A Meanderer's Guide to Dundee

Following on from our Meanderer’s Guide to Aberdeen, we’re exploring the riverside city of Dundee, found on the edge of the River Tay on Scotland’s East coast. Beyond its unique and rather stunning waterfront views, the city is rich with a modern urban culture that’s blended with a historic past. It’s a city that celebrates the arts, from the famed V&A museum to the vibrant street art and contemporary galleries, making it the perfect place for an urban stroll. Alongside this, an array of scenic spots, beautiful beaches, and outdoor adventures are accessible nearby with sunsets that never disappoint, living up to its namesake ‘Sundee’. Read on to find out more about some of the hidden gems Dundee has to offer, its must-see spots, and best coffee shops!

Car:

Driving from Edinburgh to Dundee takes about 1.5 hours, covering approximately 60 miles. The route is straightforward, primarily following the M90 motorway northwards before transitioning onto the A90. Along the way, you’ll pass through the rolling countryside of Fife and Perthshire, with opportunities to stop and enjoy the scenery. Dundee has several car parks in the city centre, offering easy access to major attractions.

Train:

The train journey from Edinburgh to Dundee is both convenient and scenic, taking roughly 1.5 hours. Regular services depart from Edinburgh Waverley Station, offering travellers a relaxing trip through picturesque landscapes, including views of the Forth Rail Bridge and coastal scenery. Dundee's train station is centrally located, making it easy to explore the city upon arrival.

Bus:

Taking the bus from Edinburgh to Dundee is an affordable and comfortable option, with the journey lasting around 1 hour and 45 minutes. Buses depart regularly from Edinburgh's Bus Station, with several operators offering services throughout the day. The bus route takes you through scenic towns and villages, providing a different perspective on the Scottish landscape. Upon arrival, Dundee’s bus station is centrally located, close to shops, cafes, and key landmarks.

There’s one place to head if you want to see the city in its entirety and that’s Dundee’s best viewpoint- The Law. I used to head up there as my daily hike back in Covid times, right from the city center and to the top, so I’m definitely biased that the walking route is the best way to go. If you're looking for a bit more of a challenge, starting at The Discovery Point will take this route from a city stroll to a 2-3 hike. You get a mix of greenery and some outer city exploration, and for those who watched Val McDiarmid’s Traces, you may recognise your surroundings (trust me- it's not as eerie as on the show). For those on the tired side, you can take a winding road up the hill by car with spaces to park right at the top. Not only are you greeted with a 360-degree view of the city once you reach the top but the view out to the water and hills beyond certainly makes it worth the walk. 

If you want to check out other hiking spots near Dundee, head to our segment below.

Whilst the famed V&A holds the spot as the city’s best museum, I always found that the McManus Gallery was unrivalled for a Sunday coffee and stroll through the city’s artistic history. Dundee has a rich creative presence from D.C. Thomson and The Beano to Rockstar. The McManus is a great place to explore not only a variety of art and photography exhibitions but also some of the city’s gaming history and culture. Aside from this, The McManus is an absolutely beautiful building and its sweeping stone exterior staircases make it look like a feature of a Disney Land set, making it a very popular photo spot.

If you want to check-out the home of the Beano, you can find the D.C. Thomson right opposite the entrance of the McManus!

For any Pirates of the Caribbean fans, this one may excite you. Dundee is home to a beautiful ship called The Discovery which is parked right next to The V&A at the waterfront. The ship was built in Dundee for the purpose of Antarctic research and is pretty famous for a trip known as the Discovery Expedition- Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott’s first successful expedition to the Antarctic. I still remember doing my school presentation on Shackleton and was pretty ecstatic to find it so close to home after moving to Dundee. After travelling the world, The Discovery returned to Dundee in 1986 and is now open to visitors as a museum experience. 

Dundee is frankly, just a great city to walk in. And it’s undeniable that dusk, or sunset, is the best time to go for a stroll. I don’t know the science to why but some of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve ever seen have been whilst living in Dundee and a well-timed walk along the waterfront can be a pretty amazing sight to behold sometimes. Luckily, the city has a path that leads you end-to-end, taking you right past The V&A and The Discovery, and it’s a great way to spend an evening in the city. Whilst you’re strolling, you can also take in some of the views and creative touches dotted throughout the street, with Dundee being home to an impressive, colourful array of street art. Scottish artist, KMG, has made a few brilliant murals to add to this collection and is also the designer of our graphic tee collection in collaboration with SCOTLAND: The Big Picture. You can check out these fab graphic designs here!

