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When planning our 2-week Portugal trip, I knew we wanted a mix of cities and smaller towns. That’s when I stumbled upon Óbidos, and it immediately caught my eye. The cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings adorned with flowers, and medieval charm made it an easy choice to add to our itinerary. I’m so glad we did, especially because we decided to spend the night within the walled city—it was truly special.
Óbidos, just an hour’s drive from Lisbon, is a small medieval village rich in history and full of charm. It offers a refreshing change from the hustle and bustle of the big cities. While many people visit Óbidos as a day trip, we found that staying the night was the most enchanting part of our visit.
It also happened to be my birthday the day we arrived, making the experience even more memorable. And since it was mid-November, the town was already beautifully decorated for the holidays.
Why We Chose to Spend the Night in Óbidos
One of the main reasons we chose to spend the night in Óbidos was because it fit perfectly into our itinerary. We wanted to avoid the crowds that often come with day trips or tours from Lisbon, and since we were traveling entirely by public transportation, staying overnight made the most sense with the transportation timetables. Placing Óbidos as an overnight stop between Nazaré and Porto allowed us to experience the town at a more relaxed pace, without the need for a tour or a car. If you’re planning a trip, I highly recommend spending the night in Óbidos to fully soak in its charm.
Our Overnight in Óbidos
Afternoon Arrival
Our journey began in Nazaré, where we caught a bus to Óbidos. The trip took about an hour and a half, giving us plenty of time to relax and enjoy the scenic views of the Portuguese countryside. We arrived in Óbidos in the late afternoon and headed straight to our bed and breakfast, Casa S. Thiago d’Óbidos. This charming accommodation offered a cozy room with breakfast included for just 47 euros.
Evening Exploration
After checking in, we set out to explore. Óbidos is surrounded by well-preserved medieval walls, and walking along these walls at dusk was a highlight of our visit. The views from the top were stunning, with the setting sun casting a warm glow over the tiled rooftops and cobblestone streets below.
We spent a couple of hours strolling around, walking down all the little streets, and walking the walls.
Dinner at Alcaide
As night fell, we looked for a place to have dinner. Given it was late November, many restaurants were closed, but we found Alcaide, a gem that turned our evening into a private dining experience. We happen to be the only ones in the restaurant. The service was impeccable, and the food was delightful. I enjoyed salmon, my boyfriend had a meat dish, and we shared a nicer bottle of red wine, all for 43.25 euros.
The next Morning
We had a lovely breakfast at our accommodation and then had them call a taxi for us to get to the Caldas Da Raina Train Station, where our train to Porto would be departing.
Budget Breakdown
Accommodation at Casa S. Thiago d’Óbidos (breakfast included): 47 euros
Birthday dinner (two entrees and a nice bottle of red wine): 43.25 euros
Total for our overnight stay: 90.25 euros
Where to Stay in Óbidos
Óbidos Hotels, B&Bs & Guesthouses
Listed in order of approximate price, from lower to higher.
Foral Guest House: A cute, modern guest house inside the walls. Prices & Details Here
Casa S. Thiago d’Óbidos: A cozy bed and breakfast within the walls, offering comfortable, traditionally styled rooms and a nice breakfast. Prices & Details Here
CASASUPERTUBOS: A modern guest house just outside the walls, featuring a shared terrace and kitchen. Prices & Details Here
Casa Do Relógio: A charming guesthouse within the walls, offering breakfast, a large terrace, and traditionally furnished rooms. Prices & Details Here
Óbidos Pátio House: A cute, modern bed and breakfast within the walls. Prices & Details Here
Casa S. Thiago do Castelo: Classical rooms with antique furniture, a large patio, and breakfast. Prices & Details Here
Pousada do Castelo de Óbidos: For those wanting to stay in the castle itself, this is the place. Prices & Details Here
Photos from our stay at Casa S. Thiago d’Óbidos.
