What to do in São Sebastião

Activities, attractions and tours

São Sebastião Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that São Sebastião has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to São Sebastião, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to São Sebastião with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in São Sebastião

São Sebastião is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in São Sebastião, and make it a breeze to explore São Sebastião and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in São Sebastião to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to São Sebastião, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in São Sebastião.

São Sebastião attractions

São Sebastião has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in São Sebastião to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of São Sebastião.

Looking for things to do in São Sebastião can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of São Sebastião or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to São Sebastião attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

Things to do

Arrabida Wine Tour from Lisbon: Wineries, Tastings & Tile Factory

Arrabida Wine Tour from Lisbon: Wineries, Tastings & Tile Factory

£69
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Arrabida Wine Tour from Lisbon: Wineries, Tastings & Tile Factory
Sesimbra: Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach Roundtrip Boat Transfer

Sesimbra: Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach Roundtrip Boat Transfer

£17
per adult
Sesimbra: Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach Roundtrip Boat Transfer
Sesimbra: Arrábida Dolphin and Whale Watching tour with biologist

Sesimbra: Arrábida Dolphin and Whale Watching tour with biologist

£47
per adult
Sesimbra: Arrábida Dolphin and Whale Watching tour with biologist
Sesimbra: Arrábida Dolphin Watching Boat Tour with Biologist

Sesimbra: Arrábida Dolphin and Whale Watching with Biologist

£47
per adult
Sesimbra: Arrábida Dolphin and Whale Watching with Biologist
Vasco de Gama, the longest bridge in Europe

Arrábida Wine Small-Group Full-Day Tour

£73
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Arrábida Wine Small-Group Full-Day Tour
Sesimbra: Family Friendly Boat Sea Tour w/ Submarine Vision

Sesimbra: Family Friendly Boat Sea Tour w/ Submarine Vision

£25
per adult
Sesimbra: Family Friendly Boat Sea Tour w/ Submarine Vision
Lisbon: Arrábida Natural Park Dolphin Watching Boat Tour

Sesimbra Dolphin Watching | Fast Track + Marine Biologist

£43
per adult
Sesimbra Dolphin Watching | Fast Track + Marine Biologist
Sesimbra: Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach Taxi Boat

Sesimbra: Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach Taxi Boat

£21
per adult
Sesimbra: Ribeiro do Cavalo Beach Taxi Boat
Observation of Dolphins in Setúbal

Observation of Dolphins in Setúbal

£38
per adult
Observation of Dolphins in Setúbal
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Top places to visit

1. Rossio Square

Officially named Praça Dom Pedro IV, this centrally located square is much more commonly known simply as Rossio. Come here at any time of the day to find the square abuzz, as people gather to socialize at cafés around the square’s edge.
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A plaza with patterned pavement, a fountain, and historic buildings in the background.

2. Santa Justa Elevator

The Santa Justa Elevator connects the hilltop neighborhood Bairro Alto with downtown Baixa. The gothic, iron structure rises up from the neoclassical architecture of downtown. The elevator has been in operation since 1905 and was originally operated by a steam engine. Today it’s powered by an electric engine and is a great way to enjoy views over the city. Visit the elevator’s rooftop café.
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A historic bridge with ornate metalwork and a view of a cityscape with red-tiled roofs.

3. Commerce Square

Commerce Square, or the Praça do Comércio, is a meeting place for locals and a great spot to bask in the sun along the riverfront. This was the site of the royal palace for many centuries, until the Great Earthquake of 1755. The palace was remodeled into an elaborate stone monument that marks the point of entry to the city. Today the square offers many places to sit and relax in between visits to the surrounding sites of the central Baixa district.
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A plaza with a statue, a large archway, and yellow buildings.

4. Lisbon Oceanarium

The Lisbon Oceanarium is the largest indoor aquarium in Europe and houses more than 8,000 fish, birds, mammals and invertebrates. Bring the family to be entertained while learning about conservation and ocean habitats around the world.
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A modern indoor space with a large blue mosaic wall and wooden sculptures.

5. Castle of São Jorge

The Castle of São Jorge is a huge medieval structure that overlooks the city. Take a guided tour to learn about Lisbon’s past and enjoy views across the capital from the castle’s grounds.
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A historic stone fortress overlooking a cityscape with red-roofed buildings.

6. Lisbon Cathedral

Building started on Sé Cathedral around 1147 on the remains of an old mosque, and was not completed till the first few decades of the 12th century. At the same time, Afonso Henriques brought the remains of St. Vincent of Saragossa back from the Algarve to be consecrated in the Cathedral. Around 1470, the Cathedral was further embellished with a large painted altarpiece called the S. Vincent Panels. In the 17th Century, a vestry in Mannerist style was built towards the south end of the cathedral. In the 18th Century, the Gothic chapel was redesigned in the Baroque style. However, the great earthquake of 1755 damaged the Cathedral, completely destroying the Chapel.
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A historic building with ornate architecture, a clock tower, and a tram in the foreground.

7. Rua Augusta Arch

Designed to symbolize the city’s recovery from a devastating natural disaster, Rua Augusta Arch is an icon of Lisbon and an important symbol of its resilience. Ride the elevator to the top for panoramas across downtown Lisbon and the River Tagus.
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A grand archway with intricate carvings and columns, flanked by buildings with balconies and windows.

What to do in São Sebastião

Stay near popular São Sebastião attractions

Michel Giacometti Museum

9.0/10 (4 reviews)
You can spend time exploring the galleries in Michel Giacometti Museum in São Sebastião. While you're in the area, stroll along the beaches.
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Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from São Sebastião

A vineyard with rows of grapevines under a clear sky.

Palmela

A riverside town with historic buildings and a prominent church.

Setubal

A coastal landscape with a prominent bay, clear turquoise waters, and a sandy beach.

Troia

A coastal town with a beach, turquoise waters, and a mix of residential and commercial buildings.

Grandola

An aerial view of a beach with a lifeguard tower, a boat, and beach umbrellas.

Carvalhal

Frequently asked questions

Is São Sebastião worth visiting?
From retail therapy to history and outdoor pursuits, there are loads of great things to do in São Sebastião. Don't forget to discover the area's blend of cool attractions, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in São Sebastião?
Bonfim Park is a good place to kick-start your getaway adventures. Be sure to explore the dining and retail options in São Sebastião while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in São Sebastião?
The top tourist attraction near São Sebastião is Park Natural da Arrabida, so be sure to add it to your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in São Sebastião?
With a three-day getaway to São Sebastião, you can comfortably enjoy the area's many fabulous sights, such as Park Natural da Arrabida and Bonfim Park.
Is São Sebastião a walkable neighbourhood?
It's easy to explore São Sebastião by foot, with must-visit sights like Park Natural da Arrabida and Bonfim Park both within walking distance. Well-known neighbourhoods like São Julião, Nossa Senhora da Anunciada e Santa Maria da Graçan and São Julião are also located only 2 kms (1 mile) and 3 kms (2 miles) from the centre of São Sebastião, so you can see and do more — no wheels required.
What are some activities to do in São Sebastião with kids?
Whether you're travelling with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, a schedule filled with fun activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in São Sebastião with kids.

What to do in São Sebastião for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or adventure seeker, there are loads of things to do in São Sebastião for adults.
Are there free things to do in São Sebastião?
One of the best free things to do in São Sebastião is check out Park Natural da Arrabida. You can also walk through nearby neighbourhoods and explore parks and other green spaces in the area. If you're stuck for ideas, just talk with a local tour guide.