2026 Coimbra Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (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. 😍

The University of Coimbra, a World Cultural Heritage Site, is a public university located in Coimbra, Portugal. It is the oldest university in Portugal and one of the oldest universities in the world. Founded in 1290, the University of Coimbra is the oldest university in Portugal and a historic institution of higher learning on the Iberian Peninsula. It was established only 70 years later than the first university in Spain, the University of Salamanca (founded in 1218). The ancient capital of Coimbra, where the University of Coimbra is located, is located north of the capital Lisbon and was the capital of Portugal from 1139 to 1260. The university has eight faculties: covering multiple academic fields including arts, engineering, humanities, mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, sports and technology, and can award three degree levels: bachelor's, master's and doctoral. The University of Coimbra is also the birthplace and one of the founders of the Coimbra Group. #Overseas Travel #Portugal Travel #Portugal #University #World Heritage #World Cultural Heritage #World Heritage Tour #River #Ancient City #Portugal #University #unesco #unescoworldheritage #University of Coimbra #University of Coimbra

Coimbra is a must-visit town between Lisbon and Porto on your trip to Portugal. Home to Portugal's oldest university, this picturesque city of history and hilly streets is a sight to behold. 📍The Magic of Coimbra's Day and Night 🎓 A City Where You Can Meet Wizards? Students at the University of Coimbra wear traditional black cloaks (traje). The sight of these cloaked students strolling the cobblestone alleys is like something straight out of Harry Potter! Rumor has it that J.K. Rowling even got inspiration for her writing here, creating a magical worldview. ☀️ The Sunlit White-Walled Streets Start your lunchtime stroll along the main street, Ferreira Borges Street. Looking up from Santa Clara Bridge, the hilltop street sparkles in the sunlight, creating a dazzling contrast with the blue sky. The historic azulejo walls and the sounds of bustling cafes will make your heart leap. 🌇 Orange Sunset At dusk, the city takes on a different face. The white walls are dyed orange by the setting sun, and the surface of the Mondego River sparkles. Looking down on the city from the hilltop, you might even hear the melancholic voices of "Coimbra Fado" and the sounds of guitar. 🌙 Silent Night And at night, the city is enveloped in a deep blue, almost like another world. The city lights reflected on the river and the slender moon gently illuminate the end of your journey. The train ride from Lisbon or Porto takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. While it's possible to visit as a day trip, we recommend a relaxing overnight stay to truly experience the beautiful transition between day and night. 🕰️ #Coimbra #Portugal #PortugalTrip #Coimbra #WorldHeritage #UniversityofCoimbra #HarryPotter #StunningView #EuropeTrip #CityWalk #Sunset #NightView #Portugal #OverseasTravel

When visiting Coimbra, besides the magnificent golden library, you absolutely cannot miss the large square (Paço das Escolas) outside! The view from here is incredibly expansive, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the entire city's orange-roofed hills. We highly recommend spending some time taking photos by the fence in the square after visiting the library; in good lighting, every shot will look postcard-perfect! ☀️ 💡 1. Photography is not allowed inside the library, so save your photo opportunities for the square! 2. It's very windy here (really very windy), so remember to wear your hat! 3. Entry to the square is free; only entering the buildings requires an entrance fee. #PortugalTravelGuide #Coimbra #TravelPhotography #EuropeTravel #HotSpot

#falladventures The Church of St. Peter in Cadipietra, a village in the Ahrntal valley of South Tyrol, Italy. Historically, it was the most important church in the surrounding villages. The church is situated in a pit about 5 meters deep and was often inaccessible due to flooding from the nearby Rio Nero stream. It had to be uncovered repeatedly and was eventually protected by a stone wall.

#hellohalloween #coimbra Coimbra, Portugal's historic university city, blends medieval charm with eerie vibes perfect for Halloween 2025. While not a massive Halloween hub like Lisbon or Porto, expect growing events like costumed street parties, ghost tours in ancient alleys, and university fado nights with a spooky twist. On Oct 31, join locals for pumpkin-lit walks and themed bar crawls. Dive into these top 5 attractions for a chilling adventure: 1. University of Coimbra & Joanina Library: Ascend the hill to this UNESCO site, Europe's oldest university. The opulent 18th-c. library, with 300k ancient tomes guarded by bats, feels like a vampire's lair. Halloween tip: Book a twilight tour for shadowy halls echoing with student ghosts. 2. Sé Velha (Old Cathedral): This 12th-c. Romanesque fortress-cathedral hides crypts and relics from crusades. Its dim nave and gargoyle-adorned facade scream gothic horror. Join a Halloween vespers service for haunting chants under flickering candles. 3. Quinta das Lágrimas Gardens: Wander these romantic 14th-c. gardens where tragic lovers Inês and Pedro met their doom—bloodstains mark the fountain. Lush paths and ruins evoke a ghostly romance. At dusk on Halloween, expect lantern-lit storytelling of eternal hauntings. 4. Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha: A 14th-c. riverside monastery swallowed by floods, now a spectral ruin with Gothic arches and watery graves. Eerie acoustics amplify whispers. Perfect for a midnight Halloween vigil, blending history with supernatural shivers. 5. Portugal dos Pequenitos: This whimsical mini-Portugal park turns uncanny at night—tiny cathedrals and castles lit like dollhouse horrors. Families love daytime fun, but Halloween brings costumed giants and trick-or-treat illusions.

