Dundee Travel Guide (Angus/North East Scotland/Scotland/United Kingdom/Britain and Ireland/Europe)

Introduction to Dundee

Dundee is a coastal city located in Angus, North East Scotland, known for its rich history and diverse culture. The city is situated on the north bank of the Firth of Tay, the longest river in Scotland, offering stunning natural views. The city features an array of galleries, cultural attractions, outdoor activities, and scenic parks, making it a perfect location for those who seek adventure, history and tranquillity.

List of Places to Visit in Dundee

There is no shortage of things to do and see in Dundee. From its remarkable museums, historical landmarks, and outdoor adventures, there is something for everyone.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Dundee features an array of culturally significant museums and historical landmarks that offer a glimpse into the city’s rich heritage:

V&A Dundee: This museum showcases Scotland’s design legacy and features an extensive collection of international design treasures. It is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in design, architecture, and fashion.
Discovery Point and RRS Discovery: The ship is a centrepiece feature and played a vital role in the discovery of the South Pole. It was from Dundee that the expedition set sail for Antarctica.
Verdant Works: This is an award-winning museum that showcases Dundee’s textile industry history. It features interactive exhibits, machinery, and textiles on display, that give visitors a glimpse of what the life of textile workers was like during the 1800s.
The McManus: This museum is set within a Gothic building and features contemporary art exhibits, local history, and fine art collections.

Natural Attractions of Dundee: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The natural attributes of Dundee are astounding; the Firth of Tay and the City’s green spaces provide ample opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to explore and enjoy the natural environment:

Camperdown Country Park: This is Dundee’s largest park covering an area of around 400 acres and has a wide range of activities for visitors, including a wildlife centre, golf courses, adventure playground, mountain bike tracks, walks and an amphitheatre.
Broughty Ferry Beach: For those who enjoy beach walks, then the Broughty Ferry Beach is an excellent destination. It offers scenic views of the Tay Road Bridge and the River Firth of Tay.
Lochee Park: This park features a clock tower, children’s play area and tennis courts. Set in the middle of the park is a pond which serves as home to various species of birds.

Hiking/Biking Routes in Dundee

Dundee has excellent hiking and biking routes, with each route leading to an astonishing view of the City’s natural landscapes.

The Law: This is the iconic peak that dominates the Dundee skyline. From its top, visitors can see all across the city of Dundee.
The Green Circular Route: This is a scenic route that leads cyclists and hikers around the circumference of Dundee’s city centre, featuring stunning views of the Tay Bridges and the River Firth of Tay.

Best Things to Do in Dundee: Activities and Tours

With a plethora of activities available, visitors to Dundee can engage in a host of exciting pursuits, including:

Segway Tours of Dundee: Explore Dundee City Centre and the surrounding areas on this two-wheeled self-balancing tour. The tour takes two hours and offers visitors the chance to visit some of the city’s most popular tourist sites.
Dundee Contemporary Arts: This is both an art exhibition and cinema. Visitors can experience a mix of modern art exhibitions and watch some of the latest films.

Week-Long Itinerary for Dundee

A week-long itinerary provides the best opportunity to explore Dundee’s many attractions:

Day	Activity
Day 1	Arrival in Dundee. Get accommodation sorted, explore the city’s downtown area
Day 2	Visit the V&A Dundee Museum, followed by the Discovery Point and McManus Museum
Day 3	Hike to the top of the Law, followed by a visit to Verdant Works museum
Day 4	Tour the city centre on a Segway, visit Broughty Ferry Beach in the evening
Day 5	Experience some contemporary art displays and cinema at Dundee Contemporary
Day 6	Go mountain biking at Camperdown Country Park
Day 7	Visit the Lochee Park, followed by a night out exploring Dundee’s nightlife

Food and Drink Scene of Dundee

Dundee’s culinary heritage is renowned, featuring locally sourced produce. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

Arbroath Smokie: This is a traditional Scottish fish dish that originated from Arbroath, a small fishing town near Dundee.
Dundee Cake: A cake made from sultanas and almonds that originated from the Dundee City.

