Coimbra, Portugal: A 4 Day Family Adventure!

Discover Coimbra: A charming adventure for the whole family!

19 July 2023

Coimbra, Portugal is an enchanting city that offers a perfect family-friendly destination. Explore the ancient streets lined with colorful houses, visit the historic Coimbra University, one of the oldest in the world, and take a fascinating journey through the city's rich cultural heritage. With its welcoming atmosphere, delicious local cuisine, and various child-friendly attractions, Coimbra is an ideal destination for a memorable family trip.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

Historic Exploration

  • Check-in at Hotel Astória, a charming heritage hotel with a hot chocolate welcome drink that'll make you feel like royalty.
  • Lose yourself in the ancient streets of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, home to stunning medieval architecture and secret alleyways.
  • Marvel at Coimbra University, the world's oldest, and pretend you're an ambitious student while touring the stunning Baroque library.
  • Stop for lunch at Taverna Ti João, a cozy local haunt for authentic Portuguese dishes like bacalhau à Brás (codfish omelet).
  • Soak up some tranquility at the Jardim Botânico, a whimsical botanical garden blooming with magical plants from around the world.
  • As dusk settles, head to Zé Manel dos Ossos, a rustic tavern where you can savor hearty petiscos (tapas) while imagining conversing with the ghosts of Coimbra's past.
Day 2

River Delights

  • Grab Portuguese pastries for breakfast at Pastelaria Briosa, where traditional recipes have been perfected for over a century.
  • Hop aboard a Moliceiro boat and drift along the Mondego River, admiring the colorful houses and feeling the rhythmic sway.
  • For lunch, indulge at Arcada, where the divine seafood dishes will transport your taste buds straight to Atlantic waters.
  • Discover Portugal's musical soul at Fado ao Centro, an intimate venue where you can listen to the melancholic sounds of Coimbra's fado.
  • Sample Coimbra's liquid joy at O Telheiro do Fado, a cozy wine bar where the owner will enlighten you with tales of local wine traditions.
  • End your day with a memorable dinner at O Repuxo, where traditional cuisine is served in an enchanting cave-like setting.
Day 3

Cultural Immersion

  • Start your day with a leisurely stroll to Café Santa Cruz, an iconic spot with rich history and divine coffee to perk up your senses.
  • Immerse yourself in Coimbra's cultural heart at the Museu Nacional Machado de Castro, home to fascinating archaeological treasures.
  • Grab a quick bite of francesinha, a hearty sandwich, at Café da Praça, satisfying your hunger while keeping you fueled for the day.
  • Uncover the joyous world of the Portugal dos Pequenitos, a theme park crafted for kids to explore miniature models of the country's landmarks.
  • Head to Choupal National Forest, a sprawling green oasis, and embark on a family-friendly outdoor adventure with picnicking and hiking.
  • Indulge in a laid-back dinner at O Patêo, where guests are treated like family and traditional Portuguese delicacies are served overflowing with love.
Day 4

Breathtaking Views

  • Kickstart your day with a visit to the charming Convento de Santa Clara-a-Nova and revel in panoramic views of Coimbra from its rooftop garden.
  • Embark on a pilgrimage to the hilltop sanctuary at the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha, and be captivated by its hauntingly beautiful ruins.
  • Savor a seafood feast at Tasca do Adro, renowned for its fresh fish and unbeatable river vistas.
  • Spark your artistic side with a visit to Casa da Guitarra, a specialty guitar shop where you can strum your way into Portuguese tradition.
  • For a delightful end to your Coimbra adventure, enjoy a leisurely dinner at Restaurante Dom Duarte, indulging in their signature lamb roasted over an open fire.
  • Bid Coimbra a fond farewell, taking home memories of vibrant history, captivating culture, and picturesque views.

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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