Are you looking for the absolute best list of things to do in Coimbra, Portugal? We have the ultimate Coimbra Portugal Guide for you, including the best Coimbra hotels and our favorite Coimbra restaurants!
Coimbra, the fourth-largest city in Portugal, is a stunning destination rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. The town is known for the world’s oldest universities, which dates back to the 13th century, and where JK Rowling may have had the inspiration for the black capes worn by students of Hogwarts. With many historical landmarks, picturesque parks and gardens, and an exciting nightlife scene, you’ll find plenty to see and do in Coimbra.
We stayed 3 nights in Coimbra during our 3-week Portugal Vacation! Here are the top attractions we recommend.
Best Things To Do in Coimbra, Portugal
1. Guided Walking Tour of Coimbra
A guided walking tour of Coimbra is an excellent way to explore the city’s history, architecture, and culture. With a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you’ll discover hidden gems and learn fascinating facts about the city’s past and present.
Most of the walking tours cover the highlights of Coimbra including Coimbra University, the Old Town of Coimbra, and the Monastery of Santa Clara a Velha.
Recommended Coimbra Walking Tours:
- 2-3 hour Guided Tour: Coimbra City Tour + University of Coimbra (Recommended)
- Unique Tour Option: Coimbra: Scavenger Hunt and City Highlights Walking Tour
- Self-Guided Audio- Coimbra: Self-Guided Audio Tour of Historical Highlights
2. Visit Coimbra University
Coimbra University, founded in 1290, is one of the oldest universities in the world. The university was initially established in Lisbon but moved to Coimbra in 1537, where it has remained ever since.
One unique feature of the university is the black cloaks that freshmen wear, which are said to have inspired the robes worn by characters in the Harry Potter series! We all agreed that taking a tour of the University was one of the best things to do in Coimbra!
Here is your link to book the Coimbra University tour (highly recommend).
The tour will guide you through The university’s major highlights, including the paço das escolas courtyard, Royal Palace, Chapel of St. Michael, Joanina Library, and the Academic Prison.
3. Joanina Library
Unsurprisingly, the Joanina Library is at the top of most travelers’ top things to do in the Coimbra list. The Joanina Library, located within the old University of Coimbra, is considered one of the most beautiful in the world! Built-in the 18th century, the Coimbra University library’s stunning baroque architecture will take your breath away.
To preserve the books, the Joanina Library will limit light exposure by only allowing 60 people inside the building every 20 minutes. You should book your tickets in advance and be mindful of your assigned admission time, as entrance times are strictly enforced.
Ticket Options
- (Recommended) Guided tour (& skip the line tickets) of the University of Coimbra Walking Tour with Joao!
- Tickets to the University, the Joanina Library (self-guided) can be purchased here for ~17€.
Fun fact: The Joanina Library in Coimbra is known for its resident bat population. Yes, BATS! Bats have been home in the library’s ceilings for centuries and are considered an important part of the library’s ecosystem. These bats are known to come out at night and feed on flies and other insects that can damage books, thus helping to keep the library’s collection safe.
4. Stroll Rua Ferriera Borges
Rua Ferreira Borges is a charming street in the heart of Coimbra, Portugal. The pedestrian-only street is a popular destination for visitors to the city due to its vibrant atmosphere and historic architecture.
One of our favorite things to do in Coimbra is spend an afternoon or evening walking down the Rua Ferreira Borges, admiring the colorful buildings and storefronts that line the street. We loved the nightlife in this area!
Bars and Restaurants stay open late into the night. If you are lucky, you may even stumble upon a free Fado Show in the evening.
5. Jardim Botanico
The Jardim Botanico at Coimbra University is a beautiful botanical garden founded in 1772 by the Marquis of Pombal and was initially used for teaching botany to medical students. Today, the botanical gardens cover an area of about 32 acres and house over 1200 plant species from around the world.
Although we only had 30 minutes to explore the botanical gardens, it’s evident that this free attraction could keep visitors occupied for hours!
The Jardim Botanico of Coimbra (botanical garden) is divided into two distinct areas: the Forest and the Classic Garden.
What to visit in the Forest section of Jardim Botanica of Coimbra?
The Forest, with about 19 acres, connects the Alta to the Baixa of the city and contains century-old exotic trees and free-growing vegetation.
- Cold Oven: plants in humid and dark environments next to a wall waterfall that runs through the greenhouse.
- Bamboo Grove
- Chapel of São Bento
What should you visit in the Classic Garden section of Jardim Botanica of Coimbra?
