Caldas da Rainha

Museu José Malhoa

Located in the Parque Dom Carlos I, this small yet intriguing museum displays painting and sculpture from the 19th and 20th centuries, with emphasis on Portuguese naturalism and the works of José Malhoa (1855–1933). The collection includes pieces by Raphael Bordallo Pinheiro, such as the evocative sixty-sculpture set Passion of Christ. You won't find world-famous works here, but many pieces are fascinating and make the museum worth a visit. Don't miss the bas-relief figures on the façade of the building, which was Portugal's first purpose-built museum. The building is classified as Imóvel de Interesse Público (Property of Public Interest). A handheld English audioguide is available.

May–Sep: Tue–Sat 10:00–12:30 & 14:00–18:00, Sun & holidays 10:00–14:00 & 15:00–18:00; Oct–Apr: Tue–Sat 10:00–12:30 & 14:00–17:30, Sun & holidays 10:00–14:00 & 15:00–17:30; closed Mon, 1 Jan, Easter Sun,1 May, 15 May, 25 Dec·General admission EUR 3; 50% discount for 65+, student & youth cards, and others; Su & holidays until 14:00: free for age 12 & under and resident citizens. See complete admission details · Entry 5.00 EUR · Wi-Fi

Chafariz das Cinco Bicas

The grandest of Caldas' fountains, this baroque waterworks was built in 1749 and is noted for the five spigots from which its name derives. The five stars surrounding the spigots represent five of the seven Pleiades of Greek mythology. The other two Pleiades are represented on the other 1749 baroque fountains: Chafariz da Estrada da Foz and Chafariz da Rua Nova. This fountain and its sisters were constructed to provide water to the populace. They were not primarily initially decorative, though they are so now. Cinco Bicas remains in good working order, but don't drink. The fountain is classified as Imóvel de Interesse Público (Property of Public Interest).

24 hours daily·Free

Caldas Sport Clube

Football (soccer) is the leading sport for participants and spectators in Portugal. Come cheer the local team. Once in the top division, Caldas nowadays plays in Portugal's third division, confusingly called Campeonato de Portugal. The club celebrated its centennial in 2016.

Centro de Artes

Arts Centre

The arts centre is a collection of five museums, largely dedicated to sculpture, but also including paintings, drawings, and prints. The museums are Atelier-Museu António Duarte, Atelier-Museu João Fragoso, Museu Barata Feyo, Museu Leopoldo de Almeida, and Espaço da Concas. Beyond the works in the museums, there are numerous sculptures displayed throughout the grounds. The centre hosts temporary exhibits in galleries in the museums. Guided tours are available by appointment.

Mon Wed–Fri 09:00–12:30 & 14:00–17:30, Sat Sun 09:00–13:00 & 15:00–18:00; closed Tue, 1 Jan, Easter, 1 May, 25 Dec·Free

Museu do Hospital e das Caldas

Museum of the Hospital and of the Hot Springs

Housed in the Caza Real (royal house), this museum presents the history of the thermal hospital and its hot springs. Until the end of the monarchy, the building served as home to the hospital directors as well as lodging for the royal family when they visited Caldas. In 1992, restoration was undertaken, along with installation of the museum. The museum offers tours of the hospital and its associated heritage.

Tue–Sat & holidays 10:00–12:30 & 14:00–17:30, Sun 09:00–12:00, closed Mon·EUR 3, EUR 1.50 for retirees and youth card holders, free to age 14

Café Central

Founded in the 18th century, this café on the city's main square serves a variety of light meals and desserts, as well as coffee and tea.

08:00–19:30 daily·Limited wheelchair access · Outdoor seating · Vegetarian options

Pastelaria Baía

Rei das Cavacas

"The King of Cavacas" (and other regional sweets) sits on the plaza by the thermal hospital. Grab a coffee, a pastry, and an outside table to relax and watch.

Daily 07:30–20:00·Wi-Fi · Outdoor seating

Funky Sushi Bar

Creative sushi in an environment reminiscent of Japan. Extensive menu includes uramaki, hossomaki, temaki, niguiri, gunkan, and sashimi.

