Dundee is full of surprises, from hidden tunnels to unexpected links with literary legends.

While many know its reputation in gaming, design, and shipbuilding, there are plenty of fascinating details about its history that often go unnoticed.

Here are 11 cool things you should know about Dundee—but probably don’t.

Dundee was allegedly not always called Dundee

Before it became Dundee, the city may have had different names. Some sources from the 16th century suggests it was known as Allectum, while an early version of the name Dundee itself was Duntay. The exact origins remain uncertain, but these names hint at the city’s long and evolving history. Gaelic speakers from the local area also allegedly called Dundee An Athaileag.

Dundee means “fort of fire”

The name Dundee comes from the Gaelic Dùn Dè, which translates to ‘fort of fire’. Some believe this could refer to an ancient fortification on Dundee Law, possibly linked to fire signals used for communication or as a defensive measure.

Dundee’s Wishart Arch was the original gateway to the city

The Wishart Arch, located on the city’s east side, is a relic of Dundee’s medieval past. This stone archway is believed to be the only surviving part of the original city walls, which once protected Dundee from invaders. It’s named after George Wishart, a Protestant reformer who preached nearby before being executed in 1546.

You can still access the Law Tunnel - but it’s very hard

Beneath Dundee Law, an old railway tunnel runs deep underground, but its entrance has been hidden for decades. Built in the 19th century, the Law Tunnel once connected the city centre to the now-demolished Maryfield railway station. While access is still possible, the entrance is concealed beneath a manhole cover and shaft on a residential street on the south side of the Law.

Dundee’s Frankenstein Steps once led up to Mary Shelley’s cottage

Near South Baffin Street, a long flight of stairs known as the Frankenstein Steps once led to the site of a cottage where Mary Shelley—author of Frankenstein—stayed in 1812. However, the stairs themselves were built long after the cottage had disappeared, adding an eerie coincidence to the area’s literary history.

The Wellgate Steps were never meant to be built

The steep Wellgate Steps, linking Victoria Road to the Wellgate Shopping Centre, were never part of the original design. They were constructed when Victoria Road replaced Bucklemaker Wynd in the 1870s, resulting in a steeper slope. This led to the Wellgate curving at the top to meet the new street, forming the iconic steps we all know and love today.

Dundee’s Logie Housing Estate was the first of its kind in Scotland

The Logie Estate, built in the 1920s, holds the title of Scotland’s first purpose-built council housing estate. Designed to provide better living conditions for workers, it set a new standard for public housing and became a model for similar projects across the country.

Cox’s Stack was at one time meant to be an advertising tower

Dundee’s tallest landmark, Cox’s Stack, was once proposed to be transformed into an advertising tower after the closure of the Camperdown Works jute factory. The Courier described the idea as “bringing Las Vegas to Dundee”, though the plans never materialised.

A Hollywood-style sign was planned for the Dundee Law

Many will remember the Beanotown sign that appeared on Dundee Law in 2022 as part of the Dundee Summer Streets Festival. However, there were once plans to create a permanent ‘Dundee’ sign on the slopes of the Law, mirroring the famous Hollywood sign in Los Angeles.

Dundee had its own Coca-Cola factory

Few people know that Dundee once had its own Coca-Cola bottling plant. The factory, based on Clepington Road, produced and distributed the world-famous drink across Scotland. Although it has long since closed, it remains a reminder of Dundee’s unexpected links to global brands.

Dundee had 75 cinemas at its peak

At the height of cinema’s golden age, Dundee had an astonishing 75 cinemas—one of the highest numbers per capita in the UK. While only a handful of theatres remain today, the city’s rich cinematic past reflects a time when movie-going was a major part of local culture.

From hidden tunnels to architectural quirks and lost landmarks, Dundee is packed with stories waiting to be uncovered. Which of these facts surprised you the most? Let us know!