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.

More travel plans

Coimbra, Portugal: A Budget-Friendly Day Trip

Coimbra, Portugal offers plenty of budget-friendly options for travelers. Tour the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in Europe, for only €2. Explore the historic city center, with its cobblestone streets and charming cafes, on foot. Situated on the Mondego River, Coimbra also offers affordable boat tours for a unique perspective of the city.

Discover Coimbra: 3 Days of Adventure & Culture

Coimbra offers budget-friendly historic tours, museums and exploration of its artistic landmarks. Street cafes and markets offer affordable cuisine and souvenirs, while the riverfront parks offer relaxation in scenic surroundings. Visitors can also make the most of free cultural events and festivals throughout the year.

Coimbra on a Budget: A 5 Day Adventure

Coimbra is a historic city located in central Portugal and known for its stunning medieval architecture, vibrant student culture, and rich cultural heritage. For those traveling on a budget, there are plenty of affordable accommodations, such as hostels and guesthouses, as well as free or low-cost attractions to explore, including the University of Coimbra, the Sé Velha cathedral, and the Botanical Gardens. Additionally, visitors can enjoy local cuisine at renowned restaurants and cafes, sample some of Portugal's famous port wines, and explore the city's vibrant nightlife scene without breaking the bank.

Unleash Coimbra's Charm: A 5-Day Adventure!

Coimbra, Portugal is a city of historical significance where tourists can explore the charming narrow streets, ancient churches and museums. Tourists can witness the grandeur of the University of Coimbra, Portugal's oldest University, which features captivating architecture and stunning views. Visitors can also stroll through the Jardim Botânico, a lush botanical garden with a variety of flora and fauna.