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

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.

#cityplaybook #familytrip #localguides #postandearn Nestled on the banks of the Mondego River, Coimbra is a city that feels like a song—ancient, poetic, and unexpectedly powerful. Once the capital of Portugal, it is now best known for being home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, and it carries that academic pride with elegance and charm. My time in Coimbra felt like stepping into a living museum, but with the soul of a student town. The University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is absolutely breathtaking. The Joanina Library left me speechless—its baroque architecture, ancient tomes, and whisper-quiet ambiance are nothing short of magical. I imagined centuries of scholars pouring over books here, shaping Portuguese culture. What moved me most, though, was the fado of Coimbra. Unlike the fado in Lisbon, this version is sung only by men, often students, and accompanied by the Portuguese guitar. I listened to it in a small courtyard, candlelight flickering on stone walls—melancholic, soulful, unforgettable. Strolling through Alta (the upper town) felt like walking through time—narrow cobblestone alleys, hidden staircases, and viewpoints that opened up to stunning vistas of the city and river. Baixa (the lower town), on the other hand, was lively with cafes, bookstores, and pastelaria shops where I enjoyed pastéis de nata and strong coffee. Best Time to Visit: Spring (April–June) and early fall (September–October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. May is especially vibrant due to Queima das Fitas, a student celebration full of tradition and color. Travel Tips: Wear comfortable shoes—the city is hilly! Don’t miss Sé Velha (Old Cathedral) and Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha. Enjoy a sunset walk along the Mondego River promenade. Location: Coimbra, Portugal #CoimbraMagic #PortugalUncovered #UniversityOfCoimbra #JoaninaLibrary #FadoDeCoimbra #HiddenGemsPortugal #MondegoViews #PortugueseHeritage #CoimbraVibes #TravelPortugal

Coimbra is a historic city located in central Portugal, and is the third largest city in Portugal after Lisbon and Porto. 💡⁡ ⁡ It was the capital of Portugal from 1131 to 1255, and is famous for being the home of Portugal's oldest university, so the main purpose of tourists is to see the university and visit the Joanie Library inside the university, but personally I also recommend walking around the back alleys. 😊⁡ ⁡ There are few tourists in the back alleys, so you can take your time looking at the cute townscape and enjoy the wonderful Coimbra that only people who live there know. 👍⁡ ⁡ Please go and check it out. 🎵 #tripoverseastravel #girlstrip #europetrip #portugal

This time, we will introduce the Old Cathedral of Coimbra in Portugal. The historical buildings in the old town are very impressive and have a high sense of artistry. The area is very large, so there is a lot to see. If you want to take your time, it's best to visit with plenty of time. The entrance fee was reasonable at 2.5€. Please go and check it out! 📍Location: Largo da Sé Velha, 3000-383 Coimbra, Portugal #0 yen trip February 2025

There is such a beautiful university! This is the University of Coimbra in Portugal. The cityscape centered around the university buildings here is a World Heritage Site. Coimbra University is the oldest university in Europe and a prestigious national university where many students still attend, but it is also a popular tourist spot where you can visit the library and other facilities. It may be difficult to get to on your own, so if you want to go inside, try looking for a tour and signing up. You can enjoy just the exterior👍 📍Location: Portugal 〒3004-531, Coimbra #0 yen trip February 2025

#getgoing2025 Coimbra University & Library One of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Coimbra is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of Portugal's academic history. Its stunning library, the Biblioteca Joanina, is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, with ornate gilded shelves and intricate painted ceilings. The university's historic buildings, courtyards, and gardens offer a glimpse into Portugal's intellectual and cultural heritage. Climbing the university tower provides panoramic views of the city.

Coimbra University, founded in 1290 and one of the oldest universities in Europe, is located on a hill, so you have to go up using slopes and stairs.⁡ You can see a spectacular view when you look back, so I recommend visiting it while walking around the city slowly.🚶⁡ ⁡ One of the highlights here is the Joanina Library, but since I only had half a day in Coimbra, I just walked around the university grounds without entering, but I still enjoyed it.😊⁡ ⁡ Coimbra, including this university, and the surrounding Alta and Sofia districts are World Heritage Sites.💡⁡ ⁡ You can access it from Porto by train, so please go and check it out.🎵⁡ ⁡ ⋈ ････Spot details･････････ ⋈⁡ ⁡ Opening hours: 24 hours⁡ Closed days: None #tripoverseastravel#Portugal #Portugaltrip #Europe #Europetrip #Girlstrip #Coimbra

#2024mapped #coimbra #portugal #restaurant This summer, I had the pleasure of dining at Bixos, the restaurant at Zero Box Lodge in Coimbra, and it was such a treat! The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with a relaxed yet stylish vibe. The food was fantastic—each dish was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The staff was attentive and friendly, making the whole experience even more enjoyable. It was the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring Coimbra, and I definitely left feeling satisfied and happy.

#2024mapped #portugal #coimbra Zero Box Lodge in Coimbra offers a unique, modern experience with a focus on comfort and innovation. The rooms are minimalist but well-designed, featuring cozy beds, high-tech amenities, and private “boxes” for a private and quirky feel. The staff is friendly, and the location is perfect for exploring Coimbra’s historic sites. While the rooms may be small, the overall vibe is sleek and functional, making it a great choice for travelers looking for something different and affordable. It’s a fun, futuristic twist on the traditional hotel experience.

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

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.