While the intrigue of a chapel of bones lures many to Evora, this old city has plenty to offer. We found 30 fascinating things to do in Evora; most of them are free or nearly free.
It’s a city filled with medieval architecture and ancient Roman history. There are churches, cathedrals, chapels (one is an ossuary), museums, and more. But one of my favourite things about Evora is the detail in the architecture.
And then there was the food and drink. Locals enjoy outdoor eating in the town square, and there is always a seemingly endless conversation. Of course, we couldn’t understand much of it, but the happy vibe was contagious.
And if that’s not enough, captivating megalithic structures, an ancient stone circle, and cork trees sit outside the town.
Inland in Portugal, Evora sits about 140 km (62 miles) to the east of the capital city, Lisbon and about 100km (62 miles) west of the border with Spain.
Evora is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s an interesting city and one which is worthy of a visit.
Things to do in Evora: Giraldo Square
1. Begin in Giraldo Square, at the centre of the old historic town, overlooked by Saint Anton’s Church. From here, you can walk to just about everywhere featured on this page.
2. Stop by the office of tourism and pick up a map, get ideas for more things to do in Evora, book one of the Evora hotels (if you didn’t come prepared), or fill your water bottle (for free).
3. Take an English (or other) speaking self-guided audio tour of the main city sites. The headsets are available at the tourism office for only 2 Euros each. If you prefer a guided tour, there are several great options from GetYourGuide, including tours from Lisbon
4. Hang out with the men who seem to enjoy this corner of Giraldo Square.
5. Enjoy an outdoor coffee, lunch, or afternoon snack. There are several restaurants to choose in the square.
6. Share a sangria with a friend. Drink it through long straws from a carafe that sits on the ground. It’s a tradition that was started by local university students and one of the many fun things to do in Evora.
Things to do just off of Giraldo Square
7. Wander off down a side road.
8. Make a reservation and enjoy a culinary sensation at one of two Michelin Star restaurants in Evora; Dom Joaquim or Origens.
9. Sample some of the nugget candy made in Evora, and if you like it, buy a bag from a street vendor.
10. Shop for hats, handbags, or postcards made from local cork.
11. Pick up local souvenirs and other things you might need. In New Zealand, we call this type of store $2 Shops, in Evora, it is called a “Chinese Shop.”
12. Stay at The Albergaria Solar de Monfalim, a former 16th-century Renaissance palace, or at least stop by for a glass of wine. Reserve your stay at the Albergaria Solar de Monfalim here
13. Stare in awe at the golden walls and traditional Portuguese blue-on-white tiles of the 15th-century Igreja da Misericórdia. It is a significant religious monument in the city and is located across the street from the Solar de Monfalim hotel.
Northeast of Giraldo Square
14. Be impressed by the workmanship of the 2nd-century Roman Temple Diana. It is well preserved, with fourteen of the original eighteen Corinthian columns still intact.
15. Enjoy the vivid interior, detailed architecture, and stunning views from the terrace of the largest medieval cathedral in Portugal.
16. Walk through the artistic hallways of the Museum of Evora, home to several important religious paintings from renowned artists.
17. Imagine yourself studying in one of the great halls, distinctive classrooms, or Renaissance cloisters of the University of Evora. Established in 1559, it is the second oldest university in Portugal.
18. Return after dark to see the Temple of Diana lit up. This is one of the top free things to do in Evora at night.
Southwest of Giraldo Square
19. Stand quietly absorbing the stunning interior of in the 15th-Century Church of St. Francis (Igreja de São Francisco).
20. Laugh, cry, or just stare at the bones and skulls of over 5000 humans that make up the walls of the Capela dos Ossos (the Chapel of Bones). This small chapel is located next to the Church of St. Francis. See more photos of this and other ossuaries from around the world. It is one of the top free things to do in Evora.
22. Analyse the out-of-the-ordinary art in the gallery of the palace. These are four of many creepy paintings in the gallery. (There was a small entrance fee to see the artwork.)
23. Photograph the ornate ruins of the old city wall.
24. Take a closer look at the statues that sit along the roofline of the Church of Nossa Senhora da Graça. It is an old church and convent that is currently being used by the Portuguese Armed Forces.
