Dundee port in Scotland was founded on the banks of the River Tay over 800 years ago. In relationship to the other major cities in Scotland, Dundee is north of Edinburgh, south of Aberdeen and northeast of Glasgow. It is a town that has its roots firmly in the past and its eyes towards being known as The City of Discovery. Dundee is a modern, progressive city that's grown out of the industrial revolution into a center of entertainment, technology and education.
The port of Dundee is more than just a place to moor ships, it's steeped in history, culture and conflict. There are first-class operations and support personnel at the port with significant experience with tour operations. As you step off of the cruise line, you'll be presented with friendly staff ready to answer any questions and guide you in the right direction. Once you receive the information, you'll be surrounded by rugged coastlines, lush highland glens and of course, the famous St. Andrews golf course.
Shopping
When visiting Dundee, there's no shortage of places to shop. There are gift shops, tech shops, clothing shops and sitting on each end of the city, there are two malls. Each one has internationally-recognized brands and stores for the international traveler. Along the Murrygate and city center, there are dozens of unique stores to shop in. While tourism is a source of travel and economy to the city, it's not a primary source, so you're not going to find too many shopping experiences catering to the traveler. The stores are similar to any other stores you'll find in a burgeoning city. Nevertheless, it's a vibrant and fun experience shopping among the city centers.
Things to See
When visiting Dundee for a few hours, its best to plan out the major points of interest to go see. Firstly, in 2008 the McManus Gallery re-opened, it's a stunning Gothic Revival building that displays the art and culture of the city. The Broughty Castle is a throwback to Dundee's history. The Mills Observatory is free to the public and has a famously and strangely dome made of papier-mâché. A key feature of Dundee is the Tay Bridge. The bridge is now in semi-ruins because of the collapse in the late 19th century. The new Tay bridge was opened up in 1887 and remains in use. If you're looking for more than just sightseeing, Dundee has a pair of fantastic Art Centers, the Dundee Rep Theatre and the Dundee Contemporary Arts. You can play golf in the land that famously claims to have invented golf, take a walking tour in the Scottish Highlands, which will take you through time and history through the colorful and often brutal history of Scotland.
Restaraunts and Bars
In Dundee, there's no shortage of places to grab a bite or a pint. You will find standard favorites like Dominos Pizza in City Quay to The Parlour Cafe whose menu changes daily and has one of the best lunch crowds in town. Again, remembering that Dundee is a functioning city that is not tourist-centered, the best advice is to sample the local food, try something a bit off the beaten path. For example, Tickety Boo's near the Seagate & Commercial Street Junction is known to have some of the best chili and curries around. The Phoenix Bar on the Nethergate serves up excellent, standard pub grub at good prices.
To wash that food down, you'll have no problems finding a pub. Dundee has an excellent selection of pubs, with good prices and spectacular local and imported beers.
Near Hawkhill/ Perth Road on the West End
- The Nether Inn (Cheap Student pub)
- The Phoenix (traditional)
- Number Twenty Five (Restaurant/ Bar/ Hotel)
- Laings (famous beer garden)
- Drouthys (Cocktail/ Beer/ Music)
Near City Center:
- The Old Horse Shoe Bar
- Lennon's (Beatle's Themed Bar)
- Coagies (traditional working bar)
- West Port Bar (Nightclub)
Lastly, some nightclubs for some energetic dancing and socializing.
- Fat Sams (South Ward Road)
- Mondo's
- Deja Vu
- Out (Gay club)
- Liquid
- Underground (Bar/ Club)
Dundee's a fantastic city. It's not too big to be impersonal, but big enough to provide any traveler with a wide range of options to have fun.