Free things to do in Caldas da Rainha

27 places in Caldas da Rainha with free entry or no charge, based on guide listings and map data.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

Photo: Carlos Luis Cruz ( talk ), Public domain

SeePublic art
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 dailyFree
SeeMuseum
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 DecFree
SeePublic art
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 dailyFree
See Not mapped
Museu do Ciclismo
Cycling Museum
This small museum is dedicated to the history of cycling in Portugal. Several historical bicycles are on display.
Tue–Fri 10:00–12:30 & 14:00–17:30, Sat Sun 10:00–12:30 & 14:30–17:00, Mon closedFree
See
Praça da República
Republic Square
The city's grandest public square hosts the daily farmers' market and is called Praça da Fruta (Fruit Square) by the locals. The plaza is surrounded by many examples of fine architecture. Don't miss the lovely pink old city hall and several Art Nouveau buildings. You can find a respite from urban explorations with drinks and pastries at the kiosk on the plaza's southwestern end or at one of the area's many cafés. You might wish to also visit the square after the farmers' market finishes for the day, in order to appreciate the beautiful patterns of the stone calçada portuguesa pavement.
24 hours dailyFree · Wheelchair accessible
See Not mapped
Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição
Church of Our Lady of the Conception
Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição is a modern church built in the early 1950s to accommodate the city's growing population. Construction began on 20 August 1950, with a blessing from the cardinal–patriarch of Lisbon and the presence of the minister of public works. The cardinal–patriarch inaugurated the church 14 months later on 21 October 1951. The façade and décor aren't as bleak as other mid-century houses of worship, but compared with older churches in Portugal, Nossa Senhora da Conceição seems plainer and less elaborate. Its interior is mostly bright white sparingly adorned with some blue azulejo tiles, statues, and stations of the cross. This does give it an airy, open, and sunny look.
Visit: Mon–Sat 09:00–20:00, Sun 08:30–13:00 & 17:00–19:00; Mass: Mon–Sat 19:00; Sun 09:00, 10:15, 12:00, 18:00; 1st Sat of month 09:00Free
SeeHistoric site
Queen Leonor Statue
Estátua de Rainha Dona Leonor
The Queen stands regally in a roundabout, facing the park and welcoming visitors to the city centre. The statue was created by sculptor Francisco Franco (no, not the Spanish dictator) and was inaugurated 15 September 1935.
24 hours dailyFree
See
Chafariz da Estrada da Foz
Built in 1749, this fountain was built in conjunction with Chafariz das Cinco Bicas. While not as grand, the fountain's age and good condition make it an interesting stop for visitors who enjoy baroque waterworks. It is also more integrated into the urban fabric, less standalone than Cinco Bicas. The fountain no longer functions; its purpose now is decorative and historical. The fountain is classified as Imóvel de Interesse Público (Property of Public Interest).
24 hours dailyFree
See
Chafariz da Rua Nova
Caldas' third baroque fountain built in 1749, not as grand as the Cinco Bicas fountain, but still a pleasant sight. When you first approach the underused but lovely square, you will see a fountain in the centre, but this is not your target. Chafariz da Rua Nova stands against a wall near a staircase leading to an upper lane. The fountain is classified as Imóvel de Interesse Público (Property of Public Interest).
24 hours dailyFree
Buy
Feira de Velharias
Flea Market
This monthly flea market in the park offers a great variety of goods for sale, from dishes to records and towels to clothing to home décor.
2nd Sun of each month 09:00–17:00Free entry
Do
Skate Parque
Skatepark
Concrete ramps and metal rails to practice skateboard and bike tricks.
24 hours dailyFree
See Not mapped
Mata Dona Leonor
Queen Leonor Woods
If the park is too urban for your taste, visit the adjoining Mata Dona Leonor. Tree-lined trails make for quiet, pleasant walks. You can also find picnic facilities. Planted during Queen Leonor's era, the forest was meant to protect the source of the hospital's hot springs. Trees include pine, oak, sycamore, and acacia.
24 hours dailyFree
See
Fonte Luminosa
Luminous Fountain
Although Bairro dos Arneiros is a lively residential area, Fonte Luminosa is one of Santo Onofre's few sights of interest for most visitors. This modern fountain, renovated in the summer of 2020, shoots jets of water illuminated by coloured lights. While you're here, check out some of the restaurants, cafés, and shops around and near the square.
24 hours dailyFree
See
Largo Frederico Ferreira Pinto Bastos