Things to do in Evora, just outside the city
25 Admire the ancient Roman aqueduct. While impressive, it didn’t compare to the aqueduct in Segovia, Spain.
26. Touch a cork tree.
27. Visit a cork factory. We didn’t do this, but we did visit a cork museum in Northern Spain.
28. Sip on award-winning local wines, or take a wine-tasting tour of the region.
29. Wonder about the origin of Menir dos Almendres, a lone monolith that stands 4 metres tall.
30. Make sense of the Cromlech of the Almendres Megalithic, a circle of 93 huge stones strategically placed from 4000-5000 BC, making them about 2000 years older than Stonehenge.
Practical information on visiting Evora
- Getting to Evora is easy if you have your own vehicle.
- Evora is often thought of as a day trip from Lisbon. The drive time is about 90 minutes each way. It can be done with your own vehicle or with a private guide, small group, or bus tour.
We drove in from Seville Spain. We visited the Portuguese cities of Evora, Sintra, Obidos, and Alcobaca as we travelled through the country.
Lisa
No longer free to visit the chapel of bones, 5 euros for an adult, but still an interesting place to wander around
Laurie
Thank you for the great information. We are visiting Portugal next year. I will be sure to save this for planning purposes. I am going to have to find these cities on a map.
Corey
What a refreshing post! When I read about Evora it’s usually only about the Chapel of Bones – but clearly there’s a lot of other things to do! I do hope to visit some day.
Rob+Ann
What beautiful buildings! Love the Temple of Diana at night, and the churches are just beautiful. Evora is definitely someplace we’d like to explore.
Rhonda Albom
I love seeing structures lit up at night. I only wish I had had a tripod.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders}
Wow, there’s so much affordable things to do in Evora. I’ve never seen a cork tree — nor a guilded skeleton of a monk. Not quite sure what I think of that latter one. I like that the cheap tour is an audioguide so that you can go at your own pace. The free city tours that I’ve done elsewhere are usually led by a person. And thanks for clearing up what a “Chinese Shop” is since I don’t think I would have assumed that’s what it means. #WkendTravelInspiration
Rhonda Albom
The sign “Chinese Shop” took my by surprise when I first heard it too.
Mapping The Map
Great pictures! We visited Evora last summer and found out that the city and the entire region have a lot of hotspots. Thank you for sharing.
Rhonda Albom
I wonder if we found all the hotspots too. I just don’t remember.
jesh StG
Portugal, one of the few mediterranean countries haven’t visited yet. It gives a similar impression as Spain. Beautiful buildings! Did not know you had a travel meme. Thanks so much for letting me know there my comment section of my new theme was:) I kept getting comments, but wanted to stay with this theme for a while – it’s appreciated!
Rhonda Albom
I expected Portugal to be quite a bit like Spain, but actually, I found them to be quite a bit different.
Kathleen
Thank you for the informative info. We’re going there this fall ans hope to see a cork farm and wineries
Travel Tuesday
Fantastic shots, Rhonda. We missed Evora when we were in Portugal, but your photos convince me that there is another good reason for visiting it again.
Rhonda Albom
There are so many fabulous placed to visit in Portugal. I would love to go back sometime and see the areas we missed.
Nancie
What a great post! I never made it to Evora when I was in Portugal. It’s now on the top of my list when I return. I want to eat in one of the Michelin restaurants, and drink Sangria (not necessarily in that order!).
Rhonda Albom
You could drink the Sangria in one of the Michelin restaurants.
Leanne
Love the photo of the alleyway and the one of the outdoor restaurants.
Rhonda Albom
I loved sitting at those outdoor restaurants.
Mike Cotton
The more I read and see about Portugal the more I feel the need to visit. Evora is not a town I’ve heard of before, but it looks stunning.
Rhonda Albom
I agree. If I had done more reading before we went, I am sure we would have stayed longer.
Elaine J Masters
That makes a 3-day sojourn in Evora mandatory! So many interesting things to check out.
Rhonda Albom
We did it all in two days, but another would have been nice.
Dealman
Beautiful place and love it. Portugal has always been on my list. Right after Spain and Switzerland.
Rhonda Albom
We visited Portugal in a loop with Spain.
Vlad
I visited Evora only for a few hours as a stop between Algarve and Lisbon but I fell in love with it and did quite a few of the things on your list, including seeing the Cromlech of the Almendres, which proved to be a bit difficult to find at that time. Would love to return and stay for a couple of days at least.
