Things To Do
in Sestao
Sestao is a Basque town in the Bilbao metropolitan area, set along the Nervión River. It has a long industrial legacy that shaped its urban fabric and identity. Today it blends that heritage with riverfront regeneration and easy access to Bilbao’s world-class culture.
Visitors can explore a compact city center, then hop over to Bilbao for museums, cuisine, and coastal scenery.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a delightful breakfast at a local café, savoring fresh pastries and coffee. Afterward, stroll through Sestao's historic center, admiring its beautiful architecture and vibrant street life. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Church of San Pedro, an impressive example of local Gothic style.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a traditional Basque restaurant, where you can taste local specialties like bacalao al pil-pil. Afterward, take a guided walking tour to learn more about Sestao’s rich industrial history and role in the Basque region. Wrap up the afternoon with a visit to the Parque de San Juan, where you can relax amidst lush greenery.
As the sun sets, head to a local tapas bar to indulge in a variety of pintxos paired with a refreshing glass of txakoli. Engage with locals and fellow travelers while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the city. End your evening with a stroll along the Nervión River, taking in the beautiful reflections of the city lights.
Visit the nearby Museo de la Minería del País Vasco to learn about the mining heritage of the Basque Country. Explore interactive exhibits that detail the life of miners and the impact of the industry on the local community. Spend time reflecting on the stories of resilience and innovation that shaped Sestao.
After the museum, enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant, sampling regional dishes like marmitako, a traditional fish stew. Spend the afternoon wandering through the charming streets of Sestao, discovering local artisan shops and galleries. Don’t forget to stop by the Mercado de Abastos for fresh produce and local delicacies.
In the evening, attend a live music performance at a local venue to experience the vibrant cultural scene. Enjoy the sounds of traditional Basque music and perhaps even join in a dance. Wrap up your night with a stroll through the illuminated streets, soaking in the lively ambiance.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $12-20 |
| ☕Coffee and pastry | $3-6 |
| 🛍️Local groceries for a few days | $20-50 |
| 🚆Public transport day pass | $5-10 |
| 🍷Pintxos and drinks for two | $20-40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Compact, walkable core with easy access to Bilbao
- Rich Basque culture and cuisine nearby
- Some areas can be industrial in character
- Limited nightlife within Sestao itself compared to Bilbao
- "Hola" - Hello
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Gracias" - Thank you
- "¿Cuánto cuesta?" - How much does this cost?
- "La cuenta, por favor" - The check, please
- "¿Habla inglés?" - Do you speak English?
- "Kaixo" - Hello (Basque)
- "Eskerrik asko" - Thank you (Basque)
- "Mesedez" - Please (Basque)
- "Non dago komuna?" - Where is the bathroom? (Basque)
Places to Visit in Sestao
Visit one of these nice places.
A World Heritage-listed iron bridge spanning the Nervión, especially dramatic at dawn or sunset with river reflections.
The titanium-clad curves and iconic DOG sculpture make for dramatic composition, especially with the bright Basque light.
Narrow stone streets, colourful balconies and lively plazas provide textured, atmospheric photos.
Riverfront walk with modern bridges and the Bilbao skyline as a backdrop.
Panoramic overlook over Bilbao and the estuary; great sunset photography from the terraces.
Food in Sestao
Sestao Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A variety of bite-sized skewers and snacks, perfect for sampling in bars from Sestao to Bilbao.
Must-Try!
Cod in a rich red pepper sauce; a Basque staple, commonly found in pintxo bars and seafood restaurants.
Seafood stew (tuna, potatoes, peppers) that reflects Cantabrian fishing traditions; look for it on menu boards at taverns.
A dry, sparkling white wine ideal with seafood and pintxos; best enjoyed in a tavern or wine bar.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Seasonal produce stalls, seafood, cheeses, and prepared foods; great for fresh, affordable bites.
Street-food-style counters where you can sample small plates paired with txakoli or cider.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A handshake is common in formal settings; with friends, greetings may include kisses on the cheek (usually one on each cheek in Spain).
Spanish is widely spoken; Basque is co-official in the Basque Country—basic phrases in both languages are appreciated.
Meals can be social and lengthy; waiting for everyone to be served before starting is common in groups.
Some shops close during siesta; evenings and weekends are lively; plan visits accordingly.
Safety
Tipping in Sestao
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is customary but not obligatory; round up the bill or leave 5-10% in nicer restaurants if service wasn’t included.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; contactless payments are common; some small cafés may be cash-only.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days with a sea breeze; stay hydrated, use sunscreen, and plan outdoor time for mornings or evenings to avoid peak heat.
Milder days with occasional rain; golden light over the river makes terrific urban landscape photos.
Mostly mild and wet; expect more rainfall and shorter daylight hours; indoor museum visits are ideal.
Fresh greenery and blooming trees; comfortable temperatures—great for walking tours and hill trails.
Sestao at Night
Hiking in Sestao
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, scenic hike with city views and Basque countryside nearby.
Longer forested trails with panoramic overlooks above Bilbao.
Gentle to moderate hikes with viewpoints toward the city and river.
Airports
How to reach Sestao by plane.
Located about 12-15 km from Sestao; easy access by metro or train into Bilbao and Sestao.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A mix of Basque families and commuters to Bilbao; strong cultural presence.
Diverse population including students and expats around Bilbao.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Very popular in the Basque region with local clubs and strong community support.
Traditional Basque sport often played in community spaces.
Bike-friendly routes and hills around Bilbao provide scenic training grounds.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sestao.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many pintxos bars offer vegetarian options like peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, or cheese skewers; ask for 'sin carne' or 'sin carne y sin pescado' and look for vegetable dishes or salads.