Best Things to Do in Óbidos, Portugal

You might be surprised to know that just outside the Portuguese capital, there are plenty of incredible day trips and places that many are unaware of. Magnificent excursions from Lisbon, for instance, can take you to historic sites like Sintra and its iconic Pena Palace, one of the 7 wonders of Portugal.

On the other hand, the Belém district is another corner of the Portuguese capital that you can’t miss, but if you have an extra day on your trip, we can say with certainty that Óbidos is the crown jewel.

There are so many things to do in this beautiful medieval village of only 12,000 inhabitants that we wanted to help you plan your visit. Here you will find everything you need to know, including its main points of interest, places to eat, and how to get there from Lisbon. Let’s discover more about Óbidos!

Things to Do in Óbidos, a Charming Walled City

 

A brief look at its history tells us that Óbidos was owned by Queen Isabel of Portugal, a tradition that began in 1282 when her husband, King Denis I, gifted it to her as a wedding present. This “royal patronage” has left a lasting legacy in the small citadel, which today is the most charming and attractive in the center of the country.

Next, we’ll share all the details about the most emblematic places you can see in Óbidos in one day.

The Óbidos Castle and its Walls

 

The highlight of this destination is its ring of medieval walls crowned by one of the seven wonders of Portugal, the Castelo de Óbidos, a fortified castle under Arab rule that was rebuilt by King Dinis and later converted into a luxurious inn.

Don’t miss the views of the city from the west wall; they are sensational.

Porta da Vila

This is the main entrance to the city of Óbidos. There is a small but beautiful Baroque chapel on a balcony, whose origin dates back to 1246, when a small oratory was founded in this place. In 1727, its altar, presbytery, and choir were installed; the walls were covered with tiles, and the ceiling was painted with filigree. A very beautiful and historic place.

Rua Direita

 

Óbidos is filled with souvenir shops, many of which are located on Rua Direita, the main street of Óbidos and the only royal street in the village.

It runs from Porta da Vila to the castle and is lined with geraniums and bougainvilleas, shops, restaurants, cafes, and a couple of small galleries. Its Gothic portals and windows are a visual delight.

Aqueduct of Óbidos

If you take the excursion to Óbidos from Lisbon, you will see the aqueduct, commissioned by Queen Catherine of Austria (wife of King João III of Portugal) in 1573.

Its purpose was to bring drinking water to the inhabitants of Óbidos, but today it stands as an impressive structure characterized by its tall arches that capture all eyes.

Church of Santa Maria of Óbidos

 

Located in the Santa Maria Square, it was founded in the 12th century and rebuilt in the 16th century after a strong earthquake. Almost every inch of the interior walls is covered with tiles from the 1600s and 1700s, and there is a wonderful altarpiece from the same period.

Inside, the Renaissance tomb of D. João de Noronha stands out, designed by French sculptors Jean de Rouen and Nicolas Chantereine, as well as a beautiful Baroque altarpiece, a 1661 painting by the great Josefa de Óbidos representing Saint Catherine “Martyrdom and Life.”

Medieval Market

This is an annual event, held since 2002, that spreads throughout the village of Óbidos, filling it with color, music, food, tournaments, and period costumes, transporting it back to the Middle Ages. It gathers artisans, merchants, peasants, squires, and knights in an authentic medieval festival that takes place in July and lasts about 10 days.

Christmas in Óbidos

Christmas in Óbidos is a real spectacle. During this time, the entire village transforms into a large Christmas theme park that attracts families and children of all ages with special events, shows, lights, Christmas trees, elves, reindeer, snowmen, and, of course, the inexhaustible spirit of Santa Claus.

Restaurants in Óbidos

Among the best restaurants in Óbidos that offer authentic Portuguese cuisine, we can mention Alcaide with its spectacular cod with walnuts, apples, and cheese; Pretensioso with its enormous beef loin in Ginja sauce; and Vila Infanta with its garlic octopus with potatoes in cream sauce. There’s nothing better than a good meal, right?

After an authentic feast of Portuguese flavors, finish off with a touch of class and try the traditional Ginja liqueur. It’s a sweet alcoholic drink made from the maceration of cherries or sour cherries, which you can taste in restaurants or on Rua Direita.

Distance from Óbidos to Lisbon

 

The distance between Lisbon and Óbidos is just 80 kilometers, a journey you can easily make by train (taking the West Line, which passes through Figueira da Foz or Coimbra B towards Leiria and then Óbidos) or by bus via the route called “rápida verde.”

Likewise, it is very easy and economical to take a tour to Óbidos with interactive guide in English, which includes transportation from Lisbon, travel assistant during the bus trip and an interactive device and map so you can explore Óbidos at your pace.

If your idea is to explore Lisbon in 3 days, it’s the perfect option.

Continue discovering all the activities and tours in Lisbon that we have in English and start planning the trip of your dreams.