The clock is ticking to Finals Weekend in Bilbao and today marks just 200 days to go until European rugby's showpiece event, the Champions Cup final.

Early results from Rounds 1 and 2 in all three competitions have got fans dreaming of a spring break in the Basque Country with the finals on May 11 and 12. To get you in the mood, we look beyond the rugby at the highlights that await visitors:

Mind games

The world famous Guggenheim art museum is celebrating its 20th birthday this month. The building’s exterior - guarded by Puppy, a giant topiary dog – is as impressive as what’s inside. Also check out the Bilbao Fine Arts Museum which has as many old masters as the Guggenheim has modern masterpieces.

Refuelling

Most bars serve Basque tapas called Pintxos. Gorge on tortilla chunks, jamon bocadillos or bread slathered in salt cod or fried fish. Head for the Plaza Neuva which is packed with pintxosbars.

Casco Viejo is the oldest part of the city and its Siete Calles (Seven Streets) are great for browsing shops selling everything from tinned fish and live snails to boutiques and bars.

Warm-up

If you want to stretch your legs, the Nervión river winds through Bilbao and it’s relaxing to stroll by it or take to the water on cruises.

Wind-down

Bilbao’s art deco Mercado de la Ribera is full of tempting fruits, fresh fish, cheeses and later on you can also listen to live music.

Line out

The funicular railway up Artxanda Mountain takes just three minutes and at the summit are cafes, a pool and sweeping views.

Extra time

Just 25 minutes on the Metro is Getxo, the old fishing port of Algorta and Ereaga Beach.

If you have more than a day, take a road trip encompassing the Basque Country’s other two cities. San Sebastián is a gourmet delight and city of culture. Take a classic crawl of the hole-in-the-wall bars in the old town or visit lively cider houses and microbreweries.

Basque capital Vitoria-Gasteiz is a loop of parks, lakes and reservoirs with a Medieval city centre.

For more information on tickets, click here.