For centuries, the sulphurous curative waters were Caldas da Rainha's main attraction. The city's name can be translated as "Queen's Hot Springs".

Caldas da Rainha was founded by Queen Leonor de Avis (1458–1525, also known as de Lencastre or de Viseu), wife of King João II (1455–1495). One day in 1484, while travelling from Óbidos to Batalha, she found a group of peasants bathing in foul-smelling waters by the roadside. She stopped to inquire about this strange sight, and the bathers told the queen about the waters' curative powers. She decided to try the waters and was pleased to be quickly relieved of an affliction she had been suffering. The queen ordered a thermal hospital built on the site of those waters, so that others may enjoy the relief that she felt. Construction began the following year, 1485, and the first patients were admitted in 1488. Work continued until about 1496–1497. To fund the hospital and the adjoining church, the queen used income from her landholdings and sold her jewels. The thermal hospital still stands to serve those with certain illnesses.

In 1511, King Manuel I, brother of Queen Leonor, declared Caldas da Rainha a town. In 1821, the town became a municipal seat. Caldas was elevated to city status in August 1927.

During the 20th century, Caldas housed refugees and prisoners of several wars, including South Africa's Second Boer War, World War I, in which Portugal joined the Allies, and World War II, when Portugal remained neutral. On 16 March 1974, officers and enlisted soldiers from the army base in Caldas unsuccessfully attempted to stage a coup d'état against the autocratic Estado Novo government more than a month before the successful 25 April Carnation Revolution.

The municipality of Caldas da Rainha includes not only the city of Caldas da Rainha but also numerous surrounding rural communities. Beyond the two freguesias (civil parishes) that make up the city, the municipality has 14 rural civil parishes, each containing various settlements. In 2013, the 16 freguesias became 12 following a controversial nationwide local government reorganisation.

City

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The city of Caldas da Rainha is divided into two civil parishes—Nossa Senhora do Pópulo and Santo Onofre—separated from each other by the railway tracks. Although a compact city, Caldas da Rainha has several distinct neighbourhoods in each parish.

• 39.404-9.1341 Nossa Senhora do Pópulo. (pop. 16,114 in 2011) Nossa Senhora do Pópulo forms the eastern half of the city, containing most points of interest to travellers. Most sights are located in the neighbourhoods of Centro (centre) and Zona Histórica (historical zone). Other neighbourhoods—mostly residential but with some amenities—include Bairro Azul, Bairro Lisbonense, Avenal, and Encosta do Sol. Merged with Coto and São Gregório in 2013. (updated Dec 2020)
• 39.4048-9.142 Santo Onofre. (pop. 11,223 in 2011) Santo Onofre comprises the western half of the city of Caldas da Rainha. It is more residential and less touristy than Nossa Senhora do Pópulo, but it does contain amenities such as the municipal library, a sports complex, the Expoeste exhibition centre, several large supermarkets, and various cafés and restaurants. Neighbourhoods include Bairro (Além) da Ponte, Bairro dos Arneiros, Bairro das Morenas, and Cidade Nova. Merged with Serra do Bouro in 2013. (updated Dec 2020)

Rural civil parishes

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If you want to see the Portuguese countryside, visit the rural civil parishes of Caldas da Rainha municipality. You will find friendly faces, family farms, green rolling hills, and lovely centuries-old, white-washed churches and chapels. Each parish celebrates its patron saint with an annual festival, typically centred around the parish's church. During the summer months, when many immigrants return home to visit family, the parishes hold festivals with music, dancing, and food—grilled pork and sardines are popular dishes. Beyond churches, the villages tend to be light on tourist sights, but you can find many cozy lodgings and delicious restaurants with authentic Portuguese cooking.

