Tay Bridge taken from Dundee, Scotland

Things to do in  Dundee

Scotland, by design

Once derided for its postindustrial gloom, Dundee has become one of Scotland’s most exciting cities. Leaning into its cultural heritage, thriving arts scene, and youthful student population, Scotland’s fourth-largest city is now a creative hub and a UNESCO City of Design. Set on the northern shore of the Firth of Tay, Dundee has plenty to keep a visitor occupied, including the V&A Dundee, Scotland’s first design museum and the only Victoria and Albert museum outside of London, and the Antarctica-faring RSS Discovery. Best of all, it’s home to some of the friendliest people in the UK.

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Top 5 attractions in Dundee

#1

Verdant Works

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Explore the history of Dundee’s jute industry at Verdant Works, an interactive museum situated in a refurbished 19th century mill. Learn about the city’s industrial textile past and about tenement life and mill workers through immersive, interactive exhibits and multimedia displays, and see historic equipment at work.More
Tours & Tickets
#2
Kellie Castle & Garden

Kellie Castle & Garden

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Kellie Castle was built in the 14th century as the family home of the Oliphant family. Little has changed since the family left the castle in the 17th century, and it remains a perfect example of period architecture and design, with ornamental painted ceilings and plasterwork adorning the many rooms and chambers.More
#3

Discovery Point

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On the banks of the River Tay, Discovery Point is home to the RRS Discovery, a former Antarctic research vessel. Learn the Discovery’s story, from the ship’s construction to its many voyages, including the Discovery Expedition of 1901–04, when Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton first journeyed to the Antarctic.More
Tours & Tickets
#4
Hill of Tarvit Mansion & Garden

Hill of Tarvit Mansion & Garden

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The Hill of Tarvit Mansion & Garden is an Edwardian-era mansion house, first built in the 17th century and remodeled in 1906. With an exquisite collection of antiques, Chinese porcelain, furniture, and paintings, it provides a glimpse of early 20th-century Edwardian life. One of the major attractions of the grounds is a nine-hole hickory club golf course, which was added in 1924.More
#5

St. Andrews Castle

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Just north of St. Andrews’ town center, the ruins of St. Andrews Castle sit on a windswept headland overlooking a beach. Dating from around 1200, the castle was the main residence of St. Andrews’ bishops and archbishops, and the main administrative center of the Scottish church in medieval-era Scotland.More
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Explore Dundee by interest

Top activities in Dundee

Boat Seafari Adventure
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Boat Seafari Adventure

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136
From
$34.54
Skip-the-Line: Botanic Garden Entry Ticket

Skip-the-Line: Botanic Garden Entry Ticket

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52
From
$6.38
Made in Dundee: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Made in Dundee: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

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15
From
$6.99
Glamis Castle and Bonnie Dundee Tour from Dundee

Glamis Castle and Bonnie Dundee Tour from Dundee

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9
From
$306.38
per group
Highland Experience Tour from Dundee

Highland Experience Tour from Dundee

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From
$612.75
per group
East Neuk Treasures Tour from Dundee

East Neuk Treasures Tour from Dundee

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4
From
$306.38
per group
Dundee to Edinburgh | Executive Transfer

Dundee to Edinburgh | Executive Transfer

From
$344.67
per group
Full Day OUTLANDER Film locations Tour from Dundee

Full Day OUTLANDER Film locations Tour from Dundee

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1
From
$612.75
per group
Dundee to Glasgow | Executive Transfer

Dundee to Glasgow | Executive Transfer

From
$478.71
per group
Original Dundee Photoshoot Tour

Original Dundee Photoshoot Tour

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1
From
$82.98
Dundee Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK

Dundee Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK

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1
From
$19.15
per group
Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Dundee by Operation City Quest

Fun City Scavenger Hunt in Dundee by Operation City Quest

From
$10.21
The Big Whisky Tasting Tour - Private Whisky Day Trip

The Big Whisky Tasting Tour - Private Whisky Day Trip

From
$446.80
4-day Islay Platinum Whisky Tour - Whisky Included! With free pickup!

