Take a walk in the shoes of a local with one of Bilbao’s most popular hikes. Pagasarri, at 673 m, is one of the smaller mountains surrounding the city, and most locals have tackled it at least once. Buses from the city centre take you to starting points around Zabalburu or Peñascal. At the summit, there’s a bar selling bocatas—baguette sandwiches stuffed with tortilla de patata, txistorra, or chorizo. If you’re feeling ambitious, continue on to Ganekogorta at 998 m, just a bit further along the ridge, for more sweeping views of Bilbao and the surrounding hills.

The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao is a landmark of contemporary architecture and a cultural beacon for the city. Designed by Canadian-American architect Frank Gehry, the museum's fluid, sculptural form has been hailed as one of the most significant architectural achievements of the 20th century. Its titanium-clad curves and organic shapes have transformed the Bilbao skyline and are often likened to a ship or flower. Beyond its jaw-dropping exterior, the museum houses a world-class collection of modern and contemporary art, focusing on postwar American and European artists. Notable works include pieces by Mark Rothko, Jeff Koons, and Louise Bourgeois, among others.

Limnoupolis Water Park is a great choice for families with children - the park offers water slides of varying steepness, as well as a number of pools and a lazy river. For grown-ups there is a Jacuzzi and a pool bar. Shops and eateries add to the water park's attraction.