Want to visit a nice Portuguese city but without the crowds of Lisbon and Porto? Go to Setúbal! These are the best things to do in Setúbal.
About Setúbal
If you are looking for an authentic Portuguese city without the crowds of tourist hotspots like Lisbon, Setúbal is a good choice. Setúbal is located at the mouth of the Sado River, where the river flows into the Atlantic Ocean.
The city provides a nice mix of a beautiful historic center, extraordinary modern works of art, and relaxing beaches. In addition, it is close to Lisbon, so it is easy to combine Setúbal with a city trip to the Portuguese capital.
An additional advantage is that prices in Setúbal are generally lower than in the more famous Portuguese cities, this also makes the city very suitable if you’re traveling on budget.
I visited Setúbal for a few days in October and was pleasantly surprised. As a solo traveler, I had a great time in the city for a few days and in this article, I’ll tell you more about the best sights and fun things to do in Setúbal.
The best things to do in Setúbal
Are you ready? These are – in no particular order – the most beautiful Setúbal sights.
Convento de Jesus
This monastery is perhaps the most beautiful sight in Setúbal. The impressive Mosteiro de Jesus stands just a bit outside the city center but stands out because of its location on the green Largo de Jesus.
It is a fifteenth-century monastery and now serves as a museum. The Gothic architecture is beautiful to see, so it is wonderful to wander through the corridors and check out the rich decorations. One of the highlights is the High Choir, a beautiful room filled with interesting artworks. And if you look closely, you might find a mummy of a little girl.
Through the outside door, you can also visit the church (Igreja do Convento de Jesus), which is also beautiful to see. Along the walls is a whole story painted on Portuguese tiles, a gorgeous sight.
The church is free to visit and due to the renovation of the monastery, I did not have to buy a ticket for the museum either (October 2024).
Castelo de São Filipe
Do you enjoy a good view? Then it is fun to visit Castelo de São Filipe. It is located on the west side of the city on top of a hill. This 16th-century fortress was built to protect Setubal from attacks by pirates and hostile nations.
You can walk along its massive walls and see several towers and bastions. You have a magnificent view of Setúbal, the port, and Costa da Galé across the water. Also, in one corner there is a small chapel with Portuguese tiles which is really beautiful.
Castelo de São Filipe is free to visit.
Mercado do Livramento
Personally, I always enjoy visiting a local market. This is the place where you see most of the locals and at the same time enjoy the wonderful smells and colors of Setúbal.
Mercado do Livramento is one of the most beautiful covered markets in Portugal. There are several beautiful statues in the hall and the back wall is covered with tiles. Of course, you will find an abundance of fresh produce, including vegetables, fruits, meat, cheese, and, of course, fish and seafood. The market is also a great place to buy souvenirs, such as handmade pottery or traditional Portuguese textiles.
Igreja de São Julião
There is no shortage of beautiful churches in Setúbal and if the door is open I recommend you step inside. It is always a surprise as they are always very different in Portugal.
The Igreja de São Julião is located right in the historic center of the city and is a beautiful Baroque church from the 18th century. The walls are very nicely painted and there are also various works of art on display. Of course, here you will also find the typical Portuguese blue and white tile work again.
Parque do Bonfim
Parque do Bonfim is a city park north of downtown. Not only can you enjoy the green surroundings here, but it is also home to some extraordinary colorful statues. These are the Pasmadinhos de Setúbal and they look a bit like the Barbapapa figures. Very nice to see!
Praia de Albarquel
Feel like relaxing on the beach? Praia de Albarquel is just around the corner from the city and is a beautiful beach to see. It is surrounded on one side by high cliffs and you can relax in the soft beach.
At low tide, also take the walk across the beach to town, here you have a beautiful rocky stretch that really felt to me like an undiscovered paradise.
Forte de Albarquel
Praia de Albarquel is named after Forte de Albarquel that stands in the corner on a hill. It is now mainly used as a kind of cultural center, but you can walk along it and enjoy the beautiful view of the sea while standing among the olive trees.
Golfinho Parade
As you walk through the city you will occasionally see unusual works of art, and Golfinho Parade is one of them. It’s a bit cheesy but very colorful, it makes you instantly happy. It consists of several statues of (jumping) dolphins and they are colorfully painted.
Tip! Would you rather see real dolphins? Various dolphin tours are organized daily from Setúbal. You will then take a boat out into the water and chances are you will spot wild dolphins! Book your boat trip here.
Avenida Luísa Todi
Avenida Luísa Todi is a main street in Setúbal. This wide avenue connects the old center with the more modern waterfront district and is named after the famous Portuguese singer Luísa Todi, who was born in Setúbal.
Avenida Luísa Todi is not only an important traffic artery, but also a place where locals and tourists come together. In fact, in the middle is a large green strip with walkways, benches and several nice cafes. This therefore makes it a fine place to relax and have a drink on one of the terraces.
