurant (Daisy Tasker) for the evenings.
What to see and do in Dundee?
V&A Dundee stole the headlines when it came to the city in 2018 and the design museum remains one of the most impressive things to see both when it comes to its exteriors and the exhibitions within. The latest exhibition, Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk, will run until early 2025 and is really worth a visit.
Make sure to visit the historic RRS Discovery next door and hear tales of this research steamship in Antartica under the guidance of Captain Scott.
If you are interested to find out more about Dundee’s past, there’s no better place to start than Verdant Works, where you can learn about the city’s relationship with Jute and fascinating stories of the women who worked here and fought to advance women’s rights in the process. At one point Dundee was referred to as “Juteopolis”, such was the vast amount of textile fibre (used to make things like sandbags, rope and coffee sacks) produced here.
Away from the mills, Dundee has so much culture to offer both for fans of contemporary art (at the DCA) and classical (at the McManus Art Gallery & Museum). Both are housed in impressive buildings that are worth exploring, as is a visit to see the Morgan Academy’s wild flowers in summer.
A walk around the city centre will help you enjoy the other two significant j’s of the city – journalism and jam – by admiring the many bronze statues to Beano and Desperate Dan characters around the city or taking home some delicious Marmalade.
But with Dundee enjoying better weather than most other parts of Scotland, you’ll also want to enjoy some of the more outdoor adventures that are on your doorstep. Dundee Botanical Gardens is a real treat and ideal place to spend a few hours.
The nearby Strawberry Bank Lane (perhaps one of the most photographed streets in the city) is also worth a stop.
A short cycle ride of about 20 minutes (you can hire bikes from the Cycle Hub just beside V&A Dundee) will take you to either the beach and castle at Broughty Ferry (a suburb of Dundee), which is well worth a visit. There are also easy bus or commuter train options if you’d prefer not to cycle.
There’s also Camperdown Country Park, which is a great place to visit with kids too. And finally, if you are feeling a bit more adventurous and want to get out on the water to enjoy a different view of the city (and its wildlife like seals, dolphins etc.) you can book a private sea Kayak with Outdoor Explore.
Where to eat and drink in Dundee?
The great thing about Dundee’s bar scene is that so much of it remains a local secret; hidden speakeasys designed to be uncovered and enjoyed.
You’ll want to start with The King of Islington – an intimate and iconic cocktail bar with an even more stand-out cocktail menu and team of mixologists. Next up is Abandon Ship – a fun and eccentric cocktail bar that packs in arcade games, amazing graffiti, and the wackiest menu of drinks we’ve seen.
Some later evening hot spots for a drink include The Blue Room and Draffens – a cocktail lounge with a hidden entrance down one of the city’s alleyways (look out for the light above the door). The prohibition-style bar is a must-visit for its atmosphere and incredible drinks. Finally, there’s Nola, with its late-night DJ, low lighting, and amazing cocktail table service.
With so many great cocktails to enjoy, you’ll never want to be on an empty stomach. A few of our favourite spots in the city for food are The Tayberry, Bird & Bear (next door to Abandon Ship) and Franks – a restaurant famed for its pasta (and wow is it delicious!).
There’s also Sandbanks Brasserie in Broughty Ferry with beautiful views out to the water and a delicious menu.
Some great spots for lunch / lighter bites include Gallery 48 – a tapas-style bar / gallery that is home to some amazing contemporary art, fashion and food, Eastfield with its menu of locally sourced ingredients, and Heather Street Food – for amazing donuts and coffee by the V&A.
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That’s our guide to some of the best things to do in Dundee. If you have any questions about the area or would like any more tips, please let us know in the comments below or get in touch via Instagram (@TravelTwo_).
You can also access our map which features all these locations, as well as many more across Scotland.
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