Western

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• 39.4256-9.11673 Coto. (pop. 1,344 in 2011) Coto is the smallest in area of the municipality's civil parishes. Sights include the 18th-century Capela de São Jacinto (Chapel of St. Hyacinth) and the 17th-century Igreja Paroquial de Nossa Senhora dos Anjos (Parish Church of Our Lady of the Angels). Merged with Nossa Senhora do Pópulo and São Gregório in 2013. (updated Dec 2020)
• 39.4353-9.21614 Foz do Arelho. (pop. 1,339 in 2011) The town of Foz do Arelho, often shortened to just "Foz", is the most popular destination in Caldas municipality outside the city. It is the place for travellers seeking sun, water, and sand. Foz has two beaches: one on the Atlantic Ocean and one inland on Lagoa de Óbidos (Óbidos Lagoon). Foz offers many lodging options, the highest concentration in the municipality outside the city of Caldas. (updated Dec 2020)
• 39.422-9.18895 Nadadouro. (pop. 1,904 in 2011) Located on Lagoa de Óbidos (Óbidos Lagoon), Nadadouro offers water activities and camping. Locals make their living from fish, seafood, and agriculture. The parish is reputed for holding the best Carnaval festivities in the municipality. Visitors may wish to see Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Bom Sucesso, the village's 19th-century church. (updated Dec 2020)
• 39.4954-9.15186 Salir do Porto ( to Salir do Porto). (pop. 797 in 2011) Although it borders the Atlantic, Salir do Porto has only a riverside beach and no ocean beach. It's known for having the country's highest sand dune at 50 m (160 ft). Local legend holds that Salir is where caravels were built for explorers of the Age of Discovery during the reigns of Kings Afonso V and João II. Sights include Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição (Church of Our Lady of the Conception), the 18th-century parish church. Merged with Tornada in 2013. (updated Dec 2020)
• 39.4595-9.18957 Serra do Bouro. (pop. 703 in 2011) Serra do Bouro is the least populous of Caldas' civil parishes. It lies on the Atlantic Ocean, but there are no beaches here. Its cliffs overlook the sea. The 16th-century Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora dos Mártires (Mother Church of Our Lady of the Martyrs) features some Manueline details. Merged with Santo Onofre in 2013. (updated Dec 2020)
• 39.4471-9.12738 Tornada. (pop. 3,561 in 2011) Located just north of the city, Tornada is the most populous civil parish outside the city. Along the N8 road (called Estrada de Tornada by locals), you can find restaurants, big-box stores, automotive services, and other businesses. If you have a car, it may be worth a look, but probably not if you don't have private transportation. Sights include Capela de Chão da Parada / Capela de Nossa Senhora da Consolação, a 17th-century chapel. Merged with Salir do Porto in 2013. (updated Dec 2020)

Eastern

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• 39.3222-9.05199 A dos Francos. (pop. 1,701 in 2011) The town of A dos Francos has existed since the 11th or 12th century. Local legend holds that Portugal's first king gave these lands to the French in appreciation for help in conquering Lisbon. Estação da Mala-Posta do Casal dos Carreiros is a 19th-century rural postal station, where tired horses were exchanged for fresh ones. Ecclesiastical sights include Capela do Espírito Santo (Chapel of the Holy Spirit), which dates from the 12th century; Ermida de Vila Verde de Mato, a 17th-century chapel; and Igreja de São Silvestre, the 18th-century baroque parish church. (updated Dec 2020)
• 39.384-9.037510 Alvorninha. (pop. 2,987 in 2011) Alvorninha holds a popular Sunday market, Mercado de Santana. This farming community was the site of Portugal's first agricultural school. Sights include Igreja Matriz de Nossa Senhora da Visitação, a 16th-century church with Manueline entryway and azulejo tiles; Capela de Almofala / Capela de Santo António, a 16th-century chapel; and Capela de São Francisco, a 17th-century chapel. (updated Dec 2020)
• 39.4414-9.044311 Carvalhal Benfeito. (pop. 1,279 in 2011) Carvalhal Benfeito offers mountains, hills, and valleys with a beautiful panorama of varied landscape. (updated Dec 2020)
• 39.3157-9.021512 Landal. (pop. 1,051 in 2011) Landal is called capital da codorniz (capital of quail). Sights include the 18th-century mother church Igreja do Divino Espírito Santo (Church of the Divine Holy Spirit), the nearby 18th-century limestone cross in a small square, and the 16th-century Capela de Santa Susana. There is a museum dedicated to rural life and another in an old schoolhouse. (updated Dec 2020)
• 39.4277-9.097513 Salir de Matos. (pop. 2,583 in 2011) Sights in Salir de Matos include Igreja de Nossa Senhora das Necessidades (Our Lady of Needs), a 17th-century church in the village of Casal da Areia; the 17th-century Capela de Nossa Senhora da Piedade (Chapel of Our Lady of Mercy); and Igreja de Santo António (Church of Saint Anthony), the 18th-century parish church. (updated Dec 2020)
• 39.446944-9.01527814 Santa Catarina. (pop. 3,029 in 2011) The town of Santa Catarina is called the Terra de Cutelarias (Land of Cutlery). If you're in town, the 16th-century parish church, Igreja de Santa Catarina, is worth seeing. Its large campanile towers over the small town. Check out the nearby pillory while you're there. (updated Dec 2020)
• 39.3541-9.057815 São Gregório. (pop. 955 in 2011) Named for Pope Gregory I (c. 540 – 604), commonly known as Saint Gregory the Great, São Gregório remains a land of agriculture, producing mainly fruit and wine. Sights include Capela de Nossa Senhora da Conceição, a 17th-century chapel in the village of Fanadia; and Igreja de São Sebastião e Santa Ana da Fanadia, an 18th-century church. Igreja de São Gregório (Church of St Gregory), the parochial church, is notable among Caldas' rural churches for its 20th-century architecture. Merged with Nossa Senhora do Pópulo and Coto in 2013. (updated Dec 2020)
• 39.3684-9.049216 Vidais. (pop. 1,155 in 2011) The economy of this rural community depends on growing fruit and winemaking. Local artisans make wicker baskets. Sights include Capela de Nossa Senhora dos Remédios, an 18th-century chapel. (updated Dec 2020)

