Coimbra Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Coimbra which includes a sunset, a river or creek and a bridge
Coimbra showing a bridge, a river or creek and a city
Portugal dos Pequenitos featuring a garden and outdoor art
Portugal dos Pequenitos featuring heritage elements and a church or cathedral
Santa Cruz Church showing a square or plaza

Explore the spectacular medieval buildings on the university campus and visit the intriguing museums of this former capital of Portugal.

Coimbra is a historic city with an impressive university campus and many surviving relics from its Roman occupation. An aqueduct runs through this former capital city of Portugal, whose skyline is adorned with medieval churches, museums and the red-tiled, whitewashed façades of the hilltop residential homes. Chat with residents and guides for a glimpse into the local culture and history.

Tour the charming model village of Portugal dos Pequenitos to see miniature versions of the city’s architectural highlights. Learn about the influence of Portuguese culture across the globe, with exhibits on Brazil and Mozambique, among other former colonial outposts.

For a sense of the Roman history of the city, look around the Museu Nacional Machado de Castro, which is housed in the former Bishop’s Palace. It has a focus on ecclesiastical artifacts and works of art and contains the eerie passageways of the Roman cryptoporticus, a private passageway. Learn about the religious history of the town in the preserved Velha Cathedral, from the Reconquista era forward in time. A little northeast is the impressive New Cathedral of Coimbra.

Among the city highlights is Coimbra University, one of the world’s oldest educational institutes, dating back to the 1200s. Embark on one of the guided tours of the spectacular campus for a comprehensive understanding of its extensive history and marvelous architecture.

Visit the university’s Biblioteca Joanina for its grandiose design and vast collection of tomes. Explore the S. Miguel Chapel and the Royal Palace. Stroll through the colonnade of the Via Latina and gaze up at the impressive University Tower.

Coimbra is a university town with a fascinating past. The city is located in the Centro region, slightly northwest of the center of Portugal. Fly to Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport in Porto and drive south for 80 miles (130 kilometers) to get here in about 80 minutes. Lisbon, with its Portela Airport, is a 2-hour drive south from Coimbra. Rail connections around the country are excellent.

Where to stay in Coimbra

Velha Cathedral which includes a city, heritage elements and landscape views

Coimbra City Centre

4.5/5(18 area reviews)

Historical sites, river views and bars are some highlights of Coimbra City Centre. Make a stop by Santa Cruz Church or Old Cathedral of Coimbra while you're exploring.

Coimbra City Centre
Stay Hotel Coimbra Centro
Stay Hotel Coimbra Centro
4 out of 5
Av. Fernão de Magalhães 199, Coimbra
The price is £66 per night from 1 Jul to 2 Jul
£66
includes taxes & fees
1 Jul - 2 Jul
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Coimbra. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Popular attractions Edificio Chiado ...
7.6/10 Good! (643 reviews)
"Comfortable, good value"

Reviewed on 23 May 2025

Stay Hotel Coimbra Centro
Hotel Oslo
Hotel Oslo
3 out of 5
Av. Fernão de Magalhães, 25, Coimbra
The price is £86 per night from 22 Jun to 23 Jun
£86
includes taxes & fees
22 Jun - 23 Jun
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Coimbra. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"The rooftop hang out is delightful."

Reviewed on 21 May 2025

Hotel Oslo
Hotel Mondego
Hotel Mondego
3 out of 5
Largo das Ameias, n3-5, Coimbra, COIMBRA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £95 per night from 24 Jun to 25 Jun
£95
includes taxes & fees
24 Jun - 25 Jun
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Coimbra. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (544 reviews)
"Location was great. Staff very friendly. The view from the room was not the best."

Reviewed on 31 May 2025

Hotel Mondego
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Entre Ruas Apartments
Entre Ruas Apartments
3 out of 5
6 Rua do Corpo de Deus, Coimbra
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Coimbra. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free bicycles on-site and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (86 reviews)
"Property was roomy clean and bright. The apartment is about 5-8 minutes away from the included parking garage. It is in a very old building but has be well updated. The staff was really good at helping you make your way through the streets and up two floors (no elevator) to get to the apartment. ..."

Reviewed on 2 May 2025

Entre Ruas Apartments
SOPHIA STUDIOS
SOPHIA STUDIOS
4 out of 5
R. Sofia 37, Coimbra, Coimbra
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Coimbra. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, daily housekeeping and cable TV channels. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (128 reviews)
"Excellent and central location to visit all the tourists sides in Coimbra. Ricardo was very nice and helpful:)"

Reviewed on 25 May 2025

SOPHIA STUDIOS
Coimbra Vintage Lofts
Coimbra Vintage Lofts
3 out of 5
Rua Simão de Évora, 11, Coimbra
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Coimbra. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a rooftop terrace and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Edificio Chiado and Núcleo da Cidade ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (140 reviews)
"Large loft with kitchen area. Awakened by toddler in adjoining room - thin walls. Not clearly communicated that we should go to the Hotel to check in - NOT to the address of the loft. Or that parking was 10 Eoros per night. Staff at the hotel were very helpful."

Reviewed on 3 May 2025

Coimbra Vintage Lofts
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Coimbra

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
13
5 - Excellent 57%
4 - Good
8
4 - Good 35%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 9%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Fascinating place, great historic sites, bring good walking shoes! And get to the university for opening times to avoid the queues!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Enjoyed Nacional restaurant. A little off centre, great food at reasonable prices

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A must see for od - Romanesque Cattedral and University- reasons for trip there

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Must visit this medieval city but should have well developed climbing skills

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Came to see the old university which didn’t disappoint, though tickets too expensive

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