Things to do in Tomar
Discover the charm of Tomar, a historic town in the heart of Portugal and the ideal place to spend a few days. Pied-à-Terre Tomar is just a one-minute walk from the historic city centre, nestled in a quiet street only moments away from the Convent of Christ and the Templar Castle.
Enjoy the comfort and authenticity of our local accommodation (AL), the perfect base to explore Tomar’s unique heritage, nature, and culture.
What to see in Tomar?
As you walk through the streets of Tomar, you’ll quickly notice that it’s a city full of culture and history. A great place to start is the Synagogue of Tomar, dating back to the 15th century and tucked away in one of the town’s charming narrow streets.
From there, head to Praça da República, the main square of Tomar, and visit the Igreja de São João Baptista, a beautiful church from the 15th or 16th century with remarkable architecture.
Continue your stroll towards Mouchão Park, where you’ll find a recently restored working water wheel. If you’re visiting with children, make sure to stop by the Traquinas do Nabão playground located inside the park. During the summer months, the park also hosts various local activities and events, making it a lively place to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
For those who like to shop
At first glance, Tomar may seem like a small town, but it’s full of hidden treasures and charming little shops. I visit Tomar often, and I still keep discovering new ones! Many of these shops close during lunchtime, so plan your visit accordingly.
Here are a few recommendations to get you started:
Specialty Shops
Looking for fresh tea or herbs? Stop by Ervanária Sete Potências.
Halfway along Av. Dr. Cândido Madureira, you’ll find a typical Portuguese shop selling bed and bath linens — you can’t miss it, there’s a pink bicycle parked outside!
Charming Streets for Shopping
Rua Marquês de Pombal – home to a few lovely small clothing boutiques.
Rua Infantaria – filled with various local shops right in the heart of the centre.
Rua Serpa Pinto – Tomar’s main street, lined with interesting stores and cafés.
Ceramics
At the beginning of Rua Serpa Pinto, there’s an elegant ceramics shop with beautiful pieces.
One of my personal favourites is Oficina da Olaria e da Azulejaria, a bit off the beaten path, where you can buy affordable ceramics and even watch how they’re made.
Hungry After Exploring the City?
After a walk through Tomar, you’re bound to work up an appetite! In Portugal, it’s common to have a warm lunch, so you’ll find plenty of restaurants offering delicious meals in the middle of the day. Below are some of our favourite spots.
At Casa das Ratas, you can enjoy beautifully presented, modern Portuguese dishes in a stylish setting. Prefer something heartier? Head to D’o Costume, where you’ll find excellent meat dishes and a lovely view over Praça da República. Looking for Sushi, go to Iki Sushi. Looking for Tapas? Go to Moustache Tapas Tomar.
If you’d rather have a lighter bite, stop by Insensato Café-Livraria. This cozy café-bookshop offers delicious vegetarian options and a relaxed, creative vibe.
Across the city, you’ll also find plenty of small local eateries offering a daily menu (prato do dia) for around €10 — usually one or two choices, always homemade and tasty.
And to finish your meal, grab an ice cream at Gelatomania on the main street. The scoops are big, so don’t be tempted to order too much!
Convent of Christ
Set aside at least two hours (and possibly more) to visit the Convent of Christ, one of Tomar’s true highlights. Perched on a hill overlooking the town, this impressive monastery is a must-see during your stay. You can reach it on foot with a 15-minute uphill walk from the city centre, or opt for an easier ride by car or tuk-tuk from the main square.
Next to the convent lies the beautiful Mata Nacional dos Sete Montes, a peaceful park perfect for a leisurely stroll. There’s also a playground for children, making it a great spot for families.
Don’t miss the chance to explore the Templar Castle, located right next to the convent. Entry to the castle is included with your convent ticket, so it’s well worth a visit.
