Things to do in Setubal

No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Portugal

Jerónimos Monastery

Located in the Belém district of Lisbon, the Jerónimos Monastery is a monumental building that is a masterpiece of Portuguese Manueline architecture and one of the most striking landmarks in the area. Construction of the monastery began in 1501, ordered by King Manuel I to commemorate Vasco da Gama's opening of the sea route to India, and the building process took nearly a century. In 1983, the monastery, together with the nearby Belém Tower, was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monastery's exterior walls are covered with exquisite carvings, with lifelike figures such as the Virgin Mary holding the Christ Child and graceful angels. The south portal is especially magnificent, reaching two stories high, with numerous fine reliefs carved above. The Manueline coat of arms can be seen on the spandrels, and the reliefs above the arch depict St. Jerome removing a thorn from a lion's paw and practicing asceticism in the desert. Although the main entrance is less ornate than the south portal, it has its own distinctive character: above the arch is a carving of the Nativity scene, and on either side of the door stand kneeling statues of Manuel I and Queen Maria of Aragon, flanked by the patron saints St. Jerome and St. John the Baptist. Stepping into the Church of Santa Maria within the monastery, the Gothic hall's vaults soar high, creating a spacious and solemn atmosphere. The altars at the end of the side aisles are adorned with gold and green carvings, and one of them features a statue of Saint Jerome made of crimson glazed porcelain. The church houses the tombs of the navigator Vasco da Gama and the Portuguese poet Camões, whose epic works are outstanding representatives of Portuguese literature during the Renaissance. The vault of the church's transept is supported by no columns at all, and the vast column-free space makes it seem as if the roof is floating in midair—a bold feat of Renaissance architectural engineering. The monastery cloister is equally worth savoring, with its exquisite arches and carvings full of maritime imagery and Manueline symbols. From the second-floor cloister, you can overlook the courtyard scenery, so you may want to pause here to take it in. Because space in front of the monastery is limited, capturing a full panoramic view is quite difficult, but the carved details on the exterior walls are enough to make one stop and appreciate them for a long while.

2026 Europe 50 - Night Attractions

São Jorge Castle

São Jorge Castle is one of the oldest buildings in Lisbon and a major historic monument and tourist attraction in the city. Built on a high point in the Alfama district, the castle was a fortress during the medieval Moorish occupation of Lisbon. Because it stands on a commanding hillside, its silhouette can be seen from almost every corner of Lisbon. The castle originally belonged to the earlier Visigoths, and after the Moorish invasion, it was extensively expanded, with the city walls appearing extraordinarily imposing. Here, people can better appreciate the city's architectural art, whether it is the futuristic castle and suspension bridge from Alfama to the distant urban area, or the open-air ruins of the Carmo Convent in the city, all can be taken in at a glance.  National monument The site consists of the castle, the ruins of the Alcázar, the Plaza de Armas, a large viewing platform overlooking the entire city, a museum exhibition area, an archaeological exhibition area, several garden areas, and the city walls. The monument covers an area of approximately 4 hectares and is surrounded by a ring of massive walls and ramparts, with one section of the ramparts partially overlapping the boundary of Lisbon's old castle. Space and view In the past, whether inside or outside the city walls, there were no trees; even if there were, the quantity was far less than there is now. In the era when the castle was still merely a fortress waiting to be conquered, it was entirely inadvisable to provide the enemy with any tools that they could use to climb, or even set fire, thereby facilitating their siege. The castle garden was built in the 1950s and is one of the earliest landscape architecture works in Portugal. Its designer, architect Gonçalo Ribeiro Telles, conceived the garden precisely when the castle had completely ceased to serve a military purpose, on the one hand to complement this historic monument, and on the other hand to provide visitors with a leisure area offering a very high level of environmental comfort.

