Dundee is a cultural city known for its maritime and manufacturing history as well as its focus on design. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.
How much does it cost to travel to Dundee?
A typical traveler spends $367 (£269) per day on a trip to Dundee. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Dundee based on the expenses of other visitors.
Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:
- $112 (£82) on meals
- $22 (£16) on local transportation
- $407 (£298) on hotels
A one-week trip to Dundee for two people costs, on average, $5,135 (£3,766). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.
-
One Week
Per person
$2,567
£1,883
-
2 Weeks
Per person
$5,135
£3,766
-
One Month
Per person
$11,003
£8,070
-
One Week
For a couple
$5,135
£3,766
-
2 Weeks
For a couple
$10,270
£7,532
-
One Month
For a couple
$22,006
£16,140
How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Dundee cost?
A one week trip to Dundee usually costs around $2,567 (£1,883) for one person and $5,135 (£3,766) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
A two week trip to Dundee on average costs around $5,135 (£3,766) for one person and $10,270 (£7,532) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.
Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Dundee will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.
A one month trip to Dundee on average costs around $11,003 (£8,070) for one person and $22,006 (£16,140) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.
Is Dundee expensive to visit?
In Dundee, budget travelers spend $206 (£155) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $357 (£269) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $745 (£561) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Dundee.
Dundee is a smaller destination that draws visitors with a range of travel styles, spending habits, and budget preferences. Accommodation options range from budget-friendly hostels to mid-range hotels to high-end luxury properties.
You can find Dundee to be very expensive if you're not careful, but methods like eating at less expensive restaurants and taking public transit can help you save money.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Dundee is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Zurich or Ibiza.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Dundee Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Dundee?
The average Dundee trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Dundee travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Dundee cost?
Dundee on a Budget
|
Category
|
Budget
|
Mid-Range
|
Luxury
|
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy
|
$80
(£59)
|
$203
(£149)
|
$518
(£380)
|
|
Local Transportation1
|
$22
(£16)
|
$22
(£16)
|
$22
(£16)
|
|
Food2
|
$104
(£76)
|
$112
(£82)
|
$126
(£93)
|
|
Entertainment1
|
$54
(£39)
|
$145
(£106)
|
$417
(£306)
|
|
Alcohol2
|
$9-26
(£6-19)
|
$9-26
(£6-19)
|
$9-26
(£6-19)
|
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
It's important to be realistic about your travel budget when visiting Dundee. Although some travelers believe they can get by on a shoestring budget, most people aren't comfortable with that type of travel. Consider what you enjoy on vacation and how you've traveled in the past. Do you like staying in resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are dining out and visiting attractions a priority? Your preferences will affect your overall budget and itinerary.
What is a budget traveler, anyway?
Although you may consider yourself a budget traveler, unless you're ready to cut out many creature comforts, you'll likely spend much more than the $206 per day that young budget travelers often get by on.
For backpackers, this tight budget typically involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest eateries or fast food joints, using public transportation, and sticking to free attractions.
Fortunately, there are plenty of hostels available in Dundee, such as Dundee Backpackers Hostel. In these hostels, you can discover cheap dorm accommodations and a great social atmosphere, though amenities may be few.
Are You Considered an Average Traveler?
Couples and families traveling for leisure often prefer mid-range hotels, dine at popular eateries, and visit key museums and attractions that require an entry fee. Most visitors to Dundee will want to visit the major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. It's important to remember that most activities will cost you money. Consequently, you should anticipate your daily budget to be closer to $357 per person, per day.
There are a wide range of hotels and vacation rentals in Dundee. If you're traveling with others, you'll share your hotel with a partner, friend, or your children, so costs will be split accordingly, saving money. When traveling as a family, you'll want to find hotels and restaurants that cater to kids. Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa is a good kid-friendly option, and Holiday Inn Express Dundee is also terrific. You'll find more hotels that cater to families and couples in our hotel guide for Dundee here.
What Luxury Travel Looks Like
If you're looking for an all-encompassing vacation filled with luxurious amenities and higher-level service, prepare your budget for around $745 per day. Selecting nicer hotels, savoring meals at award-winning establishments, indulging in lavish adventures, and traveling around the city with taxis or private drivers will call for a luxury budget.
