Things to Do in Guimarães

Guimarães is a beautiful city to visit in northern Portugal. It has around 150,000 inhabitants and is only 56 kilometers from Porto. It is perhaps one of the best-preserved medieval examples in Europe.

If you don’t want to worry about transportation, join the Braga and Guimarães full day tour with lunch and transportation from Porto. It’s a 9-hour experience where you’ll gather plenty of wonderful memories.

Guimarães, the Cradle of Portugal

Similar to the city of Coimbra, Guimarães is a place with so much history that to tell it all, we would have to go back to the Copper Age and continue to the Middle Ages, where events occurred that led to the birth of Portugal.

Legend has it that in the 10th century, the Battle of San Mamede took place in Guimarães, where Teresa of León (Infanta of León and Countess of Portugal) faced her son, Alfonso Enríquez, who won the dispute, thus becoming the first king of Portugal.

What to See in Guimarães

The Castle of Guimarães

 

Below is our list of must-see places in Guimarães, a very popular destination around Porto due to its medieval remnants, such as Guimarães Castle and its historic center, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Guimarães Castle

It is one of the most beautiful places to visit in northern Portugal. The story goes that Alfonso Enríquez, the same one who defeated his own mother to become king, was born in this castle. This fortification was built in the 10th century to repel Arab invasions.

Guimarães Wall

 

After the castle was built, a wall was raised in the 13th century to enhance the protection of Guimarães. Just like in other European cities, due to population growth, these walls were demolished to allow the city to expand, although some sections are still preserved.

On one of these, it can be read, “Here Portugal was born.”

Palace of the Dukes of Braganza

 

The Portuguese have mixed feelings about this palace because, although it was built by the Duke of Braganza in the 15th century, it was restored and used as the official residence of the dictator Antonio de Oliveira Salazar in the 20th century.

Still, the palace retains much of its original grandeur, especially regarding its four towers, the inner courtyard, and the chapel. Inside, there are also some ancient Flemish tapestries, as well as various weapons and armor from the medieval period.

Santiago Square

 

In the heart of Guimarães’ historical center is the Praça de São Tiago. It’s one of the best places where you can appreciate the medieval character of the city.

If you’re strolling through the square and suddenly feel hungry, we recommend the restaurant Cozinha Regional Santiago (Praça de São Tiago, 16), where you can taste exquisite traditional Portuguese food.

Largo de Oliveira

Also in the historic center is Largo de Oliveira. It is a square that owes its name to an olive tree that once stood in the area. Being there is like traveling five centuries back in time due to the medieval architecture that surrounds it.

Very close, you’ll find the Romanesque Church of Oliveira and the Padrao de Salao (an ancient monument that commemorates the Portuguese victory over the Muslims in the Battle of Salado).

How to Get to Guimarães from Porto

Traveling the distance from Porto to Guimarães (just 55 kilometers) is not complicated. If you drive, it will take you only about 35 minutes.

On the other hand, you also have the option to go by train. With departures every hour from the São Bento station (Praça de Almeida Garret), the journey takes just over an hour. The ticket costs around €6 for a round trip. It is undoubtedly an economical alternative to spend a day in Guimarães.

However, if you prefer to make the most of your trip around Porto, we recommend checking out this tour to Guimarães from Porto (transportation included). In addition to visiting Guimarães Castle, strolling through the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza and the city’s historic center, you will also see other key places in northern Portugal.

Specifically, you will get to know the city of Braga, the third most populous city in Portugal. This famous locality is notable for having been the capital of the Roman province of Gallaecia, under the name Bracara Augusta.

 

The Sanctuary of Bom Jesus in Braga

 

During the tour, which includes a traditional meal, you will see the most famous monument in Braga: the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus, as well as its cathedral, the oldest in Portugal, and other important sites in this Romanesque capital of Portugal.

 

Plan your trip with the wide variety of excursions from Porto. You might be interested in the options we recommend below: