2025 Coimbra Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in February)

Coimbra is a well-preserved medieval city that was the country's capital before Lisbon took over. Coimbra is renowned for its university, which is the oldest in Portugal and one of the oldest in Europe. However, what drew me to this city was not the school, but its architectural style that I fell in love with even before I arrived. Many people take a day trip to Coimbra on their way to Porto or Lisbon, which is feasible, but I recommend staying at least one night to fully experience its charm. Coimbra's old town is small, making it easy to explore on foot. It is a perfect blend of medieval history and colorful architecture. Visiting the University of Coimbra is probably the most popular activity in Coimbra, but they have a magnificent library covered in gold inside, and they also have a great terrace with a view of the city, which I think is worth a visit. Note: Photography is not allowed in the library. Coimbra is hilly, but the slopes are gentle, unlike the steep hills of Lisbon or Porto. For those who are not good at physical activities, there is good public transportation or you can just walk slowly. In many cases, you have the opportunity to stop, sit in a café, enjoy the scenery, and listen to the sounds. The steepest climb might be from the city center to the Old Cathedral (13th century) and the university (old campus) along two main routes. Getting to Coimbra is very simple; you just need to take a train from Lisbon to Coimbra. The journey takes less than 2 hours. When visiting Portugal, most people either fly into Lisbon or Porto, and Coimbra is located between the two, making it easily accessible by train. This is why I mentioned that many people stop in Coimbra on their way to these two major cities.

When visiting Coimbra City, Portugal 🇵🇹, you must find the way to the city center and enjoy your lunch at ‘Restaurante Zé Manel dos Ossos’. Tasty food in the traditional environment of the Students city. 😍

#2024mapped #coimbra #portugal Coimbra at night has a special kind of magic. The city transforms, with the narrow streets bathed in the soft glow of streetlights, creating a peaceful and almost nostalgic atmosphere. Walking through the cobblestone streets at night feels like stepping into a different era, with the beautiful architecture casting long shadows and the occasional sound of footsteps echoing off the walls. It’s calm, charming, and the perfect way to see Coimbra from a new perspective.

#2024mapped #koreanfood #coimbra #portugal During my summer trip to Coimbra, I had the chance to dine at Gangnam, a Korean restaurant that truly stood out. The moment I walked in, I was greeted with a cozy, modern vibe that made me feel right at home. The service was friendly and attentive, and the atmosphere was relaxed, making it a perfect spot for a laid-back meal. If you’re craving Korean food in Coimbra, Gangnam is definitely worth a visit! One of the best experiences during my escape 🤩

#2024mapped #portugal #coimbra #streets Wandering through the narrow streets of Coimbra this summer was such a memorable experience. Each turn seemed to reveal something new—charming cobblestone alleys, colorful buildings with tiled facades, and hidden courtyards full of character. It felt like stepping back in time, especially with the old-world architecture and quiet, peaceful vibes. I loved getting lost in the maze of streets, discovering little cafés and shops tucked away from the main tourist spots. There was something magical about the way the city’s history seemed to come alive in those winding paths. It was a perfect way to soak in the soul of Coimbra.

A garden

Coimbra, nestled along the banks of the Mondego River in central Portugal, is a city steeped in history and academic prestige. Known for its ancient university, one of the oldest in Europe, Coimbra offers a blend of historical charm, vibrant student life, and rich cultural heritage. What to Expect Visitors to Coimbra will find a city that beautifully combines the past and the present. The hilltop University of Coimbra dominates the cityscape, with its impressive buildings and historical significance. The narrow, winding streets of the old town are filled with traditional Fado music, quaint shops, and centuries-old architecture. Experiences and Recommendations A visit to the University of Coimbra is essential. The Joanina Library, a baroque masterpiece, houses thousands of rare books and is often considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. The university's Chapel of São Miguel and the Royal Palace are also notable attractions that showcase the institution's rich history. Exploring the old town reveals the Sé Velha (Old Cathedral), a Romanesque structure that has stood the test of time. Nearby, the Sé Nova (New Cathedral) reflects the city's enduring religious significance. For a peaceful retreat, wander through the Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest in Portugal. In the evening, experience traditional Coimbra Fado, a unique style of Fado music performed by male students, which tells tales of love and longing. The Fado ao Centro is a great place to enjoy an authentic performance. #mytravelhacks#historicallandmarks#localguides

#cherryblossom2024 Coimbra is known for the university vibes. But it is more than that. You can spot the fusion between new and old, modern and historical everywhere. 🏫 Of course you have to pay a visit to the university and learn about its importance for Portugal’s history. But if you have time, also explore the gardens, museums, stroll along the river, and of course, explore the food. 😋😋 Coimbra has a different way of preparing some national dishes, so try them there even though you have tried them somewhere else in Portugal. 🐟 You must go to solar do bacalhau, the place is huge and they can prepare any and all kinds of bacalhau (cod fish). So go and explore. 🌟 Another thing you have to try is the “Zé Manel dos Ossos” it is the most iconic restaurant in Coimbra. Super popular but very small. So be prepared to 1 hour queue in average. But honestly, it is worth it. I didn’t want to wait so long, so I went later, about 40min before they close, there was no queue, I was starving, and the service was fast. So going later was a good strategy 🩵 Finally, you probably heard about Fado, traditional music from Portugal. Well, you will learn that Coimbra also has its own way of singing Fado. There are plenty of restaurants with dinner + show. Give it a try. 🎤🎶🖤 #freehotelstay #fado #fadomagic #foodlovers

