It’s not easy being a student these days, with the amount of money it takes to just survive. But thankfully, there’s lots of ways to enjoy Dundee for free. It’s a city that’s got natural landscapes and parks, historic sites, museums and galleries and lots more. So for those days where money feels tight but you’re in need of something to do, work your way down our list of the best free activities and things to do in Dundee for students.

1. Climb Dundee Law

If you’ve been living in Dundee for a while, you’ll most likely have heard of Dundee Law. If you haven’t, it’s the big hill overlooking all of Dundee. It’s 500 feet above sea level, the product of a volcanic sill (essentially a sheet of magma), and estimated to be about 3500 years old – so it’s a pretty unique feature on Dundee. It also forms part of several festivals, where it had a Hollywood-style sign put up for the Dundee Summer Streets Festival in 2022 and was featured in UK crime drama Traces. But beyond its fun claims to fame, Dundee Law is so great for students in the city, because it makes for a free activity when you want to do something but can’t afford much. You can take the ‘Town to Top’ trail, which starts in Dundee City Square and goes all the way to the top – good luck!!

2. Wander around The McManus

This is a great option if you’re looking for free things to do in Dundee when it’s raining. The McManus is an art gallery and museum in Dundee that has free entry, showcasing millions of years worth of history, art and culture in its eight galleries. If you do love architecture, The McManus is a really beautiful old, gothic building to just visit generally. There’s also a cafe and gift shop, as well as artist-led workshops and other events going on. Some of the creative learning stuff is more tailored to school kids and families, but there are really cool projects aimed at students and young adults in Dundee.

Address: Albert Square, Meadowside, Dundee DD1 1DA

3. Picnic at Monikie Country Park

Monikie Country Park is the perfect spot for a relaxing picnic day with friends. The park offers large open spaces, scenic woodland areas, and serene water reservoirs, making it an ideal setting to enjoy the outdoors. You can either bring your own food or make use of the park’s barbecue hire facilities if you fancy grilling. While the park café does serve paninis and ice cream, some visitors find it a bit pricey, so packing your own lunch might be a good idea. Whether you’re lounging on the grass or exploring the park’s nature trails, it’s a peaceful escape just outside Dundee and a great free activity. You may need to plan to get it though, so friends with cars are a bonus for this one.

4. Stargaze at Mills Observatory

 

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Following a temporary closure,  the Mills Observatory returned in Oct 2024. It’s the first purpose-built public observatory in Britain, and best of all – it’s free. You can come along and use the telescopes to see planets and stars. There’s even a computerised telescope that lets you see over 30,000 things in the sky. The observatory is open evenings only from 4pm – 10pm, and from 6.30pm on Saturdays (closed Sundays). Just make sure you check for clouds as you probably won’t see much without a clear sky. If you’re mega into space and the solar system, you can also go to one of their lectures. These do cost though, but for only £3.

Address: Glamis Road, Balgay Park, Dundee, DD2 2UB

5. Take a stroll around Broughty Castle Museum

Free entrance and free parking – yes please! The Broughty Castle Museum is a historic landmark in Dundee that dates back to 1495. The castle is on the banks of River Tay, so you can get some really good Insta pics. But inside is just as impressive, with spiral staircases, canons, drawbridges and more. Plus there’s displays if you want to learn about the local environment and wildlife and the history of the people.

Address: Broughty Castle Museum, Castle Approach, Broughty Ferry, Dundee, DD5 2TF

6. Visit the V&A Dundee

V&A Dundee best free things to do in the city for students
Source: V&A Dundee Facebook

Scotland’s first design museum, the V&A Dundee, is a must-visit for any students looking for free things to do in the city. No doubt you’ll have heard of it if you’re studying art or architecture, but if you haven’t been already – it’s well worth it. With rotating exhibitions showcasing everything from fashion to graphic design, the museum offers a space that you can roam around on one of Dundee’s (many) rainy days. Best of all, entry is free, so you can immerse yourself in innovative designs without worrying about your budget.

Address: 1 Riverside Esplanade, Dundee DD1 4EZ

7. Travel down the Architectural Trail

Dundee’s rich architectural history can be explored on foot with the Architectural Trail, which takes you around the city’s most iconic buildings. From historic churches to modern sites, this self-guided tour is the perfect way to appreciate the city’s unique skyline. You can download the map for free and enjoy a leisurely walk through Dundee. Even if you’re not mega into architecture, it’s a great way to get to know the city and see some of the iconic buildings it has. Plus you’ll be closer to getting your 10,000 daily steps (if you’re tracking).

8. Camperdown Country Park

Located just three miles from the city centre, Camperdown Country Park is Dundee’s largest public park and a popular spot for picnics, nature walks, and outdoor fun. It’s closer than Monikie Country Park, so you don’t need your own transport to get there. There’s lots of open spaces, woodlands, and even a wildlife centre.

Address: Dundee. DD2 4TF

9. Enjoy Dundee Design Festival

 

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The Dundee Design Festival is Scotland’s national celebration of design, held annually in the city (usually in Sept). It’s a week of free events, including exhibitions, workshops, talks, and activities that engage the local community and visitors. The festival aims to highlight the city’s status as a UNESCO City of Design and its rich history in creative industries. The Dundee Design Festival also reflects on its past events, building on its legacy since 2016, and continues to draw attention to the role of design in everyday life and its potential for societal impact.

10. Relax at Tentsmuir Forest and Beach

Ok so you will need a car for this one…but a short 25min drive from Dundee takes you to the perfect spot where forest meets sand meets sea. It’s a beach backed by a forest! Is there anything more relaxing?

Tentsmuir Forest and Beach is located near Tayport in Fife and features a mix of dense pine forests, open sand dunes, and a picturesque beach, providing a variety of landscapes to explore. The forest trails are well-marked and flat, making them suitable for both walkers and cyclists. Or you could just laze on the sand hoping to spot seals, birds and other local wildlife.

Last Updated on December 12, 2024

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