Cheap & Charming: 2 Days in Coimbra, Portugal

Discover Coimbra's historic charm without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Coimbra is a charming city in Portugal that is perfect for budget travelers. You can explore the historic university, visit the Museum of Science, and take a stroll through the botanical garden. For accommodation, there are affordable hostels and guesthouses available.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Exploring the City

  • Start your day at the stunning Biblioteca Joanina, one of the world's most beautiful libraries.
  • Visit the Sé Velha de Coimbra, a magnificent Romanesque cathedral that dates back to the 12th century.
  • Take a stroll through the Botanical Garden, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city.
  • Head over to the Museu Nacional Machado de Castro and marvel at the impressive collection of Portuguese artworks and ancient sculptures.
  • Relax and sample local wines in a traditional tasca (tavern) or cafe, such as Café Santa Cruz.
  • Hotel recommendation: Stay at Hotel Oslo, a budget-friendly hotel located in the heart of Coimbra, just a 10-minute walk from the Biblioteca Joanina.
Day 2

Finding Hidden Gems

  • Wander around the narrow streets of the historic centre of Coimbra and marvel at the intricate azulejo tiles decorating the buildings.
  • Visit the Quinta das Lágrimas, a beautiful palace with a fascinating history and lush gardens.
  • Head to the Igreja de Santa Cruz and admire the intricate Manueline architecture of this former monastery.
  • Climb up the hill to the University of Coimbra and soak in the breathtaking views of the city below.
  • Sample some of the local cuisine at a family-run restaurant, like Solar do Bacalhau, which has been serving up cod dishes for over 40 years.
  • Hotel recommendation: Stay at Hotel Bragança, a budget-friendly hotel located right in the heart of Coimbra's historic centre, just a 5-minute walk from the University of Coimbra.

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.

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