Magdalen Green is probably Dundee’s busiest green space, and when the sun comes out to play, the city’s population swarms the place. You can find the park by heading through the city centre, along Perth road, and taking a left down Roseangle once you find yourself opposite the art school (DJCAD). It has a playpark, an extensive grass lawn to accommodate all different kinds of sports from rounders to football, a pavilion to sit in and soak up your surroundings and is a great location to head to for an evening run or dog walk. Dundee may be known for its waterfront, but it has some great greenery too! If you’re craving more, the Dundee Botanics is a half hour walk from the park and is a great place to immerse yourself in nature.

The V&A Dundee is a must-visit for art and design enthusiasts, located on the stunning waterfront of the River Tay. As Scotland’s first design museum, it showcases a rich array of exhibitions that celebrate creativity from around the world, with a special focus on Scottish design heritage. The building itself, designed by renowned architect Kengo Kuma, is an architectural marvel, inspired by the cliffs of Scotland's east coast. Just a short walk from the city centre, the museum offers both permanent collections and rotating exhibitions, making it a dynamic cultural destination. After exploring the exhibits, enjoy a meal or coffee at the museum's café, which boasts breathtaking views of the river.

Munro-bagging feels like a necessity when holidaying in the Scottish Highlands. The region of Angus, where Dundee is situated, is home to 10 Munros that vary in their difficulty and demands. Two of the most famed Munros in this area are 'Driesch' and 'Mayar', and these routes can actually be linked together so you can tackle two birds with one stone! Beginning in the Glen Doll carpark, you'll follow the signage for 'forest walks' and 'Corrie Fee'. You'll know you've hit the entrance to Corrie Fee when you hit deer fence and just beyond this, you'll find a viewpoint of vast hills and a beautiful waterfall. Follow the path running along the bottom of the corrie before beginning the steeper ascend up the side of the waterfall (keeping well to the left). Once you hit the top and emerge onto the plateau, the path will guide you to a gentle climb up Mayar. The summit of Mayar will be clearly marked by a cairn (plus panoramic views).

From the summit, head northeast and follow the path along the plateau. Descent slightly to reach the bealach between Corrie Kilbo and Black Skellies before beginning the steeper ascent to the summit of Driesch (again, clearly marked at the top). To return to the car park, you will simply re-trace your steps before descending down the path that runs along the side of Shank of Drumfollow. Eventually, you will reach forestry and can find your starting point by following the path back through the woods, through the deer fence, and continuing downhill. This is a challenge and can take up to 4.5- 5.5hrs. Make sure to adventure safely and for more tips on Munro-bagging, you can check out our article here!

For an exciting day of watersports in Dundee, head to Wild Shore at City Quay. This popular attraction offers a range of activities, including wakeboarding, paddleboarding, and the thrilling Aqua Park—a floating obstacle course that's fun for all ages. With expert instructors and equipment rentals available, Wild Shore caters to both beginners and seasoned adventurers. Located just minutes from the city centre, it's an easy spot to access for a day of outdoor fun.

Tentsmuir Beach, located just a short drive from Dundee, is a tranquil escape into nature. To reach Tentsmuir, drive approximately 20 minutes north of Dundee via the A92 and follow signs for Tentsmuir Forest. There’s parking available near the beach, from where you can enjoy a walk through the forest before reaching the expansive sandy shore. For those without a car, cycling is a popular option, with well-marked paths leading to the beach. Broughty Ferry Beach is easily accessible from Dundee, situated just 10 minutes east by car along the A930. This charming seaside spot is also reachable by a short bus or train ride, with regular services running from Dundee city centre. Once a fishing village, Broughty Ferry boasts a wide sandy beach, perfect for a leisurely stroll or a family day out. The area is also home to Broughty Castle, offering a mix of history and seaside fun so grab those s'more supplies and get adventuring!

The DCA is a great place to head to if you have an overcast Scottish weekend on your hands. The upstairs of the DCA is home to a creative space that hosts a variation of exhibitions and workshops. The art tends to be more on the ‘modern’ side of the art spectrum, and they have a brilliant quirky gift shop that is worth a visit in its own right. My favourite part of the DCA is the tiny cinema they have on the lower floor which regularly showcases new big-screen films, as well as indie films that you may not see screened elsewhere. Adjoining the cinema area is the Jute Cafe Bar; a bar and restaurant that serves some of the highest quality food in the city, with the Toblerone Martini and beef brisket croquettes deserving of a special mention.

A day trip to St. Andrews is a classic weekend outing for those in Dundee, and has so much to explore that it really can keep you occupied for a whole day out. West Sands Beach, stretching for nearly two miles, is the prime spot for catching waves. The beach is just a short walk from the town centre, and you can easily reach St. Andrews from Dundee by car in about 30 minutes via the A92. For those without their own gear, several local surf schools and rental shops provide equipment and lessons for all levels. Surfing conditions are best during autumn and winter, but summer offers smaller, more beginner-friendly waves. After a session in the water, warm up with a visit to one of St. Andrews' cosy cafes overlooking the beach.

