Bilbao in northern Spain has "reinvented itself" and is now a "vibrant metropolis", according to a travel expert.

Korina Miller of Lonely Planet said that the city has a huge amount to offer tourists who want something slightly different in Spain.

"Those after something more cultural than beach resorts and slightly off the beaten track are tuning into Bilbao's charm," said the commissioning editor for Spain and Portugal.

She added that Bilbao has everything the seasoned holidaymaker could wish for, saying: "With an atmospheric old town, surrounding green hills, hip nightlife and beaches on the doorstep, there's little left to long for."

Ms Miller drew attention to a number of attractions in the area, including the Guggenheim Museum and the selection of restaurants and cafes, describing it as an "international hotspot" which is "mellow by day and hopping by night".

Bilbao's $100 million (£49.7 million) Guggenheim Museum was designed by architect Frank Gehry and features many famous works by artists including Picasso, Motherwell and Warhol.