How To Spend 24 Hours In Dundee

Are you planning a trip to Dundee this summer? Check out the things you should do if you plan on spending 24 hours in Dundee.

Sometimes Dundee gets a bad reputation, but I’m here to change that. Whether you’re a student in the area, someone visiting Scotland for the first time, or visiting from one of the nearby towns in Fife, it’s worth checking out what Dundee has to offer. It’s much more than just shopping centres and actually has so much to offer in terms of activities. If you’re up for it, here’s how you can spend 24 hours in Dundee!

1. Start your day at the Botanical Gardens

The University of Dundee runs a botanical garden near the banks of the Tay River. The place opens at 10am and is the perfect place to grab a coffee and start the day surrounded by a variety of beautiful natural sights. Students also get a discount, so definitely check it out!

2. Visit the Art Galleries

Being the home of one of Scotland’s top art schools (Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, better known as DJCAD) it’s not surprising that Dundee has a thriving art scene worth checking out. Check out the galleries at The McManus as well as Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA) to see the best of what the city has to offer. DCA is also a great place to catch a movie if you’re in the mood.

3. Grab a Chippy

If the weather’s nice, there’s nothing quite like sitting outside with a box of Fish and Chips. Plenty of places will sell a fish and chips takeaway, but Tailend (located near Overgate Shopping centre) is a good shout. Take your chippy along with you and walk over to Discovery Point at the river bank, where you can see the ship RRS Discovery.

4. Sample the goods at the Farmers’ Market

If you’re still not full from your fish and chips, head over to Caird Hall and check out all the local goods that the city has to offer. The Farmers’ Market is only open on the third Saturday of every month, so make sure to plan ahead if you don’t want to miss it!

5. Check out the D.C. Thompson Publishers

If you’re a big fan of comic books such as The Dandy or Beano, then why not take a look at the place where it all began? Dundee is actually where a lot of your favourite comic books (and video games) were born, so while you may just end up taking a photo of an old building, it’s still worth absorbing all of the city’s history.

6. Catch the Sunset at Dundee Law

The Dundee Law is an area in the city that is built on top of an extinct volcano. You won’t miss it, as it houses a monument that was erected as a war memorial. Walk up the hill and see the city from above, and maybe catch the sunset over the Tay River. This is one sight you shouldn’t miss!

7. Have Dinner and Drinks at Gallery 48

Gallery 48 is an art gallery and tapas bar rolled into one. Go here for a chill hangout with friends. Bond over cool cocktails and a great selection of small bites while you check out their art exhibitions featuring up-and-coming talent. They sometimes even feature artists from the university! This is a great find and something that you will definitely go on to recommend to all of your friends.

8. Watch a Play at the Dundee Rep

Theatre fans, this is the place for you. The Dundee Rep has tons of different productions on all the time, so if you find yourself looking for something to do in the evening, definitely check this place out. Whether it’s plays, musicals or even stand up comedy you’re looking for, there’s something for everyone here.

9. Have More Drinks at Jam Jar

Jam Jar is arguably Dundee’s first cocktail bar, and is a great place to hangout, chat and enjoy some great cocktails. Or you could go here and enjoy some pre-drinks before a night out! The choice is yours. Either way, Jam Jar is a place you shouldn’t skip out on.

10. Dance the Night Away

There’s a buzzing nightlife scene in Dundee, but here are two recommendations. First up is Reading Rooms, which is a great place to check out if you’re interested in the underground music scene. Come here for an eclectic mix of sounds from up and coming talent. Or, if you fancy a wilder night out, you simply can’t go wrong with DUSA (the student union). It’s voted Scotland’s number 1 student union, so it’s definitely the place to dance the night away!