You’ll find Portugal’s Óbidos sitting up on a hill and encircled by a millennia-old fortified wall, just waiting to be explored. Once inside the city proper, you’ll find cobbled streets, traditionally styled houses, and a plethora of history and culture to soak in. There are several museums and galleries to visit, each with something a bit different to offer its guests. Eat a traditional meal at A Nova Casa de Ramiro and be sure to grab a drink one night at Bar Ibn Errik Rex. Get started planning your trip by using these ideas as a starting point and be sure to read on to find out more about the things to do in Óbidos Municipality, Portugal.
Tip from tour guide
Obidos is a cute town, where wandering around its streets makes you float and dream about the magic of the Christmas season.
From Lisbon, it's a 1h drive, and you can spend a morning wandering around its streets, going up the walls of the old castle, entering the many little shops and cafes or just enjoying the view from the wall walk viewpoints!
If you wanna add something to your day and turn it into a full day tour, picking Nazaré or Alcobaça as a complement to Óbidos works perfectly!
1. Visit the historical Castle of Óbidos
Perched so it can overlook the city it’s named after, the Castle of Óbidos has remained well-preserved over the many centuries it has stood and is a great place to get a dose of history during your trip. Construction of this castle began over a millennia ago in the eighth century when the town was fortified and held by Muslims; the site was conquered by the Portuguese in 1148 and has remained as such to present day. Renovations during the 1940’s have made it the attraction it is today as a National Monument of Portugal, all while keeping the architectural marvel you’ll love visiting.
Castle of Óbidos
Address: R. Josefa de Óbidos, Óbidos, Portugal
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: Free
2. Dine on delicious food at A Nova Casa de Ramiro
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
A Nova Casa de Ramiro define-se como um restaurante de charme e glamour onde o bom serviço e simpatia estão sempre...
Posted by A Nova Casa de Ramiro on Friday, June 26, 2015
Consistently rated one of the top restaurants in the Óbidos Municipality, A Nova Casa de Ramiro is Portuguese dining at its finest. You’ll be treated to a wide variety of menu options, from fresh seafood to vegetarian and vegan-friendly fare. The restaurant is open for both lunch and dinner, and it is recommended you make a reservation to ensure your party has a table, as there can often be a lengthy wait to be seated.
A Nova Casa de Ramiro
Address: R. Porta do Vale 12, 2510-053 Óbidos, Portugal
Website: A Nova Casa de Ramiro
Opening hours: Mon: 7pm - 11pm; Tue - Fri: 12pm - 3pm, 7pm - 11pm; Sat: 1pm - 4pm, 7pm - 11pm (closed on Sun)
3. Marvel at the exhibits at Museu Municipal de Óbidos
No trip to Óbidos would be complete without making sure the Museu Municipal de Óbidos is included on your itinerary. Inside, you’ll find a wonderful collection of art, most of which are sculptures and paintings, as well as a piece by the famous artist Josefa d´Óbidos. Other exhibits you can check out include that of English and French weapons used in the Peninsular War, which was fought against Napoleon and his army and Baroque-style furniture.
Museu Municipal de Óbidos
Address: R. Right 97, 2510-001 Óbidos, Portugal
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
Price: Free
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4. Enjoy the greenery of Parque Cinegético de Óbidos
Parque Cinegético de Óbidos.
Posted by Escoteiros de Portugal - Grupo 203 Paço de Sousa on Friday, 28 April 2017
One of the best places in the city to take a step back and enjoy the world around you is at Parque Cinegético de Óbidos. The park has plenty of green space for you to wander through, as well as benches and fountains to keep you refreshed. During your visit, you may see some of the local wildlife, including deer and boars, and the park even features a few picture-worthy windmills.
