Just 135 km north of Lisbon, Tomar is a charming historic town that’s perfect for a day trip or a weekend away. Known as the “City of the Templars,” Tomar is home to the impressive Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage site related to the Knights Templar. Wander through its cobbled streets and you’ll find fascinating places like the 15th-century synagogue and peaceful gardens by the Nabão River. To fully experience Tomar’s rich history, welcoming atmosphere and delicious local cuisine, spend at least a full day here. It’s a must on any trip to central Portugal!
How to Travel from Lisbon to Tomar
If you’re planning to travel from Lisbon to Tomar, 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 Tomar is easy and there are several convenient options. The quickest and most flexible way is by car, with a drive of about 1.5 hours, allowing you to explore nearby towns and scenic spots along the way.
Alternatively, you can take a direct train from Lisbon’s Santa Apolónia or Oriente stations to Tomar, with a comfortable journey of around 2 hours. The train station in Tomar is conveniently located, just a short walk from the town centre and its main attractions.
Buses also run from Lisbon’s Sete Rios station to Tomar, offering an affordable and comfortable option.
If you’re looking for a more personalized experience, consider booking a private transfer or tour from Lisbon to Tomar, which provides door-to-door service and the flexibility to stop and explore along the route.
Best Things to Do and See in Tomar
Explore the ancient Convent of Christ
The Convent of Christ in Tomar is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a fascinating Templar history. Built in 1160, it was the headquarters of the Knights Templar and later became the convent of the Order of Christ. Highlights include the stunning Charola chapel, the intricate Manueline Window, and various cloisters combining Gothic and Manueline styles. This architectural wonder is a must see, showcasing Portugal’s history and artistry in a fantastic setting.
Stroll through the old town
Tomar’s old quarter is a charming and picturesque area, perfect for exploring on foot. The main street, Rua Serpa Pinto, connects the Nabão River with the Town Hall and is lined with beautiful tiled buildings, azulejos and olaia trees that bloom pink in spring. Here you’ll find cosy cafes, bakeries and traditional restaurants such as Taverna Antiqua and A Brasinha serving up authentic Portuguese flavours. Don’t miss landmarks such as the bell tower of Saint John’s Church and the historic Ponte Velha bridge.
Walk along the Pegões Aqueduct
The Aqueduct of Pegões, located just outside Tomar, is an impressive 16th century structure built to supply water to the Convent of Christ. Stretching over 6 km with towering arches reaching up to 30 meters, it’s a marvel of engineering and a beautiful spot to explore. You can walk along the top for spectacular views of the countryside, or follow the path at the base to admire its intricate arches. A quick 5-minute drive or 40-minute walk from the centre of Tomar, this is a must-see attraction for history lovers and photographers alike.
Relax in Mouchão Park
Mouchão Park in Tomar is a peaceful oasis on the Nabão River, perfect for relaxing or taking a break from exploring the city. Shaded by weeping willows, this beautiful riverside park offers walking trails, picnic areas and a picturesque water wheel that once helped irrigate local fields. Families can enjoy a playground, mini zipline and pedal boat hire on the central pond. With views of the historic Ponte Velha bridge and a cosy café for refreshments, Mouchão Park is a must-visit place to relax and enjoy Tomar’s natural beauty.
Pick your favourite matchbox at the museum
The Museu dos Fósforos in Tomar is home to Europe’s largest collection of matchboxes, with over 43,000 matchboxes and 16,000 matchbox covers from 127 countries. Located in the former Convent of São Francisco, this unique museum offers a colourful look into matchbox art and history, with designs that go from political figures to pin-up girls and vintage cartoons. The collection was started by local collector Aquiles da Mota Lima in 1953, inspired by a trip to Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. A visit here is a must for anyone looking for a unique and distinctive experience in Tomar!
Admire the ancient church of Santa Maria do Olival
The Church of Santa Maria do Olival in Tomar is a fascinating historical site connected to the Knights Templar. Built in the 12th century by Gualdim Pais, the church served as a burial place for Templars, including Gualdim himself, whose tombstone dates from 1195. The current structure is in a simple early Gothic style, with a beautiful rose window and a freestanding bell tower. Declared a National Monument in 1910, this active place of devotion is open to the public and free to visit.
Visit the Synagogue of Tomar
The Synagogue of Tomar was built in the mid-15th century and is the only remaining medieval Hebrew temple in Portugal. This unique site exhibits beautiful pre-Renaissance Portuguese art and features a distinctive blue Star of David above the entrance. Originally a place of worship and community centre, it was converted into a prison and storeroom after the expulsion of the Jews in 1496. Today the synagogue is a museum dedicated to the rich Jewish heritage of the area. Visitors can explore its interior and learn about its fascinating history. Admission is free and it’s open every day except Monday.
Wander through the Mata Nacional dos Sete Montes
The Mata Nacional dos Sete Montes is a beautiful forest located just outside the old town of Tomar. This peaceful green space is perfect for walking, jogging or enjoying a picnic among towering pines and ancient oaks. The park has well-marked trails leading to hidden gems such as the Charolina Fountain, a lovely place to relax. It’s also a great route if you’re heading to the Convent of Christ, with a scenic 3km walk through the trees. Whether you’re looking for nature or a leisurely stroll, this enchanting forest is a must when in Tomar!
Where to Stay in Tomar
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 Tomar is truly memorable.
Recomended Hotels:
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Transportation in Tomar
Getting around Tomar is easy, and there are several means of transport to help you get around. The best way to see the town and its historic sites is on foot, as most of the attractions, including the Convent of Christ and the old town, are within easy walking distance. If you prefer, you can also find taxis around the town centre to reach nearby spots.
Renting a car is ideal for exploring outside Tomar, giving you the freedom to visit neighbouring sites and scenic areas. Local buses connect Tomar with nearby towns, though schedules may vary. If you’re arriving from Lisbon by train or bus, both stations are close to the centre, making it easy to get started on your visit.
Best Restaurants in Tomar
We have curated a list of the best restaurants in Tomar, inspired by the region’s rich culinary and cultural traditions. To create this list, we used trusted TripAdvisor reviews and insider tips from our amazing Lisbon Friends Facebook group, where over 40,000 members share their favourite recommendations.
Restaurante Sabores Ao Rubro
Mediterranean, European, $$ – $$$
Taverna Antiqua
International, Mediterranean, $$ – $$$
Belpaço
International, Mediterranean, $$ – $$$
Restaurante a Brasinha
Mediterranean, European, $$ – $$$
Best Tours in Tomar
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 Tomar is truly memorable.
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