Obidos Bucket List: 15 Best Places and Activities to do in Obidos, Portugal

Located about 80 km north of Lisbon, Obidos is a small Portuguese town with many impressive and well-preserved medieval structures. Most tourists will choose to spend a day or even just a few hours in this historic town full of picturesque scenes. So if you only have limited time, here are 15 of the best things one must do when in Óbidos!

See the Porta da Vila

Completed in 1380, this is the main gate that leads into the historic center of Óbidos. Inside, you can find a small Baroque chapel with a stunning blue and white tile mural depicting the Passion of Christ.

It’s definitely worth stopping here for a minute to appreciate the intricate work.

Stroll through the Obidos Village

The city is full of long and narrow cobblestone streets, and simply wandering around might be the best way to explore and find hidden treasures.

There are many shops, dining options and places to rest and you’re very likely to stumble into the bigger monuments as the town is pretty small.

Try the Ginja Liquor

You can find this Portuguese cherry liquor in the country’s capital, but it is not quite like the one in Óbidos. The cherries are harvested from the trees surrounding the town and are also processed locally.

Óbidos will also serve their Ginja in an edible chocolate cup, and they go together wonderfully.

Explore Castelo de Óbidos

Castelo de Óbidos, as it is today, dates all the way back to the 13th century. It is a well-preserved classic medieval castle. You can walk around its perimeter and catch amazing views of the countryside or the town.

It has actually been converted into a hotel, so you can actually enter and have a drink at the bar or even book a room!

Walk along the Muro de Óbidos

To fully appreciate the true beauty of Óbidos, you’ll have to climb up onto its walls. The tallest tower in the southern end offers fantastic views of the city.

You even can scale the walls of Óbidos and reach the Castle or Porta da Vila. Watch out, though! The flooring is uneven, and there are no handrails.

Visit the Igreja de Santa Maria

Óbidos is a host to many historic religious buildings, but the town’s main church is Igreja de Santa Maria. As you go in, you’ll be greeted by an amazingly ornate Renaissance-inspired entryway.

The interior wall is covered in Azulejo tile paintings similar to Porta da Vila and the Gothic oil paintings in the altar area. It is a lovely church you must see when you visit the town.

Relax at Lagoa de Óbidos

A trip to this quiet lagoon is one of the most relaxing ways to unwind in Óbidos. You can go for a swim in the calm blue waters and go paddleboarding or hang out and have a picnic on the white sand.

There’s also a variety of restaurants and cafes in the area.

Go to the Grande Mercado Medieval de Óbidos

This fascinating event takes place in town from mid-July to August. You can immerse yourself in what feels like medieval times all over again as people show up in costume and put together small shows and attractions that keep with the theme.

There’s a lot of entertainment and food options for visitors to choose from.

Spend time at Vila Natal

If you’re traveling with young children, a trip to Vila Natal may be worthwhile. With a few kid-friendly rides and activities plus an abundance of food and drink, there are enough attractions to keep both kids and adults reasonably entertained.

It, however, becomes much more lively during the Christmas season.

Take pictures of the Aqueduto da Usseira

This Roman-style aqueduct is an impressive architectural piece of history. It goes on for miles, carrying water from the mountains down to the town.

You can find it in its well-preserved state right outside the entrance to the walled part of the town. It also makes for an excellent photo opportunity.

Visit the Santuario do Senhor Jesus da Pedra

You can find this beautiful church just outside the walls of Óbidos Village. The facade of this Baroque structure is imposing. But it is mostly known for its unique hexagonal construction that greatly influences the interior.

Inside, you can find a cross made of stone, dating all the way back to the 2nd-3rd century!

Wander along Rua Direita

As the city’s main street, Rua Direta is always buzzing with activity and tourists! You can find an assortment of little cafes and shops that sell locally made handicrafts or tourist shops with fun gifts and souvenirs.

This street will lead you from Porta da Vila and straight to Castelo de Óbidos.

Tour through the Museu Municipal de Óbidos

To learn a little more about this momentous town, you only need to take a quick tour through the city’s museum, which can be found right beside the Igreja de Santa Maria.

Here you can find a collection of paintings, some of which date all the way back to the 16th century.

Read up at Sao Tiago Church

At first glance, most people expect this building to just be another city’s many historic churches. It has actually been converted into a multi-level bookshop.

There are books in different languages and many seating areas, so it doubles a great way to take a break from walking around the city all day.

Spend some time at Mercado Biologico de Óbidos

This unique little shop in Rua Direita brilliantly combines food and reading! You can buy and eat local fruits, vegetables, fine wines, top-quality olive oil, and some excellent artisanal bread – all while you browse through the impressive stacks of books that completely cover the walls.

Óbidos is a great way to experience a different side of Portugal, providing unique opportunities for adventure in its winding labyrinth and a rare immersive glimpse into ages past. Any trip to this town is sure to be unforgettable.

Obidos Travel and Tour Packages

To help you plan your vacation to Obidos, we listed places to visit and other unique activities in Obidos, Portugal. We also listed some of the best travel deals, tour packages, and excellent flight deals and accommodation.

Searching for the best hotels, resorts, and affordable flights in the nearby Cities? Check out our list of cheap Obidos hotels and resorts via Agoda, Booking, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.

Want more updates about new package tours and tourist spots in Obidos, Portugal? Follow #TeamOutofTown, on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bloglovin, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.

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