No. 2 of Night Attractions in Portugal

Alfama

Alfamais one of Lisbon's historic districts, nestled on a hill overlooking the Tagus River, tucked between São Jorge Castle and the river bend. This area survived the Great Lisbon Earthquake and still retains its medieval street layout—winding cobblestone paths and a maze of stone stairways. As you head up the slope, you'll see colorful, old-fashioned houses on both sides, their walls adorned with blue and white tiles, and balconies often draped with laundry and blooming flowers. This is the birthplace of Fado, the national music of Portugal. After nightfall, the sounds of guitars and singing drift from Fado restaurants deep within the alleys, haunting and melodic, creating anAlfamasignature nighttime experience. During the day, the old town features several viewpoints—Miradouro das Portas do Sol and Miradouro de Santa Luzia both face the Tagus River, offering panoramic views of the layered red-tiled roofs and the river in the distance; Miradouro da Graça is situated higher up and often gathers crowds waiting for the sunset in the evening. The yellow Tram 28, which winds through the steep slopes of the old town, is an iconic image of Lisbon. At the top of the old town, you can also visit historic sites such as São Jorge Castle and Lisbon Cathedral.

2026 Global 100 - Best Things to Do

Belém Tower

Belém Tower is a classic landmark of the Portuguese harbor and a symbol of Lisbon, witnessing countless voyages and departures, returns and reunions of ships during the Age of Discovery. This fortress was commissioned by King Manuel I and designed by military architect Francisco de Arruda, built between 1514 and 1520. It served both as a stronghold guarding the river mouth and a ceremonial gateway for explorers embarking on or returning from voyages. Originally standing isolated on a rocky outcrop in the river, it has since become connected to the mainland due to the riverbank's gradual expansion. The tower and irregular hexagonal bastion, constructed with Lisbon's local cream-colored limestone, are masterpieces of Manueline style: stone-carved ropes wind around the tower, while knots, crosses of the Order of Christ, armillary spheres, and reliefs of flora and fauna adorn its surface. Particularly striking is the stone rhinoceros on the bastion's turret base, modeled after the actual rhino brought from India to Lisbon in 1515 via new sea routes—later gifted to the Pope—and immortalized in Dürer's famous woodcut. Over the centuries, the site functioned successively as a customs house, prison, telegraph station, and lighthouse. In 1983, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list alongside the nearby Jerónimos Monastery. The stone rhinoceros at the base stands out as a tribute to Portuguese explorers' overseas achievements. At sunset, Belém Tower takes on a special charm, and strolling along the harbor while enjoying the sea breeze makes for a delightful experience. barrier After crossing the drawbridge and passing through the main entrance, you arrive at the bastion of Belém Tower. The wall features 16 emplacements for cannons to defend against enemies. At the center of the roof, there is a Gothic-style rectangular skylight that serves as a ventilation shaft for the bastion, allowing the smoke from cannon fire to dissipate quickly. Beneath the bastion's floor are several storage rooms, with the largest one accessible via the staircase on the northern side. Platform To the right of the main entrance of Belém Tower, a steep staircase leads to the polygonal platform at the top of the bastion, with a sentry box at each corner featuring observation windows and pepperbox-shaped roofs. At the center of the platform, a railing encircles the courtyard below, with a statue of Our Lady of Victory placed on its southern side. From the bastion platform, you can admire the southern facade of Belém Tower up close, where the balconies and railings are exquisitely decorated with stone carvings. Particularly striking is the stone-carved shield of King Manuel I, adorned with lifelike floral motifs above it. Tower top Ascend the stairs on the right side of the platform to enter the interior of Belém Tower. Follow the spiral staircase to reach the top platform, where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Lisbon's harbor.: The Tagus River, Jerónimos Monastery, Monument of the Discoveries, the Christ the King statue on the opposite bank, the 25th of April Bridge, and more are all in full view. The occasional sailing boats drifting on the sea also form a beautiful sight.The wind is strong on the top platform of Belém Tower, please take precautions against wind and keep warm.

