A Travel Price Comparison for United Kingdom Dundee vs. Aberdeen for Attractions, Families, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Dundee or Aberdeen?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Dundee or Aberdeen? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Dundee

Dundee is a coastal, cultural, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and museums.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a historic, cultural, and architectural city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Dundee and Aberdeen: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Dundee or Aberdeen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Aberdeen than Dundee, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Aberdeen is more touristy than Dundee and is known for its longstanding maritime history and its many cultural sights and activities. It is also home to St Machar's Cathedral Aberdeen. Dundee is popular for its maritime and manufacturing history as well as its focus on design.

How is Dundee different from Aberdeen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Aberdeen and Dundee. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Dundee or Aberdeen?

Aberdeen is a well-known place for its sights and museums. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its museums and history.

Aberdeen offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. The city's long running history means that there are plenty of sights and museums worth exploring. Highlights include St. Machar's Cathedral, the University and King's College of Aberdeen, Brig o'Balgownie, and the Tolbooth Museum.

Dundee offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. On the waterfront you'll find a couple of nautical museums such as RRS Discovery, and HM Frigate Unicorn. Other museums and sights include V&A Dundee, Tay Rail Bridge, Camperdown Wildlife Centre, and Glamis Castle.

Is the Food Better in Dundee or Aberdeen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Picking the best cuisine and restaurants between Dundee and Aberdeen can be difficult as they are each good in their own way.

Dundee offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. There are a few local dishes that the city is known for. These include Dundee Cake, Dundee marmalade, and Angus beef.

Aberdeen has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Everything from brunch bistros to fine dining are available in this city. You can enjoy local specialties or international options at any of the unique restaurants around town.

Is Dundee or Aberdeen Better for Nightlife?

Both Dundee and Aberdeen are good when it comes to partying.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Dundee. 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.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Aberdeen. The nightlife scene is diverse with whisky dens, local pubs, and even trendy nightclubs to choose from.

Is Dundee or Aberdeen Better for its Old Town?

Aberdeen is a well-known place for its historic old town. However, Dundee does not have a historic old town.

Many visitors explore the old town while visiting Aberdeen. This city's old town is a hidden gem in Scotland. The cobblestone streets and long history make for a fascinating place to explore.

Dundee does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Dundee or Aberdeen?

Aberdeen is a popular place for shopping. However, Dundee is not a good city for its shopping opportunities.

Aberdeen is a great destination for shopping. A mix of modern shopping centers, antique vendors, and local boutiques make for an interesting shopping scene. For some of the city's best shopping head to Union Square Shopping Centre, the Trinity Centre, or Bon Accord Aberdeen.

If you're looking to go shopping, Dundee has some nice offerings. There are shopping centers and a few independent shops that are worth checking out. Head to Overgate Shopping Centre for the standard brands or Dundee's Farmer's Market for some local produce.

Is Dundee or Aberdeen Better for Families?

Aberdeen is a well-known place for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Aberdeen is a very family-friendly place to visit. Explore the city's history or wander through one of the many museums. Some of the best museums for kids include the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Little Treasures Toy Museum, the Aberdeen Science Center, and the Gordon Highlanders Museum. Adrenaline seekers will enjoy rock climbing and ropes courses at Transition Extreme or ziplining at Go Ape Crathes Castle. Also nearby is horseback riding and Codona’s Amusement Park.

Dundee is a family-friendly city. Head to the Dundee Science Center or check out Discovery Point. There's also the Dundee Treasure Trail as well as climbing walls and other outdoor activities for when the weather's nice.

Is Dundee or Aberdeen Better for Couples?

Aberdeen is a popular place for romance. However, Dundee is not a good city for its romantic activities.

Aberdeen is a nice destination for couples. There are many of the standard activities for couples such as interesting restaurants, theaters, and fun concerts.

Most people don't think of Dundee as a couple's destination. The coastal city has some nice outdoor spaces and interesting restaurants that couples can enjoy.

Is Dundee or Aberdeen Better for Students?

Dundee and Aberdeen are both good destinations for students and younger travelers.