Rhonda Albom
Actually, it is still a bit difficult to find the Cromlech of the Almendres. We were glad to have GPS.
jo
I’ve never been to an ossuary I don’t think – the gilded skeleton is rather grisly! What a wonderful collection of things to do and see there are though in Evora and such grand buildings. I’d never heard of it till now and yet it’s a UNESCO world heritage site. You visited some wonderful places on your travels in Portugal. Thanks for hosting #Wkendtravelinspiration
Rhonda Albom
It was the first ossuary we have been to, but I am fascinated by it, despite the creepiness. Evora was a real treat.
Jim ~ Reflections Enroute
We visited Evora several years ago. I remember thinking the Ossuary was creepier than most. I found the cork trees especially fascinating. I had no idea that’s where cork came from before that visit! #wkendtravelinspiration
Rhonda Albom
It is the only ossuary we have seen, so I have nothing to compare it to. We did find it rather creepy.
Anete
I love how Portugal is full of amazing architecture and so much history to experience. The Capela dos Ossos looks super impressive. Somethimes is interesting to visit such powerful places. Looking forward to see Evora sometime.
Rhonda Albom
We were just talking about finding time to go back to Portugal. It is such an interesting country.
budget jan
Evora looks like a place I would like to explore. The square looks amazing. Each photo called out to me to visit.
Rhonda Albom
We enjoyed exploring Evora.
Chloe
This place looks really amazing. I love how the buildings and architecture and the mood they exude. Perfect for a one day visit!
Rhonda Albom
We were there two days and didn’t see it all.
Vanessa Brune
Apart from the chapel of bones (creepy much?), I would do any of the things you’ve mentioned! Evora seems really charming and I think I would love just wandering around town all day…
Rhonda Albom
The Chapel of Bones is worth a visit too.
Amanda Bowers
Wow! Great post!! Love the “hang out with the men” comment…gave me a chuckle. Amazing photos. Makes me wanna go for sure!
Lydia C. Lee
That looks lovely – the ruins in particular
Rhonda Albom
I thought it looked even cooler at night when it was all lit up. I was glad we didn’t do a day trip here or we would have missed it.
Ruth | Tanama Tales
I had no idea there is so much to do in Evora. I can see why so many people want to stop there. That Chapel of Bones is freaky. I will take a peek though (just to get the feeling). Hanging out with bones is not my thing. #TPThursday
Rhonda Albom
LOL – we had no idea either before we arrived.
Travelera
Love this place and your photos are as always spectacular! We are coming to Portugal this summer and this is not far from Lisbon so we may come and see it!
Rhonda Albom
Portugal is so full of interesting, historical, and beautiful things to see. I hope you are planning a long travel time.
Trekking with Becky
Great shots and ideas. 😀 Would you say that Evora is just as important as Lisbon when it comes to visiting different Portuguese cities?
Rhonda Albom
We didn’t go to Lisbon, we opted for Sintra, Evora, and Obidos instead, so I can’t really answer that. I loved the choices that we did make, but I don’t know what we missed in Lisbon.
Mary {The World Is A Book}
What a great collection of photos! This now makes me wish I had more time to visit Evora last year. I loved Portugal’s churches and all the tiles so these were wonderful to see here.
Rhonda Albom
There is so much to see in Portugal, it’s a too well-kept secret.
Anda
I didn’t know much about Evora before reading your post. Very beautiful place with lots of attractions (and sangria!) I would particularly like to see the 15th-century Igreja da Misericórdia. That blue on white tiles sanctuary is absolutely stunning.
Rhonda Albom
Honestly, I was surprised as to how much there is to do in Evora. We came to see the Chapel of Bones and were very glad we had booked a place to stay.
Irene
I’ll be honest … I’ve never heard of Evora, but now I want to go … what a cool place!
Rhonda Albom
Evora is east of Lisbon by about 150 km, about an hour and a half drive.
Amy
Ive never had a sangria but it sounds delicious and the architecture is divine!
Rhonda Albom
Sangria (in its simplest form) is a red wine with sugar and fruit, and it is delicious. It is the only red wine I have had to date that I like.
Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields
We visited Evora many years ago with our boys. We went for the Roman ruins and, sadly, that is all I remember of the area. Perhaps it is time for a return visit. I will take your list with me and tick off a couple of the 30 things. i don’t imagine we could do them all though.
Rhonda Albom
I am guessing you didn’t get to the Chapel of Bones, as that is one place not easy to forget.
indah nuria
A lot to do indeed…and every thing is interesting! Love all those amazing architectures..
Rhonda Albom
I would love to go back with more time to spend in Evora and to visit some of the other spots in Portugal that we didn’t allocate time to visit.
