13 Best Things to Do in Tomar: An Underrated Gem in Portugal

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Tomar isn’t one of Portugal’s most talked-about destinations. It’s smaller, quieter, and doesn’t have a long list of must-see attractions like Lisbon or Porto. At first glance, it might even seem like there’s not much to do.

But that’s exactly what makes it special.

I visited Tomar as part of a day trip and didn’t expect much beyond the famous Convent of Christ. What I found instead was a town full of history, local charm, and a few surprisingly unique experiences you won’t find anywhere else.

This guide covers the best things to do in Tomar, from major highlights like the Templar sites to underrated spots, and a few things I personally didn’t expect to enjoy as much as I did.

Table of Contents

1. Visit the Convent of Christ

Highly detailed stone church facade with intricate carvings, statues, and a circular window at the center. Twisted rope like stonework and decorative elements frame the window and doorway against a clear blue sky.

Sunlit cloister walkway with stone arches and columns casting shadows along a tiled floor. Blue and white patterned tiles line the walls and a small tree stands in the courtyard.

If you only do one thing in Tomar, make it the Convent of Christ.

It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the town’s main highlight, closely linked to the Knights Templar, who got renamed later to the Order of Christ to avoid persecution.

The complex is huge, with multiple cloisters, detailed Manueline stonework, and a mix of architectural styles. One of the most unique spaces is the Charola, a round church unlike anything I’ve seen before.

If you want a full breakdown of what to see and how to plan your visit, check out my detailed guide to the Convent of Christ.

🏰 Learn more about the Knights Templar with a guided tour!

2. Explore Tomar’s Old Town

Narrow cobblestone street lined with pastel buildings and wrought iron balconies under a bright blue sky. Pink and yellow flowers climb up the wall in the foreground while a few people walk further down the lane.

Quiet cobblestone street with white and pastel houses leading toward a hilltop castle in the distance. Green plants and vines frame the edges of the street under clear sunny skies.

One of the best things to do in Tomar is simply to wander around the old town.

It’s small, but really picturesque, with narrow cobblestone streets, colorful doors and windows, and views of the Convent of Christ up on the hill.

There aren’t tons of major sights packed into one area, which I actually liked. It feels more relaxed and less touristy than other places in Portugal.

Instead of rushing from one attraction to the next, this is the kind of place where you just walk without a plan, take in the atmosphere, and enjoy the slower pace.

3. Walk Through Praça da República

Open town square with a black and white patterned stone floor and a central statue on a pedestal. Historic buildings with tiled roofs surround the square and a few people walk nearby.

Praça da República is the main square and the heart of the town, surrounded by historic buildings and a few key sights.

Right in the center, you’ll find a statue of Gualdim Pais, the founder of Tomar and a Grand Master of the Knights Templar. It’s a small detail, but it ties the whole town back to its Templar history.

The square is also where you’ll see the Church of São João Baptista, one of the main churches in town.

4. Visit Igreja de São João Baptista

Pale stone church with a tall clock tower and pointed spire beside a white facade with an ornate arched doorway. A few people stand near the entrance under a bright blue sky.

From the outside, the church is already beautiful with detailed stonework around the door.

I wasn’t able to go inside because it was closed when I visited.

It’s closed Mondays and every day from 12:30 to 2:30 pm for a lunch break.

Even if you don’t get to enter, it’s still worth stopping by while you’re exploring the square. It’s one of those landmarks that adds to the overall atmosphere of Tomar rather than being a must-see interior.

5. Visit the Synagogue of Tomar

The Synagogue of Tomar is one of the oldest synagogues in Portugal and an important part of the town’s history.

It’s quite small and easy to miss, but worth stopping by, especially if you’re interested in learning more about the Jewish heritage in Portugal.

When I visited, it was closed, similar to a few other sights in town. So again, it’s a good idea to plan around opening hours if you want to go inside.

It’s closed every Monday and during lunch time.

6. Take a Break at Jardim e Parque de Merendas

Calm river with a low waterfall flowing through a town lined with trees and buildings. A shaded riverside path with benches and red umbrellas curves along the water.

Wide river with a small cascading weir in the foreground and a hillside town behind it. A castle sits on top of the green hill overlooking the buildings.

If you’re looking for a quiet place to relax, head to the Jardim e Parque de Merendas.

It’s a really lovely park with lots of greenery, water features, and shaded spots to sit.

I’d recommend coming here if you have some extra time and want a break from walking around the town. It’s perfect for slowing down for a bit, especially on a warm day.

7. Walk Along the Nabão River

Stone bridge with multiple arches spanning a wide river framed by leafy tree branches. Sunlight reflects on the water creating soft ripples beneath the bridge.

Calm canal reflecting white houses with red tiled roofs lined along the water’s edge. A small bridge crosses the canal in the distance under a bright blue sky.

The river runs right through the town, and there are several paths where you can walk alongside it. It’s a really nice way to take a break from sightseeing and see a different side of Tomar.

You’ll pass small bridges, greenery, and quieter spots that feel much more local compared to the main attractions.

I liked doing this in between sightseeing stops. It’s easy, relaxing, and doesn’t require any planning, which fits perfectly with the slower pace of Tomar.

8. Experience Local Life at Mercado Municipal de Tomar

For a more local experience, visit the Mercado Municipal de Tomar in the mornings.

This is where locals come to shop for fresh produce, and it gives you a glimpse into everyday life in Tomar beyond the main tourist sights.

Inside, you’ll find fresh fruits and vegetables and local products.

