There are a multitude of free things to do in Dundee, from hikes in Camperdown Country Park and along the River Tay to visiting the McManus Art Gallery and a fortress in Broughty Ferry.
Follow the Fly-Coach guide to 13 free things to do in Dundee, selected to leave you rich in stories and wonder, with nothing but time as your investment.
Fun Things To Do in Dundee for Free
Explore free things to do around the city of Discovery.
Free Outdoor Activities in Scotland’s Sunniest City
Dundee is one of the sunniest cities in Scotland, according to the Met Office, not just the tourist bureau! And there are various free outdoor activities and sights to discover with the sun on your back.
Dundee Public Art Trails
Across Dundee
Cost: Free self-led tours
With over 700 works of public art, there’s always something beautiful just around the corner in the City of Discovery. Public Art Dundee offers free PDF downloads of 3 walking tours and a circular cycle route of the permanent collection of statues, street art and much more.
1. City Centre Trail
If you have time to kill after hopping off your Fly Coach stop, this art walk features 31 public works from different periods in the city’s history, from Robert Burns to Beano.
Arguably, the city’s famous public art, “March of the Penguins” by Angela Hunter, is a nod to its ties to Antarctic exploration. The parade of penguin statues is frequently dressed up to mark the various seasons, so one can’t ever have enough snaps with these flightless joys.
You can find more pop culture cast in bronze along the route, including the DC Thomson comic strip characters Desperate Dan, Dawg and Minnie the Minx. Beano fans will also delight in the Bash Street sign marking the comic’s 75th anniversary.
2. West End Trail
The route takes between 2 -3 hours and 27 points of interest, such as Jute Workers' Gates, ceramic panels, and the “Shadow of Trees Mural” by Stan Bonnar. The West End Trail kicks off with a tribute to one of the city’s most famous exports: video games.
The bronze Lemmings statues by Allison Conway are located in the public garden on Perth Road, not too far from the former offices of DMA Design’s HQ. DMA developed the classic 90s game, Lemmings and Grand Theft Auto.
3. Waterfront Trail
The shortest of the art walking trails features nautical works in various media, like street art, metalwork, and a wooden ship figurehead, along and around Dundee’s waterfront. Don’t miss “Abandon Ship,” an Old School tattoo style mural that’s a vibrant splash against the surrounding sandstone facades.
4. Camperdown Country Park
Coupar Angus Road, Dundee
Admission: Free (Camperdown Wildlife Centre has separate admission: £2.10–£9.43)
Spread over 400 acres just 3 miles from the city centre, Camperdown Park is one of the best free places to visit in Dundee year-round. The public park features around 190 tree species, creating a lush green canopy in summer and a golden, rusty tapestry in autumn. Look out for carpets of delicate yellow daffodils brightening the grounds each spring.
The expansive meadows are perfect for dog walking and picnics, while the park's network of woodland trails invites leisurely exploration. Throughout the year, the venue hosts ticketed live-music festivals and free community events.
5. Slessor Gardens
Dundee Waterfront
Admission: Free
Slessor Gardens is a living museum, showcasing Dundee’s history through 11 themed gardens. See a bale of jute in the Asian garden, an imported fibre that was refined in the city’s mills, driving the economy. There are also gardens reflecting the city’s other global connections and its own geography.
On the edge of the parkland, 10 whimsically designed plaques make up the Discovery Walk. The short walk celebrates some of the innovators and change makers who helped build the City of Discovery.
6. Riverside Nature Park
Wright Avenue, Dundee
Admission: Free
Developed on a former landfill site, Riverside Nature Park is an inspiring example of ecological restoration done right. Located on the banks of the River Tay, it has incredible views across the water and the Tay Estuary. The park's wildflower meadows and carefully managed habitats attract a variety of pollinators and butterflies.
It's an excellent spot for birdwatching. Keep an eye out for skylarks, lapwings, and other wetland species that thrive here. From the bird hide, you might also spot a small herd of shaggy Highland cows grazing peacefully in the nearby field.
7. Dundee Law
Law Road, Dundee
Admission: Free
At 572 feet above sea level, Dundee Law is the city’s highest point, offering 360° panoramic views along with popular mountain-bike and walking routes. A great free activity is the Town to Top route, a rewarding 1.3-mile (2.1 km) climb from City Square to the summit.
Pick up some street food at the start, then enjoy it about 45 minutes later at the summit. Here you’ll be rewarded with views across Dundee, the River Tay and the surrounding countryside from this ancient volcanic hill.
Free Dundee Museums & Galleries
Explore the top museums and art galleries in Dundee that are free to the public.
8. McManus Art Gallery
Albert Square, Meadowside, Dundee
Admission: Free
Occupying a turreted Gothic Revival landmark, The McManus: Dundee's Art Gallery and Museum, is among the most rewarding free things to do Dundee [“do in”]. Explore the 8 diverse McManus galleries to discover the area’s art, culture and items that highlight Dundee’s status as a UNESCO City of Design, all under one roof.
Try to plan ahead to join one of the various free activities part of the Creative Learning programs. The program includes artist-led workshops and projects advertised on the McManus Museum’s website and social media.
