Dundee named as must-visit European destination for 2018 by Lonely Planet

It seems Dundee is having a serious moment.

Scotland’s fourth largest city has been named as one of Europe’s top 10 destinations to visit in 2018 by travel authority Lonely Planet.

Dundee is the only UK entry in the travel guide book publisher’s top 10 European destinations of 2018, and came in sixth between Provence, France at fifth and Small Cyclades, Greece at seventh.

The full top 10 are as follows:

1. Emilia-Romagna, Italy

2. Cantabria, Spain

3. Friesland, the Netherlands

4. Kosovo

5. Provence, France

6. Dundee, Scotland

7. Small Cyclades, Greece

8. Vilnius, Lithuania

9. Vipava Valley, Slovenia

10. Tirana, Albania

Dundee has seen a tourism boost in the past decade after it was named at the UK’s first City of Design in 2014. There is a £1billion revamp of the waterfront underway and, this year, the first V&A museum outside of London will open in the Scottish city.

Lonely Planet wrote of the decision to include Dundee: “With the opening of the newest branch of the V&A this September, Dundee is a city with an eye on the future. Perched at the edge of Craig Harbour, architect Kengo Kuma’s angular concrete structure, which draws inspiration from the contours of a Scottish cliff face, will be the country’s leading centre for design, showcasing 300 years of innovation.

“Remarkable ideas deserve a remarkable home and this space-age museum is the first step in a £1 billion, 30-year regeneration project that builds on Dundee’s Unesco City of Design award in 2014. The redevelopment will transform the historic waterfront, providing a social ‘living room’ at the edge of the silvery River Tay, while further fuelling a creative scene that increasingly attracts some of the UK’s most visionary talent.”

Italy’s Emilia-Romagna region, found in the north of Italy and inclusive of places like Bologna and part of the Adriatic Coast took the top spot for must-visit European destination this year. Lonely Planet cited the Italian region as a foodie paradise with ragu, parma ham and balsamic vinegar originating there as well as it being home to Osteria Francescana, considered to be the second-best restaurant in the world.

Yet, if you're looking for a cheap and cultural weekend away this summer that's a little closer to home, head to Dundee.