Dundee has come a long way. The city on Scotland's east coast has been named one of Lonely Planet's top ten European destinations. It is now on the same list as Italy's Emilia-Romagna region, Cantabria in northern Spain and chic Provence in France. This is due in part to the city's blossoming status as a cultural centre - the beacon of which is down to the new V&A Dundee museum with its Kengo Kuma design inspired by the cliffs of Scotland. The V&A is cited as an international centre for design, discovery and education.
Waterfront walks
Part of the joy of travelling to Dundee from the south is crossing the Tay Road Bridge and enjoying the views over the silvery water. The £1billion waterfront redevelopment is part of a bid for the city to be European Capital Of Culture in 2023. The plans include an urban beach beside the V&A and an amphitheatre for lives shows.
In the meantime, take a stroll around the area and enjoy the water and fresh air. On the riverside walk, look out for the words of William McGonagall, inscribed into the footpath. His poem, The Tay Bridge Disaster, is widely thought to be the worst ever written.
Creative types
Dundee has long attracted creative types, thanks to the reputation of the Duncan Of Jordanstone College Of Art & Design. During summer you can buy work from artists, jewellers and designers - many of them graduates of the college - at Pop Up Dundee markets held at various locations.
You should swing by the McManus, Dundee's art gallery and museum to see one of their ever changing exhibitions.
You can also explore Open/Close Dundee - two trails of colourful street art hidden among nooks and crannies in the city. It recently extended to the Stobswell area.
Dundee Contemporary Arts is a great hub for creativity, showcasing visually arresting modern-art exhibitions, including the first major European show of the work of US artist Eve Fowler.
Finally, learn more about the city's industrial past at Verdant Works, an interesting space inside a huge refurbished mill.
Eat, sleep, rave, repeat
The Cultural Quarter is a good place for a wander and the West House is widely considered the top stop for a hangover brunch. To go strong, try the Stornaway black pudding.
What about the night before? If you're not scared of working up a sweat, head to The Reading Rooms. It's the grand dame of Dundee's night scene and has welcomed an impressive list o talent, from Peggy Gou to Scratch Perverts and Toddla T.
If afternoon tea is more your thing, the West End's grand Taypark House is a hotel in a former baron's mansion with views of the Tay and Botanic Gardens. Indulge in the afternoon tea, which includes freshly baked scones in the opulent dining room, before retiring upstairs.