It’s not a must-see attraction, but if you enjoy visiting markets when you travel, it’s a nice stop to add.

9. See How Tiles Are Made

If you’re interested in local crafts, stop by Oficina da Olaria e da Azulejaria.

This is a small workshop where you can see how traditional Portuguese pottery and tiles are made.

It’s not a hands-on experience, so you won’t be making anything yourself, but it’s still interesting to watch the process and learn a bit about the craftsmanship behind it.

There’s also a small shop where you can buy handmade pieces, which makes for a nice and more unique souvenir from Portugal compared to some of the more mass produced items you find in your typical souvenir shop.

10. Visit the Matchbox Museum

One of the most unexpected things to do in Tomar is visiting the Museu dos Fósforos.

This small museum is dedicated entirely to matchboxes, with thousands of designs from all over the world. It’s definitely not something you’d expect to find here, which is exactly what makes it interesting.

It’s a quick visit, but a fun and slightly quirky stop that adds something different to your itinerary.

11. Visit the Church of Santa Maria do Olival

Interior of a historic church with stone arches, wooden pews, and a red carpet aisle leading to the altar. Soft light filters in from high windows along the walls.

Worn stone floor inside a building with a carved outline resembling a chalice shape. The texture of the aged stone is rough and uneven.

The Church of Santa Maria do Olival is one of the most historically significant churches in Tomar.

The church is closely linked to the Knights Templar and later the Order of Christ. It even served as a burial place for some of their grand masters, which adds to its importance.

Inside, there are a few interesting details to look out for, like tombstones in the floor and symbolic elements connected to the Templars.

There are also some local legends, including stories about the Holy Grail and a supposed underground tunnel connecting the church to the convent. Whether those are true or not is another question, but they do make the visit more interesting.

12. See the Rotunda do Tabuleiro

Decorative monument shaped like a tall column covered in red and white flowers and wheat motifs with a white dove on top. A row of crests decorates the base in front of white buildings with tiled roofs.

While this might seem like just another roundabout at first, the Rotunda do Tabuleiro actually has a deeper cultural meaning.

In the center, you’ll find a statue representing the Festa dos Tabuleiros, one of Tomar’s most important traditions.

This festival celebrates local culture and dates back centuries. The most iconic part is a procession where women carry tall stacks of bread and flowers on their heads, often decorated with crowns and symbolic elements.

Even though the festival only takes place every few years, this roundabout is a permanent reminder of it.

13. Visit the Pegões Aqueduct

Long stone aqueduct with repeated arches stretching across a green valley filled with trees. A narrow walkway runs along the top beside a shallow water channel under a partly cloudy sky.

The Pegões Aqueduct is one of the most impressive structures near Tomar, but also one of the hardest to reach.

It’s located outside the town center, and it’s too far to walk, so you’ll need hire a taxi to get there.

The aqueduct was built to supply water to the Convent of Christ, and when you see it in person, you really get a sense of the scale.

It stretches across the landscape with large stone arches, and you can even walk along parts of it if you’re comfortable with heights.

Take a Day Trip to Almourol Castle

Stone castle perched on a rocky hill beside a calm river reflecting the structure and blue sky. A lone tree stands on the grassy bank adding to the peaceful landscape.

Even though it’s not in Tomar itself, a visit to Almourol Castle is one of the best things to do when you’re in the area.

The castle is about a 30-minute drive from Tomar and sits on a small island in the middle of the river, which makes it one of the most unique castles in Portugal.

Getting there isn’t the easiest without a car, since you’ll need to organize transport and a small boat to reach the island. That’s why many people (including me) visit it as part of a guided tour.

If you’re interested in visiting, I’ve written a full guide about visiting Almourol Castle based on my experience, including how to get there and whether it’s worth it.

Eat Vegan Food at Gira,sol

Narrow cobblestone street lined with pastel colored buildings and small balconies. A simple outdoor table with plates and glasses sits beside a doorway covered in leafy vines.

If you’re looking for vegan food in Tomar, your best (and only) option is Gira,sol.

It’s a cozy spot with just a few tables outside on a quiet street. The seating isn’t the most comfortable, but the setting makes up for it.

When I visited, I had a mushroom stroganoff and a walnut brownie. Both were decent. Not quite on the same level as the vegan food in Lisbon, but still really convenient and enjoyable for a small town like Tomar.

Since it’s the only fully vegan place in town, it’s definitely worth stopping by and supporting if you’re in the area.

Tina wearing sunglasses smiles at the camera in a sunlit town square with a patterned stone floor. A statue on a pedestal and historic buildings with red tiled roofs stand behind her under a blue sky.

Is Tomar Worth Visiting?

Yes, Tomar is definitely worth visiting, especially if you enjoy history and a more relaxed, less crowded destination.

It’s not packed with attractions, but that’s part of its charm. Between the Convent of Christ, the Templar history, and the laid-back atmosphere, it feels different from more touristy spots.

Tomar is a great choice if you like slower travel and meaningful sights, but less ideal if you’re looking for a busy itinerary.

If you’re into underrated places like this, check out my guide to hidden gems in Portugal. Tomar might not be completely hidden, but it’s definitely overlooked.

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Collage of scenes from a historic town including a flower covered festival structure with a dove on top, a narrow street with colorful flowers, a cloister courtyard, and a riverside view. Text overlay reads "13 Best Things to Do TOMAR Portugal" highlighting travel inspiration for the destination. — Things to Do in Tomar Portugal: A Complete Travel Guide