Museu do Trabalho Michel Giacometti
During my stay in Setúbal, it rained particularly hard one day, so I mostly did some fun and interesting indoor activities (like churches & coffee shops). But visiting a museum, like the extraordinary Museu do Trabalho Michel Giacometti, is also highly recommended on a rainy day.
When visiting this museum, you can take a peek into the city’s industrial past. Housed in a former cannery, the museum offers a unique insight into the history of the canning industry in Setúbal.
In fact, Setúbal was one of Portugal’s most important canneries in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, so a lot of fish was canned here (by hand). With the help of videos and an audio tour, you will learn how they used to do this. Surprisingly interesting!
A visit to the museum costs €1.61; the audio tour (in English) is included.
Igreja de Santa Maria da Graça
The Igreja de Santa Maria da Graça is a bit hidden in Setúbal’s historic center, but this Gothic church from the 15th century is also worth visiting.
It is the main cathedral in the city and is located in a picturesque square. Inside there is plenty to see, such as the extraordinary Tuscan columns and frescoes from the late seventeenth century. Of course, beautiful painted Portuguese tiles can also be admired here again.
Get lost in the historic center
Setúbal has a very beautiful old center full of narrow streets and picturesque squares. It is wonderful to stroll through this and occasionally duck into an alley. It is not all (by far) perfectly restored, but I think that has its charm. It also makes it feel a lot more authentic.
You also have (especially in the streets around Rua Dr. Paula Borba) many nice boutique stores, restaurants, and cafes here.
Parque Urbano de Albarquel
The beach closest to the city belongs to Parque Urbano de Albarquel. It is not very wide, but large enough to relax for a while. In addition, it is part of a larger park, with various gardens, ponds, a promenade, and fountains.
The park also has a playground for children, such as a public gym, and various sports facilities such as tennis courts and a skate park. A nice place for a relaxing afternoon.
Enjoy local cuisine
Setubal is known for its delicious seafood and fresh fish, so don’t forget to enjoy the local gastronomy during your visit. Try the famous Choco Frito (fried squid), the Caldeirada (fish soup), or the Sardinhas Assadas (grilled sardines).
Visit one of the many cozy restaurants in town, such as A Tasca Do Choco Frito. Be surprised by the simple, but also very tasty Portuguese dishes. It is also highly recommended to taste a glass of the local Moscatel wine, which is a sweet dessert wine that goes perfectly with seafood.
Extra dining tip: I ate at NATA Lisboa one of the most delicious pastéis de nata I have ever tasted in Portugal (and there are many). Highly recommended if you’re in need of a coffee and something sweet!
Where to stay in Setúbal
Although you can visit Setúbal as a day trip from Lisbon, I recommend staying there for a few days. As you have been able to read, there is plenty to see and do. I myself stayed in the city for three nights, which I found to be perfect. These are some great places to stay in Setúbal.
- PÊPA Guesthouse – Cozy guesthouse on the edge of the city center, within walking distance of the train and bus station.
- Rio Art Hotel – Very nicely decorated hotel on the pleasant Avenida Luísa Todi, right in the center.
- Hotel Casa Palmela (5⭐) – The perfect place to stay if you are looking for a unique and luxurious experience. A large historic mansion in the green hills with a refreshing outdoor pool.
Check out Booking.com for more options, availability, and prices.
Book your trip to Portugal
Would you like to visit Setúbal during a trip to Portugal? Book your trip now!
✈️ Plane tickets – As the capital of Portugal, Lisbon, is so close, it’s smart to fly into Lisbon Airport. Check WayAway to find the best deals and get cashback on plane tickets.
From Lisbon, you can travel to Setubal by bus (number 4720) from Oriente (takes about 40 minutes and costs €4.50) or by Uber (takes about 35 minutes and costs about €30).
🚘 Rental Car – If you want to see more amazing places in Portugal besides Setúbal, it’s highly recommended to rent a car. Check Rental Cars to find the best deals.
💊 Travel insurance – Make sure to invest in travel insurance, it will give you peace of mind during your trip. Check out Insubuy to find the travel insurance that fits your needs.
🏄🏼 Tours & activities – There are several fun tours and guided trips in Setúbal. Check Get Your Guide for a lot of fun day trips.
Read more about Portugal
These were my Setúbal tips. Looking for more tips and inspiration for a trip to Portugal? MAke sure to order one of these travel guides.
I spend several months a year in Portugal, so I have already been able to see a lot of places in this beautiful country. Read one of these articles for more Portugal tips.
- 1 day in Lisbon itinerary & tips
- Surf camp in Portugal: my experience with Gota Dagua
- 12 Beautiful villages and towns in the Algarve
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