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• Coimbra

4-Day Coimbra Adventure: Budget-Friendly Fun

Experience the charm of Coimbra without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Coimbra is a beautiful city in Portugal filled with historic landmarks, stunning architecture, and rich culture. Despite being a popular tourist destination, it can still be enjoyed on a limited budget by staying in budget hostels, eating at local cafes instead of restaurants, and taking advantage of free walking tours offered around the city. Don't miss the chance to visit the world-renowned University of Coimbra and explore the beautiful Jardim Botanico.

Travel plan

• Check in at the affordable Hotel Oslo, minutes away from the central train station and historic sights.
• Climb up to the sublime Se Velha cathedral and enjoy panoramic city views from its tower.
• Explore the winding Rua Ferreira Borges and its eclectic mix of shops selling antiques, books, and handicrafts.
• Stroll through the manicured gardens of the Jardim Botanico, home to over 1200 plant species from around the globe.
• Savor a hearty plate of Cozido de Grão, a traditional chickpea and meat stew, at the bustling Taberna do Zé Estevão.

• Discover the secrets and sagas of Portugal's oldest university at the Museu da Universidade de Coimbra.
• Marvel at the ornate baroque library of Biblioteca Joanina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with precious tomes and gilded decor.
• Learn about the city's Moorish and Roman past at the Museu Nacional de Machado de Castro, housed in a former bishop's palace.
• Admire the intricate azulejos tiles of the Igreja de Santa Clara-a-Velha, a 14th-century Gothic church by the river Mondego.
• Indulge in a slice of tarte de feijão, a sweet pastry made of beans and almonds, at the award-winning Casa das Bolas de Berlim cafe.

• Escape to the peaceful forest and lake of Bussaco Palace, a 19th-century royal retreat with hiking trails, fountains, and a neo-Manueline palace.
• Go on a boat ride along the meandering Mondego river, passing by the picturesque villages of Penacova and Lorvão.
• Rent a bike or take a bus to the nearby beaches of Figueira da Foz, a lively coastal town known for its seafood, surfing, and sand dunes.
• Join a guided tour of the Quinta das Lágrimas, a romantic estate with a tragic love story, a chapel, and a meadow where Portugal's first queen passed away.
• Treat yourself to a glass of port wine and tapas at the cozy Adega de São Martinho, where locals gather to eat and drink.

• Have a leisurely breakfast at Confeitaria Briosa, a century-old bakery with buttery croissants and homemade jams.
• Take a taxi or bus to the Conimbriga ruins, a Roman city with mosaics, baths, and tunnels preserved for centuries.
• Visit the vibrant market of Mercado Municipal D. Pedro V, brimming with fresh fruits, cheeses, and crafts from the region.
• Shop for souvenirs and gifts at the lovable Casa da Praça, a cozy store with vintage postcards, ceramics, and hipster accoutrements.
• Bid farewell to Coimbra with a sunset toast at the riverside terrace of Café Santa Cruz, listening to live jazz music and savoring a Pastel de Tentúgal, a puff pastry filled with egg yolk cream.