Coimbra in Portugal is an amazing city near the river, it is a preserved medieval old town and has the 9th oldest university in the world, the historic University of Coimbra. The atmosphere of the city is friendly and welcoming, lots of American tourists and lots of places to try typical Portuguese cuisine. The old centre of the town is picturesque and different at day and night. Beautiful city to explore #Portugal #historical university #historicallandmarks

Coimbra is an autonomous city in Portugal, the fourth largest city center, a city with a rich history and academic atmosphere, carrying the essence of national culture and tradition. 🍠Must-visit attractions University of Coimbra: As the oldest university in Portugal, its architectural complex is listed as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO and is a symbol of the city. University of Coimbra's library: Built in 1717, it is one of the oldest and most magnificent libraries in Portugal. The most famous is its unique rectangular hall, known as the "Grand Reading Room", the top is decorated with exquisite gold wood carvings, and the shelves are filled with a wealth of manuscripts, ancient books and precious documents. Santa Clara-a-Velha Monastery: This monastery was built in the 14th century, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and is also the resting place of St. Clare. New Cathedral or Sé Nova: This Baroque-style cathedral was built in the 18th century, the interior is beautifully decorated, and it is the religious center of Coimbra. Conímbriga Museum: Located near the city, the ancient city site of Capuada, displays archaeological discoveries from the Roman era. Barragem da Aguieira: This dam is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery and is an ideal place for hiking and enjoying lake views. 🍠Recommended food Coimbra’s Broa: This is a traditional cornbread, served with various meats or cheeses, and is one of the local specialties. Queijo de Sicó: This cheese originates from the nearby mountains, has a rich taste, and is a delicious representative of Portuguese cheese. Pastel de Tentúgal: This is a traditional Portuguese pastry made from egg yolk syrup and dough. 🍠Shopping areas Praça do Comércio: This square has various shops and cafes, suitable for strolling and casual shopping.

Same place but different time.

My lunch at the best place

Share your experiences and tips to inspire other travelers. Don't forget to add creative and fun #hashtags to expand your audience and get more reach!

地址－R. da Gala 45, 3000-197 Coimbra, Portugal 葡萄牙乳豬與港式不同，乳豬皮脆而薄，肉質嫩，值得一試！ 另一間 Pedro dos Leitoes 比較熱門及大型的乳豬店 (一般旅行社都會去這間）也嘗試過，而這間 Joao 小店乳豬品質毫不遜色，而且價錢實惠，甜品 rice cake 也很好吃！推薦！ #葡萄牙美食

Must see is library BUT there’s no tickets only to a library., minimum bundle ticket is with lab and church visiting. To justify the high price I think because at the end the tour to visit the library last literally about 20 min. They limit number of people to 60, so everyone enters and leaves at the same time. You get 10 min in first room, another 10 min in the second/main room. They open and close doors just for the group. And for this “great” experience they charge more than 14 eur. Chemical lab was interesting but most of booths don’t function. Church is 3 min visit. It’s just one more church. Very small. Quite a disappointment

Address - coimbra Ambiance/Facilities - Highlights - Avg. Price per Person - Rating -

Coimbra is the jewel of the map of Portugal and the capital before Lisbon. The University of Coimbra has spawned many writers and poets in this country. It has a history of 728 years. It's hard to imagine an old university looking like a palace castle, and the Baroque sculptures attached to the marble faade. The library, science museum and church here are splendid and full of treasures. Walking on the campus, I can see the students wearing the bachelor's uniforms swaying with a youthful smile. When the author of Harry Potter created the masterpiece, he used the shape of the bachelor's robes as the characters in the book. Standing on the heights of the university, you can see the picturesque scenery of Coimbra. How to get there: Take the Portuguese Railway to Coimbra, take a taxi from New Town Railway Station and get off at 5 Euros. If you get down the Old Town Railway Station, you need to take 15 minutes to go uphill. You need to buy tickets to visit the inner hall, you can choose the Royal Palace, St. Michael's Church and the old library package. The price is 12.5 euros / person. It is recommended that after visiting the campus, go to the river in the old town and walk in the picturesque scenery.

Coimbra is really not a famous travel destination, but it is the birthplace of Portuguese and the prototype of the school uniform of the Hogwarts School of Magic in the Harry Potter series. Each college also has its own The college belt, to the graduation season to ignite the college to bring celebrations, is there a plot associated with the Goblet of Fire? The school is fully open, with the St. Joanna Library highly recommended.

The University of Coimbra's UNIVERSIDADE DE COIMBRA was founded in 1290. The university was originally the palace where the first kings of Portugal lived, when it was the capital of the kingdom. In June 2013, UNESCO listed the University of Coimbra as a World Heritage Site. In the Joanna Library, there are more than 300,000 pieces from the 16th to the 18th centuries, which are placed in beautiful sheet metal bookshelves. In the church of St. Michael's, the Baroque-style organ is a highlight. The big clock at the top of the tower will ring every time you go to class. Today, the bell will reverberate on campus. Students sang in Fado: "Coimbra tem mais encanto na hora da despedida!" (Coimbra is even more difficult when you leave!)