Agness
Portugal is an amazing travel destination, Rhonda! Your tips and recommendations are just awesome!
Rhonda Albom
I agree. Portugal really surprised me with fascinating things to see or do around every corner.
Kathy Marris
There’s so much to see here! Portugal is definitely high on my travel list. I would certainly put Evora on the itinerary. Gorgeous photos. But that hanging monk is a bit macabre!
Rhonda Albom
It was a bit gruesome, but rather cool.
Kathe W.
what a lovely tour- thanks!
Paul F. Pietrangelo
Some very interesting and beautiful photos. One very interesting photo is about “ the Chinese Shop.” It’s very unusual to me or is it that is unusual?
Have a great day Rhonda. See ya.
Cruisin Paul
Rhonda Albom
I asked about that shop as well, and I was told that Chinese Shops are common in Portugal.
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Hi Rhonda – I’d do all of that and probably stay a week or so … and see a little of the countryside too … fantastic place … the ossary – interesting, hanging monk … not so much …. mind you we have someone’s skin attached to a door somewhere in East Anglia … dating back centuries … beautiful places and photos – cheers Hilary
Rhonda Albom
Skin attached to a door, that is pretty yucky as well. Reminds me of the severed hand we saw in Prague.
Sandee
Tons of history to ingest here. The hanging monk was eerie though.
Have a fabulous day, Rhonda. ☺
Rhonda Albom
Actually, everything about the Chapel of Bones was eerie.
hiren
hi very good article.
Jackie
Thanks for this! We are thinking about Spain and Portugal for next winter.
Rhonda Albom
We spent about 10 weeks in Spain, and nowhere near enough time in Portugal. Both are wonderful in their own right, but somewhat more different from each other than we expected.
Tanja (the Red phone box travels)
I’ve done a day trip to Evora and we also did wine tasting in the winery:) it was great!
Rhonda Albom
I think we would have done a wine tour if we didn’t have out girls with us.
Bill
Superb photo journalism here and what great places to visit. The last place I have heard of I must admit
stevebethere
What a fascinating place I particularly liked the Igreja da Misericórdia and the Church of St. Francis and the little Chinese Shop 🙂
Have a tanfastic day Rhonda and thanks for your visits 🙂
Rhonda Albom
Evora was a bit of a surprise to us, as we went to see the Chapel of Bones. Most of the rest (except the megaliths) were things we that we learned about while there.
Peabea
The carafe with a long straw sounds like a fun and different thing to try. Your photography tour was great. Enjoyed….
Peabea@Peabea Scribbles
Rhonda Albom
Hubby and I enjoyed the sangria, and the girls had fun with the straws.
ladyfi
Those tiles are magnificent!
Rhonda Albom
We were so surprised as the exterior is quite plain.
Alissa Apel
Their side of roads look nothing like ours do. They look pretty! My son Isaak would want to stay forever in Igreja da Misericórdia. His favorite color is gold.
Rhonda Albom
There was a lot of gold in a few areas of the city. And many of the skulls in the Chapel of Bones are gilded in gold.
Robyn Engel
Gulp. I have chills. I wonder what kind of minds created that chapel. It’s more than a bit disturbing.
xoRobyn
Tony Payne
That’s definitely a unique and interesting place to visit.
Kurtis
Visits to Portugal are always a blast!! Have a great week.
Monica Terma
Nice photos. Such an interesting place, and eerie too.
Valentina@Peek-a-BooK!
Great pics and interesting finds.
Heidi
Oh my god, I think that ossuary is a little bit disgusting. I am sure I won’t take my son in there, it is horrible.
enchantedhue
oh wow! This looks like a very interesting creepy place! Will put that on my list of places to visit!
Pearl
You sure found a lot of interesting things to do. I love those Roman Ruins.
OneDay - Pink Paradise
That is totally creepy, yet utterly fascinating. I cannot look away! Have a great WW!
Maria @ LSS
Great captures. I would love to visit Evora someday.
Sheryl
Eww… and wow, and another emotion that I’m having a hard time putting into words. The human bones is the stuff nightmares are made of.
Caite
Yes, a wee bit creepy.
Don E. Chute
Kind of Creepy for a Chapel! Who were all those people anyway?
PLU from SSF
Joy
The chapel of bones is quite gruesome but cool too.
Jillian
Now here’s a place I’d love to visit. Portugal has always been on my list. Right after Spain and Switzerland.
Have a fabulous time. 🙂
Steve
They were interesting especially the second one 🙂