15 Best Things to Do in Óbidos, Portugal

1. Walk along Rua Direita

Rua Direita is the most famous street in Óbidos, and for all the right reasons. As the town’s main street, it leads you from Porta da Vila, the town’s main gate, all the way to the castle.

Along the way, you’ll find plenty of shops and boutiques that bring the street to life. Rua Direita is the place to buy a homemade souvenir or try the famous ginjinha in one of the many shops and taverns along the road.

And it’s impossible not to mention the bookstores that give Óbidos its reputation as a literary town. You’ll also find picturesque stores like Comur, where you can buy canned goods, or Mariquinhas, where you can try the famous ginjinha.

In the middle of Rua Direita, you’ll find the Pelourinho of Óbidos, with the Church of Saint Mary standing in the square. This is also a good spot to stop for lunch or take a break while exploring the old town.

You can stop at an old tavern, enjoy some local food, and imagine what it was like to walk these streets in the time of the Templar Knights.

2. Climb the Medieval Walls of Óbidos

When you approach Óbidos, the first thing you’ll notice is the picturesque medieval walls that surround the heart of the old town. Originally built as a defense against invaders, today you can climb the walls and enjoy beautiful views of the town. 

As mentioned earlier, the Óbidos walls extend from the castle and surround the old town for approximately 1.5 km. You can walk along most of the walls and enjoy different views of the Óbidos rooftops and the surrounding landscape.

The climb can be a bit challenging if you have mobility issues, and it’s worth mentioning that there is no protection along some sections. It’s advisable to wear comfortable shoes and be cautious when you visit, especially with kids.

3. Admire the painted gateway of Porta da Vila

To reach the scenic old town of Óbidos, you’ll have to go through Porta da Vila, which was once the only entrance to the walled town. 

As you step through the gate, Óbidos welcomes you with a beautiful azulejo panel, and most of the time, a musician will be there to make your arrival even more special.

The beautiful azulejos surround the Chapel-Oratory of Our Lady of Pity, the town’s patron saint, with a Baroque balcony completing the scene. I have been to Óbidos many times, and this never ceases to amaze me.

4. Visit the Church of Saint Mary

Despite its small size, Óbidos has some beautiful churches inside its walls. The Church of Saint Mary is certainly one of the most interesting ones to visit, located in Praça de Santa Maria, right in the middle of Rua Direita.

The Church of Saint Mary began as a Visigothic construction in the 8th century and was later converted into a mosque during the Arab occupation. After the Reconquista, it was returned to Christian worship.

When you step inside, look up to admire the beautiful painted wooden ceiling, while the walls are covered in beautiful azulejos. 

Next to the altar, you’ll find the Renaissance tomb of D. João de Noronha, captain of Óbidos in the 16th century, which is one of the church’s main attractions.

5. Discover why Óbidos is a UNESCO City of Literature

Óbidos is a true paradise for book lovers. In fact, it was recognized by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network as a City of Literature in 2015, and it doesn’t take long to understand why. 

Right at the entrance to the old town, you’re greeted by the Silver Coast Volunteers Book Exchange. As you stroll along Rua Direita, you’ll come across two more must-visit bookshops: Livraria do Mercado and Livraria de São Tiago.

The latter is housed inside the beautiful former Church of Santiago, making it one of the most unique bookstores in Portugal. It’s worth stepping inside even if you’re not planning to buy a book.

If you’re planning to spend a night in town, The Literary Man Óbidos Hotel is the perfect choice. This literary hotel is located in a former 19th-century convent, with books throughout its interiors and plenty of spaces where you can sit down, relax, and enjoy a good book.

If you happen to visit during the FOLIO Óbidos International Literary Festival, you may also get to experience one of the town’s biggest literary events. 

The festival brings together writers, readers, artists, and musicians for book presentations, discussions, concerts, workshops, and other cultural events, turning Óbidos into a celebration of literature.

6. Pass through Arco da Cadeia

Hidden in the small streets of Óbidos lies Arco da Cadeia, an architectural gem that some visitors miss. Right behind the Church of Saint Mary, a narrow street and a few steps will take you to the arch.

The Casa do Arco da Cadeia once served as both the town hall and a prison. The prison continued to operate until the beginning of the 20th century, making this little corner of Óbidos even more interesting to discover.

This is one of the most picturesque spots in town, where you can admire the old architecture with the Portuguese landscape in the background. It’s also a great place to stop for a few photos while exploring Óbidos.

7. Spend the night in Óbidos Castle

If you always dreamed of sleeping in a castle and feeling like royalty, Pousada Castelo de Óbidos offers you this possibility. It is also worth mentioning that Óbidos Castle was named one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal in 2007.

The Pousada first opened in 1951 and was the first historic Pousada created as part of this heritage hotel concept. The castle has kept its historic character, while offering all the modern amenities you would expect for a comfortable stay. 

Last but not least, staying here gives you access to parts of the castle that regular visitors cannot see, including a section of the walls and the Dom Fernando tower. 

It’s a great way to experience Óbidos after the day-trippers have left and enjoy the town from a different perspective. And it is one of the most beautiful castles in Portugal, so don’t miss it!

8. Try Ginjinha in a chocolate cup

One of the symbols of Óbidos is the famous Ginjinha. This sweet cherry liqueur is made by infusing sour cherries with alcohol, sugar, cinnamon, and cloves. 

It is enjoyed throughout Portugal, but has a particularly strong association with Óbidos, where you’ll find it on almost every street corner.

Other towns, such as Covilhã and Alcobaça, also claim its origins, but Óbidos has truly turned Ginjinha into one of its defining traditions. As you walk along Rua Direita, you’ll find countless shops inviting you to sample this local specialty.

