Dundee is a unique Scottish city, nestled along the banks of the River Tay. Although it’s an often overlooked destination in Scotland, it’s a city that perfectly blends modern innovation with its rich history. Dundee was once a thriving hub for the shipbuilding and jute industries, and it became very well known for its journalism and comics, such as The Beano. It also played a very important role in the Industrial Revolution. There’s plenty to unravel and quite a lot of things to do in Dundee for visitors interested in its history.
Today, Dundee has been completely transformed into a cultural hotspot, with plenty of museums, art galleries, and architecture to admire. The city is practically bursting with hidden gems too, and you can never go wrong with a walk along Dundee’s scenic waterfront. It’s slowly starting to get the recognition it deserves, and you definitely won’t find yourself short of things to do in Dundee at any time of the year.
Best things to do in Dundee, Scotland
Spend some time at The McManus

Visiting The McManus: Dundee’s Art Gallery and Museum is one of the top things to do in Dundee. It’s located within a beautiful Victorian Gothic building in the city centre, and it’s home to a large collection of art, history, and natural sciences. It originally opened in 1867 and today visitors can learn more about the unique history of Dundee through expertly curated exhibitions. Spending some time at The McManus is also a great indoor activity in Dundee if it’s raining.
Don’t miss the beautiful statue of Queen Victoria that sits across from the main entrance to The McManus, as well as the statue of Robert Burns near the museum’s staircase.
Take a photo with Oor Wullie

As you walk around Dundee, you’ll notice the city has a lot of statues that vary in theme. Sitting just in front of The McManus is where you’ll find a bronze statue of Oor Wullie, who is one of the most well known and loved comic characters in Scotland. The statue is linked to the strong ties that Dundee has with the publishing industry. Taking a photo with Oor Wullie is one of the best things to do in Dundee.
Walk around Discovery Point

No list of things to do in Dundee is complete without mentioning Discovery Point along the waterfront. It’s home to the legendary ship RRS Discovery which was built in Dundee in 1901 and carried Captain Scott on his Antarctic journey. Discovery Point has been transformed in recent years, and it’s now the perfect place to learn more about the rich maritime history tied to Dundee. It’s also not a bad area to take a stroll along the waterfront while admiring the views and statues along the way.
V&A Dundee

Also located along Discovery Point is V&A Dundee. This is Scotland’s first design museum and its architecture really stands out along the waterfront, with its wave-like structure inspired by the rugged cliffs of Scotland. Inside you can walk through various exhibitions about architecture, fashion, and innovation in Scotland. Visiting V&A Dundee is one of the best free things to do in Dundee, though you will need to pay to have access to the main temporary exhibition.
Admire this view of the Tay Road Bridge

One of the highlights for me while visiting V&A Dundee was finding this incredible viewpoint on the top floor. Many people don’t notice that it’s here since it looks like an emergency exit door, but you’ll find a sign that says you’re welcome to step out on the terrace. The door is located at the top of the main staircase, on the right hand side. Once you exit the building, you’ll be greeted with an unbeatable view of the Tay Road Bridge and the river below.
Find the Dundee sign in front of Steeple Church

Before you get too overwhelmed with all of the statues in Dundee to photograph, make sure you don’t miss the Dundee sign located in front of Steeple Church. This modern installation stands in stark contrast to the historic church behind it, and it symbolizes the heritage and creativity of Dundee. It’s very easy to locate as it stands in the heart of the city centre, surrounded by shopping streets and landmarks.
Sitting around Steeple Church are also a few unique statues that shouldn’t be missed. Be on the lookout for The Hat as well as a few cheeky penguins hanging around!
Photograph the Desperate Dan statue

If you’ve been to Dundee before, chances are you’ve come across the Desperate Dan statue once or twice. This bronze statue sits in the city centre, across from City Square, and it’s one of the most recognizable landmarks in Dundee. It celebrates the iconic comic character from The Dandy, which was first published in 1937. It’s a very popular spot for photos in Dundee for both locals and visitors. Make sure you add the Desperate Dan statue to your list of things to do in Dundee.
Verdant Works Museum

An attraction that’s often missed in Dundee, but one that provides a unique glimpse into the city’s industrial past, is the Verdant Works Museum. It’s based inside a restored 19th century mill and inside visitors can learn all about the growth of the jute industry in Dundee and how it helped shape the modern city. It’s quite an interactive museum in Dundee as well, so it’s a good option for people of all ages.
Visit HMS Unicorn

Just a short walk from Discovery Point lies one of the most unique things to see in Dundee. HMS Unicorn is considered to be one of the oldest surviving warships in the world. This wooden ship was launched in 1824 and has been beautifully preserved to provide people with a better understanding of how life at sea was in the 19th century.
What’s unusual about HMS Unicorn is that it was never fitted with masts, like other traditional tall ships. This makes it a very rare example of the transition phase of ships from wooden sailing ships to iron warships. It’s definitely a must-see in Dundee if you have some spare time and want to learn about the city’s maritime past.
Stroll through the historic streets

If you’re looking for free things to do in Dundee, nothing quite beats strolling through its historic streets. There are a lot of beautifully preserved Victorian buildings around the city, and more than enough churches, alleyways, and hidden gems to look out for too. Everywhere you turn you can see the city’s past reflected in its streets. Even old warehouses have been transformed into modern cultural spaces in a bid to make Dundee more attractive to visitors, as well as locals.
Broughty Castle Museum

