Plan your visit around the most iconic tourist attractions in Dundee, Scotland, with top recommendations from Fly Coach.
Dundee Landmarks & Attractions to Explore
Discover Dundee's rich industrial heritage and the dynamic present as a UNESCO City of Design at these popular attractions.
Dundee Museums & Galleries
From an exploration into Dundee’s industrial past and naval adventures to notable Scottish artworks and design, adventure through the various galleries and museums the city has to offer.
1. V&A Dundee
1 Riverside Esplanade, Dundee,
Admission: Free
This attraction is worth a visit even if you don't set foot inside. A striking symbol of the city's renewal, the design museum’s architecture pays homage to Scotland's dramatic cliffs, which feature a façade of horizontal slats. The exterior transforms throughout the day as shadows shift and dance across its surface, creating a visually striking display that reveals new textures every hour.
Calling this attraction a "museum" feels almost too static. It's a vibrant space with ever-changing exhibitions on a wide range of eclectic topics. Past exhibits featured insights into gaming, healthcare, embroidery, fashion and disability design.
Ways to explore the attraction & surrounds:
- Join one of the two daily guided tours
- Explore by yourself using the Smartify app for a self-guided experience
- Wander with a delightfully illustrated map by Dundee-based illustrator Cara Rooney (free at the Welcome Desk)
Don't miss:
- Hands-on workshops and talks throughout the year (most only cost you the time it takes to book a spot)
- The gift shop, where you can take some of those stunning designs home with you
2. The McManus Art Gallery
Albert Square, Meadowside, Dundee
Admission: Free
A dramatic winding staircase takes you into The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery and Museum. In contrast to its dark Gothic Revival façade, this city centre landmark is light, bright, and airy inside.
Also known as The People's Museum, this space features a vast collection of artworks and natural history objects that depict Dundee's evolution over 400 million years. The permanent art collection features Mella Shawl ceramics, Oor Wullie prints, and enlightening photography of Dundee from the 1960s to the 1980s by Josef McKenzie.
Ways to experience the McManus:
- Audio guides in 6 different languages
- Visit the Family Space, an open drop-in area perfect for exploring the museum's displays and collections with kids and the whole family.
Don't miss:
- The McManus Café, serving fresh daily cakes and scones, offers a kids' menu and booster seats.
- The steatite lamp, shaped like a cup and discovered during the construction of the war memorial on Dundee Law, is a true local treasure.
3. Verdant Works
West Henderson's Wynd, Dundee
Admission: Off-peak pass: £12.00, Unlimited pass: £14.00, Children (0–16 years): Free
Dundee is famous for its 3 Js: jute, journalism and jam. If you're on a limited schedule, you can experience all three of these elements at Verdant Works, which was once the engine room of the city.
- Jute: The building housed one of the city's most prominent jute mills, and today tells the fascinating story of the natural fibre that made Dundee thrive.
- Journalism: Changing displays and permanent exhibitions explore perspectives often overlooked in traditional museums, such as the impact of colonialism and the contributions of women to the industry.
- Jam: Marmalade was invented in Dundee, and you can taste this bitter-sweet delight along with other Scottish preserves at the café in the former boiler room or in the sunny courtyard ( Dundee has more sunny days than you might expect!).
Ways to visit Verdant Works:
- The museum offers self-led and guided tours for individuals and groups, as well as workshops and talks throughout the year.
- Book your ticket in advance for 10% off, or get a joint ticket with the museum’s sister attraction, the RRS Discovery in Discovery Point.
Don't miss:
- Jute souvenirs from local producers at the gift shop
- Seasonal programs and events, such as Christmas markets and party nights, for after-hours fun in this beautifully refurbished mill building
4. RRS Discovery
Discovery Quay, Dundee
Admission: Off-peak pass: £13.00, Unlimited pass: £16.00, Child (5-16 years) from: £7.00, Family pass from: £35.00
Docked at Discovery Point beside a stunning modern visitor centre, this famous Antarctic research vessel, captained by Robert Falcon Scott, is arguably Dundee's most prominent visitor attraction. Built in Dundee in 1901, RRS Discovery carried Captain Scott's first Antarctic expedition into some of the world's most treacherous waters.
Learn about the ship's remarkable history and the golden age of polar exploration through interactive exhibitions in the award-winning Discovery Point building, then step aboard the vessel itself to experience life at sea.
Ways to visit RRS Discovery:
- Self-guided tours allow you to explore at your own speed
- Borrow a sensory backpack to experience the attraction with all your senses
Don't miss:
- The incredible 360° CGI recreation of Dundee in 1901, narrated by actor Alan Cumming, brings the city's shipbuilding heyday to life
- The ship's beautifully preserved original features and the view from the deck across the River Tay
5. Broughty Castle
Castle Approach, Broughty Ferry
Admission: Free entry
Situated in the charming seaside suburb of Broughty Ferry at the mouth of the River Tay, Broughty Castle is an excellent example of Scottish tower-house architecture with a turbulent history spanning five centuries.
Built in the late 15th century to defend the Tay estuary, the castle has witnessed numerous battles and sieges. It fell into ruins before being rebuilt as coastal artillery defences in the 19th century, and was further fortified during the First World War. Today, it houses captivating museum displays that explore the castle's military history, local wildlife and Broughty Ferry's development.
