Coimbra Getaway: Exploring History, Delighting in Culture

Discover Coimbra: A captivating city where family adventures meet Portuguese culture.

19 July 2023

Coimbra, Portugal offers a delightful family-friendly getaway with its rich history and charm. Explore the city's renowned University of Coimbra, one of the oldest educational institutions in the world, and take a stroll along the picturesque streets lined with vibrant shops and cafes. Embrace the local culture by visiting the captivating Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha and enjoy a relaxing boat ride on the peaceful Mondego River, creating lasting memories for the whole family.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Magical Meandering in Coimbra

  • Check into the charming Hotel Astória, with its vintage vibes and cozy atmosphere, perfect for families.
  • Immerse yourself in history at the University of Coimbra, Portugal's oldest and most prestigious institution.
  • Take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Jardim Botânico, a breathtaking botanical garden filled with exotic plants and hidden nooks.
  • Get lost in the intricate maze-like streets of the historic center, discovering hidden cafes, cozy bookstores, and vibrant street art.
  • Indulge in a hearty dinner at Ze Manel dos Ossos, a rustic local eatery known for its delicious traditional dishes and convivial atmosphere.
Day 2

River Romance and Sweet Serenades

  • Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Café Santa Cruz, a historic café where you can savor mouthwatering pastries amidst beautiful Art Nouveau decor.
  • Embark on a boat trip along the tranquil Mondego River, admiring the picturesque scenery that inspired poets and musicians throughout the centuries.
  • Discover the enchanting beauty of the Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha, a medieval abbey that exudes a mysterious allure.
  • Enjoy a delightful picnic in the scenic Parque Verde do Mondego, surrounded by lush greenery and fragrant flowers.
  • End your trip on a high note with a concert at the exceptional Fado ao Centro, where the soul-stirring melodies of Fado music will leave you spellbound.

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

How to get there

Plane

The easiest way to get to Coimbra by plane is to fly into Lisbon Portela Airport and then take a direct train to Coimbra-B Station. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and trains run regularly throughout the day. Alternatively, you can fly into Porto Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport and then take a bus or train to Coimbra. The journey from Porto takes approximately 1.5-2.5 hours.

Car

Driving to Coimbra is easy, as it is well-connected to major highways in Portugal. From Lisbon, take the A1 northbound, while from Porto take the A1 or A29 southbound, depending on your route. The journey takes approximately 2-3 hours from Lisbon and 1.5-2.5 hours from Porto, depending on traffic.

Train

Coimbra has one main train station called Coimbra-B, which is well-served by trains from major cities in Portugal. The station is located on the outskirts of the city, but there are regular local buses and taxis available to take you into the city center.

Boat

While there are no direct boat routes to Coimbra, you can take a ferry or a cruise ship to Porto and then travel by bus or train to Coimbra. Alternatively, you can take a river cruise on the Douro River, which passes through Porto and offers stunning views of the region.

Bus

Coimbra has a good bus network connecting it to other cities and towns in Portugal. You can take a bus from Lisbon or Porto to Coimbra, with various companies operating services. The journey from Lisbon takes approximately 2.5-3 hours, while from Porto it takes approximately 1.5-2.5 hours.

Destination

Coimbra

If you're looking for a city that merges both medieval and modern vibes while also being home to the world's oldest university, Coimbra is the place for you. Just try not to accidentally enroll yourself in a class on 16th-century poetry.

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Number of days

1 2 3 4 5

Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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Coimbra Getaway: Exploring History, Delighting in Culture

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