Tue–Fri 12:30–22:30, Sat Sun 12:30–15:00 & 18:30–22:00·EUR 6-40 · Outdoor seating

Hospital Termal Rainha D. Leonor

Queen Leonor Thermal Hospital

The raison d'être of Caldas da Rainha, the thermal hospital was founded by Queen Leonor after experiencing the healing properties of the sulfurous hot springs on this site. The older building (labeled Hospital Termal above the glass entrance doors) was begun in 1485, and the newer one (labeled Balneário Novo) was completed in 1750. The hospital continues to operate to this day, subject to closures when impurities are found in the water. The waters are rich in minerals, particularly sulphur, and are prescribed to treat joint and respiratory ailments. Tours can be arranged through the Museu do Hospital e das Caldas.

Daiquiri Bar

Another popular nightlife joint on Praça 5 de Outubro. Enjoy your beverage al fresco in the outdoor esplanade.

Tue–Sat 13:00–22:30, closed Sun Mon

Flavours of India

Flavours of India is a vegetarian- and vegan-friendly, family-run Indian restaurant.

Mon–Sat 12:00–15:00 & 18:30–20:00, closed Sun·EUR 4-10

Maratona

International and traditional Portuguese cuisine, including a selection of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes.

Daily 08:30–22:30·EUR 10-35

Lagoa de Óbidos

Óbidos Lagoon

Lagoa de Óbidos is situated between Caldas da Rainha (Foz do Arelho and Nadadouro civil parishes) and Óbidos (Vau and Santa Maria civil parishes). The lagoon flows into the Atlantic Ocean. It offers many aquatic activities, including sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, rowing, kiteboarding, jet-skiing, waterskiing, stand-up paddling. The beaches on the shore offer opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and making sandcastles.

Jardim da Água

Water Garden

A whimsical "garden" with water features, accented with ceramics, tiles, and towering sculptures. It was designed by master ceramicist Luis Ferreira da Silva (1928-2016) and built in the 1990s. This installation is one of the country's largest urban ceramic works. It honors two of the city's iconic symbols: water and ceramics.

24 hours daily·Free

Parque Dom Carlos I

Parque D. Carlos I, King Charles I Park

This delightful park serves as the main green space in Caldas da Rainha. The paths through the flowerbeds and trees make for a pleasant walk. Visitors can rent a rowboat to circumnavigate the small lake around a little island. The boathouse is now used for art exhibitions, as is the Céu de Vidro ("glass sky"), a skylight-covered pathway between two old buildings that connects the park to the thermal hospital. The Museu José Malhoa sits in the middle of the park. The park contains numerous statues and sculptures, some of historical figures, others more whimsical and fun. The Pavilhões do Parque ("park pavilions") are several interconnected buildings, originally intended as a spa resort for the thermal hospital. They served various purposes in the past. These lovely buildings, which serve as a sort of emblem of the park, have unfortunately been allowed to decay and are on the verge of ruin. Their beauty is still evident, however, and their reflection on the lake makes for a popular photo opportunity. Word is the buildings will be revived as a hotel. The park's amenities include a playground, picnic area, tennis courts, and restrooms. The park is named for King Carlos I (Charles) who reigned from 1889 until his assassination in 1908 at the age of 44. In January 2021, Evasões magazine called the park, "One of the most beautiful parks in the country (perhaps the entire world)".

Closed · opens 8 am tomorrow

Federação Portuguesa de Badminton

Portuguese Badminton Federation

Whether you're a participant or a spectator, Caldas is the destination in Portugal for badminton. The country's governing body is located here, as is its high-performance sports centre (training and competition venue). It hosts national and international championships.

Bar 120

Bar 120 specialises in gin and tostas (toasted sandwiches, a sort of Portuguese panini). Outdoor seating allows guests to enjoy one of Caldas' pleasant plazas.

