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Planning a trip to Scotland? Here are 25 amazing things to do in Dundee! Your complete guide to the city starts right here…

Have you ever been to the city of Dundee in Scotland? The answer might be no.

Dundee is often eclipsed by the other more well-known cities in Scotland, Edinburgh and Glasgow. However, Dundee has a LOT lot to offer. It’s had a sh*t ton of money invited in it over the past few years and its attractions include underground vaults, a street art trail, an amazing independent restaurant scene, a world-famous design museum, and a secret bar.

And that’s just for starters. If you’ve never been to Dundee before or have preconceptions about what it’s like then I’d say: it’s probably not what you think. The city has evolved, rebranded, and even been doused in praise by cultural juggernauts such as GQ and Vogue.

It may have been an underdog in the past but now it’s getting noticed.

Is Dundee worth visiting?

One word: yes. You may have skipped it in the past but Dundee has a great roster of attractions to offer. For the doubters, I hope you show you over the course of this blog that Dundee is definitely worth visiting!

If you want to find out more about things to do in Dundee then check out some of my other posts:

• Breakfast and brunch spots: the best cafes in Dundee
• A guide to Broughty Ferry: Dundee’s neighbouring port town
• The best restaurants in Dundee

What can you do in Dundee for free?

It’s funny that you should ask that because I’ve just written a whole post about it! The short answer is: there are a ton of free things to do in Dundee. That’s right, a lot of Dundee attractions are cheap, cheerful, or completely free. I’ve listed 15 of my faves in this post, and you can take a deep dive into them right here.

In short, there’s plenty of budget-friendly fun to be had in Dundee!

Why is Dundee so popular?

Well, for reasons I’ve touched on, I’m not sure that’s strictly true. Dundee has lived in the shadow of other cities for a while but it’s making its presence felt now for sure!

For me, I really like Dundee for a few reasons:

1. It’s affordable. You won’t have to spend a lot to have a good time in Dundee. Even the hotel rooms are affordable.
   
2. It’s compact. That means you can pretty much walk anywhere. It’s become a running joke that whenever my sister asks where something is in Dundee it’s always “about 10 minutes away”. Train station? Shops? Town? All 10 minutes away.
   
3. It’s sunny! Grab those sunnies because Dundee has the honour of being the sunniest city in Scotland. I know, we’re in Scotland, but it genuinely feels like it’s sunny here a LOT. I always have my sunglasses in my handbag anyway.
   

What should you know about Dundee?

Here’s a whistlestop tour of some of the things you should know about Dundee. Dundee is historically known for three things, which are known as the three Js….

• Jute
• Jam
• Journalism

What is jute, jam and journalism?

First of, what is jute? Well, jute is a rough fibre used to create canvas, sacking, and twine and was a big part of Dundee’s industrial past. There’s still plenty of beautiful old mill buildings that tell the story of city’s thriving jute industry past. One example is the lovely Indigo Hotel in Dundee, which is a great place to stay.

Now let’s get onto jam. Just to be obtuse, jam actually refers to marmalade. Dundee is famous for its marmalade, which was created by the Keiller family using Seville oranges in the 18th century.

And finally, the third of the three Js refers to journalism. Journalism nods to the publishing company DC Thomson, whose headquarters were – and still are – located in Dundee. The company is responsible for creating iconic comics such as the Beano and the Dandy and their equally famous characters Dennis the Menace, Minnie the Minx and Desperate Dan. Even more interestingly, I used to work there!

As far as Dundee attractions that nod to this comic book heritage, there are a few. Grab as selfie with the Desperate Dan statue in the city centre or head to the real-life Bash Street – the street named after iconic Beano characters the Bash Street Kids. The sign even looks like it’s been pelted with goodness knows what!

What is Dundee known for now?

These days, Dundee is much more well-known for its creative capital. It’s a recognised UNESCO City of Design, which means it’s recognised by UNESCO for its contributions to design.

Dundee is also known for its gaming credentials. Well-known franchise Grand Theft Auto originated in Dundee. There are also nods to the city’s gaming roots in the form of the Lemmings statues on the Perth Road – Lemmings is another game created in Dundee.

