Travel Guide of Coimbra in Portugal by Influencers and Travelers
Coimbra is a city and a municipality in Portugal. The population at the 2011 census was 143,397, in an area of 319.40 square kilometres. The fourth-largest urban centre in Portugal, it is the largest city of the district of Coimbra and the Centro Region.
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The Best Things to Do and Visit in Coimbra
TRAVELERS TOP 10 :
1 - Alta da Cidade
Guarda is a city and a municipality in Guarda District, Beira Interior Norte sub-region in Centro Region in Portugal. The population in 2011 was 42,541, in an area of 712.10 km². The city of Guarda was founded by King Sancho I in 1199. The present mayor is Álvaro Amaro, who succeeded Joaquim Valente. The municipal holiday is November 27.
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2 - Universidade de Coimbra
The Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra or HUC, is a university hospital that partners with the University of Coimbra, Portugal. This complex is known as a centre of research with a broad range of clinical services and medical specialties.
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3 - Sightseeing | Coimbra District
Discover the extraordinary Roman city of Conimbriga on a guided tour. Explore the museum and see the city's highlights, such as fountain house, walls, cantaber house, and forum.
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4 - Jardins da Quinta das Lágrimas
Quinta das Lágrimas is a quinta in Coimbra. It was classified in 1977 as an "Imóvel de Interesse Publico" by the IPPAR. It includes 12 ha of gardens and a palace that has been converted into a luxury hotel.
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5 - Pátio das Escolas
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6 - Bike Tours in Coimbra
Discover Portugal's two most important shrines on a bike tour from Nazaré to Fátima! The Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Nazaré and the Sanctuary of Fátima are the two most important Marian shrines in Portugal. Located 53 ki...
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7 - JARDIM BOTÂNICO
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8 - Old Monestary of Santa Clara
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9 - Hiking in Coimbra
Come and hike through the Bussaco National Forest, one of the most special forests in Coimbra! The Portuguese city of Coimbra is famous for its university, the oldest in Portugal and one of the oldest in Europe. Besides the University of Coimbra, the...
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10 - Senhora do Círculo
18 km away
The Cromlech of the Almendres is a megalithic complex, located 4.5 road km WSW of the village of Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe, in the civil parish of Nossa Senhora da Tourega e Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe, municipality of Évora, in the Portuguese Alentejo.
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11 - Bom Sucesso
32 km away
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12 - Figueira da Foz
38 km away
Figueira da Foz, also known as Figueira for short, is a city and a municipality in the Coimbra District, in Portugal. Practically at the midpoint of the Iberian Peninsula's Atlantic coast, it is located at the mouth of the Mondego River, 40 km west of Coimbra and sheltered by hills, sharing about the same latitude with Philadelphia on the other side of the ocean.
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13 - Cabo Mondego
41 km away
Cabo Mondego is a cape located in central western Portugal bordering the Atlantic Ocean. It is the westernmost point of the Serra da Boa Viagem and is located three kilometers north of Figueira da Foz. It is classified as a natural monument since 2007.
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14 - Agueda
42 km away
The Municipal Stadium of Águeda is a multiuse stadium located in the civil parish of Borrolha, in the municipality of Águeda, in the Portuguese district of Aveiro.
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15 - Fontinha
45 km away
Fontinhas is a civil parish in the municipality of Praia da Vitória, Terceira Island in the Portuguese Azores. The population in 2011 was 1,594, in an area of 12.14 km².
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16 - Caramulo
46 km away
Caramulo is a town in Portugal. It is part of the civil parish Guardão in the municipality of Tondela, Portugal. In Caramulo is housed one of the most important motor vehicle museums in Portugal.
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17 - Aveiro
49 km away
Aveiro is a city and a municipality in Portugal. In 2011, the population was 78,450, in an area of 197.58 square kilometres: it is the second most populous city in the Centro Region of Portugal.
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18 - Oleiros
50 km away
Oleiros is a municipality in the district of Castelo Branco in Portugal. The population in 2011 was 5,721, in an area of 471.09 km². The present mayor is José Santos Marques, elected by the Social Democratic Party. The municipal holiday is the Monday after the 2nd Sunday of August.
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Pictures and Stories of Coimbra from Influencers
9 pictures of Coimbra from Paulo Victor, Quaid Lagan, Lili Tex and other travelers
- -Convent Ruins_ ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Mágui de Almeida Carreira | ©Unsplash
- A man singing songs about his beautiful city. A City on a hill - Coimbra, Portugal. ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Quaid Lagan | ©Unsplash
- Men playing basketball on public court ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Paulo Victor | ©Unsplash
- Cloudy day in the mountains ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Yaroslav Talyzin | ©Unsplash
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Why should you visit Coimbra ?