Caldas da Rainha experiences a "warm-summer Mediterranean" climate (Köppen climate classification Csb, if you're into that sort of thing), sometimes called "cool-summer Mediterranean". This is the same climate as in Porto, San Francisco, and Cape Town, with lower temperatures than those experienced in "hot-summer Mediterranean" cities such as Rome, Los Angeles, or Perth.

Summer temperatures top out at 26 °C (79 °F) on average, and the light rain doesn't exceed 16 mm (0.63 in) monthly. Winter lows average 6 °C (43 °F). Caldas, like most of Portugal, rarely sees any snow.

• 39.4043-9.13241 Turismo Caldas da Rainha (Tourist Information Office), Rua do Provedor Frei Jorge de São Paulo 5A (at E end of Praça da República (Praça da Fruta);  Azul  Praça da Fruta), ☏ +351 262 240 005, [email protected]. May–Aug: Tu–Th 10:00–19:00, F–M 10:00–13:00 & 15:00–19:00; Sep–Apr: Tu–Th 10:00–18:00, F–M 10:00–13:00 & 15:00–18:00. In addition to tourism information, this space includes a shop with regional products and artisanal goods, a café–restaurant, and loos (restrooms). A gallery holds occasional exhibitions of local arts and crafts. (updated Apr 2020)
• 39.4298-9.22472 Centro Interpretativo da Lagoa de Óbidos e Posto de Turismo (Óbidos Lagoon Interpretive Centre and Tourist Office), Rua Visconde Morais, Foz do Arelho (Avenida do Mar). Beyond the usual tourist office information, you can learn about the ecology, biology, history, and ethnology of the lagoon. (updated Jun 2022)
• Município das Caldas da Rainha (municipal website), ☏ +351 262 240 000, [email protected]. The municipal website provides extensive travel information in Portuguese. Sections include Agenda Viva (events schedule), Como chegar (how to arrive), Onde Ficar (where to stay), Onde Comer (where to eat), O Que Fazer (what to do), O Que Visitar (what to visit), Visitas Guiadas (guided tours), Onde Comprar (where to buy) and Transporte Municipal (municipal transport). A drop-down menu at the top of the page allows translation into English, French, or Italian. (updated Dec 2020)
• Caldas da Rainha - City Guide. Caldas da Rainha - City Guide is a tour guide on your phone, tablet, or smartwatch. The app includes itineraries, sites of interest, and an events calendar. It is available for both iOS and Android. The app is sponsored by the Câmara Municipal (city council). (updated May 2021)

For most intercity connections, including Lisbon, the bus is faster than the train.

