Romantic Coimbra: 5 Days of Charm and Delight

Discover romance amidst historical charm in Coimbra, Portugal.

22 April 2023

Coimbra, Portugal is a perfect destination for a romantic trip with its charming historic architecture and stunning views of the Mondego River. You can take a stroll through its winding streets to visit sweet cafes, cozy bookstores and historical landmarks, like the 12th century University of Coimbra. And, make sure you enjoy the local culinary delights and famous regional wines.

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Travel plan

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Day 1

Arrive and Explore

  • Check into the charming Hotel Astoria, nestled in the heart of Coimbra
  • Stroll through the Old Town, admiring the picturesque architecture and quaint streets
  • Visit the iconic University of Coimbra, one of Europe's oldest universities, with stunning views of the city
  • Have an unforgettable dinner at ARC, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving modern Portuguese cuisine
Day 2

Rivers and Ruins

  • Take a relaxing boat ride along the serene Mondego River
  • Explore the ancient Roman Ruins of Conimbriga, marveling at the intricate mosaic floors and rich history
  • Savor a delicious lunch at Solar do Bacalhau, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Portuguese dishes
  • Visit the Portugal dos Pequenitos, a delightful miniature park representing Portugal's landmarks and history
  • End the day with a romantic walk through the Jardim Botânico, a beautiful botanical garden with blooming flowers and exotic plants
Day 3

Music and Romance

  • Enjoy a lazy morning at the hotel, indulging in room service and a bubble bath for two
  • Attend a fado show at Café Santa Cruz, experiencing the soulful melodies and emotional lyrics of Portugal's traditional music
  • Take a romantic walk through the streets of Coimbra, discovering hidden gems and cozy cafes
  • Have a candlelit dinner at Ze Manel dos Ossos, a rustic restaurant serving hearty Portuguese cuisine
  • Finish the night with a kiss at the Belvedere Santa Clara, overlooking the city lights and the Mondego River
Day 4

Castles and Monuments

  • Visit the enchanting Castle of Montemor-o-Velho, with impressive views and an intriguing history
  • Discover the Sé Velha, Coimbra's stunning medieval cathedral with Gothic and Romanesque elements
  • Have a leisurely lunch at Pátio da Inquisição, a charming courtyard restaurant serving contemporary Portuguese cuisine
  • Explore the Biblioteca Joanina, one of Europe's most beautiful libraries
  • Finish the day with a relaxing drink at the Sky Bar, admiring the panoramic views of Coimbra from the rooftop terrace
Day 5

Art and Culture

  • Visit the Museu Nacional Machado de Castro, a fascinating museum showcasing art and artifacts from Coimbra's past
  • Wander through the Museu da Ciência, a science museum with interactive exhibits and educational displays
  • Have a lively lunch at Taberna da Vigia, a buzzing restaurant serving tasty tapas and wines
  • Spend the afternoon admiring street art and urban culture at Bairro Norton de Matos
  • End the trip with a sweet treat at Casa das Natas, a cozy bakery serving delicious Portuguese custard tarts.

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

More travel plans

4-Day Coimbra Adventure: Budget-Friendly Fun

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.

Cheap & Charming: 2 Days in Coimbra, Portugal

Coimbra is a charming city in Portugal that is perfect for budget travelers. You can explore the historic university, visit the Museum of Science, and take a stroll through the botanical garden. For accommodation, there are affordable hostels and guesthouses available.

Coimbra, Portugal: A Budget-Friendly Day Trip

Coimbra, Portugal offers plenty of budget-friendly options for travelers. Tour the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in Europe, for only €2. Explore the historic city center, with its cobblestone streets and charming cafes, on foot. Situated on the Mondego River, Coimbra also offers affordable boat tours for a unique perspective of the city.

Romance & Culture in Coimbra: A Day Trip Guide

Coimbra offers couples an enchanting city steeped in culture and history. From exploring the ancient University of Coimbra, to strolling through the charming old town and indulging in delicious Portuguese cuisine, Coimbra is the perfect destination for a romantic getaway. After a day of sightseeing, enjoy a sunset cruise along the Mondego River and soak in the beauty of this picturesque city.