There’s also talk of a huge eSports arena being built by the waterfront so stay tuned on that!

Places to eat in Dundee

As far as Dundee attractions go, the food is a big one for me. Dundee has a really strong independent dining scene. It’s less about the chains and more about the indies! I’ve written a couple of posts about some of my favourite places to eat in Dundee, and I’ll also be featuring a couple of places on my list. But here’s a bit of a preview…

Breakfast and brunch: the best Dundee cafes

• The Bach
• Pacamara
• Bird & Bear
• The Birchwood Café
• The Flame Tree Café

Read more in my dedicated blog post here.

Restaurants in Dundee

• Mas
• The Giddy Goose
• Gallery 48

Read more in my dedicated blog post here.

Vegan restaurants in Dundee

One final point. I’m not a vegetarian or vegan myself but I know it’s something people want to know about.

Are there any vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Dundee? I have good news, there’s a good selection of vegan restaurants in Dundee to choose from, including Underdog Dundee, Rad Apples, and Marwick’s Vegan Cafe.

Have a quick mosey here for more on what the city has to offer for vegans.

There are also a number of places that serve delicious vegan and vegetarian food as part of their menu, including Rishi’s and the Bach – an amazing brunch spot. Mexican restaurant Mas also has a dedicated vegan menu.

And now onto the best bars in Dundee…

Bars in Dundee

There are so many quirky bars in Dundee! For beer and burgers, St Andrews Brewing Co is just the ticket. I love Bird & Bear for cocktails and its next-door neighbour Abandon Ship is really cool too. I love its graffiti frontage is seriously cool!

However, the big story in Dundee is the secret bar. As far as Dundee attractions go, this is one of the coolest. You’ll have a great time hunting down the handful of secret bars in the city, but if speakeasy vibes and strong liquor is your thing then you’ll definitely love Draffens! Man, do they serve their drinks strong!

• Draffens
• Bird & Bear
• St Andrews Brewing Co

One final thing to note…

Just before I get started on my list of the best things to do in Dundee I wanted to clarify one thing.

There are a few big hitters on the tourism must-see lists that I haven’t included in my list of Dundee attractions. These include things like the RRS Discovery, the McManus art gallery, and the jute museum Verdant Works. Oh yes, and the Unicorn. Yes, we even have unicorns in Dundee – except this one is a ship.

The reason I haven’t included them is because I haven’t visited these places yet. However, I have heard great things so don’t let that put you off. I just wanted to make sure this list represented my own personal experiences in Dundee.

Now with that off my chest, let’s crack on…

25 amazing things to do in Dundee

1) Visit the V&A Dundee

The V&A museum in Dundee is probably the most famous of all the Dundee attractions.

It’s the beating heart of the £1 billion waterfront redevelopment which has been unveiled over a number of years, and also includes the revamp of the train station, Slessor Gardens, and the soon-to-be-unveiled urban beach. The V&A Dundee really is the glittering jewel in the crown. It’s a breathtaking building to have right on your doorstep and it really brings the drama, with all those sloping concrete angles being evocative of wild Scottish seascapes.

And if you think the V&A Dundee is going to be a stuffy place that’s just for the art and design crowd then you’re wrong. The architect of the V&A Dundee, Kengo Kuma, said that he wanted the building to be a ‘living room for the city‘ and it really feels like that. It’s not the kind of space where you get shushed for making too much noise.

There’s always small family-friendly exhibits on display in the upper foyer space which are engaging and interactive for kids, and you can go along just to meet a friend for coffee and cake or eat at the Tatha restaurant and cafe.

What’s on at the V&A Dundee?

In terms of exhibitions, the Scottish Design Galleries are a permanent exhibition and they’re completely free. The museum also runs two temporary exhibitions each year, which last for around six months at a time.

V&A Dundee address: 1 Riverside Esplanade, Dundee DD1 4EZ

2) Hang out with the art crowd at the DCA

As far as Dundee attractions go, the DCA really should be on your list.

