Coimbra | A full guide
Coimbra | A full guide
Joana Oliveira
Coimbra is a great trip if you're exploring Portugal or if you just want to see a little more of what the country has to offer besides Lisbon and Porto. It's also a great city to visit with children with all its kids friendly attractions.
This guide has everything you need to know from the main attractions, where to stay, eat, etc.
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Introduction
Welcome to Coimbra, a city where history and modernity dance harmoniously along the cobbled streets. Nestled in the heart of Portugal, Coimbra is more than a city; it's a living narrative of centuries past and a vibrant tapestry of academic brilliance. Home to one of the world's oldest universities, Coimbra's medieval charm is complemented by lively student vibes. From the iconic University Tower to the serenity of the Mondego River, every corner tells a story waiting to be discovered. Join us in exploring the enchanting blend of tradition and innovation that defines the soul of Coimbra.
Places to Visit
Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova
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It was built to replace the mediaeval Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha, located nearby, which at the time was prone to frequent flooding by the waters of the Mondego river.
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Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha
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This old monument is worth an hour of your time for your visit with its museum that shows how the nuns lived in older times. You also get to explore the restaured building of the monastery where the Queen Elizabeth of Portugal chose to be buried.
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Jardins da Quinta das Lágrimas
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These beautiful gardens hide an inspiring love tale behind them - the true love story of King Pedro of Portugal and Inês, a maid for a Spanish princess.
You should explore this story as you visit the gardens and find the hidden legend of the fountain.
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Viewpoint of downtown Coimbra
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The best spot to take your Instagram pictures with Coimbra in the background showing the iconic Univesity building.
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Largo da Portagem
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It Is the main square as well as the city center of the city. Its name derives from the fact that in old times this was the place where people would pay the city tax to enter as they brought food from the south to sell.
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Rua Ferreira Borges
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This is the main street of Downtown Coimbra with lots of Stores, Restaurants and Cafes. Downtown identifies the area outside the medieval walls, where initially some religious and military orders established themselves, close to the natural border that is the Mondego River.
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Rua Quebra Costas
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Rua do Quebra Costas (Street that breaks ribs) is one of the most popular streets in Coimbra, Portugal. It is located in the historic center of the city. Passing under the Arco de Almedina, which is on the right on Rua Ferreira Borges, you can easily reach it. It's a steep street, white curbs, and gradually gets thinner as you climb its many stairs.
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Sé Velha - Coimbra
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Sé Velha was consecrated in 1184, although the rest of the building was not yet finished and, in 1185, the second king of Portugal, D. Sancho I, was crowned there. It is the only Romanesque Portuguese cathedral, from the era, that survived relatively intact until to our days.
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New Cathedral
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It was built in 1598 near the University of Coimbra by the Company of Jesus, which had been in the city since 1541. Work progressed slowly and the church was only inaugurated in 1698. The Jesuits occupied the site until 1759, the year in which the Company was terminated by the Marquis of Pombal and in 1772 the Episcopal seat was transferred from Sé Velha to this rather spacious building.
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University of Coimbra
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The oldest university in Portugal and one of the oldest in Europe still stands today with all its grandeur. Look around the University grounds and try to find the student's in their typical clothing - the "Traje".
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Biblioteca Joanina
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Considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world is well worth a little of your time for a visit. You should book in advance as the tickets sold out more often than not.
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Aqueduto de São Sebastião / Arcos do Jardim
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Popularly known as “Arcos do Jardim”, given its location adjacent to the Botanical Garden of Coimbra University, this aqueduct was built in 1570 by King D. Sebastião, to supply water to the upper part of the city.
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Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Coimbra
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Take a little time to explore the marvel of the University's Botanical grounds with thousands of species of plants to see, a bamboo garden, greenhouse and dozens of fountains and sceneries to gaze upon.
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Escadas Monumentais da Universidade de Coimbra
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The Monumental Stairs are one of the most important monuments in Coimbra and one of the spots where students most like to hang out as freshmen.
The staircase has five flights with 25 steps each – that is, 125 steps – and several legends behind its construction. One of them says that the stairs have five flights that correspond to the number of years of the old courses. It is said that the number of times you trip on the stairs is equivalent to the number of grades you fail each year.
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Praça da República
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Mandatory stop in the city's nightlife.
Praça da República, or simply “the Square” for locals, is one of the “hearts” of the city of Coimbra. Surrounded by some of the best-known and most frequented cafes and bars, Praça da República is the main meeting point for students and young people in the city.
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Special for Kids
Portugal dos Pequenitos
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This attraction is the perfect place to explore with children as they will get to see and play on all the most important buildings of portugal in a fun size specially for them.
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Exploratório - Centro Ciência Viva de Coimbra
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This is an incredible place to explore with children as they will get to experience all the interactive attractions and spaces. Let them marvel at the best things science has to offer.
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Mondego's Verde Park
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Running approximately 4 km along the riverbank, it occupies the right bank area, entirely dedicated to leisure with pedestrian corridors and cycle paths, between pavilions with temporary exhibitions.
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Ponte Pedonal Pedro e Inês
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Ponte Pedro e Inês is a pedestrian and cycle path bridge over the Mondego River, in Parque Verde do Mondego.
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Where to stay
There are a lot of great options at affordable prices in Coimbra, but I would recomend staying somewhere in the downtown area of the city where you have easy accessibility to every main attraction as well as the train station.
Here are some suggestions.
ZERO Box Lodge Coimbra
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Hästens Sleep Spa - CBR Boutique Hotel
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Pharmacia Guest House
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Guest House Santa Clara - Coimbra
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Riversuites
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Where to eat
Italian
Ragu fresh pasta
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The best place if you love fresh pasta at affordable prices. They make it for you in the moment and is absolutely delicious. My personal favourite in Coimbra.
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Hamburgers
La Vara - Handmade Burgers & Portuguese Wines
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The best burgers in Coimbra are for sure in Lá Vara. They also have vegetarian options.
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Portuguese
Restaurante Zé Manel dos Ossos
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The best place to try typical Portuguese food in it's true state.
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Quebra o Galho - Casa de Fado
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Take the time to dinner at this typical restaurant during one of their "Fado nights" and listen to the profoundness and sentimentality of portuguese music.
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Dessert
Gelataria COSÌ
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The best ice-cream in Coimbra by far with original flavors and tons of vegan options.
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Pastelaria Briosa Coimbra
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If you want to try portuguese sweets this is the place for you. Try the typical pastel de natal for the full experience.
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Transportation
Getting to Coimbra
Bus
You can get to Coimbra by bus with Flixbus or Rede Expressos, but the bus stations are a little out of the center so I recommend going to Coimbra by train. The prices range from 3€ to 18€.
Train
The train station is right at the center of the city so is an ideal option. The train company is called CP and you can buy tickets online or at the stations from any of the main cities in Portugal. The prices can range from 6€ to 30€.
Inside the City
The best way to visit Coimbra é by foot. It is a small city and as such you can get rather quickly from one place to another.
There are buses that go across the city at various times but they're not very reliable. You can check the times and lines of the buses on the Moovit app.
Here you can download the app:
Weather
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Joana Oliveira
Welcome to your personalized travel experience!
As a usual traveler based in the picturesque landscapes of Portugal, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and cultural insights to curate unforgettable journeys.
Having explored over 30 countries, my passion for discovering unique destinations is infused into crafting itineraries tailored to your wanderlust.
Let's embark on a journey that transcends the ordinary, ensuring your travel dreams become extraordinary memories 🌍🛩.
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