# Guggenheim Museum 8 
Europe’s titanium-covered highlight of modern architecture by the famous Canadian American architect Frank Gehry still looks incredibly modern even if it was inaugurated back in 1997.
The Guggenheim Museum, one of the world's most spectacular buildings that you should appreciate from all angles, contains a collection of 20th-century American and European art and temporary exhibitions of modern art.
This is our selection of the five best artworks of the Guggenheim Museum:
(Click on images to open in lightbox)
1) Puppy, Jeff Koons (1992)
Jeff Koons / CC BY-SA 4.0
2) Maman, Louise Bourgeois (1999)
by Doalex / CC BY-SA 3.0
3) Tall Tree and the Eye, Anish Kapoor (2009)
by Kamahele / CC BY-SA 3.0
4) The Matter of Time, Richard Serra (2010)
by Ardfern / CC BY-SA 3.0
5) Tulips, Jeff Koons (2006)
by dalbera / CC BY-SA 2.0
Modern Art Museum | Modern Architecture Gallery Space: 11,000 m2 / 120,000 ft2 | Galleries: 21 | Established: 1997 | Visitors (2018): 1,265,756
# Fine Arts Museum 6 
Spain's second-largest collection after the Prado in Madrid (more than 10,000 works including 1,500 paintings, four hundred sculptures, and more than 6,500 works on paper) contains an extraordinary variety of carefully chosen artworks from 12th century to 20th-century pop art.
Don’t miss the exceptional modern and contemporary art on the 2nd Floor.
This is our selection of the five best paintings of the Fine Arts Museum Bilbao:
1) St. Sebastian cured by the Holy Women, José de Ribera (c. 1621)
by Wikimedia / Public Domain
2) The Abduction of Europa, Marten de Vos (c. 1590)
by Wikimedia / Public Domain
3) The Annunciation, El Greco (Doménikos Theotokopoulos) (c. 1596-1600)
by Wikimedia / Public Domain
4) Washerwomen in Arles, Paul Gauguin (c. 1888)
by Wikimedia / Public Domain
5) Lot and his Daughters, Orazio Gentileschi (c.1628)
by Wikimedia / Public Domain
Art Museum (Ancient-Modern Art) Gallery Space: 5,089 m2 / 54,777 ft2 | Galleries: 33 | Artworks on Display: ca. 600 | Established: 1914 | Visitors (2017): 314 987
(Click on images to open in lightbox)
# Casco Viejo (Old Town) 6
Bilbao’s compact and atmospheric old quarter, situated separated from the rest of the town on the east side of the River Nervión, is full of charming, pedestrianized streets, mouthwatering pintxos (Basque tapas) bars, and plenty of small shops, museums, and churches.
Highlights include the central Catedral de Santiago, the fine square Plaza Nueva as well as Iglesia de San Antón next to Mercado de la Ribera.
# Funicular Artxanda and Mount Artxanda 6
Take the cable railway to the top of the 300 m-high (984 ft) Mount Artxanda for spectacular views over Bilbao's urban landscape including (of course) the eye-catching Guggenheim Museum.
# Zubizuri White Bridge 5 
Opened to the public in 1997, this stylish white suspension footbridge, designed by the well-known architect Santiago Calatrava, elegantly spans the Nervión River.
Bridge | Modern Architecture Opened: 1997 | Architect: Santiago Calatrava
# Azkuna Zentroa 4 
This old warehouse has been renovated under the lead of the famous French designer Philippe Starck in 2010 to become one of Bilbao's most pulsating cultural places.
There are forty-three individually designed columns, giant screens, illuminated benches, and a transparent rooftop swimming pool, which can be seen from below.
Modern Building multi-purpose venue
# Ribera Market 4
With a surface area of 10,000 square meters, this characteristic building on the right bank of the Nervión River is regarded as Europe's largest covered market.
#11 | Bilbao-Abando Train Station 4
Renowned for its architecture, the station features a striking glass canopy, blending functionality with aesthetic appeal.
by Jordi Payà / CC BY-SA 2.0
#12 | Palacio Euskalduna 4
Palacio Euskalduna in Bilbao is a cutting-edge venue renowned for its modern architecture, extensive facilities, and role as a cultural and conference hub.
Conference Center and Concert Hall
by Fred Romero / CC BY-SA 2.0
VIZCAYA BRIDGE 6 
Vizcaya Bridge is a historic marvel, celebrated for its status as the first transporter bridge and its blend of innovative design elements that continue to captivate visitors today.
Historic Bridge 🌍 World Heritage Site: since 2006 | Distance from Bilbao: 13 km
by Javier Mediavilla Ezquibela / CC BY-SA 3.0
San Sebastian 7
The beautiful Basque seaside resort San Sebastian is easily one of the most charming and atmospheric cities in Spain.
The city possesses without a doubt one of the finest city beaches in Europe.
City Distance from Bilbao: 101 km
by worldcitiesranking.com / CC BY-SA 3.0
Vitoria-Gasteiz 6
Vitoria-Gasteiz boasts a well-preserved medieval old town, featuring charming narrow streets, historic churches such as the Cathedral of Santa María, and the impressive Renaissance-style Palace of the Provincial Council.
City Distance from Bilbao: 62 km
by worldcitiesranking.com / CC BY-SA 3.0
Gaztelugatxe 5
Gaztelugatxe is a picturesque islet off the coast of Spain, renowned for its historic chapel, challenging staircase, and scenic views that have captivated visitors and filmmakers alike.
Islet Distance from Bilbao: 35 km
Eduardo Miranda / CC BY-SA 4.0