Dundee Contemporary Arts – or the DCA – is one of the best all round venues in the city. It runs a lot of fantastic art exhibitions and is a big part of the whole creative scene in Dundee. It runs print workshops and photography classes, but it’s a great place for everyone in the city to enjoy – creative or not.

One of my favourite things about the DCA it that it has a cinema, which shows a mix of blockbuster movies and independent cinema. All the other cinemas chains and are located on the outskirts of town so this is ideal if you’re based in the centre and don’t want to catch a bus or hire a car.

It also has an amazing restaurant, bar, and outdoor seating area. I’ve been there on many a gorgeous summer day, drinking rose in the sunshine, but I’ve also been there for lunch with my parents, dinner with my colleagues, brunch with friends, and plenty of other occasions. As I said, it’s a great all rounder!

DCA Dundee address: 152 Nethergate, Dundee DD1 4DY

3) Visit Foxlake Dundee

Dundee attractions definitely don’t have to be boring. Looking for a bit of an adrenaline rush?

Then try Foxlake Dundee, where you can try out a wide array of watersports. They do everything from wakeboarding to paddleboarding to ringo, which is where you get dragged around the water in a giant rubber ring. There’s also an inflatable obstacle course which looks like SO much fun. I really want to do it.

It’s perfect for older kids and adults alike, and it might even be something a little bit different to do for a hen or stag party. As long as you don’t mind getting soaking wet and freezing of course!

The other great thing about Foxlake, as with most things in Dundee, is that it’s located right in the centre of town at the City Quay. That’s basically a 5-10 minute walk from the train station. So you can have your session, head back to your hotel and get all warm and toasty in your room, and then get ready to go out and hit the town.

Sounds like the perfect day to me. As far as Dundee attractions go, this is one of the best!

Foxlake Dundee address: W Victoria Dock Rd, Dundee DD1 3JP

4) Walk along the River Tay

One of my favourite things to do at the weekend is to go for a run along the waterfront in Dundee.

It’s a great spot to stretch your legs, get some fresh air, and enjoy amazing views of the River Tay. I’ve even heard some people say that they’ve spotted dolphins in the water before. What can I say, we love our water creature mythology in Scotland! I’ve never seen them myself, but who am I to spoil anyone’s fun?

You’ll also be able to take in some landmarks, such as the Tay Rail Bridge, the RRS Discovery, and of course the V&A Dundee, that little ol’ linchpin of the city’s cultural regeneration.

As far as Dundee attractions go, the River Tay is a biggie, so don’t skip it!

5) Discover Dundee’s secret bar

If you come to Dundee then you must visit the secret bar in the city, which is known as Draffens.

I’ll leave you to find out where it is yourself as that’s part of the fun, but I’ll give you a clue. Once you go past the creepy mannequins and start to hear the tinkle of 1920s jazz you know you’re on the right track. It’s small and dimly lit inside with expert bar staff who definitely play into the whole 1920s vibe, which is all of the fun.

In terms of the drinks: they’re smoky, expensive and really strong. Really strong! Expect a lot of dark liquor… which tends to be served without a whole lot of mixer. I really like sugary drinks so I always like to go for one or two and by that time I’m craving something a bit sweeter – and a bit cheaper!

Can I also let you into a secret? There’s more than one secret bar in Dundee. Draffens is the original and, arguably, the best secret bar in Dundee, but if you’re into the speakeasy vibe then you might also be interested in basement bar Capones on the Perth Road. Like your rum? Then try the inconspicuous King of Islingston on Union Street. It’s another place that’s small but perfectly formed – we tend to have a lot of that in Dundee!

These bars are definitely on the must-visit list of Dundee attractions!

6) Explore the vaults in Dundee

Like creepy, dimly lit spaces? You’re in luck, the vaults are one of the most exciting new Dundee attractions!

You might have heard of the underground vaults in Edinburgh, which I’ve visited numerous times and would highly recommend. However, did you know that Dundee also had its own vaults? The tours of the vaults in Dundee are a fairly new addition to the city’s tourism landscape but they’re one that everyone got super excited about when they opened – even the locals. The first run of tours were snapped up straight away.

