The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao only opened in 1997, but it has since become one of the most revered and celebrated buildings in the world. The museum's collection focuses primarily on 20th-century American and European art. Just like the popular saying, it's not just the outside that counts, but it's pretty important for this museum. Architect Frank Gehry designed the building with the vision of ''letting the randomness of the curves catch the light". After the opening of the museum, the building was said to be one of the masterpieces of the 20th century.

The landmark of the city, also known as Elephant Hill, looks like a giant elephant drinking water from the river with its long trunk. Other famous spots here include Shuiyue Cave (水月洞), Puxian Tower (普贤塔), Xiangyan Rock (象眼岩), Dagoba Tower (舍利塔), Yunfeng Temple (云峰寺) and three amusement islands by the lake. The park is great for spending an idyllic afternoon.

Take a sneak peek at a day in the life of a local by going on one of the most typical and easily accessible hiking routes in the region. Reaching some 673 metres (2,208 feet) in height, Pagasarri is one of the smaller mountains that surround Bilbao and most locals will have tried this hike at least once before. There are buses from the city centre, with a few different routes starting from the area of Zabalburu or from Peñascal, on the outskirts of the city. At the top of the mountain, there is even a bar selling 'bokatas', the typical no-nonsense baguette rolls filled with your local delicacy of choice, from tortilla de patata to txistorra or chorizo. If you've reached the summit of Pagasarri, you're already halfway to Ganekogorta, a summit at 998 metres (3,274 feet) which is a little further away.

Styggens stuga, once home to Karl Johan Persson (born 1828), sits in Frösaråsen, north of Fredriksberg in Ludvika's western finnmark. This well-preserved cottage, nestled in the forest, offers a glimpse into the past and the intriguing story of its former inhabitant. With informative displays, a well-maintained trail and facilities, it's worth s visit.