Zubizuri, meaning 'white bridge' in Basque, is a steel-and-glass footbridge over the Nervión River, designed by Santiago Calatrava and opened in 1997. It links Campo Volantín on one side to Uribitarte on the other. The deck was originally made of translucent glass bricks, but they became dangerously slippery when wet, so now there’s a non-slip covering over much of the walking surface. From the middle of the bridge, you get a good view of the river and the Guggenheim, especially at sunrise or when the lights come on at night.

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.

Animal-lovers and those travelling with children should try and write the Lahore Zoo into their itinerary. Its variety of animal species is among the widest on the subcontinent, including tigers, lions, hippos, crocodiles, and a great many birds. The drive-through safari park on the southern edge of town provides a further glimpse of animal life.