October 2, 2025 I used Coimbra Station B. I traveled from Rispão to Coimbra Station B by Portuguese Railways. The train from Coimbra Station B to Coimbra Station (Central) is currently suspended, so I took a free bus from in front of the station. I arrived in Coimbra in about 5 minutes. #PortugalTrip #Coimbra #PortugueseRailways

Coimbra University, the oldest university in Europe.

We visited João dos Leitões, a popular local restaurant. We ordered the "Dose" (single portion) and enjoyed it with soup, bread, lemonade, and white wine. The soup was especially delicious and the perfect start to the meal. ✨ The main course of meat was exquisite, with fragrant skin and juicy meat. The accompanying sauce was especially flavorful with pepper—I absolutely loved it! We arrived just before 12 o'clock, but they only served sandwiches at that time. They kindly told us to come back at 12:00. When we returned after strolling around the neighborhood, they greeted us with a smile and a very warm atmosphere. It was so busy that it filled up quickly between 12:00 and 13:00 on weekdays, so we recommend going around 12:00 to shorten the wait! 👉 If you're looking for authentic Leitão in Coimbra, this is the place to go. #Tripcom #Coimbra #Portugal #PortugueseFood #Leitão #GourmetTrip #PortugalTrip #Coimbra

The Jardim Botanico da Universidade de Coimbra, attached to the University of Coimbra, is a 13-hectare botanical garden founded in the 18th century. Its vast expanse of greenery and free admission are its charms. ✨ The gardens are located on an elevated area, so you may have to walk quite a bit uphill to get there, but a leisurely stroll between sightseeing sessions is a great way to get some exercise. In addition to well-organized gardens, fountains, and quiet pathways, there's also a large bamboo grove, rare in Europe. The atmosphere changes dramatically as you stroll, making this a fascinating spot. This is a recommended spot for experiencing nature and relaxation in this historic university city. Just spending 30 minutes to an hour here will refresh you from the fatigue of travel. 🌿 ⸻ #Coimbra #JardimBotanico #BotanicalGardenWalk #FreeAdmission #PortugalTrip #HiddenGem

#mytraveldiary Steeped in scholarly tradition, poetic beauty, and haunting Fado music, Coimbra—home to one of Europe’s oldest universities—is a city that captures your heart with its hilltop views, historic lanes, and youthful yet timeless charm. Perfect for solo travelers who love culture, contemplation, and cobblestone magic. My Solo Itinerary: · Morning – University Majesty & Library Dreams: Climbed up to the University of Coimbra, wandered the grand Paço das Escolas courtyard, and stood in awe inside the Joanina Library—a baroque masterpiece filled with golden detail and ancient books. Touched the Capela de São Miguel’s ornate organ and soaked in views from the clock tower. · Afternoon – Old Town Secrets & Botanic Beauty: Got lost in the Sé Velha (Old Cathedral) and the labyrinthine alleys of Almedina. Strolled through the lush Botanical Garden, one of the oldest in Portugal, with its serene greenhouses and hidden trails—a perfect solo recharge spot. · Evening – Fado & River Serenity: Experienced an intimate Fado de Coimbra performance (often held in historic chapels or cultural associations). Walked along the Mondego River at dusk and crossed the Pedro e Inês Bridge, lit beautifully after dark. Top Tips for Solo Travelers: · Wear Comfortable Shoes: Coimbra is a city of steep hills and staircases—worth every step for the views! · Stay in Baixa or near the University: Central, atmospheric, and full of affordable guesthouses and cafés. · Try Local Sweets: Pastéis de Santa Clara and Arrufadas de Coimbra are must-tries. · Ride the “Elevador do Mercado”: A free elevator that connects the lower town to the upper historic area—saves your legs! Coimbra feels like an open-air museum with a student heartbeat. It’s scholarly, soulful, and made for wandering alone with wonder. --- Hashtags: #SoloCoimbra #PortugalSolo #UniversityCity #FadoAndStone #TravelWithHeart