Dundee is a good city to visit for students. Its affordability and authenticity make this a nice option for students. It's also a very safe city.

Plenty of students visit Aberdeen. The city is a nice affordable option for students who want to study at the University of Aberdeen.

Is Dundee or Aberdeen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Both Dundee and Aberdeen offer good public transit options.

Dundee has a few public transit options. The city has a public bus system.

Aberdeen has some public transit options. There are public buses through town and it's possible to pick up a Grasshopper ticket that lets you ride on most of the bus companies.

Is Dundee or Aberdeen a more walkable city?

Aberdeen is a well-known place for its walkability. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of walkability.

Aberdeen is very walkable. It's easy to walk to most of the city's attractions.

Dundee is a somewhat walkable place. There are a number of walks through the town.

For even more information, also check out Is Dundee Worth Visiting? and Is Aberdeen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aberdeen or Dundee?

How long in Dundee or Aberdeen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Dundee and Aberdeen. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Aberdeen than in Dundee. Usually, 1-2 days is a good amount of time for Dundee, and 2-3 days is enough time in Aberdeen.

Families should spend more time in Aberdeen than Dundee. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Aberdeen, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Aberdeen than Dundee. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Aberdeen that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aberdeen than Dundee if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Aberdeen.

One day in Dundee or Aberdeen?

The city of Dundee offers nightlife and food. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one day here. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Aberdeen. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Dundee or Aberdeen?

Dundee is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Dundee, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Aberdeen is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Dundee or Aberdeen?

Dundee is a popular choice for travelers. Five days is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aberdeen. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Dundee or Aberdeen?

Dundee is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This city offers something for everyone.

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the cultural destination of Aberdeen. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Coach Bus Tours in United Kingdom, The Best Adventure Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Sightseeing Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in United Kingdom.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Dundee and Aberdeen, we can see that Dundee is more expensive. And not only is Aberdeen much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Aberdeen would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Aberdeen and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Dundee would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Dundee than you might in Aberdeen.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Dundee Expensive? and Is Aberdeen Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Dundee or Aberdeen?

Aberdeen has a larger population, and is about 21% larger than the population of Dundee. When comparing the sizes of Dundee and Aberdeen, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Dundee or Aberdeen?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Dundee or Aberdeen in the Summer?

Both Aberdeen and Dundee are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Dundee because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Aberdeen this time of year.

Dundee is around the same temperature as Aberdeen in the summer. The daily temperature in Dundee averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Aberdeen fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

Dundee usually receives more sunshine than Aberdeen during summer. Dundee gets 184 hours of sunny skies, while Aberdeen receives 157 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Dundee usually receives less rain than Aberdeen. Dundee gets 52 mm (2 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Dundee or Aberdeen in the Autumn?

Both Aberdeen and Dundee during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Dundee this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Aberdeen for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Dundee is around the same temperature as Aberdeen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Dundee in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Aberdeen averages at about 9°C (49°F).

In the autumn, Dundee often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Aberdeen. Dundee gets 100 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aberdeen receives 93 hours of full sun.

Dundee usually gets less rain in October than Aberdeen. Dundee gets 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Dundee or Aberdeen in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Dundee and Aberdeen. Many travelers come to Dundee for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Aberdeen in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Aberdeen can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Dundee. In January, Dundee is generally around the same temperature as Aberdeen. Daily temperatures in Dundee average around 3°C (38°F), and Aberdeen fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Dundee usually receives more sunshine than Aberdeen during winter. Dundee gets 58 hours of sunny skies, while Aberdeen receives 52 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Dundee usually receives less rain than Aberdeen. Dundee gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Dundee or Aberdeen in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Dundee as well as Aberdeen. Many visitors come to Dundee in the spring for the activities around the city. Also, most visitors come to Aberdeen for the activities around the city during these months.

Dundee is around the same temperature as Aberdeen in the spring. The daily temperature in Dundee averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Aberdeen fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Dundee often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Aberdeen. Dundee gets 155 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Aberdeen receives 144 hours of full sun.

Dundee usually gets less rain in April than Aberdeen. Dundee gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Aberdeen and Dundee