During the past few decades Glasgow, the UK's fourth largest city, has re-invented itself from a rather economically depressed post-war industrial centre to a modern metropolis with a thriving art and culture scene, which has earned it accolades like the 'European City of Culture' title in 1990 and 'City of Architecture' in 1999.

In days of yore Glasgow depended on shipbuilding and engineering for its wealth; the city fell into decline in the mid-20th century with poverty and unemployment rife. Prosperity has returned, riding on the back of 21st century technology, and it is the hub of Scottish film, theatre, writing, music and design that has captured worldwide attention.

The city has more than 20 galleries and museums to complement the architectural heritage of architects like Alexander Thomson, renowned for his classical designs, and Charles Rennie Mackintosh, master of art nouveau.

The youthful, progressive atmosphere of the reborn Glasgow is encouraged by its large student population, spawned by four universities and several colleges, and reflected in the numerous lively restaurants, pubs and attractive shopping precincts.

Tourists find plenty to see and do in this city on the River Clyde, and can also use it as a base to explore the surrounding countryside that boasts some of Scotland's most scenic mountains, glens, lochs and coastline.

Burrell Collection

Address: 2060 Pollokshaws Road, Pollok Country Park Glasgow

Admission: Free Monday to Thursday and Saturday 10am to 5pm; Friday and Sunday 11am to 5pm

Telephone: (0)141 287 2550

Glasgow's top cultural attraction was donated by the shipping magnate Sir William Burrell in 1944. Over his lifetime he amassed more than 8,000 works of art, 3,000 of which are displayed at any one time. The collection includes hundreds of sculptures, drawings and paintings from the 15th to 20th centuries, some notable medieval European tapestries, as well as artefacts from Arabia and the Orient. The collection is housed in an ugly, purpose-built building set in the sedate surroundings of Pollok Country Park. Within walking distance is Pollok House, which contains a fine collection of Spanish paintings including works by Goya, Murillo and El Greco. The Edwardian house is the ancestral home of the Maxwell family, who donated the house and the collection to the National Trust in 1966.

Gallery of Modern Art

Address: Royal Exchange Square Glasgow

Admission: Free Monday to Wednesday and Saturday 10am to 5pm, Thursday 10am to 8pm, Friday and Sunday 11am to 5pm

Telephone: (0)141 229 1996

Located in a former Grecian style mansion in the heart of the city, near George Square and Buchanan Street, the Gallery of Modern Art displays Glasgow's extraordinary range of post-war art and design. Glasgow's most recent gallery, it was opened in 1996 and includes works by Niki de Saint Phalle, David Hockney, Sebastiao Salgado, Andy Warhol and Eduard Bersudsky as well as Scottish artists such as John Bellany and Ken Curry.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum

Address: Kelvin Park , Argyle Street Glasgow

Admission: Free Monday to Thursday and Saturday 10am to 5pm, Friday and Sunday 11am to 5pm

Telephone: (0)141 276 9599

Glasgow's principal art gallery and museum, the Kelvingrove is one of Scotland's most popular free attractions. This imposing red sandstone building, opened in 1901, houses a superb collection of paintings by, among others, Botticelli, Rembrandt, Monet, Van Gogh and Picasso as well as an impressive display of European armour, military weapons and prehistoric relics. The main attraction is a room dedicated to the works of the 19th-century architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh who studied at the Glasgow School of Art and designed many of the city's great Art Nouveau buildings.

Glasgow International Comedy Festival

Where: Various,Glasgow

When: 11-28 March 2010

The Glasgow International Comedy Festival is about more than just stand-up, featuring an extensive programme spanning all forms of comedy with something to suit all tastes and ages. There are live stand-up shows by some of the biggest names in comedy, as well as character acts, political satirists, classic family variety acts, children's entertainment, workshops, and comedy film classics and theatre.

West End Festival

Where: Various,Glasgow

When: June 2010 TBA

Every summer the Bohemian West End becomes the stage for performances, film, music, street parties and exhibitions. Festival Sunday is the highlight of the celebrations with the famous Midsummer Carnival and Street Party taking over Byres Road in a swirling procession of colour and dancing, with a variety of other activities in the area. The day is filled with street theatre, funfair rides and stalls, comedy shows, a farmer's market, art fairs, music performances and regular features such as Shakespeare in the Park.

Glasgow Jazz Festival

Where: Merchant City,Glasgow

When: June 2010 TBA

One of the biggest jazz festivals in Europe, the Glasgow Jazz Festival infects the small Merchant City area with a celebratory atmosphere, spilling out onto the streets from the bars in the neighbourhood and from the main open-air stage in George Square. Musicians from around the world flock to the city to take part in lively concert performances that have attracted huge crowds every the year.