Leave some time in your itinerary for a visit to Coimbra Portugal, a historic city nestled in central Portugal. It offers a captivating blend of culture, old-school academia, and living history. Since it’s between Porto and Lisbon, it’s easy to stop by Coimbra en route to another part of Portugal.
Read our quick guide to learn more about the top things to see and do in Coimbra, Portugal.
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Where to Stay in Coimbra Portugal
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Authentic Cuisine and Immersive Culture
Eating great food at affordable prices is easy in Coimbra. Since the streets are filled with more students than tourists, tasty budget restaurants abound. Head to the old, central neighborhood of Baixa for authentic restaurants, romantic cafes, and lively nightlife. The city is safe and walkable, so bar-hopping is always a great option.
Fado, a traditional melancholy Portuguese folk music, is done differently in Coimbra than in the rest of Portugal. Here, fado is sung exclusively by male students wearing their customary long black capes. Try catching a performance at Fado ao Centro or À Capella.
Exploring Medieval Wonders in Coimbra
Immerse yourself in the city’s rich history by strolling through the medieval streets and its diverse architectural gems. A miniature theme park, Portugal dos Pequenitos, showcases iconic Portuguese architecture and is fun for the whole family.
The architecture in Coimbra spans centuries, from the late Middle Ages to the 19th century, including the renowned Old Coimbra Cathedral, Torre de Anto, the Santa Cruz Monastery with its stunning Gothic and Manueline styles and the Seminário Maior de Coimbra.
University of Coimbra – Centuries of Learning
Established in 1290, The University of Coimbra is the oldest university in Portugal and one of the oldest in Europe. Visitors can explore its picturesque campus and walk in the footsteps of some of the brightest minds from the last millennia.
The campus is still operational, so exploring by yourself can be overwhelming. Choose an experienced tour guide who knows where you are allowed to go while taking care of the tickets and lines for you.
The top-rated University of Coimbra Guided Tours Without Queue combines the fascinating history of the prestigious university with its vibrant present-day culture. Led by former students of the university, this tour highlights key landmarks such as the School Hall, the mesmerizing Baroque-styled Joanine Library (its three stories are full of intricate woodwork and shelves of ancient books), St. Michael’s Chapel, and the impressive Royal Palace (Sala dos Capelos).
Escape to Lousa Mountain
The cities in Portugal are amazing but there is something truly special about its nature and small villages. Coimbra is surrounded by pastoral beauty and day trips to the countryside are an excellent idea. One of the easiest ways to explore is on a private tour, where all of the transportation is figured out for you.
Try the engaging Schist Villages at Lousa Mountain Tour, where you can explore the tiny villages located in the scenic countryside. This off-the-beaten-path experience takes you on an adventure, requiring a 4-wheel-drive vehicle to access the remote mountain villages.
Explore the enchanting village of Cerdeira, known for its combination of art and botany, Aigra Nova, Pena, Aldeia do Talasnal, and Candal, all unique villages known for their serene landscapes and pure mountain air. Pass by the hidden village of Casal Novo, and hike around the abandoned shale villages of Aldeias do Xisto Cadaval Cimeiro, and Cadaval Fundeiro. Hike up to Aigra Velha, the highest altitude Schist Village, offering breathtaking views.
Conimbriga – Walk Through Ancient Roman Settlements
History lovers are spoiled for choice in the Coimbra area of Portugal. The Romans ruled the Iberian Peninsula for centuries and their ruins tell the story of a great, ancient empire.
Don’t miss out on Conimbriga, one of Portugal’s largest Roman settlements, and two local museums. A private tour makes transportation easy and ensures you don’t miss out on any of the historical contexts behind the structures.
The impressive ruins of Conimbriga include the aqueduct, castellum, and beautiful mosaics. Learning the history of this wonderfully preserved area helps us imagine what everyday life for the Romans was like.
Don’t skip the countryside on your next visit to Portugal! Take a break from the big cities of Europe to relax in Coimbra while making lasting memories.
Boa viagem!
Read More About Portugal!
A Lisbon Holiday – Where the Ocean Meets a Captivating Capital
Things to Do in Porto – An Enchanting City Break in Portugal
Lagos in Algarve: Portugal’s Breathtaking Southern Coastline
Coastal Beauty and Canals in Aveiro, Portugal
Douro Valley Portugal – Wine Tasting with A Magnificent View
hoteis em coimbra
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