4-day Islay Platinum Whisky Tour - Whisky Included! With free pickup!

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9
From
$2,170.16
Private Highland whisky tour - Build your own tour!

Private Highland whisky tour - Build your own tour!

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7
From
$561.69
Speyside Whisky Tour - Three Distilleries Included - Private - 5 Star Reviews

Speyside Whisky Tour - Three Distilleries Included - Private - 5 Star Reviews

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13
From
$797.85
Whisky Distillery Trifecta - Glenlivet-Glenallachie-Strathisla

Whisky Distillery Trifecta - Glenlivet-Glenallachie-Strathisla

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28
From
$817.00
Private Edinburgh Whisky Tour - Distilleries & Tastings

Private Edinburgh Whisky Tour - Distilleries & Tastings

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2
From
$504.24
Meet Johnnie Walker - Private Whisky Tour - Cardhu, Cragganmore, Royal Lochnagar

Meet Johnnie Walker - Private Whisky Tour - Cardhu, Cragganmore, Royal Lochnagar

From
$504.24
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All about Dundee

When to visit

The Scottish climate is always unpredictable, but Dundee is typically at its best in summer. During June, July, and August, Dundee lives up to its reputation as the sunniest place in Scotland. You’ll also find the cultural calendar in full swing during summer, with pop and rock concerts often taking over Slessor Gardens in the city center.

Getting around

Don’t worry if you don’t have your own wheels: getting around Dundee is a breeze. All of the major attractions are within a short walking distance in the compact city center. If you need to venture further afield within the city, Dundee’s network of reliable buses will get you there. For trips out of town, head for the centrally located railway or bus station.

Traveler tips

Dundee is a great city for getting on your bike. You can rent a bicycle from the Cycle Hub on the waterfront, next to the V&A Dundee, and pedal the flat track that connects Dundee and Broughty Ferry. Much of the 4.5-mile (7.2-kilometer) route runs alongside the River Tay, and when you reach Broughty Ferry’s charming town center, you can refuel at one of its many cafes, pubs, and restaurants or relax on the golden beach.

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People Also Ask

Is Dundee worth visiting?

Yes, Dundee is definitely worth a visit. Major tourist-friendly revitalization has taken place in the city over recent years, and projects such as the V&A Dundee have brought the city’s strong creative scene to the forefront and made great use of its attractive setting on the northern bank of the River Tay.

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What is Dundee famous for?

Dundee used to be famous for the three j’s: jam, jute, and journalism. Once the city’s three most-important industries, they have since waned—but nowadays, Dundee is known as the UK’s first UNESCO City of Design and as the home of Scotland’s national design museum, the V&A Dundee.

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Why do people visit Dundee?

People visit Dundee to see some of Scotland’s most important tourist attractions. Dundee’s two nautical museums, the RRS Discovery, Captain Scott’s Antarctic expedition ship, and the 19th-century warship, HM Frigate Unicorn, are big draws, as is the V&A Dundee. Dundee is also a gateway to the scenic Angus Glens and Cairngorms mountains.

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What are some fun facts about Dundee?

Dundee—sometimes cheekily referred to as “Sundee”—has long been known as Scotland’s sunniest city, but a recent study found that it is also the driest city in the UK, with less recorded rainfall than any other part of the country. Few people know that Mary Shelley spent time in Dundee and that her experience in the city influenced her writing of Frankenstein.

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What language is spoken in Dundee?

English is spoken in Dundee, as it is everywhere in Scotland. Visitors will notice Gaelic (one of Scotland’s three official languages) on road signs and in the train station, museums, and other public buildings, but English always accompanies it. Scots (Scotland’s third official language) is also widely spoken.

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How many days should I spend in Dundee?

One day should be enough time to see all of Dundee’s attractions, which are all relatively compact and close to one another. If you want to explore more of the surrounding area, such as the beaches of the northeast coast or the surrounding hills and mountains, you could add another day or two.

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