A GUIDE to THE BEst of DUNDEE

Distilleries and more

Local Makers? There are gin and whisky distilleries all around Scotland, each with its own recipe and charm.

On Tap? Local heroes 71 Brewing are based in Dundee and known for their competent and versatile selection. Other hot tips include St. Andrew’s Brewing Co.

Local Villages

Walkable from Dundee? Broughty Ferry is a historic seaside village just on the outskirts of Dundee.

Birdwatcher? Just across the water from Dundee is the Montrose Basin, home to 80,000 migratory birds.

Historical Port? Abroath is known for its smokies, worth visiting also their abbey, which dates back to 1178!

Sandy beach? Montrose is halfway between Dundee and Aberdeen, boasting a two mile wide tidal lagoon to explore.

East Neuk? Across the bridge in Fife, you’ll want to visit Pittenweem for their charming pubs, castle, harbour and art festival. Anstruther has visitors drive for miles for its award-winning fish and chips.

Sports

Golf Lovers? St. Andrews is also 20 minute drive away, with the benefit of the historical town, bordered by award-winning beaches and ice cream. Carnoustie Golf Links attracts the worlds best players, and is just 20 mins drive up the coast.

Sailing? A day’s sailing on the River Tay s thrilling, and you can opt to learn or just enjoy the endorphins. Contact the River Tay Yacht Club to get involved.

Ice Arena? Cheer on local ice hockey heroes the Dundee Stars at one of their matches, You can also try your hand at curling, or cut a few figure eights on the ice.

Football? Home matches for Dundee FC and Dundee United are always full of camaraderie and song.

Museums & Culture

Like Design? A gentle stroll from the suites, this world class museum is an offshoot of London’s V&A and adds a futuristic landmark to Dundee’s rejuvenated waterfront. Behind the flowing lines of architect Kengo Kuma's boat shaped gallery you will find the best of Scottish design, from dazzling diamond jewellery to clan tartans.

Fine Art & Natural History? The McManus gallery and museum offers a colourful romp through centuries of Tayside history. Look out for ancient log boats unearthed from the River Tay, warts-and-all portraits by Scottish artist Henry Raeburn, and the huge skeleton of the Tay Whale, a reminder of the city’s whaling past.

Looking for Contemporary Art? The DCA incorporates galleries, cinema, print studio and performances from cutting edge talent, often linked to the thriving local scene.

Dining

Modern Scottish? Daisy Tasker is right across the courtyard from our hotel, and is known locally for their afternoon tea. The food is a fresh take on Scotland’s bounty. Open for breakfast early, finishing with dinner and drinks till late.

Fish and Chips? For fresh and reputedly the best fish and chips in authentic pub surrounds, the Ship Inn is located on the waterfront in Broughty Ferry, the northern part of the city.

Indian? One of Dundee’s best curries is Gullistan House, located in a converted gothic church in the centre. They’re known for their tikka massala and biryani.

Strolling

Dundee is best experienced on foot.

Waterfront? Stroll around along the River Tay, taking in the many statues and street art. Grab a drink at one of our local pubs and cocktail bars as you pass.

Views? Walk to the top of the city, there’s a monument at the top called The Dundee Law. As well as rewarding views over the city, the Firth of Tay, and the surrounding countryside.

Local History? Look out on Dundee’s High Street for the statue of Desperate Dan, who debuted as the mascot of the British comic The Dandy in 1937. Publishers, D. C. Thomson & Co. are based in Dundee.

Live Music

Pub with Relaxed Food? The Braes serves messy, more-ish sharing food and fun cocktails. Plenty of group tables makes for a friendly atmosphere.

Wine Bar? The Wine Press, on the waterfront, serves hand-picked collection of wines from around the world. The terrace is popular for a reason, as are their delicious sharing platters.

The Great Outdoors

Angus Glens, Forfar & Kirriemuir? The Walk Highlands website offers a selection of scenic walks from 1km - 20km, across glens and forests. There are really great downloadable maps and difficulty ratings too.

Something for everyone? The Culture Trip offers a wide selection of walks ranging from country parks to coastal trails. Walk Scotland offers a big range of walks around Dundee and Angus, with super detailed descriptions of each path, you can really curate your scenery.

Families

Historic ships? Along the waterfront you’ll find the iconic wooden ship, the RSS Discovery, that took Shackleton and Scott on their first trip to Antarctica. You can also visit the HMS Unicorn, a British navy boat launched in 1824.

Animals and Outdoors? Camperdown Wildlife Centre is open year round, and has a collection of animals ranging from lemurs to big brown bears. Balnuith Alpacas are charming rare breed alpacas and they invite you to visit them at the farm they share with some miniature donkeys and miniature horses.

Indoor rock climbing? AVertical World in Dundee City Centre is open seven days a week and has bouldering and climbing walls for all abilities.

Science & Fun Learning? Dundee Science Centre has an ever-changing calendar of interactive exhibits and events.