Bilbao was a gem - easy to get to, and a real mix - the modernity of the Guggenheim, with the tradition of the pintxos - great foodie place to visit and definitely one to go back to, with a bit more preparation and planning…

Flights

Outbound: Saturday 1 December, British Airways, LHR-BIO, 08.20am.
Return: Sunday 2 December, British Airways, BIO-LGW, 6.20pm.

Airport transfers

Outbound & Return: Taxi from the airport to the hotel and explored from there. Taxi back to the airport on Sunday evening.

Hotel

Gran Hotel Domine (EUR222 per night). Chosen for its location - directly opposite the Guggenheim - and it didn’t disappoint. Excellent place to explore Bilbao from, and notable customer service - low key and spot on. Very nice bar for a cocktail in the evening and breakfast was served on the top floor with a fantastic view of the Guggenheim and beyond.

Activities

Guggenheim - the gem of Bilbao, the Frank Gehry building is incredible inside and out and definitely a must see. I was obsessed!
Funicular railway to the top of the hill provided a cracking view of the whole city, and also the airport on the other side of the valley.
Santiago Cathedral - good audio tour and a beautiful (hidden, naturally) cloister which was very peaceful.
We also explored various squares in the city, including pintxos bars - the Bilbao equivalent of tapas, available on every bar top in the city - finding different and new choices was half the fun (and accompanied by a glass of something of course).