Montrose Beach Circular: 3hrs

This circular route takes you down the length of Montrose beach before returning via an inland route back to your starting point. On this route, you will have the chance to visit the North Water Viaduct whilst on the latter section of this circuit.

Templeton Woods: 1hr

An easier route tailored for walking and hiking. A short, circular, signposted walk will guide you though Templeton woods and past the Downfield Gold Course.

Camperdown Circular: 1.5hrs

This is a great option for a family-friendly walk or, simply, something a bit more laid-back. You'll weave through forestry and open land whilst circling the perimeter of Camperdown Country Park. Parking on site.

Lundie Craigs Circuit (includes summit):2-3hrs

A popular route for dog-walkers and hikers, the Lundie Craigs Circuit takes you to the Lundie summit in the Sidlaw Hills. This route can get pretty boggy so think ahead when it comes to weather and footwear.

Found on Balkello Farm, The Hideaway Experience makes for a memorable stay in the Angus region. Their 'adult's only' approach drives the romantic vibes of this getaway and each of their properties caters for two people. Decked out with log burners, hot tubs, a cocktail bar, and more, the Hideaway Experience has 'relaxation' at its core. The hideaway team help to ensure that everything on your stay is organised and to your preference before your arrival so that you can expect a seamless arrival and stay. The Hideaway was recently shortlisted in the Scottish Thistle Awards for the 'Best Luxury Experience in Scotland' and all their properties have been graded 5-star by Visit Scotland. 

Forbes at Kingennie Country Resort is a proudly family-run business that's been in operation for over 25 years. The country resort boasts a variation of properties on its estate for visitors to enjoy. Aside from the beautiful Leannan Boathouse, there are other spaces available to rent such as their Shephard's Huts, Waterside Lodges, Woodland Lodges, Escape Pods, and Hot Tub Lodges (and they're dog friendly too!). The Shephard Huts each provide a unique experience for their visitors, from the amount of people they sleep to their special extras like an outdoor sauna or hot tub. Due to lack of air pollution, this is a great spot for stargazing and sometimes... there's even a rare Northern Lights sighting on this side of Scotland!

Taypark House is the most central of our places to stay near Dundee. Found tucked away behind greenery on Perth Road lies Tayside House, a grand, castle-like Victorian structure with beautiful and lavish surrounding gardens, with views of the neighbouring Botanic Gardens. The grounds of Tayside House are decorated with fauna, forestry walks, a playpark, and their exciting 'dining domes'. This would be a dining experience that's difficult to forget, with their see-through structure allowing you to feel close to nature whilst you dine. Lit up at night, these domes look picture-perfect and are a great option for a romantic getaway. 

The Snug at Logie Farm consists of 2 award-winning, luxury 'Armadilla' pods that sit on the 'Gold Coast of Fife' and boast stunning views of the River Tay. Each snug can sleep up to 2 people (and a child upon request) and are fully kitted out with private decking, private parking, a luxury hot tub, fire pit/ BBQ pit, and Wi-Fi. The location of this stay is brilliant, with the rural local town of Newburgh at the ready to meet your needs, as well as a selection of other destinations to visit such as St. Andrews and Falkland nearby.

The connoisseurs of coffee in Dundee- EH9 coffee. Not only are you guaranteed to pick up a coffee of genuine, high-quality here but you’ll also experience some of the friendliest services up for grabs. EH9 hasn’t been open for that long but has become a big character within the community, with its bright exterior and coffee cups just forcing you to smile (even if it is early in the morning). They’ve been so popular in fact, that they’ve just opened a second store on Annfield Road as well as their original (and frankly, quite iconic) Perth Road property. They also have fabulous merch, take-home coffee beans and other items to pick up, as well as having your lunchtime covered with a selection of bagels and bakery items. 

The Bach can be found right in the city centre, next to the McManus Gallery. With influence all the way from New Zealand, The Bach is run by a couple of Kiwis who literally have it all covered, from chicken waffles and bagels to fried breakfasts and a (brilliant) eggs benedict. I have to say though, I think it's a perfect spot for those with a sweet tooth as their milkshakes are just addictive and their French toast is unrivalled. Sometimes, they even have some Australian goodies like chocolates and sweets to pick up (I always love checking out the Australian Cadbury). After breakfast, you have the city on your doorstep which is perfect if you fancy a shop, want to head up The Law for a walk, or fancy a trip to the V&A or McManus Gallery.