• 39.40587-9.134041 Bus Terminal (Terminal Rodoviário), Rua Coronel Soeiro de Brito 35 (at Rua Heróis da Grande Guerra;  Laranja  Verde  to Terminal Rodoviário or  Azul  Laranja  Verde  to Montepio), ☏ +351 262 831 067. M–F 05:30–21:15, Sa 07:30–12:30 & 15:00–18:30, Su 07:30–12:30 & 15:00–19:00, at other times buses stop outside the terminal. The bus terminal is located in the city centre and serves all intercity bus routes. Expresso and Rápida buses use Terminal A. Other services, including non-rapid Rodoviária do Oeste, RoCaldas, and non-local companies, use Terminal B. Connecting the two terminals is a waiting area with ticket and information booths, departure info. screens, and restrooms. If you have a wait for your bus, you might want to check out the Capristanos café/bar/waiting room for a refreshment or a quick bite. It's been here since 1949, when the bus company itself was called Capristanos. (updated Jun 2021)
• Rede Expressos (Rede Nacional de Expressos), ☏ +351 21 75 24 524, [email protected]. This national coach company offers express service from numerous cities, including: Aveiro (2 hr–3 hr 20 min, €15.20), Coimbra (1 hr 50 min–2 hr 25 min, €13.30), Leiria (40 min–1 hr 20 min, €6.70), Lisbon–Oriente (1 hr 10 min, €5) Lisbon–Sete Rios (1 hr 10 min, €8.30), Nazaré (30–40 min, €6), Peniche (30 min, €6), and Porto (3 hr 15 min–4 hr 10 min, €18.10). (updated Aug 2021)
• Rodoviária do Oeste (RDO), ☏ +351 262 767 676, [email protected]. This regional coach company provides service from communities in the Oeste and surrounding regions. Routes serve Leiria, Alcobaça, Nazaré, and São Martinho do Porto from the north; Lisbon, Peniche, Cadaval, Bombarral, and Óbidos from the south; and Santarém, Rio Maior, and Benedita (Alcobaça) to the west, among other places. RDO also offers two Rápida (rapid) services to Caldas. (updated Dec 2020)
  • Rápida Verde (Green Rapid). RDO offers frequent service on the Rápida Verde from Óbidos (15 min), Bombarral (30 min), and Lisbon–Campo Grande (1 hr 5 min [3 rush-hour trips each way] or 1 hr 15 min [all other trips]). Peak-direction rush-hour service runs every 15 min. Off-peak service is every 1–2 hr. In Caldas, the bus stops at both the city-centre bus terminal and at Expoeste. At Lisbon–Campo Grande, Rápida Verde buses board west of the metro station, at the bus terminal on Avenida Padre Cruz, using stop numbers 26 and 27. From Lisbon: adults €8.10, children 4–12 €4.05, children under 4 free, seniors 65+ €6.50, youth/student cards €6.90, monthly travelcard (including Via Azul & Verde, combined w/Metro & Carris) €80, 6 prepaid tickets €42.25, 22 prepaid tickets €126.80. (updated Dec 2021)
  • Rápida Rosa (Pink Rapid). RDO offers Rápida Rosa service from São Martinho do Porto (20 min), Nazaré (32 min), Leiria (1 hr 10 min), and select stops in between, with two round trips each weekday. From Leiria: adults €7.40, same-day round trip €12.55, children 4–12 €3.70, children <4 free, 6 prepaid tickets €25.35, monthly pass €129.50. (updated Dec 2021)
• FlixBus. FlixBus offers coach bus service from Paris, as well as several other cities in France and Spain. (updated Aug 2021)

• 39.406497-9.1405942 Caldas da Rainha Railway Station (Estação Ferroviária de Caldas da Rainha), Largo da Estação de Caminhos de Ferro (at the W end of Avenida 1º de Maio;  Laranja  Verde  Estação CP). 06:00–21:00 daily; ticket window: 05:55–11:30, 12:00–16:30, 17:00–19:45 (closes 17:35 Sa Su & holidays). The train station is in the city centre, on the border of the two urban civil parishes. While awaiting your train, enjoy the beautiful tiled walls, showing motifs of local life and history. (updated Feb 2021)
• 39.492441-9.1474243 Salir do Porto Railway Halt (Apeadeiro de Salir do Porto), Travessa do Apeadeiro, Salir do Porto (RoCaldas routes 103, 111, 118). Other than the main Caldas da Rainha station, Salir do Porto has the only train stop in the municipality. Three regional trains in each direction between Leiria and Lisbon stop here daily. (updated Dec 2020)
• Comboios de Portugal ( CP, Trains of Portugal), ☏ +351 707 210 220. PDF timetable. CP's Linha do Oeste (Western Line) offers multiple daily Regional and InterRegional trains to Caldas da Rainha from cities along Portugal's west coast, including Lisbon–Santa Apolonia (2 hr 6 min–2 hr 33 min, €9.20-10.15), Lisbon–Entrecampos (1 hr 55 min–2 hr 23 min, €8.95-9.95), Torres Vedras (38–49 min, €4.05-4.45), Leiria (44 min–1 hr 1 min, €5.25-5.80), Figueira da Foz (1 hr 41 min–1 hr 48 min, €9.20), Coimbra (2 hr 07 min–2 hr 42 min, €10.50-12.90), and points in between. Old infrastructure and meandering hills mean that the train is often slower than the bus. (updated Jan 2021)