Along the banks of the River Tay sits Broughty Castle Museum. This castle was originally built in the 15th century to defend the coastline from foreign invaders and pirates. The castle now stands as a museum and it offers insight into the military and maritime history of Dundee through various exhibitions.
You’ll also be able to enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the river from the walls of the castle. Visiting Broughty Castle Museum is one of the best free things to do in Dundee, and it’s just a short drive or bus ride from the city centre, making it very accessible.
Take a day trip to St Andrews

If you’re spending more than a day in Dundee, you might want to explore nearby towns and points of interest too. A day trip to St Andrews should be right at the top of your list if that’s the case. This beautiful coastal town is known as the Home of Golf and it’s famous for its world-class university. Although the town is small, everywhere you look you’ll find ancient ruins and historic buildings just waiting to be explored. There are also numerous restaurants and cafes to visit here, so you can easily plan to spend an entire day relaxing in St Andrews.
Places to eat and drink in Dundee
Eighteen22

Believe it or not, Dundee boasts a thriving food scene – you just need to know where to look. Some of the best places to eat in Dundee are situated inside hotels, so don’t be shy! Eighteen22 is located inside Hotel Indigo Dundee and it features a contemporary menu that celebrates Scottish produce. The bar is very stylish as well, so you can always pop in for a drink if you’re not feeling hungry.
We ordered a selection of small dishes to start off with which are very popular for nibbles or a light dinner. I would highly recommend trying their fish and chips for your main dish as it’s cooked to perfection and well battered. Eighteen22 is a great spot to come if you want to experience the culinary delights of Dundee in a relaxed setting.
Fisher & Donaldson

If there’s one thing that Fisher & Donaldson is known for, it’s their fudge doughnuts. Fisher & Donaldson is a family-run bakery that’s been serving the city of Dundee since 1898. It’s a nice bakery to visit for a quick snack or a cozy coffee, as they make all of their food fresh daily. Inside you’ll be able to choose from traditional Scottish treats, baked goods, and a wide selection of cakes and pastries. But like I said, you absolutely need to try the fudge doughnut above all else. They also have a shop in St Andrews.
Jannettas Gelateria

In the mood for ice cream? Nothing quite beats the taste of Jannettas Gelateria. This is another iconic family-run business in Dundee that’s been serving the public since 1908. They have a small shop located very close to Discovery Point, with a variety of tasty flavours on offer. Their gelato is made using only the finest ingredients, so you can expect a creamy texture and a burst of flavour in every scoop.
If you’re visiting St Andrews, Jannettas Gelateria also has a shop there which you can find along South Street. There are double the number of flavours available there as well.
EH9 Espresso

There are numerous coffee shops in Dundee to choose from, but one of the best in the city has to be EH9 Espresso. It’s a small coffee shop that’s known for its expertly crafted coffee and its selection of pastries. EH9 Espresso also has iced match lattes on the menu which is a great option during the warmer weather. They have a couple of locations around Dundee, so make sure you stop by one to get your quick coffee fix.
Where to stay in Dundee
Hotel Indigo Dundee

After you’ve finished exploring all of the things to do in Dundee, you’ll want somewhere convenient to rest for the night. Hotel Indigo Dundee is situated inside a restored Victorian building that once served as a former mill. The rich industrial heritage of the building has been expertly blended into the contemporary design of this modern boutique hotel in Dundee, so it’s an ideal place to stay for history enthusiasts. It also sits very close to the waterfront as well as the main shopping streets.
There are a variety of rooms on offer at Hotel Indigo Dundee. The Standard and Premium Rooms are designed with both comfort and style in mind, and many of the furnishings pay homage to the industrial past of the building which is a unique touch. Our room had a lovely view over the city skyline, and the large, comfortable bed with luxury linens was perfect for relaxing in after a long day out.

In the evening we dined at the hotel’s bar, Eighteen22, which has a menu focused around locally sourced ingredients. The cocktails here are expertly crafted too, so it’s a lovely area to sit back and unwind. Hotel Indigo Dundee has parking spaces available on-site for an additional overnight fee, but these spaces are limited so you may need to park on the street instead if you arrive late.

If you’re not sure where to have breakfast in Dundee, starting the day off with the buffet breakfast at Hotel Indigo Dundee won’t hurt. The buffet offers a wide selection of continental and hot food, so you can build your own full Scottish breakfast if you desire. They also have lighter options such as cereals, yogurts, and fruits available.
Whether you’re spending one night in Dundee or a few days, staying at Hotel Indigo Dundee is your best option. It’s a beautiful modern hotel that links the history of the building to its decor seamlessly, and its location for what you pay will be hard to beat.
>> See what rooms are available at Hotel Indigo Dundee <<
Is Dundee worth visiting?
Dundee is a very underrated city in Scotland that offers visitors a unique blend of culture, history, and modern innovation. It has something for every type of traveller, from beautiful architecture to museums and historic points of interest. The growing food scene in Dundee is also worth noting for foodies. The next time you plan a trip to Scotland, make sure you consider Dundee for at least a day trip from Edinburgh. Try to stay longer if you can though, as there are many things to do in Dundee to keep you busy.
If you have any questions about Scotland or things to do in Dundee, please feel free to reach out via email or through the contact form on my website. You can also reach out through Instagram or on TikTok where you can follow along with my latest adventures too.
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