Things to Watch and Eat in Leiria, Portugal

Halfway between Lisbon and Porto is located the picturesque town of Leiria, filled up with streets, terra cotta rooftops and people. Overlooking the city from a nearby hilltop is your Leiria Castle that is beautiful. Leiria is an easily accessible destination. The closest airports are Sá Carneiro in Porto and also the Portela Airport in Lisbon. For those in Lisbon, there are several buses and trains which travel to Leiria from the funds.

Note From David

Leiria Castle

The city is located near the Atlantic Ocean and the River Lis in the Centro area of Portugal, making it a excellent beach escape. In the spring and summer, the city is well famous for its warm and sunny weather, whilst in the winter, temperatures usually remain above 40° F (4° C).

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Leiria Cathedral

Leiria was initially inhabited by the indigenous Turduli people and later by the Romans. Back in 1135, the city was seized from Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal. King Afonso built Leiria Castle, today the sign of the town. Afterwards, in the 15^th century, King João I transformed the castle into a house to the royal palace.

The Church of Saint Peter

Historical Center

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Praça Rodriguese Lobo

At the city’s center, you will find artisans and numerous stores selling Leiria glass items. The glasswork is a staple of the town for centuries. Shops featuring other crafts, restaurants and the town’s nightlife center . Be sure to sample a cake made with pine nuts, the local bolo de pinhão.

Rua Direita

Founded by D. Afonso Henriques in 1135, Leiria’s castelo is that the major attraction of the town and continues to be listed as a national monument as 1910.  Since Leiria was a vital defensive city in the 12^th century during the time of the Portuguese monarchythat the castle was built to guard against Moorish attacks. It has since been rebuilt and revived many times during its history. From the 14^th century, King Denis restored the castelo’s store during his reign while still King João I (John I) additional the gothic characteristics that visitors see today.

O Pipo Velho

Indoors, guests can view the beautiful garden as well as the stays of Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Pena, which date back to the 12^th century. Traversing to this high stage in Leiria will benefit visitors with sweeping views of its countryside and the city.  Entry to the castle is around $2. It’s available from April to September to Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. From October to March, it is open Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Malagueta Afrodisiaca

The Leiria Cathedral is Situated in Rodriguese Lobo Square in the City’s Heart.

Structure of this cathedral began in 1546 beneath architect Alfonso Álvares. Constructed in Mannerist-style, the Leiria Cathedral has since been through many changes. In the first 17^th century, both that the cloister, sacristy and chapter houses were added and after the 1755 earthquake, that the façade of the cathedral was drastically changed.

Casa da Nora

Only three of those doors stay and it is famous for its interior and exterior. Guests can still find some intriguing 17^th century art depicting the life span of the Virgin Mary across the altar, which was completed by Simão Rodrigues.  Across from the palace is Pharmacy Leonardo Paiva in which you will see azulejos tiles depicting scholars and philosophers.

A Tasquinha (Nazaré)

Until 1574, it is one of just two churches in Leiria. Initially constructed in the end of the 12^th century and expanded in the 14^th century, this small Romanic church comprises impressive baroque windows and 3 altars. It was built to serve the parish situated outside the castle walls.  After 1834, it was used as a warehouse and as a theatre. It was established as a national monument in 1896 and restoration work began in the 1930s.

One of the elements of Leiria is the assortment of historical roads and alleys where guests can roam alongside medieval stone functions houses and balconies that are traditional.  From the historic center, guests can enjoy a mixture of grocery store racks, coffee shops and craft merchants. Additional regional marvels include the white and blue 19^th century subtropical arch on Afonso de Albuquerque Street, and the 17^th century arches and statue in Rodriguese Lobo Square.

This relaxing square is the best place to go and catch a cup of coffee. Surrounding the square are all nice, arcaded buildings with shops and restaurants, one of which, Praça Caffe. This coffee house hosts Victorian espresso, or an bica. Come sundown, the square comes alive with Leiria nightlife.

This is the major street in the historic center of Leiria. Its popularity has spawned a nursery rhyme that is often sung by locals. The title Rua Direita passes shops and restaurants and signifies Straight Street, but that avenue winds through the city center.

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Hidden Approximately eight minutes north of Leiria in the town of Marrazes is O Pipo Velho.

This family owned-and-operated restaurant includes Portuguese cuisine and is a must. Having a title literally meaning”older barrel,” O Pipo Velho exudes a rustic, more weathered texture, with wine corks and wooden barrels decorating the interior. This secure wager is worth your time to experience a Portuguese restaurant. O Pipo Velho is available each day of the week except Sunday evenings and Mondays.

