Where to Stay in Tomar: Best Areas and Hotels Guide
Tomar was the headquarters of the Knights Templar in Portugal and later of the Order of Christ, which effectively inherited the Templars’ wealth and became the financial engine of the Portuguese Age of Discovery. The Convent of Christ on the hill above the town holds 900 years of architectural layers — Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, and Renaissance — and is one of the most rewarding UNESCO sites in the country. The town below it is unhurried, with a well-preserved old quarter and a river running through the centre.
This combination of exceptional heritage and relaxed atmosphere makes Tomar one of the most satisfying overnight stops in central Portugal. The hotel scene is modest but covers all budget levels.
Old Town (Cidade Velha)
The main streets of the old town run from the Praça da República — with its 15th-century church and Templar-associated fountain — toward the base of the hill where the Convent sits. Most restaurants, cafés, and the Saturday market are in this zone, as are the majority of guesthouses and small hotels.
Recommended hotels:
- Hotel dos Templários — the largest hotel in Tomar, a four-star property with a large pool, riverside position, and good views up to the Convent hill from the upper floors. The standard choice for tour groups, with reliable facilities. From approximately €90–160 per night as of 2026.
- Hotel Sinagoga — mid-range hotel in a converted historic building near the old Jewish quarter, one of the more characterful options in the town centre. From approximately €70–110 per night.
- Residencial União — long-established family guesthouse in the old town, clean, affordable, and well-located. A solid mid-budget option. From approximately €50–75 per night.
- Casa da Vila Velha — small boutique guesthouse with individually decorated rooms and a garden, a short walk from the main square. From approximately €65–95 per night.
- Pensão Nuno Álvares — one of the most affordable addresses in Tomar, basic but clean and central. From approximately €40–60 per night.
Pros: Walking distance to the Praça da República, the synagogue museum, and the start of the path to the Convent. Good traditional restaurants on the side streets. Train station is a 10-minute walk.
Cons: The old town has limited late-night dining options. The hill walk to the Convent is uphill (around 15–20 minutes at a relaxed pace).
Best for: Independent travellers, history enthusiasts, couples, those arriving by train.
Riverside and New Town
The Nabão River splits Tomar, with a small park and bridge connecting the old and new sides. The riverside walk is pleasant in the evenings, and there are a few hotels on or near the water offering quieter surroundings than the busier old town streets.
Recommended hotels:
- Hotel Cavaleiros de Cristo — mid-range hotel near the river, comfortable and well-run. Popular with tour groups visiting the Convent. From approximately €75–115 per night as of 2026.
- Pensão Tomarense — budget guesthouse in a residential area near the river, simple and affordable. From approximately €45–65 per night.
Pros: Quiet riverside atmosphere. Easy walk to the old town. Slightly lower prices than old town properties.
Cons: Less immediate access to restaurants and the market area.
Best for: Those who prefer quiet surroundings, families, budget travellers.
Rural Quintas Near Tomar
The agricultural land around Tomar — the Médio Tejo valley — has a handful of rural properties suited to those with a hire car who want to combine the Convent with the natural scenery of the region, including the Castelo de Bode reservoir (Portugal’s largest inland body of water, 15km east).
Recommended properties:
- Quinta da Alorna — wine estate near the Tagus valley with guestrooms and a winery, approximately 40km from Tomar. From approximately €80–130 per night as of 2026.
- Lago Verde Hotel & Spa — resort hotel on the Castelo de Bode reservoir, with water sports, a pool, and forest surroundings. Well suited to families. From approximately €90–150 per night.
Pros: Natural landscape. Water sports on the reservoir. Good base for regional driving circuits.
Cons: Car essential. Not ideal for a focused Convent visit — you’ll add 30 minutes each way.
Best for: Families with children, those combining Tomar with a wider central Portugal road trip.
Getting to Tomar
From Lisbon (Oriente): Direct trains approximately every 1–2 hours. Journey around 1 hour 50 minutes–2 hours. Cost approximately €13–15 as of 2026. Tomar station is a 10-minute walk from the Praça da República.
From Fátima: No direct public transport — taxi approximately €25–30, or 30 minutes by car via the IC3.
From Coimbra: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes by car via the A13. Bus connections available with a change at Entroncamento.
By car: Tomar is well connected via the A23/IC3. Parking is available throughout the town. The Convent car park is at the hill base — walk up from there.
For fixed-price transfers from Lisbon airport, private transfers are practical for those combining Tomar with Fátima or Batalha. Compare travel insurance before booking Convent entry and tours in advance.
Seasonal Notes
Spring and Autumn: The best times to visit. Comfortable temperatures, the medieval streets are not overcrowded, and the Convent gardens are at their best in April and May.
Summer: Hot (mid-30s°C regularly). The Convent is busier with tour groups. Early morning or late afternoon visits are cooler and less crowded.
Tabuleiros Festival: Held every four years in July (next approximately 2027), a major procession involving flower crowns and tabuleiro (tray) arrangements. Extraordinary spectacle — accommodation books out months in advance.
Which Area Is Right for You?
| Your priority | Best area |
|---|---|
| Convent access and restaurants | Old town |
| Quiet riverside setting | Riverside hotels |
| Reservoir and outdoor activities | Castelo de Bode / Lago Verde |
| Budget travel | Pensão Nuno Álvares or Residencial União |
| Comfort and facilities | Hotel dos Templários |
For Convent opening times, the synagogue museum, and the old town walking route, see the full Tomar city guide.
While you're there
Things to do while you're there
Sorted your stay? Browse the top-rated activities and day trips from here.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Tomar worth an overnight stay?
- Yes. Tomar is one of the most underrated towns in central Portugal. The Convent of Christ — a UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Knights Templar — takes at least 2 hours to explore properly, and the old town is genuinely pleasant in the evening. It works well as a day trip from Lisbon, but staying overnight gives you better access to the Convent before the buses arrive.
- Where is the best area to stay in Tomar?
- The old town on the west bank of the Nabão River is the best base — the main square, restaurants, and the path up to the Convent are all within walking distance. The riverside area has a peaceful character in the evenings.
- How do I get from Lisbon to Tomar?
- Direct trains run from Lisbon Oriente approximately every 1–2 hours. Journey time is around 1 hour 50 minutes–2 hours. Tickets cost approximately €13–15 as of 2026. Tomar station is a 10-minute walk from the main square.
- How long does it take to see the Convent of Christ?
- Allow at least 2 hours for the Convent and its fortifications. The UNESCO site includes the Templar castle, the 12th-century rotunda, Gothic cloisters, and Renaissance additions — it's larger than most visitors expect. Open daily except Mondays; entry approximately €8 as of 2026.
Sorted your stay?
Here's how to get there — and get around once you arrive.
Airport Transfer
Fixed-price airport pickup — driver meets you at arrivals, no haggling.
Book a Transfer →Car Hire
Compare rates from local and international suppliers — 90-day price lock included.
Compare Cars →Same price as booking direct — we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.