No. 16 of Best Things to Do in Portugal

Lisbon Cathedral

Lisbon Cathedral was built during the reign of King Afonso Henriques, following the reconquest of Lisbon from the Moors. It is believed that the cathedral's construction began in 1147. After the conquest of Lisbon by Portugal's first king and the knights of the Second Crusade, the reorganization of the Lisbon diocese commenced. An English crusader named Gilbert of Hastings was appointed bishop, and the construction of the cathedral began, concluding in the early 13th century. This Romanesque structure, designed by Master Roberto, features a Latin cross plan with three naves, a three-story gallery above the side aisles, a prominent transept, and a tripartite apse, sharing many similarities with the Old Cathedral of Coimbra built years earlier. However, over the centuries, the church underwent numerous modifications: some to meet the needs and trends of different eras, others due to the countless disasters Lisbon endured. For instance, the Gothic cloister, begun during the reign of King Dinis (1261–1325), is unique for its location at the rear of the church. The sanctuary and ambulatory were commissioned by King Afonso IV (1325–1357) to accommodate pilgrims venerating the relics of Saint Vincent and to establish his pantheon. It is the only Gothic cathedral ambulatory in Portugal, completed during the reign of King João I (1357–1433). Two centuries later, in 1649, a new sacristy in the Mannerist style was added. The 1755 Lisbon earthquake destroyed part of the buildings. The Gothic sanctuary, the Holy Sacrament chapel, the nave roof, the south facade tower, and the lantern tower all collapsed. Between 1761 and 1785, the Holy Sacrament chapel was rebuilt. The south tower, nave roof, and new sanctuary were completed by architect Reinaldo dos Santos between 1769 and 1771. In the early 20th century, Lisbon Cathedral underwent revivalist restoration, removing some Baroque additions. Augusto Fuschini and António do Couto Abreu later designed a new church based on the existing medieval structure. Fuschini rebuilt the vaults, restored and reopened windows, and added battlements to the top of the building. Under António do Couto Abreu's direction, the central nave's vault was rebuilt, the facade was restored, the rose window was remade, and other modifications gave the building its current neo-Romanesque style. Listed as a national monument since 1910, it was grandly reopened in 1940 during the Estado Novo regime. Seven years later, it celebrated the 800th anniversary of Lisbon's reconquest from the Moors and the 300th anniversary of Lisbon's independence. Today, it is one of Lisbon's landmarks and one of its most important monuments: a place of immense historical, architectural, religious, and spiritual value, worthy of deeper understanding—a fusion of faith and history.

No. 12 of Best Things to Do in Portugal

Monument to the Discoveries

The Nautical Monument, also known as the Great Discovery Monument, has stood beside the Imperial Square since its inauguration in 1960. Its beautiful and upright posture and modern design have also made it one of the new landmarks of Lisbon. The monument was built to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Don Alfonso Henry, the "Prince of Navigation". From a distance, the solid base of the monument seems to have a white stone sailboat riding the wind and waves on the sea, which is imaginative. In the details, the delicate stone carvings of the figures on its base are exquisite and can be described as masterpieces. The monument is engraved with statues of Henry, da Gama and 80 other sailors. On both sides are some navigators who accompanied them, as well as famous generals, missionaries and scientists in Portuguese history. Behind the monument is a large cross that symbolizes religious beliefs. . The monument is 52 meters high and has 7 floors inside. There are rooms with various functions. Visitors can not only watch Lisbon's nautical-related exhibits here, but also climb to a high place to overlook the surrounding squares and the harbour.

2026 Europe 50 - Family-friendly Attractions

Lisbon Oceanarium

The Lisbon Oceanarium is one of Europe's largest marine life aquariums, housing thousands of marine animals and plants across hundreds of species. Creatures from oceans worldwide swim together here: sharks, rays, barracudas, groupers and moray eels dart about, while the slow-moving ocean sunfish often captivates visitors for extended periods—this giant bony fish, extremely difficult to keep in captivity, is one of the facility's signature residents. The main tank is surrounded by four habitat exhibits: the rocky coasts of the North Atlantic, Antarctic shores, the temperate Pacific's giant kelp forests and the tropical coral reefs of the Indian Ocean, separated only by massive acrylic panels. No matter which level visitors view from, the same "open ocean" reappears from fresh perspectives, creating an illusion of one continuous marine environment rather than isolated exhibits. Sea otters are another star attraction, with their dexterous feeding habits drawing crowds, while penguins and puffins each have their devoted fans. The aquarium's mascot is a sea otter named Vasco, paying homage to Portuguese explorer Vasco da Gama. The Ocean Building is connected to the administration building by a bridge, symbolizing the ramp people will walk along to embark on an unforgettable journey to explore the fascinating marine world. A moored ship, ready to set sail. The Ocean Building is surrounded by water and boasts unique architectural features, evoking two captivating images: an island standing in the middle of the ocean and a docked ship, ready to set sail and embark on a journey of exploration. The design of this building aims to host an exhibition that always surprises visitors. All four sides of the building mimic the geological formations of coastal areas and blend with the recreated view contours inside, which can be seen through the glass walls. To better showcase various views, the building's glass walls are coated with a film that filters sunlight of different intensities. The magnificent main aquarium holds approximately 5 million liters of water, representing the global ocean and hosting over a hundred species from the four major oceans. Surrounded by four distinct marine habitats, the aquarium creates the illusion of being in a single, unified ocean. The exhibition covers terrestrial and marine ecosystems, as well as various environments, ranging from the North Atlantic habitats to tropical habitats formed by the Indian Ocean, and further to the Antarctic coastal zones and the giant kelp forests commonly found in the temperate Pacific regions.

