The largest city in the Basque country, Bilbao rivals Madrid and Barcelona with its unique culture, illustrious history and ground-breaking architecture. Check out this 2 day itinerary to see the best this buzzing city has to offer...

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Begin your visit at the world-famous Guggenheim Museum, a titanium vision from the future. Admire the gleaming curves of Frank Gehry's magnificent building, and say hello to Jeff Koons' flower-covered Puppy at the entrance. Inside, enjoy the spectacular interior and changing exhibitions. For lunch, snag a reservation at the museum's ultra-chic Michelin-starred restaurant Nerua.

Explore the Siete Calles (Seven Streets), the medieval core that makes up the Casco Viejo, Biblao's atmospheric old quarter. Scores of quirky shops and restaurants crowd the narrow streets, which are trimmed with traditional houses with plant-laden balconies. Don't miss  the nearby Catedral de Santiago, the city's oldest church. The wonderful waterside Ribera market, which is always chock-a-block with stalls brimming with fresh produce, is also worth a visit.

The Casco Viejo livens up at dusk, when the arcaded squares and streets fill with people savouring a tapeo – a pintxos tour from bar to bar. The Plaza Nueva is the epicentre of pintxo action, with a fabulous array of options. Try Gure Toki, which leads the pack when it comes to gourmet creations.

Spend a morning among the fine-art treasures of the Museo de Bellas Artes. Fascinating temporary collections complement excellent permanent exhibits, which include works by Goya Zurbarán and Gauguin. Take a break on the terrace of the lovely café, overlooking the museum gardens. Before lunch, stroll around the elegant Ensanche Bilbaíno district, with its smart shops, delis and galleries. Pop into Azkuna Zentroa, a former wine warehouse tranformed by Philippe Starck into a stunning cultural centre. Enjoy a delicious lunch in the stylish Bocadero.

It's an enjoyable metro ride out of town to the charming little seaside suburb of Getxo. As you are whisked along the edge of the Bilbao estuary, you'll pass Portugalete: catch a glimpse of the incredible Puente de Vizcaya, the world's oldest surviving transporter bridge, and one of few still in existence. You'll soon reach Getxo, where an amble through the tangle of narrow streets takes you to the old port, which bobs with colourful boats.

Enjoy some early tapas and a glass of rioja at Arrantzale, a typical fisherman's tavern with a terrace overlooking Getxo's port. Take a sunset sailing trip back to central Bilbao, and enjoy an unforgettable tour along the estuary as the sun turns the waters to gold.

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