Coimbra is a city nurtured by academia and music. It was once the ancient capital of Portugal and is now famous for the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in Europe. 🎓 University of Coimbra: Stepping onto the campus feels like traveling through time. The Baroque-style Biblioteca Joanina is the crown jewel of the university, with gilded wood carvings and ancient books exuding solemnity and mystery. 🎶 Fado de Coimbra: Unlike the passionate version in Lisbon, the fado here is more heartfelt and scholarly, often performed by students dressed in black cloaks, creating a unique atmosphere. 🌉 Strolling along the Mondego River, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city’s layered red-tiled rooftops. 🌿 The quiet and winding alleys of the city, along with cafes, bookstores, and cobblestone streets, create a distinctive academic city vibe. ✨Tips •🎟️ Tickets for Biblioteca Joanina are limited, so it’s recommended to book in advance. •👟 The city is built on hills with many slopes, so remember to wear comfortable shoes. •🎶 To experience authentic Coimbra fado, choose a small music hall in the old town. •📷 Best spot for city photos: the opposite bank of the Mondego River. •🍴 Recommended to try the local roast suckling pig (Leitão) and Portuguese egg tarts.

📅 Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Coimbra, stroll through the historic University of Coimbra (UNESCO site), visit the stunning Joanina Library and climb the tower for city views. Evening walk along the Mondego River. Day 2: Explore the Old Cathedral (Sé Velha), wander the narrow medieval streets, and visit the Santa Clara-a-Velha Monastery. Afternoon at the Botanical Garden and relax in Praça da República with a coffee. In the evening, enjoy Fado ao Centro to hear traditional Coimbra fado music. Day 3 (departure): Breakfast in the city center, quick stop at Pedro e Inês footbridge, and pick up souvenirs before heading out. 🏨 Accommodation Stay in a boutique hotel or guesthouse in the old town — easy walking distance to main attractions. Many have charming views over the river or the university hill. 🍴 Food Recommendations • Loggia (inside Machado de Castro Museum) for traditional dishes with a modern touch. • Ze Manel dos Ossos for authentic Portuguese flavors. • Try local pastries like Pastel de Tentúgal or Arrufadas (sweet bread). 📌 Tips • Wear comfortable shoes — Coimbra is hilly with cobblestone streets. • Book university/library tickets in advance (they sell out quickly). • Evening Fado in Coimbra is unique (different from Lisbon) — don’t miss it! • Taxis and Bolt are available, but most sights are walkable

📅 Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Coimbra and rest at the hotel Day 2: Train from Coimbra to Lisbon Day 3: Sadly, leave Coimbra and head to Santiago 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations 🍴 Restaurant Recommendations 📌 Useful Tips: Nothing to See

📅 Itinerary Day1： Day2: Day3: 🏨 Accommodation 🍴 Food Recommendations 📌 Tips

#postandearn #localguides Tucked behind the historic halls of Coimbra University, the Botanical Garden is one of Portugal’s oldest and most important scientific gardens, dating back to 1772. Spread over 13 hectares, this peaceful haven blends natural beauty, academic heritage, and global plant diversity. Stroll through shaded pathways, terraced gardens, bamboo forests, and tropical greenhouses. Each section reveals something new — from Mediterranean herbs and towering palm trees to exotic species collected from Asia, Africa, and the Americas. More than a beautiful place, the garden has long served as a center for botanical research and education. It’s where nature lovers, students, and quiet wanderers all find common ground. 📍 Location: Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, Coimbra, Portugal 🌟 Tip: Don’t miss the 19th-century greenhouse, and be sure to walk down to the Lower Garden — it’s a hidden paradise of peace and shade. #JardimBotânicoCoimbra #CoimbraUniversity #PortugalNature #HistoricGardens #BotanicalHeritage #GreenEscape #UNESCOWorldHeritage #PortugalTravel #CoimbraSecrets #AcademicHeritage #BotanicalWonder #HiddenPortugal #TravelSlowly #WanderInNature #CoimbraExperience

