Top Things to do in Barcelos
What to do and see in Barcelos, Portugal: The Best Places and Tips
Discover the best top things to do in Barcelos, Portugal including Torre do Cimo da Vila, Paco dos Condes de Barcelos, Igreja Matriz da Paroquia de Santa Maria Maior, Church of Bom Jesus da Cruz, Museu de Olaria, Museu Arqueologico de Barcelos, Mercado Settimanale, Marche de Barcelos, Ponte Medieval de Barcelos, Igreja de Vilar de Frades.
Restaurants in Barcelos
1. Torre do Cimo da Vila
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 119 reviews
Reviewed By backpacker31 - Boynton Beach, Florida
This tower/small museum/gift shop is right in the main square in Barcelos. The walk to the top took two minutes. If memory serves me correct, there is even an elevator. The views from the top were amazing overlooking the city and the surrounding countryside. The staff who worked here was friendly and multi-lingual.
2. Paco dos Condes de Barcelos
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 98 reviews
3. Igreja Matriz da Paroquia de Santa Maria Maior
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By backpacker31 - Boynton Beach, Florida
Situated along the Cavado River across from the medieval bridge (Ponte Medieval de Barcelos) in an elevated position, Igreja Matriz occupies some of the best real estate in town. The church itself is an imposing, yet refined medieval stone structure. The multi-tiered entranceway leads into a breathtaking interior. Huge arches support a massive wood beam ceiling and the walls (and arches) are adorned with incredible blue and white tiles depicting religious and historical scenes.
4. Church of Bom Jesus da Cruz
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By JElliot32 - New South Wales, Australia
This small church is not far from the centre of Barcelos and on first sighting is notable for its bright white facade and its (partially) rounded walls. A surprise awaits once you enter the building though as the level of decoration is outstanding and totally belies the relatively modest (if unusual) exterior. It includes panels of tiles depicting religious themes, some very elaborate Baroque altarpieces of gold and a not insignificant cupola with a light well at its centre. Unfortunately, at least when I visited, there were signs saying no photography is permitted.
The church is built on the site of a miracle - a sighting of a cross scratched into the ground - some 500 years ago.
5. Museu de Olaria
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 53 reviews
Reviewed By kaylu55 - Long Island, New York
Old home converted to beautiful museum. It is a light high ceilinged space where art can be displayed well. The museum is handicapped equipped and easy to navigate. We saw examples of pottery accompanied by a well done video showing the artists creating their work. We spent a pleasant hour on a rainy day. At the time of our visit it was free but this may change in the future as they add space.
6. Museu Arqueologico de Barcelos
Overall Ratings
4 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By helstravels - Middlesbrough
When passing this is worth a look but not traveling for . However threat of the town is certainly worth spending time in. Nice to walk near the river and marvel between 11 and 1 those numbers on the walking route that passes here at a certain time of day.
7. Mercado Settimanale
Overall Ratings
4 based on 81 reviews
Reviewed By espm252 - Porto, Portugal
I visited Barcelos' weekly market on May 1st. Maybe because it's a holiday and it's the Festival of the Crosses' week, it was incredibly crowded. It's a huge market, full with local farmers selling their produces. Also, there are many clothes stalls (beware of counterfeit) and attractions for kids like roller coasters and bumper cars. There aren't many handicraft stalls, however, and this should be something to work on. Overall, great environment and good fun, although I got lost about 3 or 4 times.
8. Marche de Barcelos
Overall Ratings
4 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By Lara12345 - Toronto, Canada
If you're interested in buying cheap clothing and some often repeated, made-in-china-Portuguese handcrafts, than this is the place for you. Or maybe a live chicken or two?
The market leaves much to be desired, with little variety and somewhat depressing stalls and their keepers. There is a little section of beautiful flowers and some good meat, cheese and bread. There is a good spread of vegetables as well, but nothing i would feel comfortable eating right from the stall, given the proximity to chicken-poop dust.
If you want to haggle with the Roma's for low-quality clothing, you certainly can; but there is not much to buy of any value.
Overall, the market is not remarkable and we felt let down after having seen many beautiful and far more exciting markets throughout Europe. The town of Barcelos is mediocre; it does not offer much that cant be had anywhere else in Portugal. In the end, this was our only day of a two-week vacation where we felt we had wasted the day and would have preferred an extra day somewhere else like Braga or Guimaraes.
9. Ponte Medieval de Barcelos
Overall Ratings
4 based on 26 reviews
10. Igreja de Vilar de Frades
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
Reviewed By Sergzam - Florianopolis, SC
A Igreja de Vilar de Frades está localizada na parte central de Barcelos. Nela tudo é belo, desde a parte externa ao rico interior em tons de ouro, que tornam uma obra de arte, literalmente. De passagem por Barcelos é parada obrigatória.
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