Setubal Guided Tours

In visiting Setubal, it is recommended to take the tour guide and at the same time do some touring on one’s own. First, you’d best take an individualized tour to get an overview of some of the major points of interest and historical epochs, such as the Convento de Jesus and the historic districts. Subsequently, you may follow the lead of the last tour, and enjoy strolling through the picturesque backstreets and shopping for local produce in markets. One can complement the river cruise to Sado Island with a chance to observe dolphins in the natural environment.

Of course, Setúbal is perfect for walking around. The old town is small and cozy and all the sights, shops, and restaurants are within walking distance. Of special charm for a walk is the boulevard along the Sado River or the rugged and crooked old town’s streets. The main historical attractions, namely the Convento de Jesus and the Forte de Sao Filipe are also within walking distance. However, for other trips away from the city, such as the Arrábida Natural Park, one would need to have a car, or better still an arranged tour. 

Indeed, it is recommended that tickets for the main attractions in Setúbal should be bought in advance more so during the peak season. Some of the places, for instance, Convento de Jesus, or Castle of Palmela are quite famous, and people swarm in there. Advanced booking is not only convenient but also ensures visitors make a booking for guided tours which are usually few. Also, some of the attractions provide services such as online tickets that are cheaper or come with other services added to the attractions.

The food of Setubal is especially famous for its fish and seafood. One insistent recommendation is the Choco Frito, fried octopus with lemon juice and accompanied by French fries. Other specialties are the grilled sardines, which are marinated on the spot and especially in the summer, and Bacalhau à Brás, a salted cod fish with onions, potatoes, and eggs. Wash this down with Moscatel de Setubal, a sweet wine that is perfect to consume at the end of a conventional Portuguese dinner.

At this time, you can go sightseeing around the city and visit some of the landmarks, for example, the Convento de Jesus with its Gothic architecture, and walk through the lovely old town, where houses are requisitely historic, buildings are mostly low and narrow. 

Other sightseeing that can be done in the shortest possible time could also be visiting the Forte de Sao Filipe which will offer an excellent view of the city and the Sado River. If you can, you may even have a boat ride on Sado Maru to watch the dolphins that inhabit this part of Japan. 

Nevertheless, half a day is not enough to get a good idea of what Setúbal can provide to its visitors. You most likely will not have time to be able to savor the regional culinary specialties or start and come to know the beauty of the nearby Arrabida Natural Park. For a deeper understanding and to appreciate the city in all its peculiarity, it would perhaps be desirable to spend more time, at least a day or even two, in order not to lose anything.