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

Should you visit York or Dundee?

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

Should I visit York or Dundee? 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.

York

York is a historic, medieval, and fanciful city. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

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.

York and Dundee: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food
  • Less family-friendly
  • Less popular with couples


Is there more to do in York or Dundee?

Tourists will generally find more to do in York. Although York and Dundee are both popular with visitors, York has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. York is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, historical sights, and shopping, while Dundee is known for its big city activities. York is more touristy than Dundee and is known for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. It is also home to The Shambles. Dundee is popular for its maritime and manufacturing history as well as its focus on design.

How is York different from Dundee?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

York
Dundee

York 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.

York offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

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 York or Dundee? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

York
Dundee

York is an amazing city to visit for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

For foodies, York is an obvious choice, as it is one of the food capitals of the world. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

Dundee has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. There are a few local dishes that the city is known for. These include Dundee Cake, Dundee marmalade, and Angus beef.

Is York or Dundee Better for Nightlife?

York
Dundee

York is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

York offers plenty to do in the evening. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe 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.

Is York or Dundee Better for its Old Town?

York
Dundee

York is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Dundee does not have a historic old town.

York offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

Dundee does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in York or Dundee?

York
Dundee

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

York is a great destination for shopping. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

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 York or Dundee Better for Families?

York
Dundee

York is an amazing city to visit for its family-friendly activities. Also, Dundee is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, York is a very family-friendly destination. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

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 York or Dundee Better for Couples?

York
Dundee

York is a well-known place for romance. However, Dundee is not a good city for its romantic activities.

York is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

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 York or Dundee Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

York
Dundee

York is a well-known place for backpackers. However, Dundee is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Backpackers come from all over to visit York. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks around town.

Dundee is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is York or Dundee Better for Students?

York
Dundee

Dundee is a popular place for students. However, York is not popular with students.

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.

York is not popular with students.

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

York
Dundee

Both York and Dundee offer good public transit options.

York has a few public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

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


Is York or Dundee a more walkable city?

York
Dundee

York and Dundee both are good when exploring on foot.

York is somewhat walkable. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

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

Should I spend more time in Dundee or York?

How long in York or Dundee?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in York or Dundee to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in York than Dundee because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 1-2 days is enough time in Dundee.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in York 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 York.


  • How many days in York or Dundee? Ideal Length of Stay
    York 2-4 
    Dundee 1-2

One day in York or Dundee?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of York. 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.

Visitors enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Dundee. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. One day is usually enough time to experience most activities.

A weekend in York or Dundee?

York is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Dundee is a fun place to experience. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.


Five days in York or Dundee?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in York. Don't miss the food, as that's what most people do. 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.

You'll find food and museums around the historic destination of Dundee. This city offers something for everyone. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in York or Dundee?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic destination of York. 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.

The cultural city of Dundee offers museums and nightlife. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. One week 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.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 2-Week Tours from London, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh.


Which place is cheaper, Dundee or York?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in York is £106, while the average daily cost in Dundee is £234. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for York and Dundee in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    York £59
    Dundee £149
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    York £118
    Dundee £298
Compare Hotels in York and Dundee

Looking for a hotel in York or Dundee? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in York


Hotels in Dundee


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: York Hotel Prices and Dundee Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    York £12
    Dundee £16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in York

Some specific examples of transportation prices in York:

  • Private Transfer from Hambleton to Manchester Airport (MAN): $163
  • Private Transfer from Hull to Manchester Airport (MAN): $272

Is it cheaper to fly into York or Dundee?

Prices for flights to both Dundee and York change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    York £32
    Dundee £47
Typical Food Prices in York

Some typical examples of dining costs in York are as follows:


  • Dinner
    £22

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in York

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in York.

