Place: Guggenheim Bilbao

Bilbao is a city where contemporary architecture meets Basque tradition. The Guggenheim Museum, with its striking titanium-clad design by Frank Gehry, is the city’s most iconic landmark, housing an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. Just outside, Puppy, a giant flower-covered sculpture, adds a whimsical touch to the museum’s surroundings.

For panoramic views over the city, the Artxanda Funicular takes you up to Mount Artxanda, offering a stunning perspective of Bilbao and the surrounding green hills. The city’s Casco Viejo (Old Town) provides a contrast to its modern side, with its narrow medieval streets, traditional pintxo bars, and landmarks like Santiago Cathedral and the lively Plaza Nueva.

A bit further out towards the ocean, the Vizcaya Bridge (Puente Colgante) is a must-see. This UNESCO-listed transporter bridge, the oldest of its kind, connects Getxo and Portugalete over the Nervión River, offering a unique way to experience Bilbao’s industrial heritage.