Coimbra: 3 Days of Romance & Adventure

Fall in love all over again amidst the charming cobblestone streets and rich history of Coimbra, Portugal.

22 April 2023

Coimbra is a charming city located in the heart of Portugal known for its picturesque cobblestone streets, historical monuments and vibrant university life. For a romantic trip, visitors can take a stroll along the Mondego River, explore the UNESCO World Heritage-listed University of Coimbra, and indulge in delicious Portuguese cuisine at one of the city's cozy restaurants. With its stunning architecture and romantic ambiance, Coimbra is the perfect destination for couples looking for a memorable escape.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Coimbra's Charm

  • Stay at Hotel Astoria where the Art Deco design and elegant style compliment your romantic vacation. Start your day with a visit to the breathtaking baroque style Biblioteca Joanina. Explore the traces of history at the Monastery of Santa Cruz which houses the tombs of the queens Isabel and Inês de Castro. Take a stroll through the botanical garden, Jardim Botânico, with more than 1,200 exotic plants. Finish your day with a delightful meal at Zé Manel dos Ossos, a cozy restaurant that offers traditional Portuguese dishes.
Day 2

The River and the University

  • Make your way to the Mondego River and enjoy a peaceful morning on the water with a paddle down the river. Visit the Old Cathedral and climb the tower for a panoramic view of the city. Then make your way up to the University of Coimbra, where you can admire the beautiful architecture and soak up the academic atmosphere. Stop for a light meal at Café Santa Cruz, with its historic environment and delicious pastries. End your day with a walk around the charming town center and enjoy its vibrant nightlife.
Day 3

The Surrounding Countryside

  • Embark on a cultural journey in Conímbriga, an ancient Roman settlement spanning over 50 acres. Wander the ruins, among them the finest Roman mosaic preserved in Portugal. Take in stunning views of the Mondego river and Coimbra from the picturesque Quinta das Lágrimas. Visit the Portugal dos Pequenitos, a miniature world of Portugal's heritage for a bit of fun. Stop for dinner at O Pais, where fresh seafood and traditional dishes are transformed into culinary delights. The perfect end to a perfect trip!

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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