2025 Almedina Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in July)

Coimbra is a well-preserved medieval city that was the country's capital before Lisbon took over. Coimbra is renowned for its university, which is the oldest in Portugal and one of the oldest in Europe. However, what drew me to this city was not the school, but its architectural style that I fell in love with even before I arrived. Many people take a day trip to Coimbra on their way to Porto or Lisbon, which is feasible, but I recommend staying at least one night to fully experience its charm. Coimbra's old town is small, making it easy to explore on foot. It is a perfect blend of medieval history and colorful architecture. Visiting the University of Coimbra is probably the most popular activity in Coimbra, but they have a magnificent library covered in gold inside, and they also have a great terrace with a view of the city, which I think is worth a visit. Note: Photography is not allowed in the library. Coimbra is hilly, but the slopes are gentle, unlike the steep hills of Lisbon or Porto. For those who are not good at physical activities, there is good public transportation or you can just walk slowly. In many cases, you have the opportunity to stop, sit in a café, enjoy the scenery, and listen to the sounds. The steepest climb might be from the city center to the Old Cathedral (13th century) and the university (old campus) along two main routes. Getting to Coimbra is very simple; you just need to take a train from Lisbon to Coimbra. The journey takes less than 2 hours. When visiting Portugal, most people either fly into Lisbon or Porto, and Coimbra is located between the two, making it easily accessible by train. This is why I mentioned that many people stop in Coimbra on their way to these two major cities.

#backpackeressentials Portugal’s medieval gem is more than just a university town — it’s perfect for backpackers chasing culture, charm, and cheap eats! 🏰 Top Attractions You Can’t Miss: 📚 University of Coimbra – One of the oldest in Europe! Don’t miss the stunning Joanina Library (entry ~€10) 🌉 Santa Clara-a-Velha Monastery – Atmospheric ruins across the river (€4 or free with student card!) 🌳 Jardim Botânico da Universidade – A peaceful free escape filled with rare plants ⛪ Sé Velha (Old Cathedral) – Romanesque beauty worth a quick visit 🛶 Chill by the Mondego River, or hike up to panoramic viewpoints around Alta 🎒 Backpacker Essentials 🛏️ Stay in hostels near the university or downtown – Walkable, central, and cheap (avg. €20–30/night) 🥘 Eat at student cafés & tascas – Look for “prato do dia” (dish of the day) menus for meals under €7! 🚶 Walking shoes – Coimbra is hilly and full of charming cobbled streets 🧴 Water bottle – Fill up at public fountains (safe to drink) 🧳 Light layers – Even summer nights can cool off; bring a sweater 💡 Money-Saving Tips: 🎟️ Ask for student/youth discounts – Coimbra is a student city, and many attractions offer reduced prices 🕰️ Visit during the Queima das Fitas festival (May) for unique experiences — just book early! 📱 Use Comboios de Portugal (CP) train deals to reach Coimbra from Porto or Lisbon at reduced rates 🎶 Look out for free Fado shows or music nights at university bars

📅 Itinerary Step into the heart of Portugal and discover Coimbra, a UNESCO-listed university town rich in history, charm, and tradition. 🕰️ Begin your day at Largo da Portagem, the perfect gateway into the city’s historic core. Wander through the Torre de Almedina and Porta de Barbacã, remnants of Coimbra’s medieval walls. ⛪ Don’t miss the Church of Santa Cruz, resting place of Portugal’s first kings, and take a moment to admire its stunning pipe organ. 💧 From there, stroll over to the elegant Fonte de Manga, a hidden Baroque fountain oasis. 🏰 Continue your journey to two iconic cathedrals — the Sé Nova, with its majestic Jesuit design, and the Sé Velha, a fortress-like Romanesque beauty. 📚 No trip to Coimbra is complete without visiting its crown jewel: the University of Coimbra, founded in 1290. The highlight? The breathtaking Joanina Library, a Baroque library that houses vast collection of books dating from the 16th to 18th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 🌙 As night falls, take a quiet walk past the illuminated Roman Aqueduct at the outskirts. 🏨 Accommodation We stayed at ibis style centro. It is affordable and right smack in the middle of everything, thus making it easy to walk to places of interests and restaurants. 🍴 Food Recommendations Food is everywhere in Coimbra considered it’s a university town full of students. You will have food ranging from fast foods like Burger King, to bubble tea and ice cream shops. There’s 1 restaurant which stood out for me, which is Taberna Laura. The Chanfana is very delicious. The waiter is also very patient with us and explained the dishes that we were not familiar with. It’s so good we went back a second time. 📌 Tips We went there during May when the temperature is down, but it is still like an oven. There is not much sheltered area so please bring along a cap and sunblock. I was almost burnt even after putting on sunblock. For the library of Joanina, please book tickets way in advance and choose the later afternoon time slots as those are not very popular if you want to avoid the crowd. #travel #portugal #coimbra

Coimbra is a historic city located in central Portugal, and is the third largest city in Portugal after Lisbon and Porto. 💡⁡ ⁡ It was the capital of Portugal from 1131 to 1255, and is famous for being the home of Portugal's oldest university, so the main purpose of tourists is to see the university and visit the Joanie Library inside the university, but personally I also recommend walking around the back alleys. 😊⁡ ⁡ There are few tourists in the back alleys, so you can take your time looking at the cute townscape and enjoy the wonderful Coimbra that only people who live there know. 👍⁡ ⁡ Please go and check it out. 🎵 #tripoverseastravel #girlstrip #europetrip #portugal

