Dundee, United Kingdom Travel Guide

Discover Dundee: From historic ships to modern design, experience a dynamic city blending rich heritage with vibrant culture on Scotland's stunning east coast.

Welcome to Dundee, a vibrant city located on the east coast of Scotland. Known as the 'City of Discovery', Dundee is a place where history meets innovation. The city boasts a rich maritime heritage, evident in its bustling port and the historic ship, RRS Discovery, which led Antarctic expeditions and now rests in the city's harbor as a museum. Dundee is not just about the past; it is also a hub of cutting-edge technology and design. The V&A Dundee, Scotland's first design museum, stands as a striking piece of modern architecture on the waterfront, showcasing the best of Scottish creativity. The city's cultural scene is alive with galleries, theaters, and festivals that celebrate both local and international arts. Nature lovers will find solace in Dundee's green spaces and the nearby Highlands. The city is surrounded by stunning landscapes, offering countless opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling. Whether you're exploring the charming streets or enjoying a peaceful walk along the River Tay, Dundee offers a perfect mix of urban excitement and natural beauty.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Dundee.

Visit the V&A Dundee for a taste of contemporary Scottish design.
Explore the Dundee Law for panoramic views of the city.
Don't miss a tour of the RRS Discovery to learn about Antarctic expeditions.
Try local delicacies like Dundee cake and Arbroath smokies.
Utilize the city's bike-sharing system to explore the waterfront.

Explore Dundee: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Dundee

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

Overgate Shopping Centre

Dundee’s main indoor mall, with over 60 stores, popular eateries, and a striking glass façade in the heart of Scotland’s first UNESCO City of Design.

4.2

V&A Dundee

Discover Scotland’s national design museum, a striking waterfront landmark inspiring creativity through innovative exhibitions and community engagement.

3.9

Wellgate Centre

Dundee’s central shopping hub blending budget retail, leisure, and community facilities in a multi-level city centre complex.

3.5

The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery & Museum

Discover Dundee’s rich heritage and art in a stunning Gothic Revival museum with free admission and engaging galleries.

4.7

Best landmarks in Dundee

Top-rated picks

Best Landmarks

Overgate Shopping Centre

Dundee’s vibrant city centre shopping hub with over 60 stores, diverse dining, and a striking glass frontage overlooking historic streets.

4.2

St Paul's Episcopal Cathedral

A majestic Gothic Revival cathedral in Dundee blending historic grandeur with vibrant community spirit and spiritual heritage.

4.7

Wishart's Arch

The last standing gateway of Dundee’s 16th-century city walls, echoing tales of plague, faith, and resilience.

4.3

Oor Wullie Bronze Statue

Celebrate Scotland’s cheeky comic hero with a visit to the iconic Oor Wullie Bronze Statue in Dundee’s vibrant city centre.

4.5

Best restaurants in Dundee

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

Tony Macaroni

A lively Italian restaurant in Dundee offering generous portions and a vibrant atmosphere for families and groups in the city center.

4.3

Taza Restaurant

Savor Dundee’s top modern Indian buffet with fresh, local ingredients and a riverside ambiance at Taza Restaurant.

4.4

The Bach

A vibrant New Zealand-inspired bistro in Dundee offering fresh, made-from-scratch dishes in a relaxed and unique setting.

4.5

Bird & Bear

A lively Italian pizzeria and cocktail bar in Dundee offering handcrafted pizzas, creative drinks, and a welcoming, stylish atmosphere.

4.3

Best bars in Dundee

Top-rated picks

Best Bars

Trades House

Historic Dundee pub with carved interiors, lively sports screens, and a welcoming beer garden in the heart of the city.

4.3

Tickety Boo's

A vibrant traditional pub in Dundee blending historic charm with hearty food, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere.

4.4

Old Bank Bar

Historic Dundee pub with ornate interiors, family-friendly booths, sports screens, and lively weekend DJs in a former bank building.

4.2

The Phoenix

One of Dundee’s oldest pubs, The Phoenix offers authentic Scottish ales, hearty food, and a warm, timeless atmosphere in the city centre.

4.5

Best nightclubs in Dundee

Top-rated picks

Best Nightclubs

Rewind dundee

Experience Dundee’s vibrant retro club nights and live local music at Rewind, a welcoming hub of nostalgia and nightlife energy.

3.7

Underground

Dundee’s vibrant nightclub and live music venue where dancing, live bands, and late-night fun come alive every weekend.

3.2

Club Tropicana & Venga

Dive into Dundee’s ultimate 80s nightclub experience with retro beats, vibrant decor, and unforgettable party nights at Club Tropicana & Venga.

3.4

AURA Nightclub

Experience Dundee’s vibrant nightlife at Aura Nightclub, where cutting-edge music and electrifying atmosphere meet unforgettable nights.

3.3

Best shops in Dundee

Top-rated picks

Best Shops

Primark

Discover budget-friendly fashion and home essentials at Primark Dundee, a central city store offering style and value on two floors.

4.2

B&M Store

Dundee's premier discount retailer offering exceptional value across home, health, and everyday essentials.

4.3

New Look

Stylish, affordable ladies' and children's fashion in the heart of Dundee’s vibrant Overgate Centre.

4.1

Lush Cosmetics Dundee

Discover handmade ethical beauty products in a vibrant sensory environment at Lush Cosmetics Dundee.

4.7

Explore Dundee on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Dundee, mapped for you.