  • Breakfast Food Tour in York: $51
  • Party Cruise with Welcome Drink, Dinner, and DJ Music: $55

Typical Food Prices in Dundee

Some typical examples of dining costs in Dundee are as follows:


  • Moroccan Sandwich
    £2.70
  • Drinks and Scottish Shortbread at Discovery
    £4.70
  • Kebabs (for 2)
    £8.80

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    York £11
    Dundee £106

Tours and Activities in York

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for York are as follows:

  • Romans, Vikings and Medieval Marvels in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • York Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self Guided Tour: $11
  • Private York Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • York Cocoa Works Guided Tour and Tasting: $12
  • Self-Guided City Sightseeing Treasure Hunt: $12
  • Harry Potter Guided Walking Tour: $12
  • Vikings, Romans, and Normans Guided Walking Tour: $12
  • Original Harry Potter Locations Tour - York: $13
  • York Bird of Prey Centre Entry Ticket: $14
  • City Chronicles Historical Walking Tour: $15
  • The Deathly Dark Ghost Tour of Experience of the Year 2024: $15
  • York City walking tour - History Chronicles: $15

Typical Entertainment Prices in Dundee

Some typical examples of activities, tours, and entrance ticket prices in Dundee are as follows:


  • Newspaper
    £0.85

Tours and Activities in Dundee

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Dundee are as follows:

  • Skip-the-Line: Botanic Garden Entry Ticket: $6.29
  • Made in A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour: $6.99
  • Dundee Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Boat Seafari Adventure: $34
  • Original Dundee Photoshoot Tour: $82

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    York £13
    Dundee £13
Typical Alcohol Prices in York

Some typical examples of the costs for nightlife and alcohol in York are as follows:


  • A Couple Beers
    £9.00

Sample the Local Flavors in York

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in York:

  • Hooting Owl Distillery York - Distillery Tour & Guided Tasting: $32
  • Bar Maid-led Pub Crawl for Special Events: $47
  • The Full Hoot Distillery Tour & Guided Hooting Owl Experience: $57


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between York and Dundee, we can see that Dundee is more expensive. And not only is York much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to York would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in York 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 York.

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


Which is Bigger, York or Dundee?

Dundee has a larger population, and is about 5% larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York and Dundee, 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 York or Dundee?

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 York or Dundee in the Summer?

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

York is a little warmer than Dundee in the summer. The daily temperature in York averages around 16°C (62°F) in July, and Dundee fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

York usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dundee during summer. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Dundee receives 184 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, York usually receives around the same amount of rain as Dundee. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Dundee receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    York 16°C (62°F) 
    Dundee 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit York or Dundee in the Autumn?

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

In the autumn, York is a little warmer than Dundee. Typically, the autumn temperatures in York in October average around 11°C (52°F), and Dundee averages at about 10°C (49°F).

In the autumn, York often gets more sunshine than Dundee. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dundee receives 100 hours of full sun.

York usually gets less rain in October than Dundee. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dundee receives 62 mm (2.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    York 11°C (52°F) 
    Dundee 10°C (49°F)

Should I visit York or Dundee in the Winter?

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

Dundee can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in York. In January, York is generally a little warmer than Dundee. Daily temperatures in York average around 4°C (39°F), and Dundee fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

York usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Dundee during winter. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Dundee receives 58 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, York usually receives less rain than Dundee. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dundee receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    York 4°C (39°F) 
    Dundee 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit York or Dundee in the Spring?

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

York is a little warmer than Dundee in the spring. The daily temperature in York averages around 8°C (46°F) in April, and Dundee fluctuates around 7°C (45°F).

In the spring, York often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Dundee. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Dundee receives 155 hours of full sun.

York usually gets more rain in April than Dundee. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Dundee receives 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    York 8°C (46°F) 
    Dundee 7°C (45°F)

Typical Weather for Dundee and York

York Dundee
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan 4°C (39°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 3°C (38°F) 66 mm (2.6 in)
Feb 4°C (39°F) 38 mm (1.5 in) 3°C (38°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Mar 6°C (43°F) 49 mm (1.9 in) 5°C (41°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Apr 8°C (46°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 7°C (45°F) 41 mm (1.6 in)
May 11°C (53°F) 50 mm (2 in) 10°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Jun 15°C (58°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 13°C (55°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 16°C (62°F) 51 mm (2 in) 14°C (58°F) 52 mm (2 in)
Aug 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Sep 14°C (57°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 12°C (54°F) 61 mm (2.4 in)
Oct 11°C (52°F) 47 mm (1.9 in) 10°C (49°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Nov 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in) 5°C (42°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
Dec 5°C (40°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 4°C (39°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)