Dubbed the artistic heart of the Basque Country, Bilbao houses exceptional architecture - both old and new, superb art museums, sublime cuisine and a thriving local music scene. Arguably one of the most notable attractions of metropolitan Bilbao is the glittering Guggenheim Museum - a futuristic masterpiece of titanium-plated curves standing proudly above the Nervion River. The building's construction in 1997 sparked a wave of urban transformation. Today, the city has an array of inspired modern edifices and several historical gems, such as its Neoclassical theatre. If you tire of exploring, take a break and indulge in some people-watching and 'pintxos' - delicious Basque tapas -at the Plaza Nueva, or head out to the emerald hills that encircle Bilbao to enjoy the scenery.