Accommodation Budget in Dundee
The wide range of prices for hotels and accommodation in Dundee can be very surprising. Some hotels have much higher price tags than others, and in turn offer higher levels of luxury and more amenities. Also, during peak season, prices are much higher. The average price for a hotel room in Dundee in the off-season is $82, but in the peak summer travel season it will average around $153. In general, you can expect hotel prices in Dundee to range from $51 to $304. Hostels are typically much cheaper, especially if you stay in a dorm. Also, note that the average hotel price is not always what travelers will pay (see below). You can save a good bit of money if you travel during the low season or shoulder seasons, as room prices adjust according to the overall demand. Booking in advance can often save you money, too, along with taking advantage of sale prices or special deals.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Dundee for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $407 (£298). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $203 (£149) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Dundee? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Dundee include:
- Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa starting at $100
- Premier Inn Dundee Centre starting at $79
- Premier Inn East Dundee starting at $62
- Best Western Invercarse Hotel starting at $43
- Holiday Inn Express Dundee starting at $89
Dundee's public transportation allows you to stay further away from the city for cheaper lodging, but commuting might add extra transportation costs and eat up your time.
If you travel during the low or shoulder season (and avoid summer), you'll find lower accommodation prices and less tourist crowds.
Transportation Budget in Dundee
Public transit in Dundee is reliable and reaches key landmarks. The city has a public bus system. For a budget-friendly way to travel, public transportation is ideal, provided it's near where you need to go. Taxis and rideshares are also easy to find.
Exploring Dundee is easier in its more walkable areas, allowing you to see many attractions. There are a number of walks through the town.
Public Transit: 
(good)
Walkability: (good)
Calculated from travelers like you
-
On average, past travelers have spent $22 (£16) per person, per day, on local transportation in Dundee. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Dundee is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$22
£16
It is relatively easy to drive around Dundee and having a private vehicle is helpful if you hope to travel greater distances. There are taxis that are available and reliable. The local bus service is also very extensive with many different routes and connections. It is also reasonably cheap. There are options available including a 10 journey pass or an all day pass if you plan to travel extensively by bus.
If you're driving, make sure your hotel has convenient parking.
Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:
- Edinburgh Airport Transfers | Edinburgh Airport Taxi| for $94 details
How much does it cost to go to Dundee? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Dundee will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Dundee
The food and cuisine in Dundee is good, but not enough to draw visitors specifically for the restaurants. You'll find a few gems around the city that are worth visiting. There are a few local dishes that the city is known for. These include Dundee Cake, Dundee marmalade, and Angus beef.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Dundee can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Dundee is $112 (£82) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
-
Food2
Meals for one day
$112
£82
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Dundee is around $109 (£82) per person, with previous travelers spending from $101 to $123. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Dundee are as follows:
- Breakfast: $11 to $33
- Lunch: $16 to $43
- Dinner: $33 to $76
- Coffee: $9
- Fast Food or Street Food: $16
The cafe culture has grown in popularity in Dundee in recent years and you'll find no shortage of cafes around town with outdoor seating options when the weather is nice. There are also many fast food or take away restaurants if you're on a particularly tight budget and are hoping to save some money. Nice sit down restaurants are easy to find as well. Pubs are plentiful also, and the best place to grab a drink is in the Hawkhill, Perth Road and West End parts of the city.
If you're on a very tight budget, or are interested in preparing your own meal, then Tesco has many options available to you. The chain is prolific throughout the city to the point that locals sometimes refer to the city as "Tescotown". There is a branch in the city centre, one by the train station on the river side, one in South Road near Sterling Mills and another on the Kingsway. Other options available around town include ASDA and Morrisons supermarket.
Many hotels include breakfast in their price, while some add it on as an extra charge. The price and quality can vary depending on the hotel. Knowing ahead of time can help you decide if you need to spend even more money. Maybe it's worth your money for the delicious buffet at the hotel. Or, perhaps you should just go to a nearby bakery or cafe that's much cheaper.
