Bilbao, Spain

Most Americans probably don't know much about Bilbao. It's tucked on the northern coast of Spain, not too far from where the shoreline curves toward France. If nothing else, it has shown the world's other big cities how to reinvent itself.

Not so long ago, Bilbao was a good-sized city that wasn't too pretty to see. There was only one park in the entire place, and the waterfront was an industrial hotbed - and probably something of a mess. The center of the Basque culture, Bilbao opted for a new look. It must have taken a lot of work and a lot of money, but the place looks quite good now. It's fun to simply walk around, let alone visit some of the attractions.

The photo is taken from a square in the middle of town. It's surrounded by big buildings of all different shapes and sizes, so it's an interesting place to stop during the middle of a walking tour of the city.