Destination Guide

Dundee

Tourist Information

Things To Do In Dundee

Looking for things to do in Dundee? The mantra of “one city, many discoveries” goes to show that in Dundee there is a lot more to this Scottish city than just “jute, jam and journalism”, the three industries that it once thrived on. With the huge regeneration of the waterfront and the new V&A Design Museum, it’s a city that is most definitely on the up and up. And with that comes a plethora of things to do in Dundee.

In saying that though, the city is rich in history and has always been a great stop on countless holidays in Scotland. Take for example the RRS Discovery, the Antarctic exploration vessel of Captain Scott, which is berthed in the city harbour at Discovery Point. Or The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery and Museum which is housed in a fantastic gothic, Victorian building and is home to a terrific insight into the history of the city.

There’s also the Jute Museum at Verdant Works, for a historical tour of the weavers of the 19th century! That’s just a few of the best things to do in Dundee.

If you’re looking for things to do in Dundee for kids, then there are plenty of options. The Dundee Science Centre is the ideal place to spark a child’s curiosity. With a multitude of hands on activities and special events, it’s the perfect place to entertain and educate little minds. Camperdown Wildlife Centre is another great option for fun and learning, with the chance to see both Scottish animals and creatures from far and wide.
The Overgate and Wellgate shopping centres, located in the city centre provide the perfect place to find some bargains, as does the shopping thoroughfare that connects the two.

While there are many great things to do in Dundee city, it’s also a great base for taking trips to the Angus area, and indeed into the Kingdom of Fife. Follow the coast to the quaint village of Brought Ferry. Next up, a stop at Carnoustie might be the order of the day for any golf fans out there, with the town playing host to a beautiful championship golf course. And onto Arbroath, home to the famous Arbroath Smokies; the famed and delicious Scottish smoked haddock.

Further in land lies the spectacular Glamis Castle, which is a stunning example of architecture and is steeped in history and legend. Not only the castle itself, but also the gardens are impressive all year round. Staying in the heart of Angus, this area of countryside lends itself to some fantastic walking and hiking, with breath-taking vistas of rolling hills and meandering rivers.

Let’s delve further into the attractions and amenities when finding things to do in Dundee on your next visit.

Attractions

1. Caird Hall

For music lovers out there, the Caird Hall is the principal concert venue and often hosts performances from the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, as well as the occasional bands from the world of pop and rock.
Dundee Contemporary Arts

The DCA (Dundee Contemporary Arts) is home to a quaint two screen cinema, as well as not one, but two modern art galleries.

3. V & A Dundee

The revitalised waterfront in Dundee stunning masterpiece is the V & A building. Opened in the latter part of 2018, its home to the outpost of the Victoria & Albert Museum of art and design that’s based in London. You’ll find exhibitions from famous Scottish artists and designers from the past and present. They sit alongside exhibits from around the world as well. Charles Rennie Mackintosh is a highlight.

4. HMS Unicorn

This is another great tourist attraction on the water. The vessel has an authentic feel which makes you think you’re back in the 1800s when it was created. It’s the oldest British built ship that’s afloat on the water to this day. The boat never saw any action but it’s still worth a visit. You get a real understanding what it would have been like for the crew living on board back then.

5. McManus Galleries

This tourist spot has a real gothic feel. The Victorian gothic building where the galleries are situated offers visitors a unique experience where you can see all the exhibits in one place without having to venture around much. The city museum tells the story of how Dundee came to be from the Iron Age to now.

6. Discovery Point

Probably our favourite attraction in Dundee is Discovery Point. This attraction that is opposite the V & A Museum in Dundee and sits perfectly on the water. Captain Robert Falcon Scott's famous polar expedition vessel the RRS Discovery is an historic attraction that is worth exploring. Get to know what it was like aboard this Antarctic exploration vessel by visiting the wardroom, the bridge and of course the cabins. There is a nearby visitor centre that tells the history of the attraction.

Dundee is a city on the up with so much to see and do during your visit. Whether you’re in town for a few days or just the day, there is something for everyone. These are just some of the attractions that we think visitors should consider when looking for things to do in Dundee.

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Enjoy all the attractions of Dundee this year with myhotelbreak and create memories that will last long in to the future.

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