Dundee on a Budget: 5 Days of Fun Activities

Discover Dundee's charm without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Dundee, United Kingdom offers a range of affordable activities for travelers on a limited budget. Visitors can explore the city's rich history and culture with free admission to the McManus Art Gallery & Museum and the V&A Museum. The city also offers affordable dining options, such as the Dundee Farmer's Market and local pubs and cafes.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring Dundee

  • Check into Sleeperz Hotel, a modern budget hotel in the heart of the city.
  • Visit Dundee Contemporary Arts for modern art exhibitions.
  • Wander around the McManus Art Gallery and Museum for local history exhibits.
  • Enjoy a hearty Scottish meal at The Bach, serving up everything from haggis to fish and chips.
  • Take a stroll along the River Tay and admire the beautiful views.
  • Have a drink at the lively BrewDog bar, serving up delicious craft beer.
Day 2

Science and Wildlife

  • Start the day with a full Scottish breakfast at The Counting House.
  • Visit the famous Discovery Point to learn about the ship RRS Discovery and its Antarctic exploration.
  • Head to the Dundee Science Centre for hands-on exhibits and interactive displays.
  • Have lunch at the Dundee Botanic Garden's on-site cafe, surrounded by beautiful gardens.
  • Take a short trip to Camperdown Wildlife Centre to see a variety of animals, including monkeys, tigers, and bears.
  • Enjoy a classic Scottish dinner at The Hunter's Lodge Inn.
Day 3

Beaches and Bookstores

  • Walk to Broughty Ferry, a charming seaside town just outside of Dundee.
  • Take a stroll along Broughty Ferry Beach and paddle in the North Sea.
  • Visit the Broughty Castle Museum and learn about the history of the town.
  • Indulge in lunch at The Fisherman's Tavern, a traditional pub with fresh seafood dishes.
  • Browse the shelves of Waterstones, Scotland's largest bookstore located in Dundee city center.
  • Dine at Castlehill Restaurant for delicious local produce and stunning views of the city.
Day 4

Art and Gardens

  • Begin the day with brunch at the trendy Bird and Bear cafe.
  • Visit the V&A Dundee, a stunning museum showcasing design and creativity.
  • Enjoy a picnic in the beautiful botanical gardens of University of Dundee.
  • Wander around the Dundee Law for panoramic views of the city.
  • Take in a show or movie at the Dundee Rep Theatre or the Odeon cinema.
  • End the day with dinner at the vegetarian restaurant, Marwick's Vegan Kitchen.
Day 5

Day Trip to St Andrews

  • Take a day trip to St Andrews, just a half-hour drive from Dundee.
  • Visit the ruins of St Andrews Cathedral and explore the historic grounds.
  • Enjoy lunch at The Seafood Restaurant, serving up delicious fresh seafood.
  • Take a stroll along the stunning St Andrews beach and maybe brave a swim in the cold water.
  • Visit the University of St Andrews, one of the oldest universities in Scotland.
  • Dine at The Adamson Restaurant for delicious Scottish cuisine before returning to Dundee.

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.

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