Top 10 Things To Do In Setúbal, Portugal

1. Witness the breathtaking architecture of Monastery of Jesus of Setúbal

Monastery of Jesus of Setubal stands tall and proud with its astounding representation of Manueline architecture. The man responsible for this is Architect Diogo de Boitaca. Completed in the 1490s, the monastery served as home to Nuns or Poor Clare. The best vantage of the magnificent design is from the front. Intricate details of gargoyles adorn the tops of buttresses. Inside, the nave and apse will keep you in awe with its azulejos, or glazed tiles, providing a scintillating appearance. However, the one design detail that will take your breath away is the detailed vaults found in the choir loft.

Monastery of Jesus of Setúbal

Address: R. Acácio Barradas 2, 2900-197 Setúbal, Portugal

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 9am – 12:30pm, 2pm – 6pm (closed on Sun & Mon)

2. Shop for the freshest fish at Livramento Market

The Livramento Market opened in 1930. Since then it has consistently appeared on various lists regarding the best fish markets in the whole world. Expect the usual mad market crowd especially on weekdays when shoppers come in droves. Most of the vendors are nice and provide help and tips on how to shop for fresh fish. Aside from the bounty of the sea, you can also buy freshly cured meats, cheese, vegetables, and flowers. However, nothing comes close to the quality and variety of the fish and seafood they sell here. These are what put the market on the map and are the reasons that draw people from all over the world to this place.

Livramento Market

Address: Av. Luísa Todi 163, 2900-362 Setúbal, Portugal

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 7am - 2pm (closed on Mon)

3. Witness the best of Manueline architecture at Igreja de São Julião

Igreja de Sao Juliao’s history dates back to the 1200s. Since then, there have been two huge renovations that happened during the 16th and 18th centuries. The first renovation centered on the application of the Manueline architectural concept. Today, when you enter the church, you will notice the beautiful layout of azulejos in blue and white. These tiles add a significant appeal to the nave of the church. The gilded wood frames that line the choir area are always an eye-catcher. Both the tiles and wood frames were done during the second renovation. The man behind these design ideas is architect Juan de Castillo.

Igreja de São Julião

Address: 2900-349 Setúbal Municipality, Portugal

4. Take a romantic stroll along Avenida Luísa Todi

Avenida Luisa Todi is located right in the heart of Setubal. This is where all the action happens. If you take a stroll here you will see several of the city’s famous landmarks and places of interest. The beautiful avenue has two lanes for vehicles. The pedestrian walking lane is lined with trees that offer shade and beauty. The park benches are perfect for those who want to sit down and have coffee. Vibrant and colorful flowers are planted throughout the walkway adding a romantic touch to your walk. Restaurants, bakeries, and bars along the sidewalks provide nourishments for the tired, hungry, and thirsty.

Avenida Luísa Todi

Address: Avenida Luísa Todi, Setubal, Portugal

5. Experience Setubal’s rich history at Palácio da Comenda

Located on the hills of Arrabida, Palacio da Comenda stands along the estuary of the Sado River and has its shore. It provides wondrous views of the Troia Peninsula. The Palacio was constructed during the 1700s and served as home to many of Europe’s monarchs, royalties, VIPs, and famous personalities. Perhaps the most well-known of all these people is Jacqueline Kennedy. She and her children spent their time of refuge here after her husband, John F. Kennedy was assassinated. This is built right in Parque Natural de Arrabida by architect Raul Lino. The palace opened its doors in 1903.

Palácio da Comenda

Address: Parque Natural da Arrábida, Portugal

6. Visit Museum of Archeology and Ethnography of the District of Setúbal

A visit to Museum of Archeology and Ethnography of the District of Setubal provides a glimpse into the way of living of Setubal during the last century. You will witness exhibits that focus on certain aspects of life in Setubal. These aspects include cattle farming, cork extraction, salt farming, and of course, fishing. These are exemplified by the tools on display. There are also exhibits based on native costumes, lace, weaving, and needlework. Each of these is explained very well. You will also witness an impressive collection of artifacts dating back from prehistoric times to the Roman Empire. Some of these, along with Celtic pieces, were dug up during the time when Setubal was still Cetobriga.

Museum of Archeology and Ethnography of the District of Setúbal

Address: Av. Luísa Todi 162, 2900-451 Setúbal, Portugal

Website: Museum of Archeology and Ethnography

7. Take in majestic views from historic Fortress São Filipe

Back in 1852, the Fortress Sao Felipe was constructed on the estuary of the Sado River. Its purpose is to defend Setubal from intruding Barbary Pirates with the use of its artillery. The fortress was given an odd, star shape. The watchtower is a sight to behold. Once you reach this, you will get an unobstructed view of the Troia Peninsula and the skyline of Setubal. 2014 was the year when the fortress was designated as a tourist destination. It houses a hotel where guests can get a room while taking in the fantastic views of the river, the bay, the Troia Peninsula, and the city of Setubal.

Fortress São Filipe

Address: Estr. Castelo de São Filipe, 2900-300 Setúbal, Portugal

Opening hours: Tue – Thu, Sun: 10am - 6pm; Fri - Sat: 10am – 12am (closed on Mon)

8. Frolic along the sand and waters at Praia de Albarquel

Albarquel Beach is beautiful. The water, the sand, and the blue skies are all yours for the taking. With a backdrop of pine-filled slopes, the beach is located within the beautiful Arrabida Natural Park. Albarquel is where the Sado River meets the ocean. The beach has a unique golden strip of land and a huge park added in 2008. This makes the beach a travel destination for the whole year. The café is the perfect spot to have your favorite hot drink on a chilly day. Even children can have fun here because it has a safe and complete playground.

Praia de Albarquel

Address: Praia de Albarquel Estrada da Rasca 4, Setubal 2900-581 Portugal

9. Spend fun times at Parque do Bonfim

Parque do Bonfim is as quirky as they get. If you want to see ceramic sculptures around a park, this is the place to go. The figures are the works of Maria Po, a noted sculptor who uses ceramic to create her various figures. These images measure six feet in height and portray Portugal’s historic culture. There are many ceramic figures and the most famous ones are the priest, the poet, and those that represent food like eggplant and garlic. Aside from this, the park is famous for its lake, children’s playground, and several gardens. The cozy café is perfect for having snacks and coffee.

Parque do Bonfim

Address: 2900-407 Setúbal Municipality, Portugal

10. Set yourself free at Marina de Tróia

Marina de Troia is one of the most inviting places to go to when you are in Setubal. The marina has lovely boats owned by celebrities, businessmen, politicians, and boating enthusiasts. On the other end lies an impressive selection of retail shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants. From this site, you can enjoy the perfect views of Setubal over the waters of the Sado River. A casino provides a venue where you can unwind while making some money. There is a beach waiting for you to take in the sea, sand, and sun. All you have to do is ride a ferry from Setubal over to Marina de Troia.

Marina de Tróia

Address: R. da Aroeira, 7570-789, Portugal

Website: Marina de Tróia

Good vibes await at Setubal

Spend your vacation in Setubal and you will not leave lonely. This is a special place especially if you are into wandering on foot and taking in the sites no end. Setubal has a lot to offer and the things listed above will make sure you will have a grand and unforgettable vacation.