You will find this small, pleasant square in the Bairro Além da Ponte section of Santo Onofre. Away from the usual tourist track, this urban pocket provides a glimpse of typical life in a Portuguese neighbourhood. You may wish to sit at one of the outdoor cafés, or you can grab a beverage or light meal at one of the surrounding eateries and enjoy it on a public bench. The disused water pump served as the population's source of well water back in the days before homes had indoor plumbing. A few trees lend the square a feeling of city oasis. On Saturdays, the square hosts Mercadinho Das Águas Santas, a small market of handicrafts, culture, and food.
24 hours dailyFree
See
Largo Rainha Dona Leonor & Largo Dom Manuel I
These two adjacent squares lie in the heart of Caldas' Historic Zone. Largo Rainha D. Leonor—also known as Largo da Copa—houses both buildings of the thermal hospital and provides access to the park. Largo D. Manuel I has the Chafariz da Rua Nova water fountain as well as a more modern fountain. Both plazas are picturesque and offer excellent viewpoints for photos. You can find a few cafés and restaurants on or just off the squares.
24 hours dailyFree
See
Penedo Furado de Foz do Arelho
This huge boulder with an arched opening was formed by rain and wind erosion. It is millions of years old and dates back to the Jurassic period.
24 hours dailyFree
Do
Praias de Foz do Arelho
Foz do Arelho beaches
Foz do Arelho has the two closest beaches to Caldas da Rainha, about 10 km NW of the city centre. One faces the Atlantic Ocean (Praia do Mar), and other is on the calmer Lagoa de Óbidos (Foz do Arelho–Lagoa). They are connected by a narrow channel. These beaches are popular with both Caldenses and visitors. Both beaches have earned the coveted Blue Flag (Bandeira Azul). The criteria for Blue Flag beaches cover four main areas: water quality; environmental information and education; environmental management; and safety and services.
Free
See
Praça 25 de Abril
This square acts as a civic centre of sorts and hosts three "great powers": the brutalist modern city hall building (Câmara Municipal), the mid-century Church of Our Lady of the Conception (Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição), and the courthouse (Palácio da Justiça). This plaza holds the city's huge artificial Christmas tree each year and is a primary meeting point for the annual Carnaval (Mardi Gras) parade. The square's name refers to 25 April, the date of the Carnation Revolution in 1974 that overthrew Portugal's authoritarian Estado Novo government.
24 hours dailyFree
See
Praça 5 de Outubro
Antiga Praça do Peixe
This square used to host the fish and seafood market until it moved indoors elsewhere in town. Nowadays, the plaza is a centre of dining and nightlife, with numerous restaurants, cafés, and bars. Many feature outdoor seating. Music and other entertainment often grace the square. The square's name means 5 October and commemorates the 1910 revolution in which King Manuel II was deposed and Portugal was established as a republic.
24 hours dailyFree
See
Raphael Bordallo Pinheiro and Zé Povinho Statues
Take a selfie with illustrator, caricaturist, sculptor, and ceramicist Raphael Bordallo Pinheiro and his homage to the Portuguese everyman, Zé Povinho. Raphael sits on a wooden bench with enough room for you and a friend, and Zé stands behind him.
24 hours dailyFree
Do
Praia de Salir do Porto
Salir do Porto Beach
The calm waters of this riverside beach near an enclosed bay make Salir do Porto a popular beach destination for families with young children.
Free
See Not mapped
Art Nouveau Architecture
Arquitetura Arte Nova
Caldas da Rainha is home to many fine examples of Art Nouveau buildings. This style was popular worldwide between 1890 and 1910, but it flourished in Portugal from 1905 to 1920. You can identify Art Nouveau by its beautiful tile façades, ornate wrought iron embellishments, and decorative stonework. Walk around the city centre to find many more gems.
24 hours dailyFree
Do Not mapped
Caldas Late Night
Caldas Late Night is a three-day celebration of music, art, performance, multimedia, and design. It's been organised annually by students of Escola Superior de Artes e Design (ESAD, school of art & design) since 1992.
Late May–early June 15:00–00:00Free
Do Not mapped
Expotur - Festa de Verão / Tasquinhas
Summer Festival / Food Stands
An annual 10-day celebration of summer at the Expoeste exhibition centre. Visitors can taste foods from communities throughout the municipality and watch folk dancers in traditional costumes. There are exhibits of handicrafts and ethnography.
Early to mid-AugFree admission
See Not mapped
Rota Bordalliana
Bordallo Pinheiro Route
This collection of 20 ceramic art works inspired by Raphael Bordallo Pinheiro are spread throughout the city centre. The human figures are about life size, while the animals and plants are mostly larger than life. See a list of pieces and their locations here or here.
24 hours dailyFree
Do Not mapped
Ano Novo
New Year's Eve
Welcome the new year with music and fireworks in the city's main square.
Dec 31–Jan 1Free
SeeGarden
Jardim de Suculentas
Free entry

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Caldas da Rainha (CC BY-SA 4.0). Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Place data from Overture Maps.