Discover Coimbra: 3 Days of Adventure & Culture

Discover Coimbra's charm without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

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.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Exploring Coimbra's Historic District

  • Check in at the Hotel Domus on a budget with comfortable rooms and friendly service
  • Fuel up with a delicious breakfast at the iconic Cafe Santa Cruz
  • Take a walk through the city's historic district, admiring the stunning architecture and winding streets
  • Visit the Coimbra University, founded in 1290 and one of the oldest in Europe, to see the incredible Biblioteca Joanina
  • Grab lunch at the rustic Tasquinha dos Sabores, serving up traditional Portuguese cuisine
  • Spend the afternoon wandering through the Botanical Garden, filled with exotic plants and a tranquil atmosphere
Day 2

Sights and Sounds of Coimbra

  • Start the day off with a hearty breakfast at Cafe Gourmet, a cozy and affordable spot
  • Head to the Old Cathedral of Coimbra, built in the 12th century, with intricate details and a breathtaking view
  • Catch a show at the Convento São Francisco, a beautiful venue with a diverse program of music and performances
  • Grab lunch at Dom Baião, known for their delicious francesinha sandwiches
  • Take in the sounds of traditional Portuguese music with a fado performance at Fado ao Centro
  • End the night at Cafe Santa Cruz, a lively spot to enjoy a drink and soak in the atmosphere
Day 3

Nature and Relaxation

  • Start the day with a relaxing yoga class at Espaço Essência in the city center
  • Take a short drive out of town to explore the stunning Mata Nacional do Choupal, a nature reserve with walking trails and wildlife
  • Enjoy a picnic lunch and soak in the beautiful scenery
  • Indulge in some retail therapy at the Forum Coimbra, a modern shopping center with a variety of stores
  • End the day with a sunset bike ride along the Mondego River, with breathtaking views of the city
  • Coimbra has something for everyone, with its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. With this itinerary, you'll experience the best of this charming city while staying within your budget.

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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