Dundee named in top 10 destinations in Europe 2018

Lonely Planet praises ‘thriving, creative Dundee’ in pick of most exciting European destinations to visit this year

Travel authority Lonely Planet today revealed its selection of the best European destinations to visit this summer, with Scotland’s fourth largest city praised for its ‘head-turning’ urban redevelopment, and ranked alongside Italy’s food heartland of Emilia-Romagna, Greece’s Small Cyclades islands and the Northern Spanish region of Cantabria.

Dundee was lauded for its growing cultural scene and the exciting transformation of the city’s historic waterfront; a development spearheaded by the opening of the newest branch of the V&A this September. Describing the city, Lonely Planet’s writers praised a creative scene that “increasingly attracts some of the UK’s most visionary talent”, building on its selection by Unesco as the UK’s first City of Design in 2014.

The recognition forms part of Lonely Planet’s Best in Europe 2018, compiled annually by the travel company’s European experts to reveal their pick of the most exciting and underrated destinations to visit across the continent. This year’ list highlights some of the best lesser-visited regions, alternative city breaks and hidden gems that in-the-know travellers should be planning their next trips around.

Lonely Planet’s spokesperson and Editorial Director, Tom Hall, said: “For those looking to beat the crowds in Europe this summer, Lonely Planet’s Best in Europe reveals our hotlist of destinations that provide a great alternative to traditional favourites. Our travel experts have crossed the continent to discover Europe’s most outstanding, underrated and overlooked places that are worth exploring right now.”

Referencing the selection of Dundee, Mr Hall said: “While visitors have always been assured of a friendly welcome, Dundee has often been overlooked by travellers to Scotland, but that should be set to change. The opening of V&A Dundee is a really exciting moment that marks the city out as well worth a visit, but throw in nationally important museums and attractions, and its dynamic, creative spirit, and travellers will find a city boasting plenty to discover.”

Lonely Planet’s writers have explored the globe for 45 years in search of hidden gems and amazing new travel experiences. Best in Europe 2018 is the sixth iteration of the agenda-setting list, which picks out Europe’s hottest up-and-coming countries, regions and cities.

Dundee is thriving at the moment and everyone is excited about the V & A opening in September. I am absolutely delighted to hear that we have been picked to be in the Lonely Planet top 10 places to visit in Europe.

Dundee offers food, drink and service that can rival anywhere in the world. There is a real buzz about food in the city and the passion of local and independent operators can be seen in everything from food trucks to fine dining, and everything in between. We have a great choice of cafes, bars and restaurants ready to cater to all the needs

of the visitors to the city and I look forward to welcoming them into my establishments. 

Grant Avery, owner of Más and Avery & Co

“Lonely Planet featuring Dundee in its top 10 places to visit in Europe is wonderful news. It shows Dundee’s ability to provide high quality experiences during every interaction tourists encounter when visiting the city.

It further cements our decision to open our new Foxlake site at the water front of this growing vibrant city! We are extremely proud to part of this achievement and look forward to welcoming the travellers that Lonely Planet’s listing will attract to Dundee.”

Zak Hegarty

"We're delighted to see something we've always known being recognised on an international scale: that Dundee is a fantastic city to visit, with a thriving cultural life and incredible creative energy. I hope this latest accolade for the city will encourage even more people to plan a trip here, and we at DCA look forward to welcoming them when they do."

Beth Bate , Director DCA

"This is a fantastic boon for the city as well as for Scotland's Tay Country region by extension. This level of global recognition is very special because Dundee is the sole representative of the UK on this list. 

The hard work and efforts of the city are really paying off and we are proud to be working with so many like minded people who have strived to give Dundee her rightfully deserved place as a world class destination."

Louise Murphy , Dark Dundee

The bright future’s giving us all a glow in ‘sunny’ Dundee!  Oure renaissance city of Design, Discovery and Dennis! This summer, the free ‘Bash Street’s Back at McMenace’ exhibition at the renamed McManus Galleries, will remind everyone Dundee is the World capital of Comics. To me, Dundee is, was and always will be the inspiration behind Beanotown: you can’t get any cooler than that!

Mike Stirling ,  City Ambassador, Editor Beano