Bilbao is a striking city, set on the curves of the River Nervión, and surrounded by green hills. Its regeneration owes a lot to the Guggenheim Museum, but there are plenty of other attractions drawing tourists to the city, such as the Fine Arts Museum, the Euskalduna Palace, and the Maritime Museum. The wonderful Old Town is a must see, with its bustling streets lined with ancient mansions, small boutiques and bars, the arcaded Plaza Nueva and the gothic cathedral.

To get a good overview of the city, the trip on the 800m- (2,624ft-) long funicular railway up Monte Artxanda is recommended, as the viewpoint at the top offers a wonderful panorama of the city and its estuary.

The marvellous 100-year-old transporter bridge spanning the River Nervión between Portugalete and Getxo to the north of Bilbao also offers great views of the estuary.

Bilbao Turismo
Plaza Ensanche 11
Tel: (94) 479 5760/70.
Website: www.bilbao.net/bilbaoturismo 

Bilbao Turismo has several offices around town - at Plaza Ensanche 11, the airport, Plaza Arriaga and the Guggenheim Museum.

The Bilbao Card is a pass that allows holders to receive significant discounts at museums, shops, restaurants and shows, as well as on public transport. You can buy it at the following tourism offices: Plaza Ensanche 11, Avenida Abandoibarra 2, Bilbao International Airport and Plaza Arriaga. It's available for one, two or three days.