So why are the vaults there? Well, the vaults in Dundee were once a storage area that was used when the city was a busy trading port in the 17th century. They were later built over, but offer a fantastic insight into the local history.

If you like spooky things they’re a great way to spend an hour or so. Have a look at this article for more information.

The Dundee vaults tours are run by DD Tours. More information is here.

7) Hire a bike in Dundee

Dundee is a pretty compact city and most things on this list are easily walkable.

However, if you’re tight for time or you want to go a little bit further afield then hiring a bike in Dundee is a great shout. There’s a riverside path, a route to local port town Broughty Ferry, and you could even cycle across the Tay Road Bridge to explore the Fife coastal path.

The bikes are one of the newer Dundee attractions. They’re located in multiple locations all across the city so you won’t have to go far to find them, and that also means you don’t have to start and finish in the same place. 

If you want to hire one of the e-bikes in Dundee you’ll firstly need to create an account on their website. Once you’ve done that you then choose a plan, and the good news is that you can choose a daily pass – perfect for tourists, right? Then you just use a virtual key card on your phone to scan the bike and you’re ready to go. You can also book your bike ahead of schedule so there’s definitely one waiting for you – now that’s super handy!

You can find out all the key information about hiring an e-bike in Dundee here

8) Order Dundee cake from Fisher & Donaldson

Dundee cake is rich, fruity and comes topped with almonds. Where better to try it than in Dundee?

Fisher & Donaldson is a fifth-generation family baker that originate from Fife, just across the water from Dundee. So when it comes to baking, they know their stuff. If you’re looking to try the famous Dundee cake for the first time I would recommend buying it from here.

The Fisher & Donaldson shop in Dundee is located in the heart of the city centre on Whitehall Street. There’s a café so you can stop for lunch; they do soup and sandwiches as well as cakes. Talking of cakes, there are so many! For eclairs to coffee towers to fudge doughnuts, if you have a sweet tooth you will be seriously spoiled for choice here.

Oh, and if you want to try a ‘peh’ – that’s a pie – you can also pick one up here!

Fisher & Donaldson address: 12 Whitehall St, Dundee DD1 4AF

10) Stop by the cutest street in Dundee

Chandlers Lane in Dundee is one of my favourite streets in the whole city.

It’s cobbled, the houses are super cute, and it just has a different vibe to anywhere else in the city. If you want a nice location to grab a selfie this is it. It’s also located right on the waterfront so you can stop off there as part of your walk along the river, if you decide to do that!

9) Get the cogs whirring with an escape room

I was a late convert to escape rooms, and when I say late I mean really late.

I first tried one during a hen party in Newcastle a couple of years ago and I expected to hate it… but I really, really loved it. So much so that I was keen to try one in my home city. There are a few escape rooms in Dundee but, again, some of them are on the outskirts of town so only really accessible by car. The one I went to was called Escape Dundee. It’s handily located right in the centre of the city – so perfect for kicking off a night out!

I went with a group of my old colleagues. As there was a big group of us we were split into two rooms. The room my team was in was billed as a Game of Thrones room, but I’d say it was more of King Arthur / Knights of the Round Table vibe. It was great! It wasn’t super easy but it wasn’t crazy hard either.

I’d say it would probably a good option if you’re pretty new to escape rooms. We managed to escape in time but the other team got out ahead of us. It was such a laugh and I’d definitely recommend it!

Escape Dundee address: 2/2, 84 Commercial St, Dundee DD1 2AP

11) Enjoy delicious pub grub at Trades

I love Trades House Bar. It’s a proper old fashioned pub right in the centre of town. It’s the kind of place you could go to with your parents for lunch AND have a real boozy night out with friends later on. I’ve done both.

In fact, one of the best times I had here was with my parents when Scotland were playing England in the Six Nations. It was one of the most exciting matches ever.

Nine times out of ten when you walk in to Trades you’ll be greeted by a blast of noise, as they’re often showing football on the big screen. However, there are separate cosy nooks for you to sit if you’re ordering food.

