Coimbra on a Budget: A 5 Day Adventure

Explore the old world charm of Coimbra without breaking the bank.

21 June 2023

Coimbra is a historic city located in central Portugal and known for its stunning medieval architecture, vibrant student culture, and rich cultural heritage. For those traveling on a budget, there are plenty of affordable accommodations, such as hostels and guesthouses, as well as free or low-cost attractions to explore, including the University of Coimbra, the Sé Velha cathedral, and the Botanical Gardens. Additionally, visitors can enjoy local cuisine at renowned restaurants and cafes, sample some of Portugal's famous port wines, and explore the city's vibrant nightlife scene without breaking the bank.

Travel plan

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Day 1

Coimbra's Charm

  • Check-in to the cozy Hotel Dona Inês, located close to the city's center
  • Explore the historic University of Coimbra, known for its baroque library and beautiful cloisters
  • Visit the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova and its serene gardens
  • Wander around the charming streets of Baixa neighborhood, full of small shops and picturesque cafes
  • Have dinner at Zé Manuel dos Ossos, a quirky restaurant decorated with human bones and serving delicious traditional Portuguese food
Day 2

Marvelous Views and Fado Music

  • Take the elevator to the top of the ancient Coimbra Tower for mesmerizing views of the city
  • Visit the Machado de Castro National Museum to admire its impressive collection of art and artifacts
  • Delve into Coimbra's musical heritage with a performance of Fado, the soulful Portuguese music usually sung in local cafes
  • Explore the narrow alleys of the picturesque Sao Bartolomeu neighborhood, with its whitewashed houses and flowerpots
  • Have dinner at A Cozinha da Maria, a cozy restaurant serving scrumptious home-cooked meals
Day 3

Nature and Culture

  • Take a morning stroll through the green Botanical Garden, with over 12000 plant species from around the world
  • Visit the New Cathedral, an impressive neo-Gothic building with colorful stained-glass windows
  • Relax at the tranquil Parque da Cidade, with its lake, fountains, and lush vegetation
  • Head to the Portugal dos Pequenitos, a theme park for children that showcases miniature versions of Portugal's most emblematic buildings
  • Have dinner at Cozinha Popular da Mouraria, a family-owned restaurant serving tasty traditional cuisine at affordable prices
Day 4

Castles and Rivers

  • Take a drive to the nearby Castle of Montemor-o-Velho, a medieval fortress with stunning views of the Mondego River
  • Enjoy a bike ride or boat tour along the river, admiring the picturesque countryside and villages
  • Visit the Convent of Santa Clara-a-Velha, a remarkable Gothic monument with an underwater archaeological site
  • Relax at the Praia Fluvial do Reconquinho, a river beach with crystal-clear waters and sandy banks
  • Have dinner at Tasca do Chico, a lively bar with a bohemian atmosphere and delicious tapas-style food
Day 5

Traditions and Markets

  • Explore the historic Mercado Municipal D. Pedro V, a vibrant market full of fresh produce, artisanal products, and souvenirs
  • Visit the Coimbra Tile Museum, showcasing the city's traditional ceramic art
  • Attend a traditional folk music concert or dance performance at the Casa da Fado e da Guitarra Portuguesa
  • Have lunch at Cantinho da Concha, a charming restaurant with homely atmosphere and excellent seafood dishes
  • Take a last stroll through the picturesque streets of Coimbra before departing, savoring the city's unique blend of history, culture, and charm.

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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