Dundee
Dundee
Discover a gem of a city in Dundee, the UK's first UNESCO City of Design.
Dundee at a glance
- Arts & culture:
UNESCO City of Design, DCA, Dundee Rep, The McManus, V&A Dundee, Comic Characters Trail, Dundee Design Trails
- History & heritage:
Dundee Maritime Trail, RRS Discovery, HMS Unicorn, Verdant Works
- Nature & outdoors:
River Tay, Dundee Law, Dundee waterfront, Broughty Ferry, Camperdown Park
What to expect in Dundee
Stroll along the lively waterfront, admire the striking architecture of V&A Dundee, and discover a city shaped by exploration, publishing and pioneering ideas. From the panoramic views atop Dundee Law to the museums, galleries and vibrant cafés found throughout the compact city centre, Dundee offers you a welcoming mix of culture, design and stunning riverside scenery.
Desperate Dan Statue in Dundee
© VisitScotland / Kenny Lam
Tay Whale sculpture, Dundee waterfront gardens
Street art mural, Dundee
© VisitScotland / Luigi Di Pasquale
The bar at Hotel Indigo Dundee, an IHG Hotel
© VisitScotland
Mills Observatory on the summit of Balgay Hill, Dundee
Highlights in Dundee
Discovery and exploration
Dundee's identity is deeply connected to adventure and exploration. Step aboard the RRS Discovery, the historic ship that carried Captain Scott and his crew to Antarctica in 1901 and uncover stories of courage and scientific discovery that helped shape the modern world. Discovery Point brings the expedition to life through immersive exhibitions, while the city's maritime heritage can be seen throughout the waterfront.
Discover Dundee's maritime heritage
V&A Dundee and RRS Discovery, Dundee
A city of characters
Around every corner, Dundee's personality comes to life. Stroll through the city streets and spot beloved comic-book icons Oor Wullie and Desperate Dan standing proudly alongside striking contemporary sculptures and historic monuments. Each piece tells a story, celebrating Dundee's creativity, rich heritage and status as Scotland's first UNESCO City of Design.
Follow the Comic Characters Trail
Oor Wullie
World-leading centre for textile manufacturing
Dundee's story is woven into the fabric of global industry. During the 19th century, the city became the world's leading centre for jute production, with this golden fibre shaping its skyline, economy and communities.
Step inside Verdant Works and run your fingers across the textures that built a city. Sunlight streams through vast mill windows, illuminating original machinery and breathing life into the stories of the generations who worked here. As the sounds of the working mill echo around you, discover how Dundee earned its reputation as the global capital of jute.
Immerse yourself at Verdant Works
Verdant Works
What’s on in Dundee
Don’t miss out on some of the fantastic events hosted in Dundee throughout the year.
David Bowie On Tour
From 4 November, V&A Dundee's exhibition showcases iconic costumes, photography and more for music fans.
The Dundee Hooley
Experience the vibrant Dundee Hooley, filled with live music, magic and buzzing community atmosphere.
Live shows at the Dundee Rep
Catch a show at one of the country's most renowned live performance institutions.
See Dundee through a new lens
Look at what recent visitors have to say about the city with their personal recommendations and hidden gems.
Trip ideas in Dundee
Plan your perfect Dundee getaway with these handy guides, inspiring itineraries and local recommendations. Feel the fresh Tay breeze as you wander along the award-winning waterfront, immerse yourself in world-class design and culture, and soak up sweeping views from the summit of an ancient volcanic hill.
Dundee Maritime Trail
Follow the 2km route through the city to uncover tales of Antarctic expeditions, whaling voyages and pioneering maritime innovation.
Dark Dundee Tours
Listen closely to the stories carried through the centuries and experience Dundee and the echoes of those who walked these streets in the past.
Dundee Design Trail
Discover the city’s key landmarks and learn some intriguing design stories of Dundee, the UK’s first and only UNESCO City of Design.
7 Days in the east of Scotland
Journey along Scotland’s spectacular east coast, home to dramatic cliffs, sweeping beaches, magnificent castles and intriguing attractions.
Plan your trip
Getting to Dundee
Train
Dundee is one of Scotland's best-connected cities, with excellent road, rail and bus links. The city sits on the north bank of the River Tay and it is perfectly placed for exploring the surrounding region, the stunning east coast and the rest of Scotland.
Train journey from Edinburgh: around 1 hour 20 minutes
Train journey from Glasgow: around 1 hour 30 minutes
Train journey from Aberdeen: 1 hour 15 minutes
Train journey from Perth: 20 minutes
Bus and coach
Driving
Accessibility
Dundee is a welcoming and accessible destination, with many attractions, venues and public spaces designed to be enjoyed by everyone. The city's compact layout, pedestrian-friendly centre and excellent public transport links make it easy to get around. Many of Dundee's leading attractions, including V&A Dundee and Discovery Point, provide detailed accessibility information to help visitors plan their trip with confidence.
Explore nearby
From stunning coastlines to family-friendly activities, plan a trip to Dundee and beyond with our selection of other regions to explore around the area.
Angus
Leave the crowds behind in Angus, where rolling farmland meets the vast North Sea.
Fife
Fish & chips by the harbour, exquisite coastal walks and world-class golf. The joys of Fife life!
Perthshire
Explore Perthshire, where ancient history, thrilling outdoor adventures and charming towns come together for an unforgettable escape.