Coimbra
Portugal · Centro · 45 m
Description
Coimbra is a historic university city in the heart of Portugal and an important center of history, culture, and academic life. The city is known for its hilltop university, historic upper town, magnificent Biblioteca Joanina, and winding old-town streets. Coimbra combines centuries-old architecture, monasteries, and academic traditions with a lively student culture, Fado music, and regional cuisine. The University of Coimbra, the Upper Town, and Rua da Sofia form a UNESCO World Heritage site, making the city one of Portugal’s most distinctive destinations for history and culture.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 3 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: May – June or September
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- University of Coimbra (UNESCO)
- Biblioteca Joanina
- Paço das Escolas
- University Tower
- Chapel of São Miguel
- Old Cathedral (Sé Velha)
- Santa Cruz Monastery
- New Cathedral (Sé Nova)
- Historic University Quarter
- Coimbra old town
- Coimbra Fado
- Machado de Castro National Museum
- Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha
- Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova
- Portugal dos Pequenitos
- Mondego River
- Parque Verde do Mondego
- Pedro e Inês Bridge
- Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra
- Sereia Garden
- Choupal National Forest
- Conímbriga Roman ruins(Day trip)
- Conímbriga Museum(Day trip)
- Santa Clara-a-Velha Archaeological Site
- Quinta das Lágrimas
- Inês de Castro Fountain
- Sé Velha cloister
- Santa Cruz Church interior
- Coimbra Municipal Museum
- Casa-Museu Miguel Torga
- National Museum of Science
- Coimbra University Botanical Garden viewpoint
- Scholars' Square (Largo da Sé Velha)
- Buçaco National Forest(Day trip)
- Bussaco Palace(Day trip)
- Mata Nacional do Choupal
- Schist villages of the Lousã Mountains(Day trip)
- Lousã Castle(Day trip)
Getting there
- Train stations:
- Coimbra-B