Things to Do in Coimbra
In the center of Portugal, halfway between Porto and Lisbon, lies Coimbra, the former Portuguese capital and home to one of the oldest universities in the world. Welcome to a city with a rich historical heritage, where you’ll enjoy getting lost in its maze of narrow, medieval streets and charming squares.
Fátima & Coimbra Day Tour with Lunch from Porto
Braga and Guimarães Full Day Tour
Douro Valley Wine Tour: 2 Wineries, Tastings, River Cruise and Lunch
Beyond Lisbon and the sights to see in Porto, Portugal is a land of beautiful cities, landscapes, and regions worth exploring.
Coimbra is a city of charming streets, open courtyards, and staircases that wind through its rich tradition and history. Its historic center, the Quinta das Lágrimas, as well as the University of Coimbra (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) are some of the places to see in Coimbra that you will remember forever.
There are many places to see near Porto, such as Braga and Aveiro (just to name a few), not to mention all the places and things to do in the Douro Valley, but Coimbra is another city that must not be missed on this list.
Coimbra, Birthplace of Kings and the First University of Portugal
An aqueduct and a well-preserved crypt indicate that the Romans were the first to settle in the land we now call Coimbra.
Just as Guimarães saw the birth of Alfonso I, the first king of Portugal, Coimbra was the birthplace of six Portuguese kings and the first dynasty. It was the capital of Portugal from 1131 to 1255.
But despite losing its political power, the city soon became an important cultural center, thanks to the establishment of the University of Coimbra, the first Portuguese university and one of the oldest in Europe.
Dare to discover Portugal with our tour to Coimbra from Porto. A 10-hour tour with lunch included, where you will also visit Fátima, its Sanctuary, its Basilica, and the Chapel of the Apparitions.
What to See in Coimbra in 1 Day
There are several points of interest you should visit if you’re in Coimbra for a day. The good thing is that you can do most of the tour on foot, especially when you visit the University of Coimbra and the historic center.
University of Coimbra
The University of Coimbra is an icon of Portugal. Founded in 1290 in Lisbon, it was moved to Coimbra in 1308 by order of King Dinis I. Thanks to its ancient buildings, such as the Patio das Escolas, the Joanina Library, and the Clock Tower, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Historic Center of Coimbra
The historic center of Coimbra is a place overflowing with charm in every corner. Getting lost walking through its narrow streets is part of the magic that will lead you to discover historical and cultural points of interest, as well as restaurants where you can enjoy delicious bacalhau while listening to authentic Portuguese fado.
Sé Velha, the Old Cathedral of Coimbra
From the outside, it resembles a medieval castle, and perhaps that’s why it’s the only church that survived the Reconquista. It’s a 12th-century construction featuring a three-story portico called Porta Especiosa and the altarpiece of the Main Chapel.
Quinta das Lágrimas
On the left bank of the Mondego River, you’ll find Quinta das Lágrimas, a beautiful garden of about 18 hectares surrounding a 19th-century palace. Quinta das Lágrimas is where Prince Pedro lived an intense love story with his lover named Inês.
Legend has it that the prince’s father, King Alfonso IV, murdered Inês with the help of three nobles, and from the tears she shed, a reddish spring was born that can be visited today. Currently, the palace is a lovely four-star hotel, and the gardens remain open to the public.
New Cathedral of Coimbra
Very close to the university is the New Cathedral of Coimbra, which in reality is not new at all, as its construction began in 1598 and was inaugurated in 1698. Initially, the cathedral belonged to the Jesuits, but when they were expelled from Portugal in 1772, the episcopal seat moved from the old to the New Cathedral.
Monastery of Santa Cruz
The Monastery of Santa Cruz is one of the most important monuments in Coimbra. Founded in 1131 by the Regular Canons of the Holy Cross with the support of Kings Alfonso I and Sancho I, whose remains rest in the monastery, it is now considered one of the most significant historical and artistic monuments in Portugal.
How to Get to Coimbra
You can reach Coimbra from Porto by taking an urban train, with a one-way journey lasting approximately two hours and making numerous stops. Check the official Portuguese train website.
If you’re looking for a more comprehensive and detailed experience, the tour to Coimbra from Porto will let you discover the best of this destination and also visit the Sanctuary of Fátima, in an air-conditioned bus with a direct route and no stops. You will hear the history, anecdotes, and curiosities from the voice of an expert English-speaking guide.
Discover the rest of the excursions from Porto that will take you to other fascinating destinations in Portugal.
Fátima & Coimbra Day Tour with Lunch from Porto
Braga and Guimarães Full Day Tour
Douro Valley Wine Tour: 2 Wineries, Tastings, River Cruise and Lunch