9. V&A Dundee
1 Riverside Esplanade, Dundee
Admission: Free (special exhibitions may require tickets)
Standing dramatically over the waterfront like a ship's prow or a rugged cliff face is one of the city's essential free activities, Dundee’s acclaimed design museum.
Inside, the Scottish Design Galleries showcase 300 years of creativity and innovation. The permanent collection celebrates Scotland's design heritage while rotating exhibitions explore design's impact on daily life. Stop by the information desk for free activity pages you can use on interactive trails with your little ones.
10. Dundee Contemporary Arts
152 Nethergate, Dundee
Admission: Free drop-in shows, events and screenings | Select ticketed programmes
Dundee Contemporary Arts (DCA) welcomes everyone with free admission to its galleries, cinema screenings, and community workshops. Whether you're looking to create, learn, or simply enjoy world-class contemporary art, DCA provides an accessible space for all.
Historic Places to Visit in Dundee for Free
Dundee's push for renewal has not neglected its historic attractions, and many of these sites remain free to explore.
11. Mills Observatory
Glamis Road, Balgay Hill, Dundee
Admission: Free entry to the observatory & use of equipment | Planetarium shows: £3.00 adults, £1.50 children
On clear evenings, the Mills Observatory is an unmissable free Dundee outing. Located on Balgay Hill, the purpose-built public observatory is one of only a few in the UK where you can stargaze through historic telescopes without paying a penny.
The powerful telescopes are available for use with staff assistance, and various exhibitions on space and astronomy are on display throughout Mills Observatory. Friendly, passionate astronomers are on hand to answer questions and guide you through the wonders of the night sky.
12. Broughty Castle Museum
Castle Approach, Broughty Ferry
Admission: Free
Sitting on a rocky outcrop where the River Tay meets the North Sea, this 15th-century fortress has guarded Dundee for centuries. Broughty Castle Museum offers a timeless journey through local history.
Exhibitions explore the castle’s military history, including its role as a coastal defence post during both World Wars. Inside, you’ll also find displays on local wildlife, the area’s fishing heritage, and the evolution of Broughty Ferry.
The castle’s observation points offer spectacular views over Broughty Ferry Beach and across the Tay Estuary. This free attraction is a worthwhile stop if you’re exploring the coastline or connecting to routes such as the Fife Coastal Path.
13. Visit Dundee’s Succession Filming Locations in Person
Dundee has served as the backdrop for various film and TV productions over the years, including The Hidden Persuaders and Traces, but most notably the acclaimed HBO series Succession. The city features as the hometown of patriarch Logan Roy, played by native Dundonian Brian Cox.
While the skyline and various landmarks in Dundee appear in panoramic shots, several locations feature in the plot during episode 8 of season 2:
- Bandstand, Magdalen Green: The Victorian bandstand appears in a brief drive-by shot, offering a blink-and-you-miss-it moment of nostalgia for Logan. The patriarch later mentions spotting a Mistle Thrush at the bandstand to his sceptical birding brother Ewan.
- Discovery Point: Though it's also shown only in passing as Shiv and Tom walk past while plotting, the historic RRS Discovery looks magnificent docked in the harbour. This is not a free attraction, but you can view it from the outside.
- V&A Dundee: The impressive modern museum provides the perfect backdrop for a surprise party and one of the show's most iconic scenes, Kendall's cringe "L to the OG" rap performance.
- University of Dundee: While the "Logan Roy School of Journalism" is fictional, the University of Dundee is a real educational institution. The campus is open to visitors on open days and offers free guided tours, which require booking.
Fans of Brian Cox might also enjoy:
- Dundee Rep Theatre: Seeing potential in the teenage Brian Cox, who struggled to fit into the traditional school system, a perceptive teacher found him a job at the Dundee Rep. This historic theatre launched Cox's acting career and remains one of Scotland's leading producing theatres, offering a year-round programme of drama and dance.
- Brown Constable Street: The Emmy-winning star grew up in this street, but there’s not much to see today beyond a modest residential area. Still, it’s a meaningful stop for fans interested in tracing the actor’s early roots and understanding the city that shaped the actor.
Read more about the fun things to do in Dundee on our travel blog.
Fly-Coach: Airport Transfers, Stress-Free
Visiting Dundee's fantastic free attractions is even more affordable when you can travel there for free too (with qualified cards). Fly Coach operates a direct bus service from Edinburgh Airport to Dundee, with tickets available online or at our CityHub on Commercial Street.
Some of the benefits of our service:
- Travel free with eligible cards: Hold a National Entitlement Card or a Young Scot Card? You can travel to Dundee completely free on a turn-up-and-ride basis, or guarantee your seat online for just a £1 booking fee. That means you can save your budget for enjoying the city itself.
- Bring everything you need: With space for one large suitcase (75×50×32 cm) or two medium cases (70×45×30 cm), you can pack comfortably for a weekend exploring all the fabulous, free things to do in Dundee.
- Comfortable, accessible travel: Our friendly drivers will help with your bags, and all vehicles are wheelchair accessible (PSVAR compliant), ensuring everyone can access the wealth of things to do for free in Dundee.
Have you filled up your itinerary with all the fabulous free things to do in Dundee? Now book your affordable transfers from Edinburgh Airport to Dundee city centre.