Mon–Fri 09:30–03:00, Sat 13:00–03:00, closed Sun

Bowling Caldas

Ten lanes of bowling plus snooker, video games, and Thursday karaoke. The restaurant's menu includes salads, omelets, fish, meat, pizza, pasta, and a kids' menu. Beverages include coffee, soda, milkshakes, hot chocolate, beer, wine, and liquor. Bowl. Eat. Drink. Repeat.

Wed–Mon 11:00–00:00 (closed Tue)·M W Th EUR 4/game, F–Su & holidays EUR 4.50/game

Pizzeria Novo Mundo

Be adventurous and try a Portuguese take on pizza. While the menu does include some tamer pizzas, consider the Pizza Tropical (mushrooms, peach, pineapple, corn, and banana) or the Pizza Vegetariana, Atum e Ovo (vegetables, mushroom, tuna, and egg). They deliver.

Mon–Sat 11:30–22:00, Sun closed

Sabores d'Italia

Possibly the most upmarket restaurant in Caldas, Sabores d'Italia serves as genuine Italian cuisine as you are likely to find in Portugal. This is the only restaurant in Caldas listed in the Michelin Guide ("The Michelin Plate: Good cooking" and "Comfortable restaurant").

Tue–Sun 12:30–14:30 & 19:00–22:00, closed Mon·EUR 18-55

WalkAbout

Located on the southern edge of town, WalkAbout offers a friendly atmosphere and cool vibe.

Mon–Thu 15:00–02:00, Fri Sat 15:00–03:00, Sun 17:00–02:00

Bella Milano

Excellent and affordable Italian cuisine in Bairro Azul. The extensive menu offers a variety of pizza, pasta, salad, and desserts.

Daily 11:00–15:00 & 18:00-23:00

La Piazza Pizzaria

La Piazza de Rimini

La Piazza offers a variety of pastas, including several preparations of penne, tagliatelle, tortellini, strozzapreti, and spaghetti. They also have several different salads. And with a name like that, they have pizza, of course—thirty different kinds in four sizes: 24 cm (9.4 in.), 31 cm (12.2 in.), 36 cm (14.2 in.), 50 cm (19.7 in.). You can eat indoors, but if it's a nice day out, you'll want to sit in the plaza that gives the restaurant its name.

Mon–Fri 12:00–15:00 & 19:00–23:00, Sat 12:00–15:00, closed Sun·EUR 4-10

Pastelaria Dona Leonor

Enjoy a variety of pastries and other sweet treats with your coffee. There is plenty of seating inside. If it's a nice day, try to snag one of the limited outside tables, which face onto Parque D. Carlos I.

Sun–Fri 07:30–19:00, closed Sat

Toca da Onça

Bistro, tapas bar, and pub on a quiet alleyway in the city centre. They have wine, cocktails and craft beer to accompany your small plates. The atmosphere is youthful and cosy.

Tue–Sat 12:00–02:00, closed Sun Mon

Yasuke Japanese Restaurant

Chef Jailton Santos has served sushi to the Emperor of Japan.

Mon 07:30–23:00, Tue Wed 12:30–15:00 & 19:30–23:00, Thu Fri 12:30–15:00 & 19:30–23:30, Sat 13:00–15:30 & 19:30–23:30, closed Sun

Churrasqueira Xaneca

Affordable grilled chicken to eat in or take out. Lots of other dishes are also on offer: soup, fish, meat, bread, and savoury pastries. They have two other locations: Rua do Avenal 22A and Rua Professor Manuel José António 7A, near Fonte Luminosa.

Daily 08:00–22:30

Gelataria Puzzle

This ice cream shop/café/snack bar sits across from the park. They have some outside seating, along with indoor seating.

Daily 14:00–19:00

Pateo do Baco

Pateo do Baco (Bacchus's Patio) is a wine bar with a convivial atmosphere. Beyond alcohol, they offer various savory snacks.

Wed-Sun 12:00–02:00, closed Mon Tue

Caldas Bar

Caldas Bar 1955

Founded in 1955, this bar is reputed to serve the best bifanas (thinly-sliced marinated pork cutlet sandwiches) in Caldas.

08:00–20:00·EUR 2-5