This time, we will introduce the Old Cathedral of Coimbra in Portugal. The historical buildings in the old town are very impressive and have a high sense of artistry. The area is very large, so there is a lot to see. If you want to take your time, it's best to visit with plenty of time. The entrance fee was reasonable at 2.5€. Please go and check it out! 📍Location: Largo da Sé Velha, 3000-383 Coimbra, Portugal #0 yen trip February 2025

There is such a beautiful university! This is the University of Coimbra in Portugal. The cityscape centered around the university buildings here is a World Heritage Site. Coimbra University is the oldest university in Europe and a prestigious national university where many students still attend, but it is also a popular tourist spot where you can visit the library and other facilities. It may be difficult to get to on your own, so if you want to go inside, try looking for a tour and signing up. You can enjoy just the exterior👍 📍Location: Portugal 〒3004-531, Coimbra #0 yen trip February 2025

#getgoing2025 Coimbra University & Library One of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Coimbra is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of Portugal's academic history. Its stunning library, the Biblioteca Joanina, is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, with ornate gilded shelves and intricate painted ceilings. The university's historic buildings, courtyards, and gardens offer a glimpse into Portugal's intellectual and cultural heritage. Climbing the university tower provides panoramic views of the city.

Coimbra University, founded in 1290 and one of the oldest universities in Europe, is located on a hill, so you have to go up using slopes and stairs.⁡ You can see a spectacular view when you look back, so I recommend visiting it while walking around the city slowly.🚶⁡ ⁡ One of the highlights here is the Joanina Library, but since I only had half a day in Coimbra, I just walked around the university grounds without entering, but I still enjoyed it.😊⁡ ⁡ Coimbra, including this university, and the surrounding Alta and Sofia districts are World Heritage Sites.💡⁡ ⁡ You can access it from Porto by train, so please go and check it out.🎵⁡ ⁡ ⋈ ････Spot details･････････ ⋈⁡ ⁡ Opening hours: 24 hours⁡ Closed days: None #tripoverseastravel#Portugal #Portugaltrip #Europe #Europetrip #Girlstrip #Coimbra

#2024mapped #coimbra #portugal #restaurant This summer, I had the pleasure of dining at Bixos, the restaurant at Zero Box Lodge in Coimbra, and it was such a treat! The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with a relaxed yet stylish vibe. The food was fantastic—each dish was fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The staff was attentive and friendly, making the whole experience even more enjoyable. It was the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring Coimbra, and I definitely left feeling satisfied and happy.

#2024mapped #portugal #coimbra Zero Box Lodge in Coimbra offers a unique, modern experience with a focus on comfort and innovation. The rooms are minimalist but well-designed, featuring cozy beds, high-tech amenities, and private “boxes” for a private and quirky feel. The staff is friendly, and the location is perfect for exploring Coimbra’s historic sites. While the rooms may be small, the overall vibe is sleek and functional, making it a great choice for travelers looking for something different and affordable. It’s a fun, futuristic twist on the traditional hotel experience.

Coimbra, nestled along the banks of the Mondego River in central Portugal, is a city steeped in history and academic prestige. Known for its ancient university, one of the oldest in Europe, Coimbra offers a blend of historical charm, vibrant student life, and rich cultural heritage. What to Expect Visitors to Coimbra will find a city that beautifully combines the past and the present. The hilltop University of Coimbra dominates the cityscape, with its impressive buildings and historical significance. The narrow, winding streets of the old town are filled with traditional Fado music, quaint shops, and centuries-old architecture. Experiences and Recommendations A visit to the University of Coimbra is essential. The Joanina Library, a baroque masterpiece, houses thousands of rare books and is often considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. The university's Chapel of São Miguel and the Royal Palace are also notable attractions that showcase the institution's rich history. Exploring the old town reveals the Sé Velha (Old Cathedral), a Romanesque structure that has stood the test of time. Nearby, the Sé Nova (New Cathedral) reflects the city's enduring religious significance. For a peaceful retreat, wander through the Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest in Portugal. In the evening, experience traditional Coimbra Fado, a unique style of Fado music performed by male students, which tells tales of love and longing. The Fado ao Centro is a great place to enjoy an authentic performance. #mytravelhacks#historicallandmarks#localguides

Coimbra is an autonomous city in Portugal, the fourth largest city center, a city with a rich history and academic atmosphere, carrying the essence of national culture and tradition. 🍠Must-visit attractions University of Coimbra: As the oldest university in Portugal, its architectural complex is listed as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO and is a symbol of the city. University of Coimbra's library: Built in 1717, it is one of the oldest and most magnificent libraries in Portugal. The most famous is its unique rectangular hall, known as the "Grand Reading Room", the top is decorated with exquisite gold wood carvings, and the shelves are filled with a wealth of manuscripts, ancient books and precious documents. Santa Clara-a-Velha Monastery: This monastery was built in the 14th century, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and is also the resting place of St. Clare. New Cathedral or Sé Nova: This Baroque-style cathedral was built in the 18th century, the interior is beautifully decorated, and it is the religious center of Coimbra. Conímbriga Museum: Located near the city, the ancient city site of Capuada, displays archaeological discoveries from the Roman era. Barragem da Aguieira: This dam is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery and is an ideal place for hiking and enjoying lake views. 🍠Recommended food Coimbra’s Broa: This is a traditional cornbread, served with various meats or cheeses, and is one of the local specialties. Queijo de Sicó: This cheese originates from the nearby mountains, has a rich taste, and is a delicious representative of Portuguese cheese. Pastel de Tentúgal: This is a traditional Portuguese pastry made from egg yolk syrup and dough. 🍠Shopping areas Praça do Comércio: This square has various shops and cafes, suitable for strolling and casual shopping.