Things to Do in Dundee
If you’re new to the city, you’ll quickly discover there’s no shortage of things to do in Dundee. From world class museums and historic landmarks to vibrant nightlife, shopping and outdoor spaces, Dundee offers something for every interest and budget.
Whether you’re looking for ways to spend a free afternoon between lectures or planning a weekend with friends, there’s always something happening in Scotland’s City of Discovery.
Visit the V&A Dundee
One of the most iconic attractions in the city, the V&A Dundee sits on the waterfront overlooking the River Tay.
As Scotland’s design museum, it hosts a range of exhibitions covering design, architecture, fashion, innovation and creativity. The striking building itself has become one of Dundee’s most recognisable landmarks and is a must visit for students and visitors alike.
Explore Dundee Waterfront
The Dundee Waterfront has undergone significant redevelopment in recent years and is now one of the city’s most popular destinations.
Take a walk along the River Tay, enjoy the views, grab a coffee or spend time exploring the surrounding attractions. It’s a great place to relax, particularly during the warmer months.
Step Aboard the RRS Discovery
Dundee’s history is closely linked to exploration and the RRS Discovery offers a fascinating insight into this heritage.
Visitors can explore the famous ship that carried Captain Scott and his crew on their Antarctic expedition and learn more about Dundee’s role in maritime history.
Visit The McManus Art Gallery & Museum
Located in the city centre, The McManus is one of Dundee’s most popular cultural attractions.
The museum features exhibits covering local history, art, archaeology and natural sciences, making it a great place to learn more about the city and its heritage.
Enjoy Dundee's Food and Drink Scene
Dundee offers a wide range of cafés, restaurants, bars and takeaways to suit every taste and budget.
Popular Student Options
- Independent coffee shops
- International cuisine
- Traditional Scottish food
- Affordable lunch spots
- Waterfront dining
- City centre restaurants
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite between lectures or meeting friends for dinner, you’ll find plenty of options across the city.
Go Shopping in Dundee
For students looking to shop, Dundee city centre offers a mixture of major high street brands and independent retailers.
Popular Shopping Destinations
- Overgate Shopping Centre
- Wellgate Shopping Centre
- City centre retail areas
- Independent boutiques and local shops
Everything from fashion and technology to books and everyday essentials can be found within easy reach.
Discover Dundee's Green Spaces
When you need a break from studying, Dundee offers plenty of parks and outdoor spaces.
Popular Outdoor Locations
- Camperdown Country Park
- Magdalen Green
- Baxter Park
- Riverside walks along the Tay
- Broughty Ferry Beach
These locations are perfect for walking, exercising, relaxing or spending time with friends.
Experience Dundee’s Nightlife
Student life wouldn’t be complete without exploring the local nightlife.
Dundee offers a range of pubs, bars, clubs and live music venues catering to different tastes and budgets. Both universities also host regular student nights, events and social activities throughout the academic year.
Whether you prefer a quiet drink with friends or a busy night out, you’ll find plenty of options across the city.
Take a Trip to Broughty Ferry
Often described as one of Scotland’s most attractive seaside suburbs, Broughty Ferry is only a short journey from Dundee city centre.
Visitors can enjoy:
- Sandy beaches
- Coastal walks
- Independent cafés
- Boutique shops
- Broughty Castle
It’s a popular destination for students looking to explore beyond the city centre.
Explore Beyond Dundee
Dundee’s central location makes it an excellent base for exploring the rest of Scotland.
Popular destinations including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Perth, Aberdeen and the Highlands can all be reached by road or rail, making day trips and weekend adventures easy to organise.
Why Dundee is Great for Students
One of the reasons students enjoy living in Dundee is the variety of activities available throughout the year. The city offers a unique mix of culture, entertainment, history, outdoor spaces and social opportunities, all within a compact and easy to navigate location.
Whether you’re interested in museums, shopping, food, sport, nightlife or simply discovering somewhere new, you’ll never run out of things to do in Dundee.