- Main Gate: (image above ^) Wrought Iron Gate at the main entrance. Completed in 1839 by the master locksmith Manuel Bernardes Galinha
- Statue to Brotero: fine sculptures that honor Felix de Avelar Brotero (also considered the Father of Botany in Portugal)
- Upper Terrace: centuries-old eucalyptus trees
- Julio Henriques Terrace and Statue: A recent storm knocked most trees down. New planting is underway in this area
- Tropical Greenhouse- 3 rooms with different environments
- Fig Tree Garden
- Central Square and Fountain
- Garden of Camellias- beautiful white, pink, or red flower garden
6. Monastery of Santa Clara a Velha
One of Coimbra’s famous landmarks, the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha, is a quick walk from the city center. This magnificent Gothic-style monastery dates back to the 14th century.
The monastery was abandoned for centuries after flooding from the Mondego River caused significant damage in the 17th century. The monastery was eventually restored and reopened to the public in 2010.
Visitors can now explore the monastery’s many highlights, including the beautiful cloisters, the chapter house, and the chapel.
7. Coimbra Old Cathedral
The Coimbra Old Cathedral, also known as the Se Velha de Coimbra, is one of the city’s most impressive monuments and has become a popular tourist attraction.
The name “Se Velha” translates to Old Cathedral. The old cathedral dates back to the 12th century and is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture.
The town’s “new cathedral” was built in the 18th century.
8. Listen To Coimbra Fado
Coimbra Fado is one of the top things to do in Coimbra, Portugal. Original Fado (from Lisbon) is classified as a traditional Portuguese music genre that is known for its melancholic melodies and soulful lyrics.
Coimbra, however, is famous for its own unique style of Fado, which is sung by male University Students (wearing their black cloaks) and is characterized by the use of instrumentals like the Portuguese guitar.
Many bars and restaurants in Coimbra offer live Fado performances. The Fado Al Centro the most popular Coimbra Fado.
At the time of writing this article, Fado Al Centro and Port Tasting tickets can be purchased for $15.
9. Igreja de Santa Cruz (also known as the Monastery of the Holy Cross)
The Santa Cruz Church is another impressive monument in Coimbra. The monastery dates back to the 12th century and houses the tombs of the first two kings of Portugal- Alfonso Henriques and Sancho the I.
Visitors to the Santa Cruz church can explore its many highlights, including the ornate Baroque-style façade, the beautiful cloisters, and the stunning altar.
One of our favorite features inside the Santa Cruz church is its azulejos walls. During winter storms, the Mondego River often flooded the church, causing damage to many of its paintings. To hide these damaged paintings, the walls were covered with beautiful azulejos.
10. Jardim da Manga (Garden of the Sleeve)
The Jardim da Manga, or the Garden of the Sleeve, is located behind the Santa Cruz Monastery. Our tour guide says it’s believed that King John III of Portugal created the design for the Jardim da Manga by drawing it on his sleeve, hence the name The Garden of the Sleeve.
The yellow structure consists of a central dome with 8 columns and a fountain that then connects to 4 small chapels surrounded by 4 bodies of water. The water was inspired by Arabic architecture.
11. Day Trip to Aveiro, Portugal
A day trip from Coimbra to Aveiro is a great way to explore more of Portugal’s charming towns. Known as the “Venice of Portugal,” Aveiro is famous for its picturesque canals, colorful boats, and charming old town.
While in Aveiro, you can take a 45 minute ride on a traditional barcos moliceiro boat, uniquely painted in bright colors depicting scenes from the town’s history.
How to Visit Coimbra
Getting There
Most international visitors will fly into either Porto or Lisbon international airports. From there, you can visit Coimbra by renting a car, or booking a train, bus, or private transfer.
We have outlined Coimbra transportation options below.
We flew into Lisbon and rented a car. Follow along with our 3-Week-Portugal Vacation.
Coimbra by Car (driving times)
- Lisbon to Coimbra by car in about 2 hours (~126 miles or 204 kilometers)
- Porto to Coimbra by car in 1 hour and 15 minutes (~75 miles or 121 kilometers)
- If you are following along our 3-week Portugal Road Trip– you will be driving from Nazare to Coimbra (~67 miles or 108 kilometers)
Porto by Train
You can book train tickets from Lisbon or Porto to arrive at Coimbra Train Station. We recommend using Omio to book your train tickets ahead of time. Tickets range from 10-20 Euro each way.
Train rides from Lisbon to Coimbra take around 2 hours, while trains from Porto to Coimbra take around 1 hour and 15 minutes.
There are 2 train stations in Coimbra: Coimbra B and Coimbra.
- Coimbra (Estação Nova or New Station)is the city center station. This station is located along the Mondego River and is walkable to all major city attractions.
