Coimbra on a Budget: 3 Days of Medieval Marvels

Experience the enchantment of Coimbra, Portugal's heritage city, on a delightful family getaway!

19 July 2023

Coimbra, Portugal is an excellent destination for a family-friendly trip filled with history, culture, and outdoor activities. Visit the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in the world, for an educational experience. Explore the picturesque streets of the city, discover the beautiful parks, and enjoy boat rides on the Mondego River, making it a well-rounded trip for the whole family.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring the Medieval Charms

  • Check into the Casa Morais guesthouse, a quaint and family-friendly accommodation with a charming courtyard and traditional Portuguese tiles.
  • Immerse yourselves in history at the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest in the world. Marvel at the ornate Joanina Library and enjoy a guided tour.
  • Escape the trials of the present at the enchanting Botanical Gardens, with stunning plant collections and playful peacocks.
  • Lose yourself in the winding streets of the Alta neighborhood, where cute cafes and craft shops await around every corner.
  • Savor hearty Portuguese cuisine at Taberna Do Azeite, a rustic tavern serving traditional dishes like Cozido à Portuguesa and Bacalhau à Gomes de Sá.
Day 2

Coimbra's Cultural Delights

  • Start your day at Café Santa Cruz, a charming spot for a traditional Portuguese breakfast of pastries and strong coffee.
  • Marvel at the stunning Gothic architecture of the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha and learn about its intriguing history.
  • Head to the Machado de Castro National Museum filled with archaeological treasures, religious art, and breathtaking views of the city.
  • Enjoy a leisurely boat trip along the Mondego River, perfect for families, and admire Coimbra's picturesque skyline from the water.
  • End the day with a delightful dinner at Ze Manel dos Ossos, a quirky eatery known for its delicious grilled meats and lively atmosphere.
Day 3

Unwind in Nature's Embrace

  • Embark on a scenic drive to the nearby Serra da Lousã, where breathtaking landscapes and charming villages await.
  • Hike through the enchanting Mata Nacional do Buçaco, a forested paradise with hidden shrines and mystical energy.
  • Discover the magical world of the Portugal dos Pequenitos, a unique park that allows kids to explore miniature versions of Portugal's most famous landmarks.
  • Take a delicious break at Pão de Ló de Ovar, a cozy bakery known for its heavenly traditional Portuguese sponge cake.
  • End your trip with a relaxed family picnic at the fairy tale-like Parque Verde, enjoying the serene ambiance and breathtaking river views.

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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Romantic Coimbra: 5 Days of Charm and Delight

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