The majority of landmarks are located between the train station and the harbor. In this area, you’ll find the Jesus de Setubal monastery, an impressive piece of medieval and Gothic architecture, which is home to an art museum.
Nearby is Bocage Square, in the heart of the city’s historic downtown. The streets surrounding the square are full of beautifully restored buildings, such as the palatial city council building and Casa de Avenida cultural center. Also, in the historic district, you’ll find cultural attractions like the city’s Museum of Archeology and Ethnography and Casa Bocage Photographic Archive.
From the historic district, it’s only a 10-minute walk to the harbor, where the main attractions are the maritime museum and a shaded seaside promenade that’s particularly lively in the evenings. On the western end of the waterfront, you’ll find a couple of sandy beaches, Saude and Albarquel.
Also in this area is Sao Felipe Castle, whose hilltop location affords panoramic sea views. If castles are your thing, you’ll want to visit Palmela Castle, located a 20-minute drive from downtown Setubal. This impressive medieval castle rises high above Setubal’s countryside and is a popular destination for history buffs and families.
Setubal’s location between the Atlantic Ocean and the mouth of the Sado River offers plenty of opportunities for exploration and scenic drives. Just 10 kilometers outside of town is Sado Estuary Natural Reserve, a protected area rich in wildlife and natural beauty. Popular activities in this area include dolphin watching, hiking, swimming and bird watching.
The beaches on the Atlantic side and on the Troia Peninsula are perfect for a day out driving and discovering the scenery at your own pace. On the way to the picture-perfect beaches of Galapinhos, Penedos and Baleeira, you can stop at Arrabida Natural Park, which offers a variety of hikes, including some family friendly options.
The best places to sample local fish and seafood dishes are the waterfront restaurants near Saude Beach. In the historic district, you’ll find more options, including tapas bars, pizzerias, coffee shops and fast food restaurants.
In this area, you can also explore independent stores selling fashion items, local wines and handicrafts. North of town is Setubal Retail Park, a large shopping complex with movie theaters, restaurants, supermarkets, etc.
Popular events include the city’s Carnival parades, the International Music Festival (May) and Livescore Film Festival (October).