The service is impeccable and the food is awesome. It’s pub grub done well, with everything from steak pies to lasagne to balmoral chicken. The only issue you might have is trying to find a seat as everyone in the city seems to turn up here on a Saturday. It’s one of the best places for atmosphere in Dundee and I’d highly recommend it.

Trades House Bar address: 40 Nethergate, Dundee DD1 4ET

12) Drink margaritas at Mas

Mas is a tiny Mexican restaurant on the Perth Road of Dundee, in the west end of the city. As far as Dundee attractions go, I just won’t stop shouting about how good it is. I really love this restaurant.

There are lots of things I love about Mas: the decor is playful and cool, the service is friendly, and the food is amazing. Think Mexican-style small plates of tacos, quesidillas and, my favourite, the queso fundido – molten cheese served with tortilla chips. It’s SO good. Mas also does a full vegan menu.

However, my favourite part is the margaritas. They do a different special every day but they’re all as good as each other. The one in the photo is passion fruit! As far as I’m concerned it’s the best Mexican in Dundee.

If you’d like to read a more detailed write up on Mas the read my review here.

Mas Dundee address: 304 Perth Rd, Dundee DD2 1AU

13) Climb the Law

A confession. I’ve lived in Dundee for around ten years now and I only climbed the Law for the first time last year.

You may not know what the Law is, but it’s the big hill on the city’s skyline that you’ll see in near enough every photo of Dundee. Everyone calls it a volcano, but it’s actually a volcanic sill. It’s the place to go if you want to see panoramic views of the city. I have to warn you that it’s a pretty steep incline – although you can take you car up – but the views are pretty incredible at the top. If you get a nice day it’s also a lovely spot to have picnic.

If you’re looking for Dundee attractions that involve fresh air and walking, climbing the Law is a good one.

14) Have a drink in Mennies

If you want to rub shoulders with the locals of Dundee then Mennies is the place to go. It’s an Edwardian bar with a real old fashioned vibe. It has a beautiful bar with different sections and two living rooms that are so charming and homely that you feel like you’re having a drink at home.

Be warned, this is one of the most popular pubs in Dundee. It gets absolutely crammed on a Friday and a Saturday night, and probably other nights of the week too. But if you want to get a sense of the real Dundee and not just the tourist circuit then you can soak it up right here.

It’s also going confuse you because the pub isn’t actually called Mennies, at least not according to the signage outside. It’s actually called The Speedwell Bar. However, it’s affectionately known to locals as Mennies because of the landlady who ran it for more than 50 years. Read more about it here.

The Speedwell Bar address: 165-167 Perth Rd, Dundee DD2 1AS

15) Go vintage shopping

I was super-excited to come across vintage shop Tilted Duck in Dundee.

Set in the city centre, just next to the Malmaison hotel, it’s the perfect place to hunt out some second-hand bargains. Although I haven’t been able to visit it yet – it’s been closed for the past few months because of lockdown – I have enjoyed peering through the window in anticipation.

If you’re interested in hunting out second-hand vintage gems in the city then I would also head up the Perth Road in the west end of the city. There are a number of charity shops all clustered together that I’ve enjoyed having a root around in over the years.

For furniture, I tend to head to Tayside Re-users, which is a second-hand furniture emporium. It’s not a glamorous place but I have picked up a couple of nice bits and pieces here over the years – including a bamboo magazine rack I spray painted black.

But for city centre vintage shopping, Tllted Duck is the winner for me!

Tilted Duck Vintage address: 38 Whitehall Cres, Dundee DD1 4AY

16) Enjoy a cocktail at Bird & Bear

If you’re looking for things to do in Dundee at night then I would definitely recommend Bird & Bear. It does amazing cocktails and with its swish velvet booths and resident DJs, it’s the perfect spot to while away the hours.

Although, saying that, Bird & Bear is good at any time of day. I’ve been there for lunch, dinner and drinks after work, and they also do a very cool hip hop brunch that is definitely worth trying if you’re in the city for the weekend.