Travel to Coimbra if you like:
🏘️ Town 🏰 Church 🌲 Nature reserve ⛰️ Hill 🗼 LandmarkHow to visit Coimbra ?
Why traveling there?
Coimbra, a charming city situated in central Portugal, is known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant student population. As the former capital of Portugal and home to the country's oldest university, Coimbra offers a unique blend of old-world charm and lively student energy. Visitors can explore the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, stroll along the beautiful Mondego River, or simply take in the sights and sounds of this enchanting city.
How to get there?
Coimbra is easily accessible by train, bus, or car. There are frequent train connections from Lisbon and Porto, with the journey taking approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus from either city, which takes around 2 to 2.5 hours. If you prefer to drive, Coimbra is about a 2-hour drive from both Lisbon and Porto via the A1 highway.
What to book in advance?
While Coimbra can be explored at your own pace, it's a good idea to book some attractions in advance to avoid long queues. Consider booking a guided tour of the University of Coimbra, which includes entrance to the stunning Joanina Library and the University's Royal Palace. Also, consider reserving tickets for a Fado performance – a traditional Portuguese music genre that originated in Coimbra.
What are the costs?
Coimbra is relatively affordable compared to other European destinations. A meal at a mid-range restaurant costs around €15-20 per person, while a cup of coffee or a beer is priced at €1-2. Entrance fees for attractions, such as the University of Coimbra, range from €5-10. Accommodation options cater to different budgets, with hostels starting at €15 per night and mid-range hotels costing €40-70.
Best things to do
1. Visit the University of Coimbra and its stunning Joanina Library.
2. Explore the Old Cathedral (Sé Velha) and the New Cathedral (Sé Nova).
3. Wander through the narrow streets of the historic city center.
4. Relax in the beautiful Jardim Botânico, one of Europe's oldest botanical gardens.
5. Attend a traditional Fado performance.
Where to eat?
1. Ze Manel dos Ossos: A local favorite, this cozy restaurant serves delicious traditional Portuguese dishes at reasonable prices.
2. Dux Taberna Urbana: A modern eatery offering a variety of tapas-style dishes in a stylish setting.
3. A Cozinha da Maria: A charming family-run restaurant known for its homemade, authentic Portuguese cuisine.
Where to stay?
1. Sapientia Boutique Hotel: A stylish boutique hotel located near the University of Coimbra, offering modern amenities and beautiful views.
2. Hotel Oslo Coimbra: A comfortable mid-range hotel situated in the city center, within walking distance of major attractions.
3. Coimbra Portagem Hostel: A budget-friendly option offering clean and comfortable dorm rooms, private rooms, and a friendly atmosphere.
Off the beaten path
For an unusual and adventurous travel experience, visit the nearby Schist Villages. These 27 traditional villages, built from schist stone, are nestled in the Lousã and Açor Mountains, offering breathtaking landscapes and an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. You can hike or bike through the picturesque mountain trails, taste local honey and cheeses, or stay in unique accommodations, such as restored schist houses.
Learn More about Coimbra
Coimbra is a river city in Portugal, the country's former capital, with a well-preserved medieval old town and a historic university. Built on the site of a former palace, the university is famous for its baroque library, the Biblioteca Joanina, and its 18th-century bell tower. In the old town is the 12th-century Romanesque cathedral, Sé Velha.
The city is still populated by large numbers of students from all over Portugal. They maintain student rituals and traditions. The traditional student costume is a black suit for boys, a black suit for girls, all with a black tie and cape.
The urban area of Coimbra has about 220,000 inhabitants, more than half the population of the district.
Visitors looking for a place to live will not be disappointed. In the evening, the terraces of the Place de la République and those in front of the old cathedral are full of life.
Scattered throughout the city, nightclubs and discos set the pace in a city that is proud of its academic history.
Frequently Asked Questions by Travelers planning a trip to Coimbra
1. University of Coimbra (University)
2. The Botanical Garden
3. Square of Commerce
4. The Monastery of the Holy Cross...
Where to Stay in Coimbra
More Travel spots to explore around Coimbra
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Discover more travel spots to explore around Coimbra
🏘️ Town spots 🌲 Forest spots ⛰️ Hill spots 🏰 Church spots 🌲 Nature reserve spots 🏞️ Waterway spots 🗼 Landmark spotsTravel map of Coimbra
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