2025 Tomar Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

1. Address - Convento de Cristo Highlights - the manueline style Roman Catholic convent is surrounded by a castle wall is the main attraction of Tomar. It costs €6 entry. Rating - 4.5/5 2. Address - Aqueduto do Troço Pegões Altos Highlights - this heritage aqueduto is big and beautiful, worth the visit. Rating - 5/5 3. Address - Ponte Velha Highlights - this European style bridge is very beautiful that connects both parts of the town. Nearby is the Chapel of Santa Iria (Chapel of the Templars) Rating - 4.5/5 IG: @travellerswill #awesomepic #summervacation #urbanexplorer #passionpassport

#hostellife Tomar may be small, but the hostel life here is mighty cozy, super social, and seriously affordable. Perfect for solo travelers, backpackers, and anyone chasing Templar vibes without emptying their wallet. 🛌 Most hostels in Tomar are housed in charming old buildings, often right in the historic center — think tiled staircases, sunny courtyards, and views of the Convent of Christ. 🧑🤝🧑 Hostels here are community-driven, meaning shared kitchens, friendly vibes, and great chances to meet other travelers — or even join in on a spontaneous group dinner. 🍳 Save money by cooking your own meals. Tomar has a few small supermarkets and bakeries where you can grab fresh produce, bread, and snacks for cheap. Hostel kitchens are usually well-stocked with basics. 🕰️ Check for free walking tours or local tips on the hostel bulletin boards — many owners are locals who love sharing insider secrets, including free things to do and affordable day trips. 📚 Bring a book or swap one in a hostel exchange shelf. After a day of exploring the Convent of Christ and the riverside, there’s nothing better than chilling with a book on the terrace. 🧺 Do your laundry on-site if you’ve been on the road for a while. Most hostels offer laundry for a couple of euros, which beats overpacking or searching for laundromats. 🗣️ Learn a few Portuguese phrases — it goes a long way with locals, and you might impress your hostel crew! 🎨 Join a craft night or local jam session — some hostels host casual music or art evenings, especially in summer. They’re free, creative, and a great way to connect.

#backpackeressentials Tucked away in central Portugal, Tomar is a backpacker’s dream — rich in Templar history, charming streets, and low-cost experiences that don’t sacrifice depth or magic. 🧭 Start your adventure with the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s an architectural masterpiece linked to the Knights Templar, and student/youth tickets cost just a few euros. 🌳 Take a peaceful walk through the Mata Nacional dos Sete Montes, a lush forested park next to the convent that offers shade, silence, and sculpture — all for free. 🏞️ Stroll along the Nabão River, where footbridges and riverside cafés make it easy to soak up the city vibe without spending a cent. 🕍 Explore Tomar’s historic center, filled with tiled façades, local bakeries, and friendly faces. Don’t miss the Igreja de São João Baptista — the medieval heart of the town. Backpacker money saving hack: 🥖 Grab a budget-friendly meal at a tasca — Tomar is known for hearty Portuguese dishes like “ensopado de borrego” and grilled fish, often under €10. 🎒 Bring sturdy walking shoes — the convent is a steep walk from the center, and Tomar’s cobbled streets aren’t flip-flop friendly. 💧 Carry a refillable bottle — water fountains are available throughout the old town and parks. 🛏️ Stay at a central hostel or guesthouse — you’ll find dorm beds starting around €20–25 per night, often in charming old buildings. 🚆 Get there cheaply by train from Lisbon for under €10, with scenic views included. 📅 Visit in the spring or early fall for the best weather and fewer crowds, especially if you want those Instagram shots without too many photo-bombers.

On our way to Porto, we decided to stop by Tomar to see the 12th century Templar castle & the aqueduct of Pegoes. This is the last castle we will want to see for the year. 🤣 In the center of the 16-sided hall is an octagonal structure that supports the vault and serves as an altar, The Rotondas. "rotondas" of Templar in the center is so different from any church we have ever seen. It is Huge! There are many symbolic meanings in the paintings surrounding the rotondas and they are absolutely stunning. 🏖️Environment/Facilities: No tourists/Hidden gem

As a big fan of the history of the Knights of Templar, visiting the Convent of Christ in Tomar was a huge highlight of my trip to Portugal. The history there is fascinating—this place was once a Templar stronghold, and you can really feel it when you walk through the halls. The circular chapel, with its detailed carvings, was definitely the standout for me. It’s a pretty big site, so wear comfy shoes for all the exploring. I loved the quiet, almost mysterious atmosphere—it felt like stepping into a different time. I had been wanting to see this spot for ages, and it didn’t disappoint. If you’re into history or the Templars, this is a must-visit. #europetrip #portugal #Tomar

The Church of Christ in Tomar was built in the 12th century and took about 500 years to complete. It is a Catholic church building. It was originally built to resist the invasion of Muslims from North Africa. The Church of Christ was originally the base camp of the Knights Templar. It was included in the World Heritage Site in 1983..

Manueline style is a unique architectural style that emerged in Portugal in the late 15th to mid-16th century due to its strong emphasis on developing maritime power, named after the ruling monarch at the time, Manuel I. Its architectural features lie in the twisted cylindrical shape, royal emblem, and intricately decorated window frames, as well as the use of natural imagery such as shells and anchors embedded in stones. The most representative examples include the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon, the Jesus Monastery in Tomar, the Alcobaça Monastery, and the Batalha Monastery. In addition, the influence of Moorish architecture is also a major characteristic of Manueline style, with the Sintra National Palace as its representative building.