Coimbra, Portugal: A Family-Friendly Adventure Awaits

Discover Coimbra: Where history and fun intertwine for an unforgettable family adventure!

19 July 2023

Coimbra, Portugal offers a delightful family-friendly trip with its rich history, stunning architecture, and welcoming atmosphere. Explore the famous University of Coimbra, one of the oldest in Europe, while taking in the breathtaking views from its hilltop location. Enjoy a boat ride along the Mondego River, visit the interactive science museum, and take leisurely walks in the picturesque Jardim Botânico.

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Day trip plan

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Day

A Whirlwind Tour of Coimbra's Charm

  • Start the day off with a visit to the historic University of Coimbra, the oldest in Portugal, and marvel at its stunning Joanina Library.
  • Take a leisurely stroll through the charming Baixa district, where colorful houses and adorable cafes line the cobblestone streets.
  • Enjoy a scenic picnic by the Mondego River, while watching the graceful strokes of rowers gliding along the water.
  • Visit the mesmerizing Santa Cruz Monastery, where you can admire intricate carvings and soak in the spiritual ambience.
  • Treat your taste buds to a traditional Portuguese lunch at Petiscaria Santo António, where sizzling sardines and codfish cakes steal the show.
  • End the day with a visit to the enchanting Mata Nacional do Choupal, a lush woodland where fairies are said to dance under the moonlight.

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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