Coimbra walking tour & city guide
Portugal's historic university city on a hill.
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Coimbra was Portugal's capital in the Middle Ages and is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, founded in 1290. The city climbs a hill above the Mondego River, crowned by the university, and student traditions still shape its daily life.
The University of Coimbra
The University of Coimbra moved permanently to its hilltop site in the former royal palace in 1537, and its historic buildings are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Highlights include the Biblioteca Joanina, a baroque library of gilded wood that is home to a colony of bats that protect the books from insects, and the São Miguel Chapel.
Students still wear traditional black capes, and in May the Queima das Fitas festival celebrates the end of the academic year with parades and music.
Walking the old town
From the university, the steep streets of the Alta, the upper town, lead down through the medieval Arco de Almedina gate to the Baixa, the lower town. Along the way, the Sé Velha, the Old Cathedral, is one of the finest Romanesque buildings in Portugal.
In the lower town, the Monastery of Santa Cruz holds the tombs of Portugal's first two kings. Coimbra has its own style of fado, sung by men in student capes, and small venues near the old cathedral host evening performances.
Visiting tips
Coimbra lies between Lisbon and Porto, about an hour from Porto by fast train, making it an easy stop. Book tickets for the Joanina Library in advance, as visits are timed. Across the river, the Quinta das Lágrimas gardens are linked to the tragic love story of Pedro and Inês.
Top sights in Coimbra
- 1
University of Coimbra
One of Europe's oldest universities, on a hilltop.
- 2
Biblioteca Joanina
A spectacular baroque library.
- 3
Sé Velha
The fortress-like Romanesque Old Cathedral.
- 4
Monastery of Santa Cruz
Resting place of Portugal's first kings.
- 5
Arco de Almedina
The medieval gate between the upper and lower town.
- 6
Portugal dos Pequenitos
A miniature park of Portuguese buildings, loved by families.
Food markets & where to eat in Coimbra
Praça 8 de Maio
The square beside the monastery, with café terraces.
Mercado Municipal D. Pedro V
The city's main food market.
Baixa tascas
Small traditional taverns in the lower town's narrow lanes.
Fado venues near the Sé Velha
Enjoy Coimbra fado with a glass of local wine.
Food to try in Coimbra
Chanfana
Goat slowly braised in red wine, a regional specialty.
Leitão da Bairrada
Crispy roast suckling pig from the nearby Bairrada region.
Pastéis de Tentúgal
Delicate, crispy pastries filled with egg cream.
Arrufadas de Coimbra
Sweet traditional bread rolls.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Coimbra
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in CoimbraCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Coimbra.
- eSIM for PortugalStay online from the moment you land.
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