🏛️ Must-visit attractions 1️⃣ University of Coimbra Biblioteca Joanina: The Baroque Golden House has 50,000 books, and bats are used to protect ancient books (no photography allowed) Tickets: €12.5 (including university tour) University Bell Tower (Torre da Universidade): Climb to the top to overlook the red-roofed city 2️⃣ Old Cathedral (Sé Velha) Romanesque fortress church: stone-carved "Crucifixion Gate" and Arabic-style cloisters Secret: The basement contains the 14th-century bishop's tomb 3️⃣ Stroll along the Mondego River Ponte de Santa Clara: the best spot to take photos of the university skyline Portugal dos Pequenitos: a childlike version of the Portuguese landmark miniature park 4️⃣ Fado experience Fado ao Centro: Small concerts at 18:00 every day (€10), student-style Fado is different from Lisbon 📜 Unique cultural experience 1️⃣ Academic tradition Black robes (Capas e Batinas): Students need to wear black robes before graduation, and use the color of the ribbon to distinguish between departments (law = red, medicine = yellow) Fado de Coimbra: Sad love songs sung by male students, often improvised on the stairs at night 2️⃣ Hidden alleys Rua Quebra Costas: Retro bookstores and Fado clubs are hidden on both sides of the "Brokeback Stairs" #Sign up for tripbest July hotel tester

#backpackeressentials Portugal’s medieval gem is more than just a university town — it’s perfect for backpackers chasing culture, charm, and cheap eats! 🏰 Top Attractions You Can’t Miss: 📚 University of Coimbra – One of the oldest in Europe! Don’t miss the stunning Joanina Library (entry ~€10) 🌉 Santa Clara-a-Velha Monastery – Atmospheric ruins across the river (€4 or free with student card!) 🌳 Jardim Botânico da Universidade – A peaceful free escape filled with rare plants ⛪ Sé Velha (Old Cathedral) – Romanesque beauty worth a quick visit 🛶 Chill by the Mondego River, or hike up to panoramic viewpoints around Alta 🎒 Backpacker Essentials 🛏️ Stay in hostels near the university or downtown – Walkable, central, and cheap (avg. €20–30/night) 🥘 Eat at student cafés & tascas – Look for “prato do dia” (dish of the day) menus for meals under €7! 🚶 Walking shoes – Coimbra is hilly and full of charming cobbled streets 🧴 Water bottle – Fill up at public fountains (safe to drink) 🧳 Light layers – Even summer nights can cool off; bring a sweater 💡 Money-Saving Tips: 🎟️ Ask for student/youth discounts – Coimbra is a student city, and many attractions offer reduced prices 🕰️ Visit during the Queima das Fitas festival (May) for unique experiences — just book early! 📱 Use Comboios de Portugal (CP) train deals to reach Coimbra from Porto or Lisbon at reduced rates 🎶 Look out for free Fado shows or music nights at university bars

📅 Itinerary Step into the heart of Portugal and discover Coimbra, a UNESCO-listed university town rich in history, charm, and tradition. 🕰️ Begin your day at Largo da Portagem, the perfect gateway into the city’s historic core. Wander through the Torre de Almedina and Porta de Barbacã, remnants of Coimbra’s medieval walls. ⛪ Don’t miss the Church of Santa Cruz, resting place of Portugal’s first kings, and take a moment to admire its stunning pipe organ. 💧 From there, stroll over to the elegant Fonte de Manga, a hidden Baroque fountain oasis. 🏰 Continue your journey to two iconic cathedrals — the Sé Nova, with its majestic Jesuit design, and the Sé Velha, a fortress-like Romanesque beauty. 📚 No trip to Coimbra is complete without visiting its crown jewel: the University of Coimbra, founded in 1290. The highlight? The breathtaking Joanina Library, a Baroque library that houses vast collection of books dating from the 16th to 18th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 🌙 As night falls, take a quiet walk past the illuminated Roman Aqueduct at the outskirts. 🏨 Accommodation We stayed at ibis style centro. It is affordable and right smack in the middle of everything, thus making it easy to walk to places of interests and restaurants. 🍴 Food Recommendations Food is everywhere in Coimbra considered it’s a university town full of students. You will have food ranging from fast foods like Burger King, to bubble tea and ice cream shops. There’s 1 restaurant which stood out for me, which is Taberna Laura. The Chanfana is very delicious. The waiter is also very patient with us and explained the dishes that we were not familiar with. It’s so good we went back a second time. 📌 Tips We went there during May when the temperature is down, but it is still like an oven. There is not much sheltered area so please bring along a cap and sunblock. I was almost burnt even after putting on sunblock. For the library of Joanina, please book tickets way in advance and choose the later afternoon time slots as those are not very popular if you want to avoid the crowd. #travel #portugal #coimbra

