Dundee: Creative City of Design

The story of Dundee is defined by amazing inventions and ideas – design is a big part of everyday life in this Scottish city. Once renowned throughout the world for its textile and shipbuilding industries, Dundee has transformed into a cutting-edge centre of design. It’s now an important hub for medical research, fashion, journalism and video games.

Why is Dundee so special?

Did you know, Rockstar North Ltd - the video game development company behind the wildly successful Grand Theft Auto franchise - began life in Dundee in 1987 as DMA Design Ltd?

Dundee has given the world some of its favourite and most life-changing products, from aspirin and orange marmalade to the ZX Spectrum and even iconic comic characters like Dennis the Menace.

Located on the northern shore of the Firth of Tay, Dundee enjoys one of the loveliest settings in Scotland. It’s also a place where you can visit Scotland’s first design museum, V&A Dundee, and see Scottish creativity making ripples throughout the world.

From the city’s flourishing Cultural Quarter – home of the renowned Dundee Rep Theatre – to brilliant visitor attractions like Verdant Works which preserve the city’s industrial past, Dundee’s flair for design and is everywhere.

Dundee's design highlights

There are lots of things to see and do in Dundee, but there are some attractions that should be top of your list in this City of Design.

V&A Dundee

Welcome to the world of design and encourages you to explore how design creativity can be provocative, ingenious or simply breathtaking.

Dundee Science Centre

An award-winning attraction with hands-on learning and showcasing the wonders of science through interactive exhibits and immersive experiences.

Verdant Works

Delve into the story of Dundee’s industrial textile heritage in the atmospheric setting of a beautifully refurbished Mill building.

Dundee Rep Theatre

Dundee Rep Theatre hosts an exciting year round programme of drama, dance, music and comedy.

McManus Art Gallery & Museum

Discover eight beautiful open gallery spaces which house stunning exhibitions of art, history and the environment.

Open Close Dundee

Enjoy a series of street art trails of painted doors and walls around Dundee - created by local artists, brightening up the streets of Dundee.

Explore more things to do in Dundee

Exploring the local area

Tour the area and find experiences

With a fantastic food and drink scene, independent shops, nightlife, charming locals, and distinctive districts like Broughty Ferry, you have everything you need for a memorable trip.

Sustainable local businesses

These Green Tourism businesses are assessed on everything from energy efficiency to biodiversity and awarded bronze, silver or gold.

How to get around

Did you know Dundee, City of Design is one of Scotland’s four UNESCO Creative Cities, alongside Glasgow, Edinburgh and Perth?

Public transport

Located just 90 minutes from Edinburgh by train or bus, Dundee is easy to reach. Options include traveling to Dundee Train Station directly from Edinburgh or Glasgow, taking the new Ember electric bus from Edinburgh or Perth, or the direct airport bus service, the X90 from Edinburgh Airport. Dundee also has its own airport.

Cyclist at Dundee Waterfront
© Dundee City Council

Getting around Dundee

Dundee is a small city and easy to walk around. Most attractions are located within a 20-minute radius of the city centre so exploring on foot is by far the best way to access what’s on offer.

There are great local bus services operated by Xplore Dundee and Stagecoach, departing regularly from the High Street.

It’s also simple to explore Dundee by bike. Hire a bike from CycleHub - with docks in Dundee and Angus, so you can explore the city on two wheels and take in all the sights along the way.

Dundee is a great city for travelling by electric vehicle, with a number of charging points both across the city and at charging gateways outside of the city.