Voted Scotland’s best place to live in 2019, Dundee is a great place for a mini break. Recently put on the international map with the opening of the V&A museum of design, Dundee has long been a city of innovation. With an array of things to do and see in Dundee, you’ll soon find why the locals love it so much.
The Waterfront
Dubbed the “rebirth of the city”, a £1 Billion investment in Dundee’s waterfront has become the heart of the city. Already a must see for the historic RRS Discovery. Built in Dundee, it was the last traditional wooden ship of its kind built in the UK. Famed for the landmark exploration of the Antarctic by Captain Scott in 1901, the ship was brought back to its birthplace in 1986.
Spend a morning exploring the old ship in the award-winning visitor experience Discovery Point. Learn about Scott and his crew, their heroic expedition and the rest of it’s fascinating voyages around the world.
No trip to The Waterfront or Dundee can be complete without visiting the V&A Dundee. The first museum of design in the UK outside London opened September 2018 and welcomed over half a million visitors in the first 6 months! An array of exhibitions showcases Scottish creativity and design innovations from around the world. The V&A is a must for anyone visiting Dundee.
If that’s not enough, the Dundee Contemporary Arts is just across the road combining exhibitions, film screenings and events. The centre allows artists and audiences to experience and learn in this award-winning hub for creative excellence.
Flame Tree Café
After a day taking in the city’s imagination in the arts, we’d recommend a pitstop to The Flame Tree Café, famed for its tasty rainbow bagels. And they make a mean cup of coffee to keep you going as you explore Dundee.
DC Thomson
Dundee’s creative past can be seen throughout the city immortalised in the statues of various comic book characters. The Dandy was one of the world’s longest running children’s comics and published by DC Thomson in Dundee since it’s inception in 1937. Track down desperate Dan, Minnie the Minx from The Beano and Oor Wullie with his famous bucket.
Broughty Castle
For those looking for some respite from city life, we’d recommend a trip to Broughty Castle. Just a short train ride along the coast from Dundee (it’s only 6 minutes!) you’ll find the suburb of Broughty Ferry. The castle is right on the shoreline with spectacular views over the River Tay Built in 1495, it has seen great military action through the centuries but now homes a free museum which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2019. The museum features displays on local life over the past 7,000 years depicting the evolution of the land and people. For military buffs, the Armoury Gallery is a must!
Dundee Law
The most prominent feature of Dundee’s skyline is Dundee Law. The hill in the centre of the city was used as a prehistoric burial site with graves dating back to around 1500 BC. Worth a walk up to visit the war memorial, the Law is an attraction for locals and tourists. On a clear day you can see for miles across Fife, Perthshire and Sidlaw Hills. The Law also holds its place in history where the first Viscount Dundee, John Graham, raised the Stuart Royal Standard marking the start of the Jacobite Rebellion.
Live Music and Theatre
Dundee also plays host to a thriving music ad performance scene with citywide Blues and Jazz festivals taking place each year. Make sure to check out the listings at Beat Generator Live!, Caird Hall, Dundee Rep and Conroys Basement for a mix of what the city has to offer during your trip.
Handily located on Dundee's up-and-coming Waterfront along the River Tay, our Dundee hotel is just a two-minute walk from Dundee Station and with viewing distance of Discovery point and the V&A. The perfect place to stay in the City of Discovery.
At Malmaison Dundee you’ll find 91 sumptuous bedrooms and suites complete with all the home comforts we’d hate you to go without.
We also have the perfect destination for dining in our Chez Mal brasserie. Enjoy well-made classics with a creative edge followed by drinks in the stylish bar offering an extensive selection of wines and cocktails.
Why not book your stay today?