Coimbra, a riverfront city in central Portugal and the country’s former capital, is home to a preserved medieval old town and the historic University of Coimbra. Built on the grounds of a former palace, the university is famed for its baroque library, the Biblioteca Joanina, and its 18th-century bell tower. In the city’s old town lies the 12th-century Romanesque cathedral Sé Velha.
☀️ Spring (March – May) – Best for Mild Weather & Flowers
✅ Pleasant temperatures (15–25°C / 59–77°F) 🌸
✅ Fewer crowds than summer
✅ May: "Queima das Fitas" (Student Festival 🎓🎉)
☀️ Summer (June – August) – Best for Festivals & Nightlife
✅ Warm & sunny (25–35°C / 77–95°F) ☀️
✅ Vibrant atmosphere with street performances 🎭
❌ Can be hot & crowded
🍂 Fall (September – November) – Best for Culture & Fado Music
✅ Mild weather (15–25°C / 59–77°F) 🍁
✅ Ideal for exploring historical sites without crowds
❄️ Winter (December – February) – Best for Budget Travelers
✅ Fewer tourists, lower hotel prices 💰
✅ Cooler weather (10–15°C / 50–59°F) but still enjoyable
🌟 Best Overall Months to Visit: April, May, September, October – Great weather & fewer tourists!
The nearest international airport is Porto (OPO) (~1.5h away).
Lisbon Airport (LIS) is ~2 hours away.
From Lisbon: ~2 hours via Alfa Pendular (AP) express train.
From Porto: ~1 hour via Alfa Pendular or Intercidades trains.
Coimbra has two train stations:
Coimbra-B (for high-speed trains; take a local train to the city center).
Coimbra (Central) – In the city center.
From Lisbon: ~2 hours (A1 highway).
From Porto: ~1.5 hours.
Rede Expressos & FlixBus offer cheap tickets from Lisbon & Porto.
🚶 Getting Around Coimbra?
Walk! The city center is compact, but some areas have steep hills.
Taxis & Ubers are available.
Public Buses can take you to distant attractions.
University of Coimbra (UNESCO Site) 🎓🏰 – One of the world’s oldest universities (founded in 1290).
Joanina Library 📚 – Stunning Baroque library with 300,000+ ancient books & resident bats! 🦇
Coimbra Old Cathedral (Sé Velha) ⛪ – A fortress-like Romanesque cathedral.
Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha 🏰 – A medieval convent with fascinating ruins.
Botanical Garden of Coimbra 🌿 – One of Europe’s oldest botanical gardens.
Machado de Castro National Museum 🏛️ – Art & Roman cryptoporticus (underground ruins!).
Santa Cruz Church ⛪ – Burial site of Portugal’s first two kings.
Pedro e Inês Footbridge 🌉 – A romantic, colorful bridge with stunning river views.
Penedo da Saudade 🌅 – A peaceful viewpoint with student poetry inscriptions.
Portugal dos Pequenitos 🏰 – A mini Portugal theme park, great for kids.
✔ Attend a Traditional Fado de Coimbra Performance 🎶
✔ Climb the University Tower for the Best City View 🌆
✔ Stroll Through the Medieval Streets of Old Town 🏘️
✔ Watch a Sunset at Pedro e Inês Footbridge 🌅
✔ Explore the Ancient Roman Ruins at Conímbriga 🏛️ (30 min from Coimbra)
✔ Visit the Joanina Library at Night for a Magical Experience 📖
✔ Walk Along the Mondego River & Have a Riverside Drink 🍷
✔ Try Pastel de Santa Clara, Coimbra’s Sweet Pastry 🥐
✔ Join a Student-Led University Tour & Learn Coimbra’s History 🎓
✔ Relax at the Botanical Garden & Listen to Nature 🌿
Quinta das Lágrimas – A historic palace hotel with romantic gardens. 💖
Sapientia Boutique Hotel – Stylish stay next to the university.
Hotel Mondego – Modern luxury near Coimbra’s main attractions.
Tivoli Coimbra Hotel – Central & great value for money.
Hotel Oslo Coimbra – Amazing views over Coimbra’s rooftops.
NH Coimbra Dona Inês – Comfortable & near the river.
Serenata Hostel – Beautiful, affordable stay in a former music school.
Guest House Santa Clara – Cozy B&B near the monastery.
FeelCoimbra Apartment Rentals – Great for longer stays.
🥘 Leitão à Bairrada – Roasted suckling pig, a local specialty.
🥩 Chanfana – Slow-cooked goat stew in red wine.
🍞 Broa de Milho – Traditional cornbread.
🍩 Pastel de Santa Clara – Sweet pastry filled with egg yolk & almonds.
🍷 Bairrada Wine – Famous local wine (try it with Leitão!).
Zé Manel dos Ossos – Small but legendary tavern (try the ribs!).
Solar do Bacalhau – Best place for traditional Bacalhau (codfish).
A Taberna – Rustic, authentic Portuguese food.
Fangas Mercearia – Amazing petiscos (Portuguese tapas).
Arcadas (Quinta das Lágrimas) – Fine dining with romantic ambiance.
Coimbra has a strong university culture – students wear traditional black cloaks 🎓.
Fado de Coimbra is unique – it’s performed only by male university students.
Shops & restaurants close early (around 6-7 PM, except for tourist areas).
Wear comfy shoes – Coimbra’s streets are steep & cobbled!
Tipping: 5-10% in restaurants is appreciated but not required.
✔ Joanina Library Entry: ~€12 (includes university tour).
✔ Fado de Coimbra Show: ~€10-€15.
✔ Conímbriga Roman Ruins: ~€5 (worth a visit!).
✔ Leitão à Bairrada Tasting Tour: Book in advance for the best experience.
🚀 Want a guided tour?
University Tour with Student Guide 🎓
Fado & Dinner Experience 🎶🍷
Day Trip to Conímbriga Roman Ruins 🏛️