Located just 85 kilometres north of Lisbon, Óbidos is a beautiful medieval town, ideal for a day trip or a relaxing weekend. Surrounded by castle walls, it offers a glimpse into the past with its cobbled streets, whitewashed houses and vibrant flowers. Key attractions include the impressive Óbidos Castle and the enchanting church of Santa Maria. Be sure to try Ginjinha, the local cherry liqueur served in a chocolate cup. To fully experience the history, scenery and flavours of Óbidos, it’s best to spend at least a day here.
How to Travel from Lisbon to Óbidos
If you’re planning to travel from Lisbon to Óbidos, there are several convenient options to suit different preferences and budgets. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best one.
Travelling from Lisbon to Óbidos is easy, with several convenient options to choose from. The quickest way is by car, taking about 1 hour via the A8 highway, which allows you to explore other charming towns or scenic spots nearby.
Another good option is the bus, with direct services running from Lisbon’s Campo Grande station to Óbidos. The bus journey takes about 1 hour, and the Óbidos bus stop is located just outside the town’s historic walls, making it very convenient for exploring.
Trains also connect Lisbon to Óbidos, though the journey can take closer to 2 hours with a change at the Bombarral station. This route offers beautiful countryside views but may require a bit more planning.
For a personalized experience, consider booking a private transfer or guided tour from Lisbon, which includes door-to-door service and the option to stop at nearby highlights along the way.
Best Things to Do and See in Óbidos
Visit the iconic Porta da Vila
Porta da Vila is the main entrance to Óbidos and a must see. This historic gate, built around 1380, has two defence arches and a beautiful balcony decorated with 18th century blue and white tiles representing the Passion of Christ. Above the tiles there’s a painted ceiling with a crown of thorns. The gate also has a small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of Sorrows, the patron saint of Óbidos. Once inside, climb the nearby steps to the top of the castle walls, where there are stunning views over the village and the surrounding landscape.
Explore the history of Óbidos Castle
Óbidos Castle is a must visit for its rich history and incredible views. Originally built by the Romans and fortified by the Moors, the castle is now a luxury hotel and restaurant. Visitors can explore the courtyard and admire the impressive towers and battlements. Don’t miss the chance to walk along the medieval walls that surround the town. This 1.5km route offers breathtaking views of Óbidos’ charming streets and beautiful countryside. The paths can be narrow and uneven, so walk carefully, but the experience is unforgettable.
Take a stroll along Rua Direita
Rua Direita is the main street of Óbidos and the heart of this charming medieval town. Stretching from the town gate to the castle, it’s lined with shops, cafés and restaurants where you can buy local handicrafts, unique souvenirs and even try the famous Ginja de Óbidos in a chocolate cup. With its paved streets, colourful flowers and historic details such as Gothic windows, Rua Direita is a must-see place that captures the magic of Óbidos. It’s the perfect place to stroll, shop and soak up the unique atmosphere of the city.
Try the famous ginja liqueur from Obidos
A visit to Óbidos is not complete without trying its famous Ginja, a delicious cherry liqueur. Made from locally grown sour cherries, this sweet and tangy drink is often served in a tiny chocolate cup, adding a fun and tasty flavor. As you stroll down Rua Direita, you’ll find many places offering Ginja, with some establishments even adding a cherry or a hint of cinnamon. It’s the perfect treat to enjoy while exploring the town, and it also makes for a great souvenir to take home. Don’t miss out on this iconic experience in Óbidos!
Visit Óbidos Municipal Museum
The Óbidos Municipal Museum, located on Rua Direita near Igreja de Santa Maria, is a must for art and history lovers. Housed in an 18th-century manor, the museum features a collection of works by Josefa de Óbidos, one of Portugal’s most celebrated Baroque artists, as well as pieces by André Reinoso. In addition to paintings, the museum displays Roman artefacts, Baroque furniture, and weapons from the Napoleonic Wars. The museum offers a fascinating insight into the town’s rich cultural heritage and its artistic evolution over the centuries.
Admire the historic Aqueduto
The Aqueduto de Óbidos, built in 1573, is a 3km-long aqueduct that brought water from the Usseira spring to the fountains of Óbidos. Originally ordered by Queen Catherine of Austria, it passed over vineyards and orchards, providing fresh water to the town. You can see the aqueduct as soon as you arrive at Óbidos, just outside the main gate, near the large parking lot. It’s a beautiful and historic landmark that survived the 1755 earthquake and remains in excellent condition. Don’t miss this iconic part of Óbidos’ rich history.
Visit Igreja de Santa Maria
The Igreja de Santa Maria is the main church in Óbidos, full of history and beautiful architecture. Built on the site of an ancient Visigoth temple and later a mosque, it became a church in the 12th century. The current Renaissance design was added after the earthquake of 1535. Inside you can admire stunning blue and white tiles, a painted ceiling and the famous tomb of João de Noronha, a highlight of Portuguese Renaissance art. The church is also famous for hosting royal weddings, including that of King Afonso V in 1441.
Explore a historic bookshop in a church
The Livraria de Santiago is a unique bookstore located in the church of Santiago in Óbidos. Originally built in the 12th century, it was used by the royal family and pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela. After being rebuilt in 1772 following an earthquake, it was converted into a bookshop. Today it offers a wide range of books in several languages in a peaceful and cosy atmosphere. It’s a great place for book lovers to visit and you might even catch an event such as a book signing or exhibition. Don’t miss this special place in Óbidos!
Where to Stay in Óbidos
We have curated a diverse range of accommodation options that cater to every budget and preference, from charming hotels to cozy apartments and enchanting guest houses. Our selection process involved considering the location of the accommodations, reliable reviews from our partner Booking.com, and the opinions of the members of our Facebook group, Lisbon Travel, which has 40 thousand enthusiastic members. These options have been selected carefully to make sure that your stay in Óbidos is truly memorable.
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Transportation in Óbidos
Óbidos is compact and easy to explore on foot, making it ideal for wandering through its charming medieval streets.
The main bus stop is located right outside the historic town walls, providing easy access for those arriving from Lisbon or nearby towns. Once inside the walls, most of Óbidos’ attractions, including the castle, churches, and local shops, are just a short walk away.
If you’re interested in exploring the nearby countryside or neighboring villages, taxis and ride-sharing services are available.
For those looking for a more scenic experience, consider renting a bike to enjoy the beautiful landscapes around Óbidos at your own pace.
Best Tours in Óbidos
We have selected a diverse range of tour options to suit all budgets and preferences. Our selection was based on the reliable reviews of our partner GetYourGuide and the opinions of the members of our Facebook group, Lisbon Travel, with 40,000 passionate members. These options have been carefully selected to ensure that your stay in Óbidos is truly memorable.
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