Hostels
Hostel Argonauta: A budget-friendly option with a friendly atmosphere and convenient location, perfect for backpackers and young couples. Offers dorms and double rooms with shared bathrooms. Prices & Details Here
Where to Eat in Óbidos
Letraria: A cozy spot offering craft beers, snacks and burgers. Google Map Link
JJa!mon Ja!mon: Highly recommended for its delicious tapas and friendly service. A great place to savor local flavors in a relaxed setting. Google Map Link
À Janela: A popular spot for pizza and drinks. Great for a laid-back meal. Google Map Link
A Nova Casa de Ramiro: An upscale dining experience featuring exquisite dishes and elegant interior design. Perfect for a special night out. Google Map Link
Antonius Buffet Restaurante: Located in the Josefa Hotel, this buffet-style restaurant offers a variety of Portuguese dishes. Ideal for those who want to try a bit of everything. Google Map Link
O Portão da Vila: A laid-back bar serving snacks and pizza, perfect for grabbing a drink and a bite. Google Map Link
How to Get To Óbidos
By Bus
Buses run regularly from Lisbon and take about an hour. The bus station is conveniently located right outside the town walls.
By Train
Trains are another option for getting to Óbidos. The train station is a bit further from the town center, about a 20 minute walk, but there is limited service and it takes around 2h and 20min to get there.
By Car
Driving to Óbidos is straightforward via the A8 highway. A convenient car park is located just outside the town walls.
Things to Do in Óbidos
1. Walk the Medieval Walls
Explore the well-preserved medieval walls surrounding Óbidos. The views from the top are stunning, offering a panoramic look at the red-tiled rooftops and cobblestone streets.
The walk can be a bit tricky as there are no railings, so watch your step, especially if you’re up there around sunset. We descended just after dusk and had to take our time navigating the steps.
You can access the walls from several points. We started at the castle and ended at Porta da Vila, but you could do it the other way around.
2. Visit Obidos Castle
Dating back to the 12th century, Óbidos Castle has a rich history and has undergone several renovations over the years. Today, it houses a hotel where you can stay the night.
While you can’t visit the castle’s interior, the surrounding grounds and main courtyard behind the castle are accessible.
3. Stroll Through the Historic Center
Wander through the town’s picturesque streets, filled with charming shops, cafes, and whitewashed houses. It’s the perfect place to take your time and soak in the atmosphere.
I love just “getting lost” in a new place. Explore the streets and see what you discover!
4. Porta da Vila
This is the main entrance gate to Óbidos and a significant landmark in the town.
5. Try Ginjinha d’Óbidos
Ginjinha is a famous Portuguese liqueur made from sour cherries. It’s sweet, unique, and a must-try while you’re in Óbidos.
6. Explore the Church of Santa Maria
Located in the town square, this beautiful church is known for its stunning azulejos (ceramic tiles).
7. Attend a Festival
Óbidos hosts several festivals throughout the year, such as the Medieval Market, the International Chocolate Festival, and the Christmas Village. Check the local calendar to see if any events coincide with your visit.
8. Visit Livraria de Santiago
A unique bookstore set inside a 13th-century church, offering a wide range of books in an impressive and historic setting.
Planning Your Óbidos Visit
How many nights should I spend in Óbidos, Portugal?
One night is perfectly sufficient to enjoy the charm of Óbidos.
How do I get to Óbidos, Portugal?
Óbidos can be reached by bus and train. However, the train stops outside the walled town about 1km, making the bus a more convenient option based on my research.
What is the best time to visit Óbidos, Portugal?
As with the rest of Portugal, the best time to visit Óbidos is in the spring or fall when the weather is pleasant, and the town is less crowded.
Final Thoughts: Is Óbidos Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! From walking the medieval walls at dusk to waking up to the chirping of birds in this little walled town, our visit was filled with wonder. The proximity to Lisbon makes it an easy and worthwhile getaway. If you’re looking to explore a charming village, Óbidos is a destination that won’t disappoint, and staying the night is the perfect way to fully appreciate it.
Looking to travel more around Portugal? Check out my Ultimate Portugal Travel Budget Guide for exactly how we traveled Portugal for 2 weeks on a budget.