Recs: Bacalhau (codfish), filet mignon, francesinha; a traditional Portuguese sandwich originally from Porto created with meat, bread, thick coating of tomato sauce and covered with cheese, cod fish pie, also grilled meat platter.

Best Time: Lunch or dinner.

O Pipo Velho is available daily from noon to 3 pm and from seven to 10 p.m.

This small and contemporary restaurant, situated in the center of Leiria, has even been advocated at the Portugal Michelin Guide. With just 35 seats, it acquired the award in 2010 in the Confraria Pinhal do Rei contest.

Interestingly, the Malagueta Afrodisiaca concentrates on non-traditional Japanese food, one of the few these restaurants in Leiria. Instead, a combination of Latin Mediterranean, American, Scandinavian and Asian cuisine is served. Enjoy your meal on their patio and you obtain a view of the castle.

Recs: Chili and poultry, meat with korma (a popular ), curry chicken with spinach, tenderloin with chili anxo, prawns with soy sauce and mango, and Mexican prawns.

Best Time: Dinner

Malagueta Afrodisiaca is available daily from seven pm. It’s closed Dec. 24 and 25.

This restaurant is a short eight-minute traveling east of Leiria in the town of Cortez. Sitting up on a small stream and next to an old water blower, Casa da Nora gives a warm feeling. With lush vegetation covering the exterior of the restaurant, patrons feel like they have been transported to a medieval town and invited to supper. Inside, diners will enjoy wooden décor the stone walls and very low ceiling which add to the homey experience. Dining with a view of the Lis River is one of catching a table outside of the perks.

Casa da Nora is famed for its staff that complete the old-world experience and its tasty grilled octopus.

Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Casa de Nora is available daily from 8 to 10:30 a.m., midday into 3 p.m. and 7 to 11 p.m.. The kitchen closes at 10 p.m.

Recs: Grilled octopus, sausages and root veggies.

Best Time: Lunch or dinner

You will be brought by A 20-minute driveway south of Leiria to the town of Nazaré and A Tasquinha. Known by locals because of its seafood, the restaurant is in the city center but walking distance. Visitors with its resemblance charms to its detailed interior and a fisherman’s tavern. Gracing the tiled walls have been nautical knickknacks that delight both the eye and fill out the atmosphere. You may experience long lines during the summer.

Recs: Any fish plate, codfish with berries and celery, as well as the fish stew.

Open for lunch and dinner Tuesdays through Sundays.

Best time: Lunch

This area is considered to be the Golden Triangle due to all of the treasures which are put in its neighboring cities and Leiria.  The main reason to visit this city is of the amazing day excursions which could be carried to cities, including Fátima Nazaré, Alcobaça, Batalha, Obidos and Tomar. These cities also provide possibilities. The codfish that was best can simply be located in O Pipo Velho, although the picturesque Casa Nora includes an awesome grilled octopus.

During my stay, the luxury Villa Batalha proved to be an place that allowed me to push around and see all of the. A vehicle is vital since it offers more flexibility.

After in Leiria, be certain to go to the castle. Overlooking the town, the castle radiates a feeling that is felt in places on earth.

Time Zone: GMT +1

Getting around: Leiria is a walkable city, but some sites such as Leiria Castle are situated on very top of mountains. Not all of the buses of Leiria can get Leiria’s greatest things.

Shopping: The center of town has a few stores and a municipal market.

Hours of Operation: Average hours of operation are from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and out of 3 p.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Friday and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Museums are closed on Mondays.

Nightlife Outline: At first glance, Leiria does not seem to have a throbbing nightlife scene such as Lisbon but do not be confused. If you’re searching for a fun night out, Leiria won’t disappoint.

To start out meet up with buddies in the Rodriguese Lobo Square in the center of town. This square is the place you will find most along with lots of small cafes where you can catch a coffee to get amped up for a night outside. Most places open around 9 p.m. and get into full swing by midnight. To get a town, Leiria features a wide range of music, in addition to a nightlife which includes bars, clubs , lounges and live music.

1 place to try is your Suite, at which the celebration is happening. That bar has two dance floors for 2 generations. On Rua Tecnologia e Gesta, the innovative and trendy club Sushi Electronic delivers a place for electronic music lovers. If you are more in the mood for a coffee pub, attempt Chico Lobo, called after the same guy who lent his name into the most important and emblematic square in Leiria — the Praça Rodriguese Lobo. Chico Lobo simplifies the coffee bar to turn into a place where diners enjoy some ice cream or pancakes, can catch a quick meal or peruse the daily paper.

Currency: Euro.

Currency converter: XE

Best time to Visit March through October.

What are your recommendations for things to see and eat in Leiria? We would really like to hear from you! Leave us a comment or question below.