Local Beverages

Whisky: Dundee and its surrounding region boast of some of the best Scottish Whisky-producing distilleries.
Craft Beer: The city has some of the best local craft beer producers.

Where to Stay in Dundee: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

A wide range of accommodation options are available in Dundee to suit all preferences and budgets. To make the most of your visit, it’s advisable to look for accommodation options in the city centre.

Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa: This hotel is set inland at the Dundee’s City Quay strip. It offers spacious and elegantly designed rooms with spa facilities.
Hostel Bookings (Budget): For visitors on a budget, consider staying at a hostel like the Dundee Backpackers Hostel or the Craigtay Hotel.

What to Buy in Dundee: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors to Dundee have a wide range of souvenirs and local products to choose from.

Dundee Marmalade: This is a locally made traditional Scottish marmalade that is often served for breakfast, tea or dessert.
Tartan: Scotland is renowned for its tartan fabric, and visitors can purchase it from the numerous retailers in Dundee.

Local Culture and Customs of Dundee

Dundee locals are friendly, and visitors are often welcomed with open arms. Tipping in some restaurants is practised but not mandatory. The use of common courtesies like “please” and “thank you” is considered polite.

Best Time to Visit Dundee

The best time to visit Dundee is during the summer months of June to September. The weather is pleasant during these months, and the city’s many attractions offer a wide range of outdoor activities that visitors can enjoy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Dundee

Do:

Do carry a waterproof jacket as Scotland’s weather can be unpredictable.
Do visit some of the museums and galleries to learn more about the city’s history and culture.

Don’t:

Don’t litter and always dispose of your rubbish properly.
Don’t forget to check on the opening hours of the sites and attractions you plan to visit.

Safety and Health

Dundee is a safe city, but visitors should take the necessary precautions when exploring it:

Safety in Dundee

Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking and cycling in unlit areas at night.
Keep valuables out of sight and secure in your accommodation or pockets.

Health in Dundee

Visitors with existing medical conditions should ensure that they have enough medication for the duration of their stay. Dundee has several hospitals and pharmacies that can provide medical attention if needed.

Getting to Dundee: Transportation Options and Logistics

Dundee is easily accessible from the UK and beyond, with several transportation options available.

Airports Near Dundee

Dundee Airport: The airport is located at Riverside Drive and is about 3 miles away from Dundee city centre.
Edinburgh International Airport: The airport is located about sixty miles away from Dundee city centre, offering more international flight connections and options.

Bus Stations Near Dundee

Seagate Bus Station: This is the main bus station which gives access to the city centre and all major Scottish cities.

Other Options

Trains run frequently from all major cities in the UK, with trains from London taking a little over 2 hours to get to Dundee.

How to Get Around in Dundee

As well as walking, cycling and using city buses, Dundee also has a Tay Road Bridge and a train service that provides easy access to the town or the surrounding region:

Local buses: The bus network is the easiest option to get around Dundee City and its environs.
Tay Road Bridge: The Tay Road Bridge is the main thoroughfare from Dundee City to Fife, making it an easy option to get to other cities.

Where to Go Next from Dundee: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Dundee is a great location for exploring other nearby destinations:

St Andrews: St Andrews is a beautiful Scottish coastal town, and it is also just about 30 minutes away by bus from Dundee.
Glasgow: Glasgow is a vibrant city situated approximately two hours away from Dundee. It has an established music scene, arts scene, and excellent theatre performances.

Conclusion

Dundee is a vibrant city that boasts of a rich heritage in culture, history and the arts. It offers something entertaining for all types of visitors. With the numerous attractions, outdoor activities, and museums, followed by a rich food and drink scene, Dundee remains an absolute must-visit city for anyone touring North East Scotland.