Flying into Edinburgh Airport but heading north to Dundee? You’re closer to the City of Discovery than you might think.
Dundee is a compact, easy to explore city packed with culture, history, food, waterfront views and plenty to keep you busy for a day or a full weekend.
And getting there is simple. With Fly Dundee, you can travel directly from Edinburgh Airport to Dundee city centre without changing, so you can get on with enjoying your trip.
Here are some of the best things to do in Dundee once you arrive.
What can you do in Dundee?
Whether you’ve got a few hours or a couple of days, Dundee has plenty to offer.
The city centre, waterfront and many of Dundee’s biggest attractions are all within easy reach of each other, making it a great destination for exploring on foot.
Here are some of the highlights worth adding to your Dundee itinerary.
Visit V&A Dundee
One of the first things you’ll notice when you arrive at Dundee’s waterfront is V&A Dundee.
Scotland’s first dedicated design museum, V&A Dundee is as impressive from the outside as it is inside. Its distinctive building sits right on the River Tay and houses exhibitions exploring design, creativity and innovation.
It’s an easy first stop for a Dundee day out, particularly if you’re arriving by coach and want to start exploring straight away.
The museum is also surrounded by other waterfront attractions, so you can easily combine it with a walk along the Tay and a visit to Discovery Point.
Step aboard RRS Discovery
Fancy stepping onto a real Antarctic exploration ship?
RRS Discovery is permanently berthed at Discovery Point on Dundee’s waterfront. Built in Dundee and launched in 1901, the ship was used by Captain Robert Falcon Scott’s Antarctic expedition.
You can explore the ship itself as well as the museum and visitor centre, discovering what life was like for the crew and learning more about Dundee’s shipbuilding and exploration history.
It’s one of Dundee’s most distinctive attractions and sits just a short walk from V&A Dundee.
Explore Dundee’s waterfront
You don’t always need a ticket to enjoy Dundee.
The waterfront is a great place to simply wander, take in the views across the River Tay and see some of the city’s most recognisable landmarks.
Look out for the Tay Whale sculpture, stroll along the riverside and take some time to explore the area around V&A Dundee and Discovery Point.
If the weather is on your side, it’s an easy way to slow down and see a different side of the city.
Discover Dundee’s history at Verdant Works
Dundee’s story is about more than ships and design.
Verdant Works tells the story of the city’s industrial past and its famous jute industry. Set inside a restored 19th century mill, the museum explores how jute helped shape Dundee and the people who worked in the industry.
It’s a particularly good option if you want to understand what made Dundee the city it is today, rather than simply ticking off the major tourist attractions.
Verdant Works is also close enough to the waterfront to combine with other attractions during a day in Dundee.
Take a trip to Broughty Ferry
Want to see Dundee’s seaside side?
Head east to Broughty Ferry, where you’ll find a sandy beach, coastal walks, cafés and Broughty Castle.
Broughty Castle Museum sits right beside the beach and offers views across the River Tay towards Fife. Entry is free, making it an easy addition to your itinerary if you’ve got time to explore beyond the city centre.
It’s a good choice for anyone looking to mix Dundee’s city attractions with some fresh air and a bit of coastline.
What can you do in Dundee in one day?
If you’re travelling from Edinburgh Airport and only have one day in Dundee, you can still see plenty.
A simple itinerary could look like this:
- Arrive in Dundee city centre
- Walk down to the waterfront
- Visit V&A Dundee
- Explore RRS Discovery
- Grab lunch in the city centre
- Visit Verdant Works or The McManus
- Take a walk along the River Tay
- Head back into the city centre
Dundee is a particularly good city for a day trip because many of its attractions are close together. The city centre itself can be crossed on foot in around 20 minutes, making it easy to fit several stops into one visit.
How do you get from Edinburgh Airport to Dundee?
If you’re flying into Edinburgh Airport, the easiest option is a direct Fly Dundee coach.
Fly runs directly between Edinburgh Airport and Dundee city centre, with no changes required. The journey takes around 80 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic, and coaches operate throughout the day and night.
That means you can land at Edinburgh Airport, collect your luggage and make your way straight to Dundee without navigating multiple trains or connections.
Fly also offers an open return, giving you flexibility if your plans change while you’re exploring Scotland.
Is Dundee worth visiting from Edinburgh Airport?
Yes. Dundee is an excellent option if you want to experience a different side of Scotland after arriving at Edinburgh Airport.
You’ve got world class design, maritime history, museums, a regenerated waterfront, coastal walks and plenty of places to eat and drink, all within a relatively compact city.
And because you can travel directly from Edinburgh Airport to Dundee, there’s no need to spend your first few hours in Scotland worrying about connections.
Just land, hop on Fly and start exploring.
Start your Dundee trip with Fly
Whether you’re visiting Dundee for a day, staying for the weekend or using the city as a base for exploring the wider region, getting there from Edinburgh Airport doesn’t have to be complicated.
Fly takes you directly from Edinburgh Airport to Dundee city centre, so you can spend less time worrying about getting there and more time discovering what Dundee has to offer.
Flying into Edinburgh? Make Dundee your next stop with Fly.