Explore Dundee UK: The Ultimate 5 Day Itinerary
Discover the culture and charm of Dundee, Scotland's sunniest city.
22 April 2023
Lucie Collins
UK Travel Writer
Dundee, situated in eastern Scotland, is a great destination for tourists who want to explore Scottish culture and history. Visitors can see the stunning architecture of the city, visit Dundee's many museums, including the V&A Dundee and McManus Art Gallery, and stroll along the Dundee waterfront. Foodies will also appreciate the local delicacies, such as Arbroath Smokies, Dundee cake, and locally brewed craft beer.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Check in at the stylish Hotel Indigo situated in the city centre
- Start your day with a hearty Scottish breakfast at the bustling Tartan Cafe
- Take a leisurely stroll along the River Tay, enjoying the stunning views of the Tay Bridge and the Fife coastline
- Visit the Dundee Contemporary Arts centre, showcasing cutting-edge art exhibitions and indie films
- Enjoy a traditional Scottish meal at The Giddy Goose, with local specialities like haggis and neeps on the menu
- Tour the striking 15th-century St. Giles Cathedral, with its Gothic architecture and stained-glass windows
- Learn about Dundee's seafaring past at the Discovery Point museum, featuring the RRS Discovery, the ship that took Captain Scott to the Antarctic
- Visit the McManus Art Gallery and Museum, showcasing art and artefacts from Dundee's past
- Take a walk through the verdant Camperdown Country Park, with its Victorian glasshouses, wildlife centre and adventure playground
- Enjoy a pint of Scottish ale at The Phoenix, a cosy pub dating back to the 1800s.
- Explore the rejuvenated waterfront area, with its buzzing restaurants, bars and shops
- Visit the V&A Dundee, the Scottish branch of the Victoria and Albert Museum, showcasing design and innovation from around the world
- Sample some of Dundee's famous cakes at the family-run Fisher and Donaldson bakery
- Check out the quirky exhibits at the Dundee Museum of Transport, showcasing vehicles from bicycles to buses
- End your day with a cocktail at the award-winning King of Islington, one of Dundee's hippest bars.
- Take a short train ride to the nearby town of Broughty Ferry, known for its sandy beaches and picturesque castle
- Visit the nearby Claypotts Castle, a 16th-century tower house with a rich history and stunning views
- Explore the stunning Angus Glens, with their rugged hills, waterfalls and extraordinary wildlife
- Enjoy a scenic drive to St Andrews, a historic university town famed for its golf courses, medieval buildings and sandy beaches
- Sample some of Scotland's finest seafood at the chic Seafood Ristorante, overlooking the North Sea.
- Take a nostalgic trip down memory lane at Verdant Works, a superbly restored jute mill from the Victorian era
- Have a brunch at Daisy Tasker, a trendy cafe-bar located in a former jute mill
- Shop for unique souvenirs at the artisanal shops of The Flour Mill, a creative hub for independent businesses
- Visit the Dundee Law, a hilltop park with panoramic views of the city and the coast
- Wave goodbye to Dundee with a cocktail at the stylish Draffens, housed in a former bookmakers.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Dundee, United Kingdom by plane is to fly directly to Dundee Airport from London City Airport. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Car
The best way to get to Dundee, United Kingdom by car is to take the A90 road which connects Edinburgh and Dundee. The journey time is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes from Edinburgh and 2 hours and 30 minutes from Glasgow.
Train
The best way to get to Dundee, United Kingdom by train is to take the East Coast mainline service from London King's Cross to Dundee Railway Station with a journey time of around 6 hours. There are also direct services from Edinburgh and Glasgow to Dundee.
Boat
There are no direct boat services to Dundee, United Kingdom. The closest port is Rosyth Port in Edinburgh, which is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes away by car. From there, you can take a train or bus to Dundee.
Bus
The best way to get to Dundee, United Kingdom by bus is to take the Megabus service from London to Dundee. The journey takes approximately 9 hours.