This venue swapped hands so many times in the time that I’ve lived in Dundee and it never felt quite right. That was until Bird & Bear took over and just completely nailed it. Now, it has everything. The decor is stylish, the cocktail menu is extensive, and the atmosphere is electric. You’ll pop in for one drink and be here all night long, trust me.

Bird & Bear address: 2 Whitehall Crescent, Dundee DD1 4AU

17) Eat a peh at Clark’s 24-hour bakery

A what? A ‘peh’ is how the locals pronounce the word pie, and refers to a Scotch pie. Want to know some other examples of Dundee dialect? One of my favourites is the fact that Dundonians refer to roundabouts as ‘circles’.

The 24 hour bakery in Dundee has near legendary status in the city. It’s mostly favoured by students after a night out who want something to mop up all the alcohol. I’ve been there myself at 3am, blinking in the bright lights in the queue for my chips and cheese. The bakery is a bit tricky to find. If you don’t know the city well so I’d recommend either googling it or simply following the hungry crowds of students after the clubs let out.

It might not be one of the obvious Dundee attractions but it’s a bit of rite of passage!

Clark’s Bakery address: 3 Annfield St, Dundee DD1 5JH

18) Go on the Open/Close trail

You might not have heard of the Open/Close Dundee before but as far as I’m concerned it’s one of the coolest things to do in Dundee. It’s a street art trail that was created as a way of brightening the streets of Dundee.

It comprises a series of painted doorways as well as other street art created by a mix of local, national and international artists. One of my personal favourites is local street artist C.Gull, who did the pink flapper gull artwork above. You can see his work as part of the Open/Close trail and dotted around the city.

There are two trails, one in the city centre and one Stobswell, which is an area on the east side of the city.

You can wander around and discover it yourself (Open Close Dundee helpfully have maps on their website which highlight where everything is located) or attend one of their amazing guided tour trails, which run on the first Saturday of every month. They take just over an hour in total and are a great way to discover the secret nooks and crannies of the city that you might not otherwise see.

19) Check out the boutique shops on Exchange Street

Exchange street is located in what is known as downtown Dundee, and it’s one of the prettiest streets in the city.

Small but perfectly formed, it combines a cute cobbled street along with some of the best independent retailers in the city. Pick up some gifts or homeware from Swankie Joes, sample the delicious cakes and coffee at The Selkie, and indulge yourself with some local cheeses at The Cheesery. Any street with a dedicated cheese shop is a winner in my eyes. You can even get coffee and a haircut at Hard Grind – pretty multifunctional, right?

Oh yes, and let’s not forget the Flame Tree Cafe, which are famous for their rainbow bagels!

20) Eat fish and chips at the Tailend

We’re well known for our love of deep-fried foods in Scotland, which you can read more about in my recent blog post on 25 things to eat in Scotland. However, there’s more to it than deep-fried Mars Bars, trust me.

Fish and chips done well is something of a national delicacy in Scotland and the award-winning Tailend in Dundee is a great example of this. It’s even been voted the best fish and chip shop in the country! I have to walk past the Tailend on a regular basis and trust me it’s a challenge. All those tempting smells just keep on wafting!

So what you should you order at the Tailend Dundee? Well. you can go classic. Order your traditional fish supper with battered haddock and chips, and eat it straight out of the paper on the walk home.

However, there are also a few more more usual offerings on their menu. Well, unusual for a chippie at least! I’m talking seared scallops, tiger prawns, grilled halloumi and lots more. You can also sit in and eat at their basement restaurant if you want to be a little bit fancy – order a glass of champagne for the full experience!

Tailend Dundee address: 81 Nethergate, Dundee DD1 4DH

21) Feel fancy alongside Game of Thrones props at Dynasty

If you’re looking for something a little bit extra when you’re in Dundee then try Dynasty, a luxury restaurant and outdoor bar in the west end of the city. And when I say a little bit extra I actually mean a whole LOT extra.

Dynasty is inspired by the renaissance and neo-classical eras and it’s about as opulent as it gets. This isn’t the kind of place you rock up to in your hoodie and trainers. There’s a lot of gold, a Sistine Chapel-style ceiling, and a beer garden decorated with props from Game of Thrones.