Two of the best-known are Ginjinha da Porta 7 and Mariquinhas Experience Óbidos, both offering tastings as well as beautifully packaged bottles to take home as a souvenir of your visit.

Traditionally, Ginjinha is served in a small glass, but in recent years, one of the most popular ways to enjoy it has become the edible chocolate cup. 

9. Indulge your sweet tooth at Óbidos Chocolate House

Óbidos is not only about Ginjinha and traditional Portuguese food. This town will also surprise you with its sweet, chocolatey side. 

Located within the old town walls, Óbidos Chocolate House is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth looking for a unique treat.

From chocolate candies to full bars and even elaborate chocolate sculptures, you’ll surely find something to satisfy your cravings. If you want to indulge a little more, try one of the freshly made homemade desserts.

10. Eat at a traditional Portuguese tavern

If you have read my other articles about Portugal, you already know how much I love Portuguese cuisine. So, trying a local tavern is a must-try experience when you visit Óbidos!

Inside the town walls, you’ll find plenty of options for trying Portuguese specialties in a historical setting. If you want to try a typical Portuguese codfish dish, Petrarum Domus Restaurante is an ancient tavern that will steal your heart.

Meanwhile, 1148 O Conquistador is known for dishes such as lamb and octopus stew. If you’re in the mood for some snacks, visit Bar Ibn Errik Rex for their chouriço, perhaps with a glass of Ginjinha.

Finally, if you’re looking to make an impression or find a romantic tavern, A Nova Casa de Ramiro is the right place to be. It’s intimate, traditional, and fancy at the same time.

11. Watch chouriço being flame-grilled at Capinha d’Óbidos

Pão com chouriço is one of the most beloved Portuguese snacks, enjoyed from north to south. In Óbidos, you can get it at Capinha d’Óbidos, a bakery with recipes passed down through generations since 1883.

Here, you can sit down and enjoy a taste of Portuguese life while bread and other specialties are baked in front of you in a traditional wood-fired oven. The freshly baked pão com chouriço is definitely one of the things worth trying.

Capinha d’Óbidos is the perfect spot for a quick snack or small dish, especially if you have limited time in Óbidos. But even if you’re not hungry, it’s certainly an experience worth stopping for while exploring the town.

12. Plan your visit around one of Óbidos’ Festivals

Óbidos is a real cultural center in Portugal, with festivals taking place throughout the year. With its medieval origins and connection to the Templar Knights, it’s no surprise that the town hosts a popular medieval festival every summer.

Usually held in July, the Medieval Market turns Óbidos into a huge medieval fair, with events in the castle courtyard and around the town. You can watch knights fight, try medieval cuisine, enjoy music & dancing, and even dress up for the occasion.

In winter, Óbidos Vila Natal transforms the town into a fairytale Christmas village, complete with Santa, elves, and beautiful lights and decorations. And if you have a sweet tooth like me, plan your visit around the International Chocolate Festival in spring.

Finally, the FOLIO International Literary Festival takes place in fall, bringing writers, readers, artists, and plenty of cultural events to Óbidos.

13. Discover Largo da Misericórdia and Maney’s Tower

If you love exploring, every little street of Óbidos can bring a new surprise. As you reach Largo da Misericórdia, Maney’s Tower stands tall in the tiny square. At first, it might look like just another pretty tower, but it is actually a charming guesthouse.

Torre de Maneys was built in the 16th century and is believed to have been a former storage tower for Óbidos Castle. The stone tower is connected to the house across the street by an enclosed bridge, creating one of the most unusual little corners of the old town.

The writer and journalist Manuel Gondim, a close friend of the family and an enthusiast of holidays spent in Óbidos, gave the house the name “Torre de Maneys” and even wrote a poem about it. 

He found it a funny coincidence that six people in the household, including friends and family, shared the same name, Manuel. The five rooms in the house are named after them, adding another little piece of history to this unique place.

14. Follow the legacy of Josefa de Óbidos

Josefa de Óbidos was one of Portugal’s most important Baroque painters and one of the country’s most prolific artists, with around 150 works attributed to her. Her work can still be found in churches and museums across Portugal.

While you might think she was an Óbidos native, she was actually born in Seville, Spain, as Josefa de Ayala Figueira. She moved to Portugal, her father’s homeland, when she was just four years old and spent the rest of her life there.

Josefa often signed her paintings as “Josefa em Óbidos” or “Josefa de Ayalla,” reflecting her close connection with the town. Much of her artistic career was also closely linked to Óbidos, where she lived and worked for many years.

Josefa de Óbidos received numerous important commissions throughout her career, creating altarpieces and religious paintings for churches and monasteries across central Portugal. 

One of her best-known works connected to Óbidos is the series of five paintings for the altar of Saint Catherine in the Church of Santa Maria, created in 1661.

15. Escape to Óbidos Lagoon

If you think the beauty of Óbidos ends at its medieval walls, think again. Just a 15-minute drive away lies Óbidos Lagoon, the largest coastal lagoon system on the Portuguese coast and a wonderful escape into nature.

Connected to the Atlantic Ocean, the lagoon has calm, shallow waters, making it a great destination for families visiting Portugal with children. 

You can relax, go for a swim, or try activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and kitesurfing. The lagoon is also an important spot for birdwatching, with plenty of birdlife around its shores.

The most popular place to visit is Foz do Arelho, located where the lagoon meets the Atlantic Ocean. Here, you can enjoy one of the most unique landscapes on the Portuguese coast, with calm lagoon waters on one side and the waves of the Atlantic on the other.

The village also has a long sandy beach, seafood restaurants, and beautiful views. If you want to explore the lagoon beyond the beach, you can also join a birdwatching tour or try one of the many water sports available here.