Caldas da Rainha is a compact city. Most locations of interest are within 10–15 min walking distance. Although Caldas is in a hilly region, most of the inclines in the city centre are manageable by people of moderate fitness. Sidewalks (pavements) tend to be narrow, sometimes nonexistent.

The city centre offers several car-free streets, usually with retail shops, including Rua Almirante Cândido dos Reis (Rua das Montras), Rua Alexandre Herculano (Rua do Jardim), Rua da Liberdade, Praça 5 de Outubro, and a block of Rua Miguel Bombarda.

There are no traffic lights or walk/don't walk signals in the city. Crosswalks are marked with zebra stripes, often accompanied by a blue sign with a black-and-white icon depicting a pedestrian using such a crossing. Drivers are pretty good about yielding to pedestrians using the crosswalks.

Although Caldas can present difficulties for people with disabilities, the city has made accessibility improvements and continues to do so. Many crosswalks in the city centre have dropped kerbs (curb cuts) allowing improved access for wheelchairs, prams (strollers), and other mobility devices.

• FozBus. Weekends & holidays mid-Jul–mid-Sep. Summer shuttle bus service within the town of Foz do Arelho. Free. (updated Jul 2022)

TOMA

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• 39.4072-9.13674 TOMA, Customer service office: Praça 25 de Abril 43 ( Azul  Laranja  Verde  Câmara), ☏ +351 262 240 000, [email protected]. M–F 07:30–19:30, Sa 08:00–14:00, Su no service. TOMA is the local minibus service that runs within the city during the day on weekdays and in the morning and early afternoon on Saturdays. TOMA operates about every 30–40 min on three lines. The Linha Azul (blue line) runs hourly outside rush hour. All lines serve the city centre and each line serves other neighbourhoods of Caldas. Several city centre stops are served by all routes: Câmara, Centro de Saúde, Chafariz, Cinco Bicas / CCC, Heróis da Grande Guerra, Hospital, Montepio, and Rainha. Single ride bought on board €1.10, or €0.55 with prepaid "TTT" (Título de Transporte do TOMA); Viagem-a-Viagem (by trip): initial purchase of card & 12 trips €5.50, refill 15 trips €5.50, 35 trips €11, 80 trips €22, 150 trips €33; Dia-a-Dia (by day): initial purchase of card & 6 days €5.50, refill 13 days €11, 27 days €22, 45 days €33, 65 days €44; free for ages ≤14 or disabled. (updated Dec 2020)
  • System diagram (does not reflect Orange and Blue line extensions in spring 2021)
  • Linha  Azul  (Blue line) – a circuitous two-way route that serves eastern, northern, and western portions of the city, including Expoeste (exhibition centre) and Mercado Semanal (weekly market). The route differs somewhat in each direction.
    • timetable east to west
    • timetable west to east
    • map east to west
    • map west to east
  • Linha  Laranja  (Orange line) – a one-way figure-8 loop serving western areas of Caldas, including Bairro Azul, Rua Vitorino Fróis (Rua da Estrada da Foz), Biblioteca (library), and Fonte Luminosa (fountain).
    • timetable
    • map
  • Linha  Verde  (Green line) – a one-way figure-8 loop goes to southern parts of the city, including Centro d'Artes (arts centre) and Fonte Luminosa (fountain).
    • timetable
    • map

Taxis in Caldas da Rainha are black with a light green roof. Older cabs have a creamy beige colour. There are two taxi stands in the city and two elsewhere in the municipality. If you are not near one, call the number for the nearest one, and the next available taxi will come pick you up.

