10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Dundee

The Dundee Rep Theatre occupies a modernist building and is home to the multi-award-winning Dundee Rep Ensemble, a unique Scottish company of full-time live actors. You can also watch live jazz, opera, dance and theatre performances as well as musical acts. Several plays written here have achieved international acclaim, making the theatre a great place to get an insight into the local entertainment culture and its impact on the world.

Keep your eyes peeled for new performances, and book your seat well in advance as tickets can sell out fast. We recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before the show – latecomers may have to wait for an intermission to get inside.

The Category A-listed Caird Hall Dundee is the focal point of Dundee City Square and is one of the region’s most iconic buildings. Construction started in 1914 when the first foundation stones were laid by King George V and Queen Mary, and the doors were opened to the public in 1923. Since then, this concert hall has hosted acts such as The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Kasabian, and Arctic Monkeys.

The classic architectural style of the Caird Hall Dundee makes its exterior just as impressive as its interior. Head over in the evening to see the grand entrance columns illuminated in shades of purple and pink.

The Dundee Law is a hill with a war memorial located at the summit, which rises to a height of 570 ft, making it the highest point in Dundee. From here, you can admire sweeping views of the city skyline and the River Tay. On certain days, such as Armistice Day, a large flame is ignited at the top of the memorial, making it visible from almost anywhere in Dundee.

If you’d rather not hike up the hill, you can easily reach the summit by car or bus. During the construction of the memorial, artefacts from the Iron Age as well as Roman pottery were discovered, which you can see on display at The McManus Art Gallery & Museum.

The Dundee Waterfront is home to maritime museums such as Discovery Point and HMS Unicorn that pay homage to the city’s shipbuilding heritage. At night, you can walk by these attractions plus landmarks such as the University of Dundee, Riverside Nature Park and the Tay Rail Bridge by following the 3-mile walkway and cycleway by the river, running parallel to Riverside Drive.

A £1 billion regeneration project that started in 2014 has seen the arrival of many shops, bars and restaurants to the area, giving you plenty of places to rest your feet and unwind. Head over just before sunset for a chance to spot dolphins swimming in the River Tay.

Dundee Ice Arena with its seating capacity of around 2,300, is one of the largest ice rinks in Scotland. In addition to being a public ice-skating rink, this large arena hosts figure skating, curling and hockey competitions. It is the home of the Dundee Tigers hockey team, frequently drawing crowds of well over 1,000. Catch a game to get a glimpse into the local sports culture.

Dundee Ice Arena hosts an evening ice disco every Wednesday and Friday from 7 pm to 9 pm, making it a fantastic place to enjoy a boogie with a difference. It’ll cost you around £7 to get onto the ice. If you’re not too confident on your feet, you can pay about £1 just to spectate.

Dundee Contemporary Arts occupies a purpose-built modernist art space in the city centre and has 2 art galleries showcasing masterpieces from renowned Scottish and international artists. It’s also home to a shop, café, print studio and a 2-screen cinema, making it a great place to relax while learning about the local modern art scene.

To make the most of your trip, download the audio and visual guides from the Dundee Contemporary Arts website, though you’ll find plenty of information on signs throughout the galleries. You can check out the museum for an hour for free, but remember to arrive before the doors close at 7 pm.

At the Mills Observatory, Britain’s first public astronomical observatory, you can observe over 30,000 objects in space through a digital telescope on a clear night. For a small fee, you can also visit the planetarium to learn about our planet, the solar system, and its position within the universe. Thanks to its location on top of Balgay Hall, it’s one of the best places to see Dundee and the River Tay from above.

The Mills Observatory is located about a mile west of the centre of Dundee, easily accessible by bus or car. On weekdays, the building is open to the public until 10 pm, and most exhibitions are free of charge, excluding the planetarium.

Established in 1564, The Howff is a Category A-listed graveyard that’s home to one of the most impressive collections of tombstones in Scotland. Notable graves include several Roman-style coffer tombs and extravagant 16^th- and 17^th-century memorials. The cemetery hasn’t been used as a burial ground since the 19^th century, but its protected status means you can freely enjoy a spooky stroll when the sun goes down.

The Howff is about a 5-minute walk from Dundee City Square and remains open to the public 24 hours a day. It may be a little eerie, but it’s undeniably beautiful and provides a quiet retreat from the bustling nightlife.

Nethergate is a strip in between the University of Dundee and the pedestrianised High Street that comes to life when the sun goes down. Traditional pubs through to contemporary bars serve local ales, colourful cocktail blends and a host of draft beers. If you need a late-night bite, you’ll find takeaways serving fish and chips, kebabs, and Japanese food here, too.

Trades House is a top-rated relaxed Belhaven pub serving hearty meals and cocktails in traditional surroundings. Watch the game at Nether Inn, or take in the olde worlde charm of The Phoenix, a spacious pub with plenty of cask ales. For live bands, head to the nearby Duke’s Corner.

The Grosvenor Casino is the only casino in Dundee, where you can play cards, slot, video and a range of other casino games until 6 am. You can also fill up on beverages and refreshments at the late-night bar and restaurant. The most popular games include poker, blackjack and roulette. Try live video games to gamble alongside players throughout the UK.

While there is no strict dress code, we recommend wearing smart-casual attire and remember to only play with money you’re willing to lose. When you’re ready to walk away from the table, you can grab a drink just around the corner at popular bars like Duke’s Corner and Church Dundee.