V&A Dundee
Things to see & do in Dundee
Beautiful designs, Antarctic expeditions, and Scottish mill life. What will your favourite story of Dundee be?
1. V&A Dundee
The first V&A museum in the world outside London and the first ever dedicated design museum in Scotland, this museum celebrates design and creativity – and where better than Dundee, a UNESCO City of Design? Take a walk around the outside of the V&A Dundee first. Look up at the unique building inspired by the nearby Arbroath cliffs, overlooking the silvery waters of the Tay. Look out for the changing programme of exhibitions and the permanent collection of fashion, architecture, design and more.
2. The McManus Art Gallery & Museum
Take a selfie outside the intricate Victorian Gothic building of the McManus, before stepping inside to learn how a small settlement became a UNESCO City of Design. You can follow the history of Dundee as you take in the incredible paintings, maps, pottery and more.
There are eight open gallery spaces housing exhibitions of art, history and the environment, and a changing programme of events all year round.
Explore the McManus Art Gallery & Museum
The McManus Art Gallery & Museum
3. Discovery Point
Step aboard the RRS Discovery ship on Dundee’s waterfront, and see if you can imagine what it felt like for Captain Scott and his crew to sail to the Antarctic in the early 1900s. Learn all about life onboard an historic ship, and what life was like for Scott and his crew.
Look out for family activities, events and even the rare chance to climb the mast!
RRS Discovery at Discovery Point
4. Verdant Works
Dundee was once an industrial city filled with jute mills – but you can still hear the machines at work today on a trip to Verdant Works. Based in a beautifully restored mill building dating back to 1833, this museum shares the tales of mill workers so you can catch a glimpse of what working in a mill was like hundreds of years ago.
The museum celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2026, so look out for a special programme of events.
Verdant Works
5. Dundee Science Centre
Rediscover your child-like thirst for knowledge at the Dundee Science Centre, a chance to get hands-on with exhibits on inventions, the human body, and space. A great rainy day activity for all the family, discover their ever-changing exhibitions, special events and activities.
Dundee Science Centre
6. Dundee Rep
Sit down in this classic Scottish theatre, and be whisked away into stories from musicals, dance and award-winning plays. Dundee Rep is an acclaimed leader in Scotland’s theatre world, so you can be sure it’ll be a night to remember. Check out their programme to see what’s coming up.
Dundee Repertory Theatre
7. Camperdown Country Park & Wildlife Centre
Head out of the city centre for a different look at Dundee - Camperdown Country Park is the city’s largest public park. Follow the tree trail to take in the impressive height of American conifers, weeping ashes and elms, and more. The park is also home to a wildlife centre with otters, lynx and European brown bears.
Plan a trip to Camperdown Wildlife Centre
Daffodils at Camperdown Park
8. Mills Observatory
Visit Dundee in autumn and winter, and you could be taking in millions of stars in the night sky. Mills Observatory was gifted to the city almost 100 years ago and was the first purpose-built public observatory in the UK. Catch a closer view of the planets and stars with some expert tuition to point out visible astronomical features.
From October to March, the observatory runs a varied programme of public events including family workshops, planetarium shows, talks and solar viewing.
Mills Observatory on the summit of Balgay Hill, Dundee