Castelo de Sao Filipe

No. 1 of Best Things to Do in Portugal

Pena Park

Pena Park is a vast royal woodland garden that embraces the Pena Palace, spreading across the heights of the Sintra hills. Created in the mid-nineteenth century by King Ferdinand II of Portugal alongside the palace, it covers more than two hundred hectares of rolling terrain and deep forest. Paths crisscross the grounds like a maze, linking stone bridges, grottoes, fountains, and trellised pavilions; combined with the mist that often hangs over the hills, wandering here feels much like stepping into a fairy-tale forest. Looking down from one side of the palace, the whole expanse of greenery spreads across the slopes like a sea, with the red-and-yellow palace towers as the focal point of the scene. The garden has a distinctly Romantic character: the king ordered trees brought in from distant continents, and North American redwoods, Chinese ginkgos, Japanese cedars, and magnolias can all be seen here. In the ravine known as the "Queen's Fern Garden," groves of tree ferns from Australia and New Zealand grow along the stream in dense green profusion. On the lakes of the Lake Valley stand duck houses shaped like castles, one of them modeled after the Moorish Castle; in the woods stands a knight-like "Warrior Statue" by the sculptor Rusconi; and on the western side of the park, the "Countess's Chalet" is a Swiss mountain chalet style building, its exterior painted with wood-grain patterns and trimmed with cork, surrounded by camellias and azaleas and set among giant granite boulders—a retreat the king built for his second wife, a former opera singer. Visiting tips: the park is large, with many slopes and dense branching paths, so wear comfortable shoes and allow most of a day to stroll at leisure; don't just rush back and forth to the palace—follow the paths deeper into the woods, where the Lake Valley, the Fern Garden, and the Countess's Chalet are often quieter and more rewarding to explore, and good for photos too; when the camellias bloom in winter, the park's colors are especially rich.

No. 1 of Night Attractions in Portugal

National Palace of Pena

The National Palace of Pena is a royal retreat whose dazzling, eccentric, and ornate silhouette looks like a pleasure-palace castle. The palace itself is a medley of architectural styles, combining Gothic, Renaissance, Moorish, and Manueline (the style of the reign of King Manuel I of Portugal) elements, and it was the brainchild of Ferdinand of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha, husband of Queen Maria II of Portugal in the nineteenth century. It is not only a Portuguese national monument but also one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal, standing on a hilltop in the parish of São Pedro de Penaferrim in the town of Sintra near Lisbon, and on clear days it is clearly visible from the city of Lisbon itself. In 1995, it was inscribed as a World Heritage Site as part of the Cultural Landscape of Sintra. It is now frequently used for state functions by the Portuguese president and other government officials. In the Middle Ages, this site was merely a small chapel of Our Lady. In 1493, King John II and his wife visited, and his successor, Manuel I, built a monastery, which fell into ruins after the great Lisbon earthquake of 1755; Ferdinand II bought the ruins and the surrounding hillside and commissioned the German engineer Eschwege to design a building blending Gothic, Manueline, Moorish, and Renaissance elements, with construction beginning in 1842 and completed around 1854, making it one of the representative works of European Romantic palace architecture.