Tomar has two distinct parts: the monastery complex on the hill and the town centre near the Naban. It’s best to visit them in sequence, allowing time for the climb up and the descent. After travelling through the night, you can start in the town and save the more strenuous part for the following morning.
Where to start your walk
The Monastery of Christ requires time of its own. It is a large historical complex, so don’t expect to see it all in between two short stops. Before your trip, check which parts of the route are accessible and the entry requirements.
How to continue your route
In the city centre, take a look at the Church of St John the Baptist and the historic synagogue. They complement the monastic theme on a different, urban scale. A break by the river helps round off the day without another gruelling climb.
A local detail worth bearing in mind
If you only have a few hours, choose either the monastery or the city centre. It’s best to plan a full itinerary with plenty of time to spare before your bus departs.
Plan for after the bus journey
This itinerary is designed for exploring the city independently, rather than a guided tour with a fixed timetable. First, check the arrival address against your ticket and find somewhere to leave your luggage. Mark your accommodation, the first sightseeing spot and the return pick-up point on an offline map. Count the time for your city walk from the moment you’ve dropped off your luggage and are ready to set off.
On the day of arrival, plan just one main sightseeing stop. If your flight is delayed, cut back on the extra part of your itinerary, whilst still allowing time for a meal and the journey back. Before paying for entry, check the official opening hours, access conditions and any ongoing works. A view of the building from the outside does not mean that its interiors are accessible without restrictions.
What to keep before leaving
- the drop-off address and the transport operator’s contact details;
- an offline map showing the return route;
- confirmation of your chosen museum or guided tour session;
- contact details for your accommodation and instructions on how to collect any luggage you have left behind.
You may find the following useful: How to plan your first day after a long bus journey, How to find a hotel from the bus stop, Offline maps for travelling in Europe: how to set up your phone. Check available bus journey options on RedRay; this guide does not guarantee the availability of a direct service to every city.
Resources for preparation
General information about the city and attractions: Convent of Christ (Tomar), Synagogue of Tomar, Tomar. The suggested walking route is the editorial team’s recommendation; please check current opening times with the relevant venues.
Image details
- Tomar - Portugal (32771230342).jpg — Vitor Oliveira from Torres Vedras, PORTUGAL; CC BY-SA 2.0. The image has been resized and converted to WebP. The licence terms are available on the original page.
- Tomar - Church Joao Baptista.jpg — Ingo Mehling; CC BY-SA 3.0. The image has been resized and converted to WebP. The licence terms are available on the original page.
- Tomar-Praça da Republica.jpg — Filipefirix; CC BY-SA 3.0. The image has been resized and converted to WebP. The licence terms are available on the original page.
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Questions and Answers
Can this route be used on the day of arrival?
Yes, by choosing the central section and one main sightseeing spot. After travelling overnight, it’s better to leave the steep climbs and longer journeys until the following day.
What is the most important thing to bear in mind for the walk?
If you only have a few hours, choose either the monastery or the information centre. It’s best to plan a full itinerary with plenty of time to spare before your bus departs.
What should I do with my suitcase?
Before you set off, confirm that your luggage can be stored at your accommodation or in a reliable left-luggage facility, including the time for collection. Keep your documents, ticket and a fully charged mobile phone with you.
Do you need to buy all your admission tickets in advance?
First, choose your main attraction and check its rules. Do not book several slots close together until you have confirmed the route between them. Keep your city walk flexible.