This time we will introduce Coimbra, Portugal! This is a popular tourist destination in the city, third after Lisbon and Porto. Portage Square is the starting point for exploring Coimbra, and is located less than a 10-minute walk from Coimbra Station. The cathedral and monastery are within a 10-minute walk from this square. 『Largo da Portagem』 📍Location: Largo da Portagem, 3000-337 Coimbra, Portugal Coimbra is a compact city and very easy to explore, so we recommend it! #Spring0yenTrip

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, I'll be introducing the "São Miguel Chapel" located inside the University of Coimbra in Portugal. The entrance to this chapel is beautifully decorated, with intricate carvings. 👌The interior ceiling murals were a wonderful way to experience Portugal's historic past. How to Visit: ☑️ It's compact and easy to see, so be sure to check it out. There was no wait time. 📍Location: R. Dr. Guilherme Moreira 10, 3000-210 Coimbra, Portugal #0YenTravel February 2025

#NewYearNewTrip Coimbra is a city located in central Portugal and is considered one of the cities with a long history and very interesting culture. For example, the University of Coimbra is one of the oldest universities in Europe. This university is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, the Palacio da Bolsa is a palace with beautiful architecture, and the Café Santa Cruz is an old café in the city center. Therefore, it is another city that we consider to be a city that we visited during our trip. #coimbra #portugal #portugaltravel #europe #europetravel

Konpeito (confetti candy) is sold at long-established confectionery stores in Japan. Did you know that it originated from Portugal? I was surprised to learn that konpeito (confetti candy) comes from the Portuguese word "confeito"!! There is a shop that still makes confetti using traditional methods. It's called Pastelaria Briosa and is located in the ancient city of Coimbra. The inside of the shop is a normal cafe, but you can buy bags of confetti. If you like confetti, please stop by. 🍬Store name: Pastelaria Briosa 📍Location: Largo da Portagem 5, 3000-180 Coimbra 🕰️Opening hours: 7:00~21:00 🚉Access: From Largo da Portagem, turn into Ferreira Borges Street and you'll find it on the right! #Sweets #Europe #Places with a historical feel #Tourism #0 yen trip February 2025

I'd like to introduce you to the University of Coimbra - Alta and Sofia, the oldest and most prestigious university in Portugal, known as one of the leading universities in Europe. ✨ The hill on which the university is located is called the "Alta District," and the area down the hill from the university, lined with shopping streets and other establishments, is called the "Sofia District." If you come to Coimbra University, there is a spot you definitely want to visit! It's the "João V Library" 🌟 Also known as the "Golden Library," it is said to have gorgeous bookshelves and ceiling murals that shine with gold!! ! I was unlucky and couldn't go inside, but if you have the chance, I recommend you take a look at it!! ! There is also a corridor called the "Latin Corridor," where only Latin was spoken in the past! Although it is a university, it is a tourist spot full of things to see◎ 🎓Spot name University of Coimbra - Alta and Sofia 📍Location: Universidade de Coimbra Paco das Escolas 3004-531 Coimbra 🚉Access: *About 2 hours from Lisbon. Take the train from Lisboa Santa Apolónia station and get off at Coimbra-B station. Take the local line to Coimbra station. You can arrive at the university by bus or on foot in about 15 minutes! #EuropeTravel #Portugal #Coimbra #0yenTripFebruary2025

#JanuaryGoodPlaces2025 Coimbra, Portugal, is a city full of culture. The most famous university here is the University of Coimbra, the oldest university in Portugal, which has the most beautiful library in Portugal. We also went to the National Forest Park, which was very beautiful and we could walk for a long time. The ancient city of Coimbra is also extremely beautiful, and it is great to take photos everywhere. Figure 1 University of Coimbra Figure 2 Waterway Bridge Figure 3-4 National Forest Park Figure 5-8 Coimbra Ancient City #Portugal #Coimbra #Ancient Monuments #Natural Scenery Exploration

This monastery is located in a lively square where tourists gather, and when you open the door, you will be enchanted by the beautiful azulejos❣️⁡ And the organ that gives you a sense of history is also worth seeing✨ ⁡ If you want to see the entire monastery, you will need to pay an entrance fee, and it will take a fair amount of time, so if you can take your time, please go inside🚶⁡ ⁡ I only had half a day in Coimbra, so I only visited the free area, but it was so beautiful that I'm glad I saw it😊 There are a lot of tourists outside, but it's very quiet here💡 ⁡ Please go and check it out🎵⁡ ⁡ ⋈ ････Spot details･････････ ⋈⁡ Entry time: 9:30-16:30⁡ Closed days: None⁡ #tripOverseas travel#European travel #Portugal travel #Portugal #Girls trip #trip