Dundee Essentials

Dundee is located in the eastern part of Scotland. The nearest major airport is Edinburgh Airport, approximately 90 kilometers away. From Edinburgh, you can take a direct train to Dundee, which takes about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, buses are available from Edinburgh and Glasgow, both offering convenient travel options to Dundee.
Dundee offers a good public transportation system, with buses connecting different parts of the city and surrounding areas. Taxis are readily available, and ride-sharing services like Uber operate in the city. For those preferring to drive, car rentals are an option, with ample parking available in most parts of the city.
The official currency in Dundee is the British Pound Sterling (GBP). Most establishments accept credit and debit cards, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller purchases. ATMs are widely available throughout the city, making it easy to withdraw cash as needed.
Dundee is generally a safe city for tourists. However, as with any city, it's important to remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas. Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas. The city center is well-policed and considered safe, but exercise standard precautions to safeguard your belongings.
In case of emergency, dial 999 for police, fire, and medical assistance. Dundee has a well-equipped hospital and several medical facilities. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are easily accessible in the city for minor health issues.
Fashion: Do dress comfortably and suitably for the weather, which can be unpredictable. Avoid overly casual attire in more formal settings. Religion: Do respect local customs and religious sites, especially when visiting churches; dress modestly. Public Transport: Do have the exact change for bus fares and give up your seat to those in need. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Scottish dishes. Don't tip excessively, as service charges are often included in bills.
To experience Dundee like a local, explore the Dundee Contemporary Arts center and enjoy a performance at the Dundee Rep Theatre. Visit the local farmers' markets for fresh produce and artisan goods. Don't miss a stroll along the Dundee waterfront and a visit to the V&A Dundee for a taste of the city's vibrant culture and history.

When is the best time to visit Dundee?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Dundee

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Dundee. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHullo
  [huh-loh]
- GoodbyeCheerio
  [cheer-ee-oh]
- YesAye
  [eye]
- NoNaw
  [naw]
- Please/You're welcomePlease
  [pleez]
- Thank youCheers
  [cheerz]
- Excuse me/SorryScuse me/Sorry
  [skewz mee/sorry]
- How are you?How’s it gaun?
  [how's it gawn?]
- Fine. And you?Aye, no bad. You?
  [eye, no bad. you?]
- Do you speak English?Dae ye speak English?
  [day ye speak English?]
- I don't understandAh dinnae understand
  [ah din-ee understand]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAh'd like tae see the menu, please
  [ah'd like tay see the menu, pleez]
- I don't eat meatAh dinnae eat meat
  [ah din-ee eat meat]
- Cheers!Cheers!
  [cheerz!]
- I would like to pay, pleaseAh'd like tae pay, please
  [ah'd like tay pay, pleez]
- Help!Help!
  [help!]
- Go away!Gie me peace!
  [gee mee peace!]
- Call the Police!Phone the polis!
  [fone the pole-is!]
- Call a doctor!Phone a doc!
  [fone a doc!]
- I'm lostAh'm lost
  [ah'm lost]
- I'm illAh'm no weel
  [ah'm no weel]
- I'd like to buy...Ah'd like tae buy...
  [ah'd like tay buy...]
- I'm just lookingAh'm just lookin'
  [ah'm just lookin']
- How much is it?How much is it?
  [how much is it?]
- That's too expensiveThat's ower dear
  [that's ower deer]
- Can you lower the price?Can ye lower the price?
  [can ye lower the price?]
- What time is it?Whit time is it?
  [whit time is it?]
- It's one o'clockIt's wan o'clock
  [it's wan o'clock]
- Half past (10)Half past ten
  [half past ten]
- MorningMornin'
  [mornin']
- AfternoonE'enin'
  [eenin']
- EveningE'enin'
  [eenin']
- YesterdayYestreen
  [yes-treen]
- TodayTday
  [t'day]
- TomorrowMorrow
  [morow]
- 1Wan
  [wan]
- 2Twa
  [twa]
- 3Three
  [three]
- 4Four
  [four]
- 5Five
  [five]
- 6Six
  [six]
- 7Seven
  [seven]
- 8Eight
  [eight]
- 9Nine
  [nine]
- 10Ten
  [ten]
- Where's a/the...?Whar's the...?
  [whar's the...?]
- What's the address?Whit’s the address?
  [whit’s the address?]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Can ye show me (on the map)?
  [can ye show me (on the map)?]
- When's the next (bus)?When's the next (bus)?
  [when's the next (bus)?]
- A ticket (to ....)A ticket (ta ...)
  [a ticket (ta ...)]

History of Dundee

Dundee's history dates back to the medieval period, with its first recorded history in the 12th century. Established as a royal burgh in 1191 by William the Lion, Dundee rapidly developed due to its strategic location on the east coast of Scotland, which facilitated trade and commerce.
In 1651, during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms, Dundee was the site of a significant battle. The city was besieged by General Monck's forces, resulting in a brutal sack after the city fell. This event marked a turbulent period in Dundee's history, impacting its development for years to come.
Dundee became synonymous with the jute industry in the 19th century. The city's location and expertise in textiles allowed it to become a global center for jute production, earning the nickname 'Juteopolis.' The industry attracted a large workforce and transformed the city's economy and society.
On December 28, 1879, the Tay Bridge, which connected Dundee to the Fife region, collapsed during a violent storm as a train was crossing. This disaster resulted in the loss of 75 lives and became a pivotal moment in engineering history, emphasizing the importance of safety in bridge design.
In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Dundee underwent a cultural renaissance. The city invested in its waterfront, established the V&A Dundee design museum, and became a UNESCO City of Design. This transformation redefined Dundee as a hub for innovation and creativity.
The University of Dundee has been at the forefront of medical research and education. It played a critical role in developing key medical technologies and treatments, contributing significantly to global health advancements. The university's impact highlights Dundee's importance in the field of medicine.