Pacamara is definitely the best (heavily tried and tested) brunch spot in Dundee. Not only are they great at the classics but I also love their menu for its different flare, making me push the boat out from my go-to choices. The coffee milkshake was an absolute dream for me as a minor coffee addict and the Colombian eggs were one of the prettiest-looking breakfasts I had ever seen. You can find them on Perth Road but you have to walk quite a far way down to find them, don’t be fooled and give up too early! Perth Road is a great spot to check out some of the independent shops afterward, from record stores to vintage clothes.

My stomach is rumbling while writing about this place… Heather’s Street Food is operated in a van that can be found outside the V&A at the waterfront but this isn’t any van… its an award-winning van. They are famous for their freshly-cooked hot doughnuts which can be coated in a sugar of your choosing and a topping of your choosing; this can range from rose flavoured sugar rings to cinnamon rings covered in nutella (depending on your taste buds). They also do seasonal flavours that range from Lotus in Autumn and raspberries and cream in Summer. In the sunny season, they sometimes open a second van selling halloumi sticks and prosecco so I fully recommend checking their Insta beforehand to gauge their opening times and menu.

This is the best tapas joint in town! Gallery 48 is perfect if you’re looking for a classier dinner vibe, with a chic interior and a great selection of drinks and cocktails to accompany your food. The tapas are brought out as it’s ready which makes for a fun atmosphere but trust me, there’s no point in going if you don’t start the evening with some of their homemade bread and alioli (definitely the tastiest I’ve tried out with Spain). The Chipirones and Chorizo in red wine are other highlights to add to your order!

Bird & Bear was the go-to for a classic steak night or pub meal. Being both a bar and restaurant, the atmosphere here is that of energy and bustle rather than a peaceful meal which is something to bear in mind before booking. Sometimes, the restaurant will introduce a themed meal night, I once attended the restaurant during a Jamaican cuisine-themed menu, which is super fun for jazzing up your palette. The cocktails and drinks options are fab which makes it an up-beat date night option or a great place to start a fun night out for a group of friends.

The Wine Press is where to head if you’re looking for a more ‘drinks and nibbles’ kind of evening. Alongside, unsurprisingly, an extensive wine selection, they also serve small, locally-sourced plates and local spirits too on their menu. The Wine Press also offers an exclusive members card which can be used on their Enomatic wine dispensers, allowing you to, essentially, have access to a wine vending machine in their location. I, personally, had never seen one of these before and I reckon that’ll be a well-appreciated piece of drinking technology. 

The great thing about this restaurant is that, as Frank’s Pasta and Wine Bar, you know what you’re getting. The restaurant truly does specialise in pasta, with a menu that has all flavour bases covered, from puttanesca (one of the best!) to mussel and prawn tagliatelle. My recommendation though, without a single doubt in my mind, would have to be the beef feather blade ragu pappardelle. And, of course, they have a well-stocked wine cellar with plenty of choice, making this a great spot for an occasion or a romantic atmosphere.

As an English Literature student in Dundee, you can see why a pub called the George Orwell would seem appealing. I was then lucky enough to have it at the bottom of my road for a year! The vibe of this pub is definitely a gothic one, with dark wood and packed bookshelves lining the walls, and board games available (and encouraged) to be played by visitors. The energy is as warm and cosy as a pib could be, and trust me- beer prices in Dundee are much friendlier than our other cities.

The Giddy Goose was essential for this list because everyone needs to know where the best local pizza spot is. The restaurant is pretty central, with an outdoor seating area which comes in perfect for the summertime when their funky cocktail menu makes them a great choice for a few afternoon drinks. Their frozen cocktails in the hot season are concerningly delicious, and they offer a whole bunch of food options; from burgers and tacos to dirty fries and hotdogs. In my opinion, the start of the show is their pizzas and they offer a ‘£9 Pizza & a Pint’ deal every Tuesday but make sure to book as this is a popular night amongst the locals!

71 Brewing is everything you’d want from a brewery, cool, edgy, and filled with booze. As Dundee’s first active brewery in 50 years, they have come in all guns blazing to innovate the brewing industry. Every 71 beer can is now produced using recovered CO2 rather than fresh CO2, reducing their reliance on external fuels. As the brewery continues to expand, so does their environmental footprint. Drinking sustainably?! Yes please…

Keep your eyes peeled for updates from 71 Brewing over months to come as they have some very exciting plans and renovations underway. With a new taproom, event space, beer garden and bottle shop on the way, 71 brewery will use the heat from fermentation in the brewery to keep their offices and event spaces warm. Love it guys!

Tag us in your adventures using #everydayadventures and check out our Meanderer's Guide to Aberdeen here!