Residing on Scotland's east coast, Dundee is renowned for its ‘jute, jam and journalism’. That refers to its role in producing jute cloth and rope in the 19th-century, its marmalade factory and being the home of DC Thomson, which produces comics and magazines.
But you’ll find that today’s city is equally dominated by contemporary industries, including video game developers and biotechnology firms.
The Discovery and scientific exploration
Like its industries, Dundee is a mix of old and new. One of the most popular sights is Shackleton and Scott’s Arctic polar exploration ship RRS Discovery, which is moored at Discovery Point on the Tay.
It was built in Dundee in 1901 before spending two years trapped in pack ice in Antarctica. Today, you can explore inside the ship and learn more about the crew’s hardships through authentic antique artefacts and interactive displays.
You’ll find a more modern attraction within the striking architecture of the multi-million-pound Dundee Science Centre. This exciting museum is a family-friendly way to learn more about science through a collection of exhibits on topics ranging from robotics to keyhole surgery.
Retail therapy
Dundee is a regional shopping centre for a wide area of northeast Scotland, so there is every type of retail offering. You can explore shops ranging from major malls to quirky independent stores.
The best place for browsing the big name stores is in Murraygate and the High Street, both of which are pedestrianised. Look out here for the statue of one of local publisher DC Thomson’s best-known comic creations, ‘Desperate Dan’.
Alongside, within easy walking distance, are two large malls, the Overgate Centre to the southwest and Wellgate Centre to the northeast, packed with familiar stores.
Running off the High Street, however, are smaller alleys and streets with unique boutiques, independent shops and quirky cafes. Nearby is the Forum Centre indoor market. Further south, check out the newer stores along Dock Street and Exchange Street that are transforming this former dockland into an extension of the High Street area.
Golf, of course
You’ll find two of the world’s best-known golf courses within a short drive of Dundee: Carnoustie to the east and St Andrews to the south of the Tay.
There are plenty of great courses even closer too, befitting this area of Scotland that gave birth to the sport. Downfield, Camperdown and Caird Park are just to the north of the A90 and Scotscraig lies just across the Tay Bridge to the south.
Exploring outside Dundee
The old fishing town of Arbroath is a few miles up the coast. The classic local speciality to try here is an Arboath Smokie, a salted and smoked fillet of haddock.
To the north of Dundee the village of Glamis is dominated by its huge fairytale castle, the legendary setting for Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The old cottages and Folk Museum offer a chance to see how the other half lived in rural Scotland in times gone by.
Kirriemuir, a few miles further north, is a charming old market town with narrow winding streets. The must-see attraction here is the birthplace of JM Barrie, the creator of Peter Pan - you’ll spot a statue of Peter in the centre of the town too.