Things To Do
in Dundee
Dundee is a vibrant city located on the east coast of Scotland, known for its rich history and stunning architectural landmarks such as the iconic Tay Rail Bridge. It is also renowned for its cultural scene, boasting world-class museums like the V&A Dundee and The McManus Galleries. The city is situated along the beautiful River Tay and offers picturesque waterfront views, as well as various outdoor activities such as hiking in the nearby Dundee Law hill.
Dundee is a hub for education with its prestigious universities and colleges attracting students from around the globe.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $60 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $4
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $40 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the V&A Dundee, exploring the stunning architecture and exhibitions. Enjoy a coffee at the on-site café with views of the waterfront.
Visit the Dundee Science Centre for hands-on activities and fascinating exhibits suitable for all ages. Grab lunch at a nearby eatery offering local Scottish cuisine.
Take a stroll along the Tay Estuary promenade and admire the sunset. Savor dinner at a cozy restaurant, sampling fresh seafood.
Explore the impressive Dundee Castle, stepping back in time with its rich history and fascinating stories. Make sure to take plenty of photos in the beautiful surroundings.
Visit the McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery and Museum to appreciate the diverse collections on display. Enjoy lunch in the museum's café, which has a lovely atmosphere.
Experience a local pub for dinner, where you can enjoy traditional Scottish dishes. Afterward, check out some live music or a local theater performance.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural history with numerous museums and galleries
- Affordable cost of living compared to other UK cities
- Beautiful parks and green spaces, including the famous Dundee Law
- A vibrant waterfront area with restaurants, shops, and leisure activities
- Well-connected transport links, including train services to major cities
- Home to several universities and educational institutions, fostering a student-friendly atmosphere
- Weather can be quite dreary and rainy, especially in winter
- Limited job opportunities in certain sectors compared to larger cities
- Perception of being a small city may lead to less nightlife and entertainment options
- Some areas can experience higher levels of crime
- Public transport options may be less extensive than in bigger urban areas
- Occasional reliance on tourism can affect local economy stability
Best Activities in Dundee
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Climbing to the top of Dundee Law offers stunning panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area. It's a great way to enjoy the outdoors and appreciate the beauty of Dundee.
Visiting Broughty Ferry Beach allows for relaxing walks, seafront picnics, and enjoying the coastal scenery. It's a popular spot for outdoor activities and leisure.
Camperdown Park offers various outdoor activities including walking trails, wildlife spotting, and enjoying the park's natural beauty. It's a great place for outdoor enthusiasts.
Tours
Uncover the best of Dundee with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Dundee
Visit one of these nice places.
Dundee Law is an extinct volcano and the highest point in the city, providing panoramic views of Dundee, the River Tay, and surrounding areas.
Magdalen Green is a public park offering beautiful views of the River Tay, the Tay Rail Bridge, and the city skyline.
Balgay Hill features a tranquil park with viewpoints offering stunning vistas of the city and surrounding countryside.
Food in Dundee
Dundee Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A delicacy of smoked haddock with a distinct salty-sweet flavor, traditionally produced in the neighboring town of Arbroath. Recommended to try at local seafood shops and markets like The Fish Hoose.
Must-Try!
A rich fruit cake with almonds, often associated with the city. Widely available in bakeries and cafes across Dundee, including Clark's Bakery and The Bach.
A comforting classic of minced meat stew with potatoes, a beloved staple found in many traditional Scottish pubs and eateries like The D'Arcy Thompson.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Dundee better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Held monthly, this market offers a vibrant array of fresh local produce, artisanal goods, and street food stalls selling everything from gourmet burgers to artisanal chocolates.
An annual event celebrating street food from around the world, featuring an eclectic mix of food trucks and vendors offering diverse culinary delights on the scenic banks of River Tay.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Dundee, it is customary to greet people with a handshake or a simple 'hello' or 'hi' when meeting them for the first time. It is also important to use polite language and maintain eye contact during conversations.
Punctuality is highly valued in Dundee, so it is important to arrive on time for social gatherings, meetings, and appointments. Being late may be seen as disrespectful.
Respecting personal space is important in Dundee. It is advisable to maintain a comfortable distance when engaging in conversation and to be mindful of personal boundaries.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Dundee with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Dundee
Ensure a smooth experience
In Dundee, United Kingdom, tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service. It is common to leave a 10-15% tip at restaurants, especially for exceptional service. Some restaurants may include a service charge in the bill, so it's important to check before tipping.
Payment in Dundee, United Kingdom, is commonly done using credit or debit cards. Contactless payment methods are widely accepted, and cash is also a viable option. It is important to note that some smaller establishments may have a minimum spending limit for card transactions, so it's always good to have some cash on hand.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Dundee, as the city comes to life with blooming flowers and milder temperatures. You can expect some rain, but also plenty of sunshine and longer days to explore the city.
Summer is the peak tourist season in Dundee, with warm temperatures and long days. It's a great time to enjoy outdoor activities, festivals, and events in the city. However, it can get quite crowded with tourists.
Autumn in Dundee is marked by beautiful foliage and comfortable temperatures. It's a quieter time to visit, with fewer tourists, and you can also enjoy cultural events and seasonal food offerings.
Winter in Dundee can be cold and wet, but the city has a charming atmosphere with festive decorations and holiday markets. It's a great time to experience the local culture and enjoy indoor attractions.
Dundee at Night
Hiking in Dundee
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A beautiful valley offering a range of hiking trails that lead into the Angus Glens, known for stunning landscapes and wildlife.
A prominent hill that overlooks Dundee, providing a relatively easy hike with panoramic views of the city and surrounding area.
A scenic park with several walking routes around its lochs, perfect for leisurely hikes and nature observation.
A challenging hike that rewards climbers with fantastic views across the Firth of Forth and the surrounding countryside.
A range of hills just north of Dundee, offering various trails for hiking with dramatic ascents and lovely vistas.
Aiports
How to reach Dundee by plane.
The largest airport in Scotland, located approximately 60 miles south of Dundee, serving numerous international and domestic flights.
Located around 75 miles southwest of Dundee, it is one of the busiest airports in Scotland, offering a wide range of international destinations.
Situated about 60 miles northeast of Dundee, this airport serves both domestic and international flights, primarily to Europe and the Middle East.
Approximately 90 miles northwest of Dundee, this airport provides connections to several major UK and European destinations.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group, comprising a significant percentage of the population.
Includes individuals of Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, and other Asian backgrounds.
Comprises people of African and Caribbean descent.
Includes individuals from mixed backgrounds.
Encompasses various ethnicities not classified in the main categories.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is extremely popular in Dundee, with two main clubs, Dundee FC and Dundee United FC, competing in the Scottish leagues.
Rugby has a strong following in Dundee, with local clubs providing opportunities for both youth and adult participation.
Athletics is promoted through local clubs and events, with Dundee hosting various running competitions and track events.
Ice hockey has a dedicated fan base in Dundee, with the Dundee Stars being a prominent team in the UK ice hockey league.
Dundee is home to several golf courses and clubs, benefiting from its proximity to famous golf destinations in Scotland.
Cricket enjoys a community presence in Dundee with local clubs and leagues, promoting the sport among youth and adults.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Dundee.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Dundee caters well to vegetarian and vegan diets, with most eateries offering dedicated plant-based options. Notable places include The Flame Tree Cafe, serving a variety of vegan dishes, and The Bach, known for its vegetarian-friendly menu.
Many restaurants and cafes in Dundee provide gluten-free alternatives, ensuring those with dietary restrictions can enjoy the local cuisine. The Palais Tea Room and The White Goose offer a range of gluten-free options in a charming setting.