• 39.4064-9.13545 Rua Engenheiro Duarte Pacheco Taxi Stand (on the street that connects city hall with the bus terminal), ☏ +351 262 831 098. (updated Feb 2021)
• 39.4043-9.13326 Praça da República (Praça da Fruta) Taxi Stand (at the northeast corner of the city's main square), ☏ +351 262 832 455. (updated Dec 2020)
• 39.4334-9.22817 Foz do Arelho Taxi Stand, Avenida do Mar (adjacent to the beach), ☏ +351 919 304 824. (updated Dec 2020)
• 39.4477-9.12898 Tornada Taxi Stand, Rua dos Choupos (N of the city just off the N8 road), ☏ +351 917 211 560. (updated Dec 2020)

• Rainhas - Bicicletas elétricas partilhadas (Shared electric bicycles), ☏ +351 262 240 002. Daily 07:00–23:00. Free shared electric bicycles are available using the Rainhas app or with a user card obtained at city hall or the tourist office. Bicycles are stationed at the library, D. Carlos II park, the bus station, and the badminton centre. Free. (updated Oct 2021)

Driving in Caldas is not recommended. The city centre has many narrow one-way streets. On-street parking is hard to find near attractions. Given the compact nature of the city and the proximity of the sights, it is easier to park for the duration of your visit and get around on foot or using TOMA.

The city does not have any traffic lights. Intersections are controlled with "STOP" signs or roundabouts (traffic circles). You will find traffic lights in some of the surrounding villages, where they slow down cars travelling through populated areas.

• 39.4005-9.13021 Casa Museu São Rafael (Museu Galeria São Rafael), Rua Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro 53 ( Verde  Centro d'Artes), ☏ +351 262 839 380, [email protected]. M–F 09:00–12:30 by appointment, closed Sa Su & holidays. This museum is dedicated to the ceramic works produced by the Raphael Bordallo Pinheiro factory next door (Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro under current Portuguese spelling rules), including some original pieces by Bordallo Pinheiro from the late 19th century. (updated Sep 2015)
• 39.3987-9.13112 Centro de Artes (Arts Centre), Rua Dr. Ilídio Amado ( Verde  Centro d'Artes), ☏ +351 262 840 540, [email protected]. M W–F 09:00–12:30 & 14:00–17:30, Sa Su 09:00–13:00 & 15:00–18:00; closed Tu, 1 Jan, Easter, 1 May, 25 Dec. 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. Free. (updated Dec 2020)
• 39.3996-9.13043 Museu da Cerâmica (Ceramics Museum), Rua Dr. Ilídio Amado 97 ( Verde  Centro d'Artes), ☏ +351 262 840 280, [email protected]. May to Sep: Tu–Sa 10:00–12:30 & 14:00–18:00, Su & holidays 10:00–14:00 & 15:00–18:00; Oct–Apr: Tu–Sa 10:00–12:30 & 14:00–17:30, Su & holidays 10:00–14:00 & 15:00–17:30; closed M, 1 Jan, Easter Sunday, 1 May, 15 May, 25 Dec. Situated in a late Romantic manor house, the Ceramics Museum displays a wide collection from Caldas, from around Portugal, and from other places on the globe. The museum holds pottery pieces from the 17th through early 20th centuries, with emphasis on local artist Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro. The collection also includes tiles and tile panels. €3; 50% discount for 65+, student & youth cards, and others; free for age 12 & under, resident citizens Su & holidays until 14:00; complete admission details. (updated May 2020)
• 39.403038-9.1341234 Museu do Ciclismo (Cycling Museum), Rua de Camões 57 ( Azul  Laranja  Verde  Rainha), ☏ +351 262 240 000, [email protected]. Tu–F 10:00–12:30 & 14:00–17:30, Sa Su 10:00–12:30 & 14:30–17:00, M closed. This small museum is dedicated to the history of cycling in Portugal. Several historical bicycles are on display. Free. (updated May 2020)
• 39.403639-9.1317275 Museu do Hospital e das Caldas (Museum of the Hospital and of the Hot Springs), Rua Rodrigo Berquó ( Azul  Laranja  Verde  Cinco Bicas  Azul  Praça da Fruta), ☏ +351 262 830 300, [email protected]. Tu–Sa & holidays 10:00–12:30 & 14:00–17:30, Su 09:00–12:00, closed M. 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. €3, €1.50 for retirees and youth card holders, free to age 14. (updated Jun 2020)
• 39.4008-9.1346 Museu José Malhoa, Parque D. Carlos I ( Azul  Laranja  Verde  Rainha), ☏ +351 262 831 984, [email protected]. May–Sep: Tu–Sa 10:00–12:30 & 14:00–18:00, Su & holidays 10:00–14:00 & 15:00–18:00; Oct–Apr: Tu–Sa 10:00–12:30 & 14:00–17:30, Su & holidays 10:00–14:00 & 15:00–17:30; closed M, 1 Jan, Easter Sunday,1 May, 15 May, 25 Dec. 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. General admission €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. (updated Jun 2020)
• 39.4022-9.1367 Queen Leonor Statue (Estátua de Rainha Dona Leonor), Largo Conde de Fontalva (Largo da Rainha) ( Azul  Laranja  Verde  Rainha). 24 hours daily. 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. Free. (updated Sep 2015)
• 39.4048-9.1358 Raphael Bordallo Pinheiro and Zé Povinho Statues, Rua Almirante Cândido dos Reis (Rua das Montras) (near Rua Heróis da Grande Guerra;  Azul  Laranja  Verde  to Heróis da Grande Guerra). 24 hours daily. 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. Free. (updated Jun 2021)
• Rota Bordalliana (Bordallo Pinheiro Route), throughout the city centre. 24 hours daily. 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. Free. (updated May 2020)
• 39.4023-9.13899 SILOS Contentor Criativo (SILOS Creative Container), Rua Filinto Elísio s/n, Moagem CERES, Edifício Fábrica I ( Azul  Laranja  Verde  Rainha), ☏ +351 912 288 809, [email protected]. M–Sa 10:00–20:00, closed Su. Opened in 2010 in disused grain silos near the train tracks, SILOS provides ateliers, working space for artists, most of whom are students at Caldas' art and design school (ESAD). You can visit the artists' creations at the on-site Gallery Farinha, which can be booked on their Facebook page. (updated Nov 2020)

