Hidden away in the quiet corners of the city you will find some amazing pieces of art — from stunning murals to towering statues. Sometimes they are fresh and presentable, other times they have been worn away by time, covered over by creeping vines or teenage professions of love. While some pieces are painted along walls, others stand erect, watching over us all. It may take you several times of walking by before you notice some of our guardians, holding their posts up in the sky. If you have time, take a wander, looking up, down, and all around to find the best street art in Setubal.
If you’re short on time, take your pick and head directly to some of the highlights, mapped out in this post. But if your time is ample, just wander, see what there is to see, because, let me tell you, there is a lot.
A map of the The Best Street Art in Setubal
The City Sign
Like any good city, Setubal labeled itself so no tourist would forget where they were.
Location: Across from 118 Av. José Mourinho
The Chocos
The seafood that symbolizes Setubal — chocos hold post at either end of the main avenue. One makes a mad dash at the last moment out of the frying pan, the other sits at the ready, prepared to dine on his narrowly escaped brethren.
Location: Just past 640 Av. Luísa Todi & 1 Av. Luísa Todi
Pink Cat
This abstract cat being fully engaged in cat behavior (knocking over a vase it would seem) is tucked away on the outskirts of the city. If you make it up there make sure not to miss out on one of the best parks in the city — the Jardim Multissensorial das Energias.
Location: Next to 226 Av. Belo Horizonte
Blue Man
This larger than life portrait of a man was done by Portuguese artist Ricardo Romero.
Location: On the side of R. Sr. Jesus dos Aflitos 9
Woman Under Cover
This secret woman with killer eyes sits at the site of one of Setubal’s best kept secrets — an abandoned fortress with amazing murals and spectacular views.
Location: 7ª Bataria de costa
Rainbow Steps
In any other city these rainbow-painted stairs would be full of influencers shooting their shot. Here in Setubal, they lie quietly undisturbed at the end of an oft-ignored residential road.
Location: 13 R. Dr. Amorim Viana
Pasmadinhos
Crafted as miniatures by local artist Maria Pó, and then brought to life beyond full size to pay homage to various important aspects of the region, the pasmadinhos dot Bomfim park — one of the best green areas in the city.
Location: Around Bomfim park
Surfing Turtle
This rad turtle is not quite on the street, instead he is tucked away within a publicly accessible courtyard, a spot which is also one of the best spots to work from in Setubal.
Location: Casa da Baia
Pensive Plant
This woman was brought to life during the start of the COVID pandemic, when life was stilled. Now, it is almost a glimpse into life beyond the exterior apartment building walls.
Location: R. Enfermeiros 1
The Boy with the Birds
This young man from times gone past worked as a bird seller in the streets of Setubal. The mural was painted from a photograph which was taken in the 1930s. At the time the mural was completed the young boy was alive and well, in his 90s.
Location: Auditório José Afonso
the city’s tribute to the man from the sea
Sitting on dry land, frozen for eternity, a lone fisherman pulls up his catch of the day. A tribute to the men who have always been the beating heart of Setubal.
Location: Jardim da Saúde
Memorial to José Afonso
Installed in 2024, this art installation needs to be viewed from the right angle to be understood.
Location: Jardim da Saúde
Eating Turtle
He’d blend right in if he weren’t about ten times the size of the turtles and fish and frogs that swim beneath him through the pond.
Location: Parque da Algodeia
Kindergarten
Many of the schools around the city are adorned with bright colors pieced together into a mural. This is one of my favorites.
Location: R. Jorge de Sousa 16-32
Local wildlife
Just next to the colorful school mural is a more muted image of the wildlife in the area. I personally have never encountered neither a fox nor a boar in the trails around Setubal, but I fully believe they are up there watching.
Location: R. Jorge de Sousa 13-5
Girl with the Suitcase
A series of voluptuous women crafted by Joao Duarte reside throughout the city center of Setubal. The girl with the suitcase is ready to take off on her journey, and if you look within her line of sight in both directions you will see another one of her counterparts.
Location: Av. Luísa Todi 260
There are so many other pieces around the streets of Setubal to discover. I’ve highlighted just a handful of notable pieces. But I encourage you to wander down narrow alleyways, climb up steep, crumbling staircases and see what you can find. And with that, I will leave you with a few other pieces around the city — location… for you to find out.