So if you’re wanting to be really fancy for the evening, this is the place to come.

Dynasty address: 162 Nethergate, Dundee DD1 4EE

22) Order bubble tea at Boba Time

Out of all the Dundee attractions, this is one that I’m probably most excited by!

I was just casually wandering along minding my own business one day when I looked up and saw Boba Time for the first time. Freshly painting a charming shade of pistachio green, it instantly piqued my interest. Not just because it was new, but because of what it sold…

Bubble tea. I’ve not had a bubble tea since I lived in Shanghai a few years ago, but I LOVED them when I was over there and had them all the time. They’re so sweet, so delicious, and the chewy tapioca balls are wonderful. How exciting to have a bubble tea bar in Dundee!

Since it’s opened I’ve also had the grapefruit tea (pictured above) which was also super delicious. They also asked me how sweet I would like it. My answer was pretty much: pour the sugar in!

Boba Time is located right in the city centre in Union Street, so definitely stop by for your sugar fix. I have plans to work through the entire menu so I’ll keep you posted on that.

Boba Time address: 27 Union St, Dundee DD1 4BS

23) Eat brunch at Pacamara

There are a lot of great brunch places in Dundee. I’ve already mentioned the Flame Tree Cafe and there’s also The Bach in Albert Square in the centre of town. And don’t forget the unassuming but lovely Tartan Coffee House in the west end, a regular haunt of mine. However, I think Pacamara on the Perth Road has to be my favourite.

I’ve been there numerous times for brunch and it’s always great. It’s pretty small inside, so you should definitely try and book if you want to get a seat. I’m always jogging past there at the weekend and it does get really busy.

The menu at Pacamara has everything from brioche french toast with bacon and maple syrup, to poached eggs and avocado, to their wonderfully decadent bubble and squeak benny, which is perfect for mopping up the excesses of the night more. They also do great coffee.

It’s probably one of the more expensive places in Dundee for brunch, but I’d say it’s worth it. And one final thing, it’s also the perfect place for people watching if you can get one of the much coveted window seats.

Pacamara Food & Drink address: 302 Perth Rd, Dundee DD2 1AU

24) Flex some muscles at the climbing centre

All that eating and drinking in Dundee might have got you wanting to burn off some energy.

If that’s the case then the climbing centre in Dundee, Avertical World, is a great place to visit. It’s a bit of a hidden gem when it comes to Dundee attractions but it’s definitely worth a visit. I’ve been a couple of times and the staff are so friendly and welcoming. So much so that when I went with my friend I thought she actually knew the instructor, because they were making in-jokes within about the first five minutes of arriving.

You can hire everything you need there so there’s no need to bring any equipment with you. You can also be a complete beginner. Try the vertical walls with the guidance of the instructor or give bouldering a go, where you won’t be attached to ropes and will just fall onto the mats below. It’s great fun and the perfect way to work up an appetite on a rainy afternoon.

Avertical World address: 7-11 Blinshall St, Dundee DD1 5DF
Avertical World ticket price: £9-£11 for an adult

25) Visit Broughty Ferry

Dundee is located next to Broughty Ferry, a suburb of the city where all the wealthy merchants used to live in the 18th century when Dundee was known for its booming jute industry.

As I mentioned earlier, Dundee is a real post-industrial city, and back then, the jute merchants wanted to create a bit of distance between them and the working classes in the city. Hence, they moved to Broughty Ferry. These days the Ferry, as it’s referred to be locals, is as charming as it comes. It’s basically a lovely seaside town.

There’s a gorgeous beach, a castle, and a bustling high street packed with boutique shops, cafes, restaurants and bars. I love the Ship Inn for seafood and the tapas bar gets great reviews. You can definitely find enough to do to spend a whole day there and so, in my eyes, it’s a must-visit as far as Dundee attractions go!

If you like the sound of Broughty Ferry you can read more in my dedicated post here

Planning a trip to Dundee? Check out my dedicated page all about Dundee for articles on what to do, where to eat, and why Broughty Ferry is worth a visit!