- Coimbra B (also known as Estação Velha or Old Station) is the main station where trains from Lisbon and Porto stop. It’s a little over a mile from the center and major Coimbra attractions. You can catch an Uber or bus from this station to the town center.
How to book a Coimbra Train Ticket :
OMIO is the easiest way to book transportation to the Coimbra Train Station. We recommend a ticket with a transfer included. When you search Omio, you’ll find multiple Coimbra options.
Tip: Locate the ticket option that lists ‘Coimbra’ (not Coimbra B or Bencanta Halt) as your final stop. The ticket booking option will look similar to this:
Coimbra by Bus
- The bus trip from Porto to Coimbra takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, and the price ranges between €8 €13 each way.
- The bus from Lisbon to Coimbra takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes, and the price ranges between €10 and €15 each way.
Getting Around Coimbra, Portugal
The historical center is small, and most of the top things to do in Coimbra are within walking distance. Like Lisbon and Porto, the town has quite a few hills, so be prepared (with comfortable walking shoes) for some uphill and downhill climbing.
Top Rated Coimbra Portugal Tours:
Where to Stay in Coimbra, Portugal
Coimbra offers a range of accommodations for visitors, including hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and apartments. We recommend staying in the Baixa, Coimbra’s downtown district.
The area’s main street, Rua Ferreira Borges, is a pedestrian-only street lined with cafes, bars, shops, and lively nighttime entertainment.
On our last visit to Coimbra, we had the pleasure of booking this 3-bedroom Penthouse! One of the highlights of our experience was enjoying Portuguese wine while taking in the absolutely stunning views of Coimbra’s main street, Rua Ferreira Borges, and the Mondego River from the comfort of our balcony. We highly recommend it!
Best Airbnbs & Hotels Coimbra:
- Lucky Number 79 – UNESCO World Heritage Penthouse (3-Bedroom Apartment)
- Sapiential Boutique Hotel– Bar and a Terrace overlooking charming city
- Orpheus– Isabel de Aragão – UNESCO Heritage, central portugal on Rua Ferreira Borges
- Solar Antigo Luxury– the center of Coimbra, unique rooms
Eating and Drinking in Coimbra, Portugal
Coimbra has a vibrant culinary scene that offers a range of delicious traditional dishes, including grilled sardines, Leitão (roasted suckling pig), arroz de marisco (seafood rice), and Santa Clara pastries.
Top Coimbra Portugal Restaurants:
The best restaurant in Coimbra is Boutique Tapas and Petiscos! It’s a very small restaurant, so we highly recommend you make reservations.
We were completely blown away by the exceptional experience set up by the owner, Daniella. Every aspect, from the ambiance and decor to the quality of service and food, was flawless. The restaurant’s charming location along the narrow streets added to its appeal.
We chose to sit outside and indulge in some of the best dishes, including mushroom asparagus risotto, pumpkin and chicken risotto, and pica pau. To top it all off, we enjoyed a variety of port wines that perfectly complemented our meal.
- Pastelaria Briosa: for Santa Clara pastries (almond and yolk filling), and pastel de Tentúgal (egg custard baked paper-thin dough until crispy)
- Refeitro da Baixa: intimate dining in a 200-year-old building.
- Devanei Gastropub: smaller family restaurant, authentic.
- Leitão Roasted Pig & Bairrada Region Wine Tour: Tour of Leitão and wine tasting.
Coimbra FAQs
Is Coimbra worth visiting?
It is absolutely worth a visit to Coimbra, Portugal. The city has a rich history and culture reflected in its stunning architecture, museums, and monuments. Be sure to visit Coimbra University, Santa Clara a Velha, Santa Clara A nova, the university botanical garden, and the many lively shops and delicious local cuisine that branch off from the Mondego River.
Is one day in Coimbra enough?
While it is possible to see most of Coimbra’s tourist attractions in a day, we highly recommend spending at least one night in the city to fully immerse yourself in its unique culture and atmosphere.
Coimbra has a lot to offer, including its world-renowned university, historic landmarks, and vibrant nightlife, and it would be a shame to rush through it all in just one day. Therefore, we recommend taking the time to explore the city and truly experience everything that Coimbra offers.
If you only have a day to spare, check out this day trip to Coimbra: Fatima and Coimbra Day Trip From Porto.
What is Coimbra known for?
Coimbra is known for its rich history and cultural heritage, with plenty of things to do and see. One of its most famous landmarks is Coimbra University, one of the oldest universities in Europe with a lovely baroque facade that is definitely worth visiting. Coimbra is also known for its unique fado style, which is often performed in the city’s numerous bars and cafes by male students in black capes.
This post is all about the best things to do in Coimbra, Portugal.
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