Hotel Carlton 5*

If you fancy a little olde worlde charm and fabulous service to match, then the Carlton is just the place. Included amongst Bilbao's famous landmarks, this impressive hotel is well located on the central Plaza de Federico Moyua next to the Gran Via, and is within walking distance of the shopping centre and main tourist sights including the Guggenheim. Stately in appearance, its grandiose façade hides classically furnished bedrooms, beautiful salons, wide staircases and modern facilities that include a gym with sauna, a cocktail bar and an excellent restaurant. Garage parking 35€/night (limited). Pets not accepted.

The beautiful multicultural city of Bilbao is charming and vibrant and in recent years has become one of Spain's most must-see tourist spots. Its highlight is no doubt the famous Guggenheim and even if you don’t spend any time inside, no visit is complete without at least admiring this iconic piece of architecture and the quirky sculptures around it. Just alongside is La Salve Bridge, another artistic masterpiece with viewing platforms from where you can appreciate the incredible views over the museum. There is another bridge also worth a visit, the Puente de Calatrava which is a suspension footbridge featuring a glass deck.

A big part of Bilbao's attraction is its popular old town - Casco Viejo. Its pretty maze of narrow streets crammed with shops, old buildings and enticing pintxos (tapas) bars is a delight and just outside is Europe's largest indoor market, the famous La Ribera. Here you will find not only stalls but also bars and restaurants so it's also a great place to visit at night. The dining scene generally in Bilbao is renowned and there are plenty of superb restaurants to discover.