Discover Coimbra: A Day of Medieval Magic

Discover the charming history and vibrant culture of Coimbra, Portugal.

22 April 2023

Coimbra, Portugal is a charming university city located along the picturesque banks of the Mondego River. This historic city is home to some of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe, making it a popular destination for academia and culture enthusiasts alike. Visitors can expect to enjoy stunning medieval architecture, delicious food, and a vibrant nightlife scene.

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Day trip plan

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Day

Coimbra, the Intellectual Capital of Portugal

  • Start your day with a breakfast of pastel de nata, a sweet custard tart, at Café Santa Cruz, one of the oldest and more traditional cafés in the city.
  • Visit the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in the world, where you can see the Baroque Joanine Library and admire the panoramic view from the University Tower.
  • Wander around the streets of the historic center, with its colorful houses, narrow alleys, and lively vibe, stopping by the Old Cathedral and the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha, a Gothic masterpiece on the banks of the Mondego River.
  • Have lunch at A Cozinha da Maria, a cozy restaurant that serves traditional Portuguese cuisine with a twist, using fresh and seasonal ingredients.
  • In the afternoon, visit the Machado de Castro National Museum, located in a former episcopal palace, which houses an impressive collection of Portuguese art and archaeology.
  • End your day with a glass of wine at O Escondidinho, a charming bar tucked away in a backstreet, where you can enjoy live Fado music and mingle with locals and tourists alike.

Length of stay

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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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