She may recently have moved down south, but Lorraine Kelly may get second thoughts after learning that her hometown of Dundee has been named one of the best destinations in Europe to visit this summer. Scotland's fourth-largest city has been hailed for its "head-turning" urban redevelopment, dynamism and friendliness in Lonely Planet's Best in Europe 2018 list.
Dundee is the only city in the United Kingdom to make the cut. It is known for its creative scene, having been chosen as Unesco's first UK City in Design in 2014. And there will be even more to offer visitors later this year, as Dundee's £80.1million V&A Museum will open to the public in September.
The V&A Museum will open in Dundee in September
Lonely Planet's editorial director, Tom 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."
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Other cities to make the shortlist include Emilia-Romagna in Italy at number one, and Cantabria, Spain in second place. Cantabria is described as one of Spain's "unexpected treasures", while the travel guide says that Emilia-Romagna is a "feast for travellers", thanks in part to its incredible culinary scene. Kosovo, Provence, Friesland and Small Cyclades in Greece have also been recommended as alternative European destinations to visit in 2018.
Dundee has been praised for its dynamism and friendliness
Lonely Planet Best in Europe 2018
- Emilia-Romagna, Italy
- Cantabria, Spain
- Friesland, the Netherlands
- Kosovo
- Provence, France
- Dundee, Scotland
- Small Cyclades, Greece
- Vilinus, Lithuania
- Vipava Valley, Slovenia
- Tirana, Albania