• 39.404041-9.1340410 Antiga Câmara Municipal (Old City Hall), Rua Almirante Cândido dos Reis 1 ( Azul  to Praça da Fruta or  Azul  Laranja  Verde  to Heróis da Grande Guerra). The lovely pink old city hall stands on Praça da República (Praça da Fruta). The seat of the municipal government was moved to a larger brutalist building, and the old edifice now houses civil parish offices of the União das Freguesias das Caldas da Rainha - Nossa Senhora do Pópulo, Coto e São Gregório. The building was dedicated in 1750, as indicated by the "MDCCL" etched on its façade. An inscription above the clock shows "1841", when the clock and bell were added. The building is classified as Imóvel de Interesse Público (Property of Public Interest). (updated Nov 2020)
• Art Nouveau Architecture (Arquitetura Arte Nova), throughout the city centre. 24 hours daily. 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. Free. (updated Feb 2021)
• 39.402698-9.13142311 Ermida do Espírito Santo (Hermitage/Chapel of the Holy Spirit), Largo João de Deus (uphill SE of the thermal hospital  Azul  Praça da Fruta). Mannerist and baroque chapel built in the 16th century and rebuilt in the 18th century. The building is classified as Imóvel de Interesse Público (Property of Public Interest). (updated Jun 2020)
• 39.404489-9.13288312 Ermida de São Sebastião (Hermitage/Chapel of Saint Sebastian), NE corner of Praça da República (Praça da Fruta) ( Azul  Praça da Fruta). 16th-century mannerist and baroque chapel. Remodeled in the 18th century, the chapel is covered in tiles depicting the life of Saint Sebastian. The building is classified as Imóvel de Interesse Público (Property of Public Interest). Tours can be arranged through the Museu do Hospital e das Caldas. (updated Dec 2020)
• 39.4032-9.132513 Hospital Termal Rainha D. Leonor (Queen Leonor Thermal Hospital), Largo Rainha Dona Leonor ( Azul  to Praça da Fruta or  Azul  Laranja  Verde  to Cinco Bicas / CCC), ☏ +351 262 830 300, [email protected]. 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. (updated May 2020)
• 39.406372-9.13612214 Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição (Church of Our Lady of the Conception), Praça 25 de Abril ( Azul  Laranja  Verde  Câmara), ☏ +351 262 832 029, [email protected]. Visit: M–Sa 09:00–20:00, Su 08:30–13:00 & 17:00–19:00; Mass: M–Sa 19:00; Su 09:00, 10:15, 12:00, 18:00; 1st Sa of month 09:00. 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. Free. (updated Feb 2021)
• 39.403344-9.13239915 Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Pópulo (Church of Our Lady of the Pópulo), Largo Conselheiro José Filipe (