Carry a reusable water bottle with you to avoid spending on drinks. It's also a win for the environment.
If you're planning to take a tour, make sure you know which meals are included beforehand. You might be on the hook to pay for some of the food yourself which can add to your budget.
Below are some standard food costs in Dundee, gathered from real travelers. These prices should give you a general idea of what you can expect to spend on dining and meals. Keep in mind, though, that your own costs may differ depending on your taste in restaurants, travel habits, and menu choices.
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Dundee
People come to Dundee in droves for museums and attractions, food, nightlife, and family-friendly activities.
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Dundee typically cost an average of $145 (£106) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
-
Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$145
£106
There are a handful of sights, museums and galleries around town that are worth visiting. Make sure you check out McManus Galleries, Mills Observatory, Sensation Science Centre, Camperdown Wildlife Park, Broughty Castle, Discovery Point. Also be sure and walk through the Howff, which is a very old cemetery in the middle of town. It has tombstones that date back centuries, some of which are from the early 1600s. Verdant Works is a jute musuem that is located in a former jute works. It is operated by the Dundee Heritage trust and is worth a visit if you're interested in the city's history. For those who want a different experience, then a visit to Camperdown Wildlife Park will let you see brown bears, lemurs, wallabies, maras, otters and many different bird species.
If you're interested in doing some shopping, then the Overgate and the Wellgate are your best options. These shopping malls are the largest in town and are located at opposing ends of the city center. They both have popular international chain stores such as H&M or the Gap.
Another interesting thing to do in Dundee is to go to the Dundee Rep Theatre, which is where you can see the Dundee Rep Ensemble. This is Scotland's only fulltime company of actors. It is also where you can see Scottish Dance Theatre, which is the main dance company of Scotland.
Dundee Contemporary Arts has two art galleries, a two screen cinema, a print studio and a cafe bar. It is also worth a visit.
Other activities include hiking in the Highlands and guided walks through the city.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Dundee. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Original Dundee Photoshoot Tour for $89 details
- Boat Seafari Adventure for $37 details
- Skip-the-Line: Botanic Garden Entry Ticket for $7 details
A few typical prices for sights, activities, and entry fees in Dundee are listed below. These actual costs are from real travelers to provide you with an idea how much you might need to spend. Your individual costs will vary based on which activities you do, which attractions or museums you visit, and how often you participate in free or low-cost activities.
Nightlife Budget in Dundee
For nightlife, Dundee offers some activities, but it's not as active as in other more popular destinations. The vibrant student population heavily influences the city's nightlife. There are a number of clubs and bars where you can hang out late into the night.
Calculated from travelers like you
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The average person spends about $17 (£13) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Dundee per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.
-
Alcohol2
Drinks for one day
$17
£13
Sure, nightlife is part of the adventure, but cutting down on cocktails can make a surprising difference in your travel budget.
Be aware of your surrounding and stay safe if you're out at night and drinking. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes. Stay in groups and with people you trust.
Travel cost data last updated: Aug 14, 2025
Traveling in Dundee
Dundee, Scotland
The city of Dundee is in northeast Scotland and sits on the north bank of the Firth of Tay. The city dates back about 800 years and has a rich history. It's conveniently located less than two hours from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen making it an easy journey for anyone looking to do a weekend trip. There's a handful of sights around town and some decent museums worth wandering through.
The city is historically famous for the three J's; jute, jam and journalism. In the past Dundee was famous for its jute mills. These jute factories attracted a lot of immigrant labour and helped establish much of the character of the city. The last factory closed down in 2001 and now many of the old factory buildings have been converted into offices and apartments. Dundee is also famous for its jam and is reported to be the original home of marmalade. The jam was made from the berries grown at the surrounding farms and today you can still find some locally made jam. Finally, Dundee is home to the Dandy and the Beano comics, making journalism a mainstay in the area.
Dundee's climate is Oceanic and temperature and rainfall are typical of that found on the east coast of Scotland. The warmest month is usually July and the warmest day is usually around 25 degrees Celsius.
Neighborhoods & Around
Most of the city's sights and attractions are concentrated in the city center. This is likely where you'll spend most of your time as a visitor.
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We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.