4-Day Coimbra: History, Culture & Natural Escapes

Discover the ancient beauty of Coimbra, Portugal.

22 April 2023

Coimbra, Portugal is a charming city filled with history, culture and stunning views. Visitors can explore the city's iconic landmarks such as the University of Coimbra, the Biblioteca Joanina and the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha. With a thriving food and drink scene and a variety of cultural events held throughout the year, Coimbra is the perfect destination for any traveler seeking a unique and authentic Portugal experience.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Discovering Old Coimbra

  • Check-in at the cozy Tivoli Coimbra Hotel, which has a prime location overlooking the Mondego River.
  • Stroll through the winding streets of the historic center and marvel at the colorful tiles, fountains, and statues.
  • Visit the stunning baroque Library of the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest and most beautiful in the world.
  • Explore the Gothic-inspired Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha, which was submerged by the river for centuries and now harbors fascinating archaeological finds.
  • Enjoy dinner at O Patéo Velho, a charming restaurant that serves classic Portuguese cuisine in a picturesque courtyard.
Day 2

Art, Gardens, and Panoramas

  • Have breakfast at the trendy Atenas Café, where you can try some of the best pastries and coffee in town.
  • Admire the modern and contemporary art exhibitions at the Casa das Artes Bissaya Barreto, a lovely villa surrounded by a lush park.
  • Take a peaceful walk in the Botanical Garden of the University, where you can spot rare plants, birds, and sculptures.
  • Reach the top of the hill to find the breathtaking view from the Old Cathedral and the Almedina Arch, which provides a glimpse of the medieval walls and towers.
  • Dine at the elegant Arcadas restaurant, located inside the historic Palace Hotel, where you can taste refined dishes inspired by local traditions.
Day 3

Escape to Nature

  • Drive south to the picturesque village of Lousã, nestled in the green valleys of the Serra da Lousã Natural Park.
  • Hike through the enchanted forest to discover hidden waterfalls, caves, and ruins, while breathing the fresh air and the scent of eucalyptus and pine.
  • Visit the Medieval Castle of Lousã, a majestic fortress that dominates the landscape and offers panoramic views of the surroundings.
  • Taste the rustic cuisine at the charming O Burgo restaurant, which specializes in grilled meat, homemade bread, and wine from the region.
  • Return to Coimbra and enjoy a late-night fado performance, the soulful music that expresses the saudade (longing) of the Portuguese soul, at the Fado ao Centro cultural center.
Day 4

River and Sea

  • Rent a boat or kayak to explore the Mondego River, which flows calmly through the city and showcases amazing wildlife and architecture.
  • Arrive at the sandy beach of Figueira da Foz, one of the most popular and lively seaside resorts in Portugal, where you can sunbathe, swim, surf or simply relax.
  • Have a seafood feast at the legendary Marisqueira Mário, a seafood shack that serves gigantic shellfish, fresh fish, and cold beer.
  • Walk along the lively promenade and visit the iconic Casino da Figueira, a glamorous Art Deco building that hosts shows, concerts, and games.
  • Head back to Coimbra and savor a final cocktail at the modern and chic Tivoli Coimbra Sky Bar, which offers stunning views of the city, the river, and the mountains.

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

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Type of trip

Standard trip Budget Family Friendly Romantic Stag do

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