Visiting Broughty Castle:
- Free self-guided exploration of the museum galleries and castle rooms
Don’t miss:
- The views from the top of the tower
- Broughty Ferry's excellent cafés, restaurants and independent shops are perfect for lunch or afternoon tea after your visit
6. HMS Unicorn
South Victoria Dock Road, Victoria Dock, Dundee
Admission: Adults: £9.20, Small seafarers under 5: Free
In its 200-year history, HMS Unicorn has undergone numerous name changes and served in various capacities within the Royal Navy. You can experience all these stories and more aboard this lovingly preserved landmark in Dundee.
It’s the oldest ship still afloat in Scotland and the most complete example of a wooden warship from the Age of Sail.
Ways to explore the HMS Unicorn:
- Self-tours, or guided tours led by enthusiastic and knowledgeable volunteers, are available by arrangement.
- Picture hunt trails for kids and those young at heart
Don’t miss:
- Craft and story sessions for children during school holidays
- The gun deck with its rows of historic cannons
Activities for the Whole Family
These star attractions in Dundee offer a range of memorable family-friendly activities.
7. Mills Observatory
Glamis Road, Balgay Hill, Dundee
Admission: Free entry into the observatory, but planetarium shows are £3.00 for adults and £1.50 for children
Mills Observatory is Britain's first purpose-built public observatory. The centrepiece of the sandstone landmark is a 400mm (16-inch) Dobsonian reflector telescope, offering views of the Moon's craters, distant planets, and deep-space objects.
Other telescopes include a fully computerised model that can locate over 30,000 celestial objects at the touch of a button, as well as special solar telescopes that allow safe viewing of the sun during the summer months.
8. Dundee Science Centre
14 Greenmarket, Dundee
Admission: From £6.95 for a session of 2 hours and 30 minutes.
At Dundee Science Centre, children embark on an exciting journey through STEM with hands-on exhibits and demonstrations. The centre features 6 rotating exhibits designed to spark a lifelong interest in science, technology and discovery.
9. Dundee Contemporary Arts
152 Nethergate, Dundee
Admission: Free drop-in shows, events and screenings | Select ticketed programmes
Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA) offers a space for everyone to be a creative producer or simply an enthusiastic observer, enjoying world-class art and cinema. The complex houses a gallery cinema, print studio and spaces for community events and workshops.
Outdoor Attractions
Explore the various attractions to make the most of your time in Scotland’s sunniest city.
10. Magdalen Green
93 Magdalen Yard Rd, Dundee
Admission: Free
As the city's oldest park, Magdalen Green plays a prominent role in public life. During the summer months, it hosts regular live music at its 1890s bandstand on weekends and various other community events.
Enjoy stunning views of the River Tay and watch trains cross the Tay Rail Bridge, catch a live performance, or have fun with your wee ones in the play park.
11. Dundee Law Hill
Law Road, Dundee
Admission: Free
An extinct volcano, Dundee Law Hill rises to 172 meters (572 feet) and is the city’s tallest landmark. The observation point at the summit is accessible via steep trails, stairs or by road.
Learn more about this area through discreet fact panels dotted along the way, which provide information on the local history, archaeology and natural history.
12. Monikie Country Park
Panmure Rd, Monikie, Dundee
Admission: Free entrance into the park
Formerly a catchment area for Dundee's first freshwater supply, Monikie Country Park has been developed into an outdoor haven for watersports, birdwatching and leisure. With two scenic reservoirs and woodland trails, it's a popular spot for active adventures, relaxed family BBQs and dog walking.
13. Camperdown Wildlife Centre
Camperdown Country Park, Coupar Angus Rd, Dundee
Admission: Adults £9.00, Children (3-17) £6.00, Kids under 3 £2.00, Concession 60+ £6.00
Spend the day getting to know over 50 species of animals, birds and reptiles at Camperdown Wildlife Centre. It's a perfect family day out, combining wildlife encounters with woodland walks and a picnic.
European brown bears are the star attraction and proudly featured in the park's logo, but don't miss the playful Asian small-clawed otters, the elusive Carpathian lynx, or the majestic snowy owls.
Find more hidden gems and Dundee things to do on the Fly-Dundee blog.
Fly-Coach: All Aboard & Away We Go to Dundee!
Fly Coach operates a convenient direct bus service from Edinburgh Airport to Dundee, making it easy to reach the city's attractions. Book your tickets online in advance or purchase them at our CityHub on Commercial Street in Dundee’s city centre.
What makes this service perfect when visiting Dundee:
- Free travel for eligible passengers: If you hold a National Entitlement Card or Young Scot Card, you can travel free on a turn-up-and-ride basis. To guarantee your seat, book online for just £1.
- Generous luggage allowance: Bring one large suitcase (75×50×32 cm) or two medium cases (70×45×30 cm), perfect for extended stays exploring Dundee and the surrounding area.
- Helpful, professional service: Our friendly drivers are on hand to assist with your luggage, ensuring a stress-free start to your visit.
- Fully accessible: All our vehicles comply with the Public Service Vehicles Accessibility Regulations (PSVAR) and feature wheelchair-accessible facilities.
Be well rested and fresh when you visit all the top attractions in Dundee! Book your seat on Flycoach from and to Edinburgh Airport to Dundee today.