Pocket Guide: Bilbao, Spain

What's good about it? Bilbao is a hub of culture and innovation. Known for its stunning architecture, this riverside city is home to the iconic Guggenheim Museum, designed by Frank Gehry.
Best for: Your first stop is Mount Artxanda, where you can take in stunning panoramas from the top. Next, head to the city centre to explore Ensanche Square, known for its elegant stores. Continue past the neo-Baroque Arriaga Theatre, modelled after the Paris Opera, and cross the Arenal Bridge to view the neo-Gothic Sagrado Corazon church. From a distance, catch a glimpse of Frank Gehry's Guggenheim Museum. Conclude your tour with a stroll around the museum's perimeter, admiring the modern, contemporary structure of Bilbao's most recognised symbol.
Best time to visit: From March to May and September to November, when the weather is pleasant.
Getting there: Viking's new 12-day Iberia, France & England Explorer cruise between Lisbon and London visits charming Bilbao. viking.com