Parque Cinegético de Óbidos
Address: 2510-089 Óbidos Municipality, Portugal
Price: Free
5. Take a walk along Acueducto de Óbidos
Commissioned by Catherine of Austria sometime around 1570, the Acueducto de Óbidos connects the city with the water source at Usseira. The structure itself is considered to be a historical landmark and is quite the sight to behold, being 1.9 miles (3 km) of beautiful stone masonry. Be sure to check it and out and snap a pic your Instagram followers will be jealous over!
Acueducto de Óbidos
Address: N114 9, Óbidos, Portugal
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
6. Stroll through the exhibits at Museu Abílio
Museu Abílio de Mattos e Silva. ( Óbidos )
Posted by Paulo Costa on Saturday, 28 September 2019
Another museum you’ll want to check out while in Óbidos is Museu Abílio. The museum is dedicated to its namesake Abilio de Mattos e Silva, a well-known artist and set designer that considered Óbidos to be his home. Some of the museum’s exhibits include marionettes made by Silva, as well as some of his artwork.
Museu Abílio
Address: Praça de Santa Maria, 2510-070 Óbidos, Portugal
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm (closed on Mon)
7. Grab a drink at Bar Ibn Errik Rex
If you’re looking for a great place to grab a drink while in Óbidos, look no further than Bar Ibn Errik Rex. This local nightlife hot spot has a full bar, and serves up a great Ginja, which is a liquor native to Portugal. Bar Ibn Errik Rex also has an assorted menu of food items to snack on while you hang out so be sure to stop by for a nightcap!
Bar Ibn Errik Rex
Address: R. Direita 100, 2510-106 Óbidos, Portugal
Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 10am - 2am (closed on Tue)
8. Peruse the art collection at Galeria Nova Ogiva
Another gallery worth visiting during your trip to Óbidos is Galeria Nova Ogiva. This gallery features mostly contemporary art and was founded in 1970 by a local sculptor, José Aurélio. Exhibits within the gallery are rotated and changed out periodically throughout the year, allowing visitors to experience new and exciting pieces of art each time they visit.
Galeria Nova Ogiva
Address: R. Direita 48-81, 2510-001, 2510-001 Óbidos, Portugal
Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 10am - 5pm (closed on Tue)
9. Check out the beautifully colored Porta da Vila
As you step into Óbidos proper, you’ll be entering the front gate and seeing a beautifully crafted blue-and-white tiled baroque chapel. This chapel is Porta da Vila and its existence can be traced back to 1380. If you don’t return home with a few pictures taken of this lovely structure, you’re missing out! Be sure to venture to the top of the gate where you’ll find the famous inscription ‘A Virgem Nossa Senhora foi concebida sem pecado original’ that was ordered by King João IV.
Porta da Vila
Address: R. Josefa de Óbidos 2, 2510-001 Óbidos, Portugal
Price: Free
10. Cool off at Lagoa de Óbidos
If you’re looking to keep cool while visiting Óbidos, there’s no better place to visit than Lagoa de Óbidos. This lagoon is located just outside the walled city, and has something for everyone; there are calmer waters for those looking for relaxation as well as excellent swell conditions for those looking to hang ten. Wind and kite surfing lessons can also be taken along the shores of the lagoon.
11. Stop by the chapels of Santuario do Senhor Jesus da Pedra
The Santuario do Senhor Jesus da Pedra dates back to the 1700’s and is quite the sight to behold should you visit while in Óbidos. The baroque-style structure has never been completed, as you’ll see there are missing balconies as well as missing chimes in the towers. Inside, you’ll find three separate chapels: the main one being the chapel of Calvary, as well as two side chapels, Our Lady of Conception, and the Death of St. Joseph, all of which have fantastic interior views.
Santuario do Senhor Jesus da Pedra
Address: Shrine Square, 2510-071 Óbidos, Portugal
Have fun while in Óbidos
Portugal’s Óbidos is full of history and culture, making it a great option for your next getaway. Add a few of these things to do to your itinerary and you’re guaranteed to return home immensely satisfied after having made some great memories. Plan your visit soon!
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