Itinerary for Coimbra

Coimbra is a city with a lot of tourist attractions, related with culture, leisure and gastronomy. The hard part is choosing what to visit.

You could start with the Sé Velha de Coimbra, a cathedral built in the 12 th century. Then, you can visit Colégio de Jesus, an imposing building attached to the Sé Nova de Coimbra. You’ll also want to explore the emblematic University of Coimbra, an unmissable place for any visitor in the city. A UNESCO World Heritage site, it offers guided tours that allow visitors to learn about its history and architecture.

To be amazed by Coimbra, you can visit Penedo da Saudade, a local that epitomizes the city’s spirit and uniqueness. Here, visitors can encounter tombstones adorned with poems, reminiscent of the academic days of various university members.

If you prefer contact with nature, you must-visit the Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra. A living museum spanning 12 hectares, where the presence of diverse collections of plants, some centuries-old, transport us to various regions of the world.
If you are more interested in a stroll along the river, you can choose to visit Parque Verde, where picnic tables and several cafes are available.

Concluding your journey,, visit Quinta das Lágrimas Park, located on the left bank of the Mondego River. The garden is renowned for its tragic love story, associated with the romantic legend of D. Pedro and D. Inês de Castro.

You can also visit:
Joanina Library
Seminário Maior de Coimbra
Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova
Escadas de Minerva
Exploratório – Centro Ciência Viva de Coimbra (science center)
Church of Santa Cruz
Sereia Garden
Choupal National Forest
Vale de Canas Viewpoint
Geophysical and Astronomical Observatory of the University of Coimbra
Rebolim River Beach

Coimbra is a charming city, with much to offer. It stands as an ideal destination for those in pursuit of a distinctive cultural and historical experience.

Tip: The Coimbra Cultural Card grants free access to various city attractions, including the University, Colégio de Jesus and Sé Velha.

Activities to explore in Coimbra:
a vibrant city!

Coimbra, steeped in tradition, captivates with its stunning architectural feats, the intricate lanes of its historic centre, and the lush nature that envelops it. Entering Coimbra brings you to the welcoming Largo da Portagem, just beyond the Santa Clara Bridge. Along Rua Ferreira Borges, a plethora of restaurants and cafés offer a taste of local culinary gems.

Venture through the Arco de Almedina, an integral part of the city’s ancient fortifications and a gateway to the elevated Alta de Coimbra. It’s common here to encounter university students adorned in their iconic capes, a silent homage to the revered traditions of their institution. The ascent through Quebra-Costas, a notably scenic street, leads to the historic Sé Velha and onwards to the prestigious University of Coimbra. Here, the Chapel of São Miguel, Paço das Escolas, the University Tower, and the New Cathedral stand as testaments to the city’s scholarly and architectural heritage.

Descending the Monumental Stairs, Praça da República awaits with its gastronomic offerings. For an authentic touch of Coimbra’s essence, dine in venues where the hauntingly beautiful Fado music enhances the experience.

The Mondego River’s banks present idyllic settings for leisure and sport. Embrace tranquillity with a gentle boat ride or seek thrills by kayaking through the river’s embrace.

The surrounding Serra da Lousã is a haven for trail running and downhill biking, offering adventurous souls the chance to engage with nature’s grandeur.

Coimbra’s every corner is a narrative of historical splendour. From the Roman Ruins of Conímbriga, echoing tales of ancient empires, to the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova, chronicling epochs of spiritual dedication, the city is a living museum.

In Coimbra, each street weaves a tale, each monument a chapter of Portugal’s rich cultural tapestry. Dive into the essence of this remarkable city and let its cultural, historical, and natural beauty envelop you.

The Culinary Delights of Coimbra - A true treasure, where every dish tells a story

Coimbra’s cuisine is a tapestry of flavours, each dish narrating its own story, deeply rooted in the city’s rich historical and geographical backdrop. Known for its culinary heritage, Coimbra boasts signature dishes like chanfana and leitão assado à moda da Bairrada, which have garnered acclaim far and wide.

Chanfana, a quintessential dish from Coimbra, is a sumptuous stew made from goat or lamb, marinated and slow-cooked in a rich blend of red wine, garlic, onions, bay leaves, and aromatic spices. This robust and savoury meal is traditionally paired with boiled potatoes or rice, offering a taste of local comfort food at its best.

Leitão assado à moda da Bairrada, another regional speciality, features succulently roasted suckling pig, infused with a medley of herbs, creating a dish celebrated as one of Portugal’s culinary treasures.

To fully immerse in the Coimbra dining tradition, a meal in one of Alta de Coimbra’s traditional restaurants is a must, where the soulful melodies of live Fado music enhance the dining experience, making it an emotionally charged and memorable feast.

For those with a penchant for sweets, the Pastéis de Santa Clara and the delectable pastries and queijadas from Tentúgal are not to be missed. These confections are a testament to the region’s pastry prowess, offering a burst of authentic and distinctive flavours. The Nevadas de Penacova and the queijadas from Pereira also stand out as regional favourites, worthy of sampling.

Wine enthusiasts will delight in the Coimbra Region’s vineyards, where guided tours and tastings introduce the finest local grape varieties. This oenological journey complements the gastronomic exploration, rounding off the Coimbra culinary experience.

Explore the surroundings of the city

The vicinity of Coimbra captivates with its stunning landscapes, exhilarating adventures, and historical sites that whisk you back to the era of its ancient inhabitants.

Delve into the past at Conímbriga, where the remnants of a Roman metropolis lie alongside a comprehensive archaeological museum, offering a glimpse into a bygone civilization. The Schist Villages, particularly the charming hamlet of Talasnal in the Serra da Lousã, showcase traditional schist stone architecture, harmonizing with the natural beauty of the surroundings.

A highlight of the region is the Trevim Swing, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Serra da Lousã’s verdant valleys. It’s an idyllic spot for witnessing spectacular sunsets. The nearby Castle of Arouce, a medieval fortress, marks an ancient defensive boundary pivotal to the region’s history.

Summer visitors will find solace in the serene river beaches such as Nossa Senhora da Piedade, Canaveias, and Segade, perfect for a refreshing escape from the warmth.

A short journey from Coimbra, the medieval stronghold of Montemor-o-Velho awaits, surrounded by its historically rich centre, offering a stroll through time among well-preserved streets and monuments.

The Lorvão Monastery, with roots stretching back to the 6th century, and the majestic Bussaco National Forest, complete with walking trails, a café at the Esplanade da Mata, and the iconic Bussaco Palace—built by King D. Carlos I as a royal retreat—offer unique insights into Portugal’s royal and religious heritage.

The Coimbra region, with its rich tapestry of cultural, culinary, and experiential offerings, leaves a lasting impression on all who explore its diverse landscapes and historical treasures.