Coimbra in 3: History, Nature, and Wine

Discover the charm of medieval Coimbra, where history, culture and academic excellence blend flawlessly.

03 May 2023

A trip to Coimbra, Portugal is a must-visit for anyone wanting to explore the country's rich cultural heritage. Located in the central region of Portugal, Coimbra is home to a world-renowned university, picturesque narrow streets lined with colorful buildings, and delicious traditional food. The city's medieval past and modern-day vibrance blend seamlessly to create a unique and unforgettable travel experience.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

From History to Contemporary Culture

  • Hotel: Stay in Hotel Oslo, a charming residence with a lovely garden and close proximity to the city center.
  • Begin with a visit to the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site.
  • Explore the Biblioteca Joanina, a stunning baroque library with gilded décor and intricate woodwork.
  • Head to the Machado de Castro National Museum, a former bishop’s palace turned museum that showcases works of art and artifacts from Roman to modern times.
  • Savor lunch at Oficio, a cozy and contemporary restaurant serving local specialties alongside vegan and vegetarian options.
  • End the day with a stroll along Rua da Sofia, a vibrant street that serves as a hub for young artists and designers, before having a drink at the trendy Café Santa Cruz.
Day 2

Nature and Tradition

  • Start with a short hike at the Choupal National Forest, which offers panoramic views of the city and the Mondego River.
  • Visit the Botanical Garden, home to over 1200 different species of plants and free entrance.
  • Satisfy your appetite with some typical Coimbra cuisine, such as chanfana or roasted goat, at Lusa da Beira.
  • Attend a Fado de Coimbra show, a version of the traditional Portuguese music which originated in the city.
  • Grab a drink at the popular Tasca do Chico, a lively spot known for its cheap drinks and nightly music performances.
Day 3

Wine and River

  • Head to the Douro River and hop on a boat ride where you'll see picturesque landscapes.
  • Dive into the world of wine by visiting the Quinta das Lágrimas Wine Cellar
  • Treat yourself to a fancy dinner with a view a meal at Arcadas Restaurant which is located on the grounds of the Quinta das Lágrimas Hotel.
  • Finish the night with a drink at Marechal, a bar that makes its own gin with a wide range of flavors, and is a popular spot with locals.
  • There you have it, a perfect 3 day itinerary for a trip to Coimbra! Enjoy your stay!

Length of stay

1 day 2 days 3 days 4 days 5 days

Type of trip

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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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