Coimbra
The University is the oldest in the country and one of the oldest in Europe and it is what converted Coimbra to the "Students' Town". However, in historical terms, the city is home to one of the most beautiful and tragic love stories of our monarchy. The romantic encounters between king D. Pedro and D. Inês are part of the Portuguese history and are linked to sights such as the Quinta das Lágrimas or the Sé Velha (old cathedral). The Mondego river is the town's companion, which reveals medieval streets and historical corners, as the Arco de Almedina arch - a very well preserved structure of the ancient wall. The Queima das Fitas (Burning of the Faculty Ribbons) is one of the most emblematic feasts of the city, in which students come out into the street in celebration, parading and followed by floats that satirize current themes. The student spirit can be discovered and felt in every corner where they meet, wearing dark clothes, and perform serenades. It is also very typical and common to hear fado coimbrão in the most typical cafés and restaurants or even on the streets of the city. A visit to the historic center reveals Baixinha, where the traditional trade is located. Pastéis de Santa Clara (sweets with egg and almond filling) and capelos (doctoral cap-shaped sweets with egg and fruit filling) are the most traditional sweets and they can be tasted in the citys' pastry shops. In addition to the Sé Nova and the Sé Velha, there are many more monuments that Coimbra hosts, such as the convents of Santa Clara-a-Nova and Santa Clara-a-Velha. Recently awarded as one of the best European museums, it is in this town that the Museu da Ciência da Universidade de Coimbra (Museum of Science of the University of Coimbra) has been built. One of the unavoidable sites, and especially for those travelling with children, is the Portugal dos Pequenitos.
What to do in Coimbra
Travel Guide
Up to date tourist information about the city's top attractions
Visit Coimbra, the students' city
Get to better know the secrets that Coimbra hides, next to the river Mondego, in an itinerary composed of 12 must-see a…
The Best Regional Sweets of Portugal
Is there a better reason to visit a place than to taste a typical sweet? Discover 12 good – and tempting – reasons to k…
Where to eat in Coimbra
Portuguese
35.00 €
Own linen houses restaurant moved, pots and baggage, the small mountain village that housed, to the…
Portuguese
20.00 €
O espaço do restaurante Solar do Bacalhau, em Coimbra, é enorme e ocupa um antigo nome de referênci…
Author, Contemporary, Portuguese
55.00 €
The flavors of the region are the main gastronomic inspiration, which includes the aromatic herbs p…
Portuguese
8.00 €
Não podia ser mais discreta a casa que alberga este restaurante, na margem esquerda do Mondego. Sem…
Contemporary, Vegetarian
14.00 €
Localizado no Terreiro da Erva, aqui poderá degustar as maravilhosas iguarias da cozinha tradiciona…
Portuguese, Regional
20.00 €
House with a friendly service, where the delicious and well served food is made in a wood oven.
Portuguese, Regional
20.00 €
Dux restaurant-Appetizers, Wines & in Coimbra, the space has a refined atmosphere and a service of …
Portuguese
14.00 €
A história desta casa, na baixa da cidade, podia contar-se com um "era uma vez um rapaz que foi tra…
Where to sleep in Coimbra
4 star
Opened in April 2010, this modern hotel is located in the historic centre of Coimbra and 229 offers well-equipped rooms, having as base concept "Leasure & Conf…
4 star
The hotel Quinta das Lágrimas in Coimbra, offers three distinct environments: the rooms of the Palace, the garden and the SPA. Elegance and comfort are reflect…
4 star
Numa harmonia entre passado e presente, o atual Sapientia Boutique Hotel recupera edifícios antigos da cidade para neles albergar novas funções. Com vista pano…
Near Coimbra
Condeixa-a-Nova
Located in the central region, the sub-region of the lower Mondego, Condeixa-a-Nova makes borders with the following municipalities: Coimbra, Penela,…
Figueira da Foz
Known as the “Queen of the Silver Coast”, its beautiful and extensive beaches attract tourists from all over the world, also seduced by the Casino, h…
Arganil
The historical references to the municipality of Arganil come from far beyond. According to archaeological remains found up to now, the past of this …
Penela
Located in the Centre of the country, Penela is the southernmost municipality of the Coimbra district, bordering Ansião, Figueiró dos Vinhos, Condeix…