Things to Do in Amazing Coimbra Portugal
Coimbra in Portugal is a cosy little city north of Lisbon. It is located at a distance of 205 km from the capital of Portugal. The city will forever be a young city as it has witnessed students learning and passing out of the prestigious college for seven centuries and it will continue to do so for centuries to come. Coimbra Portugal has plenty to offer the tourists provided they have the time. Following are top things to do in Coimbra Portugal if you are there for a day.
We halted in Coimbra during our road trip from Tomar to Porto. Coimbra is an ideal destination in the list of Lisbon Day Trips. Distance from Lisbon to Coimbra is 204.4 km via A1. It will take you approx. 2 hours.
What to in Coimbra Portugal
If you are wondering what to do in Coimbra Portugal let me explain:
The main reason why we included Coimbra in Portugal itinerary of 5 days is because Coimbra figures in the prestigious list of UNESCO sites since 2013. University of Coimbra – Alta and Sofia and numerous other buildings like the library, University City, exerted a major influence on learning and literature. It has its own ceremonial and cultural traditions that have been kept alive through the ages. Add to that, this university was inspiration for J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter Series.
Besides the attraction of the University Coimbra has two beautiful Cathedrals, world-class museums, a hauntingly beautiful abandoned monastery, and excellent food. With grown up kids, I thought it would be ideal to include this in our itinerary of road trip through Portugal cities.
Coimbra Things to Do in One Day
University of Coimbra
The university is constructed in a scenic location on a hillside overlooking the city. The 16th century colleges are worth a leisurely stroll. They have lecture rooms open to tourists when the session isn’t on.
A notable monument housed in the huge complex is the 12th century Cathedral of Santa Cruz. The best part is the students have passed down cultural traditions year after year. The classrooms have beautiful tile designs on walls giving them an old ambiance. You have to buy tickets for the visit and it can take an hour to stroll and have a good look at the place.
Tour time 2 hours.
Read more: University of Coimbra Portugal
Coimbra University
The Joanina Library
Visit Coimbra just for this library. For me Biblioteca Joanina was the major attraction in Coimbra. This library is Coimbra’s greatest treasure. The grand opulence inside and stacks of old books going up to ceiling is mind blowing. Entry here is timed and possible only with tickets. You are gently asked to move on for next batch of tourists. You must definitely include this in your list of things to see in Portugal Coimbra.
Tour time – half an hour.
Read more: King John’s Library Coimbra
Capela de São Miguel – Coimbra
Visit to this chapel (Chapel of St Michael) is included in the cost of the ticket for the visit of the University of Coimbra. However access is limited to a few visitors at a time. If you are keen to explore and photograph the beautiful decorations and the baroque organ do watch out for lean hours. It is located on the campus of the Universidade de Coimbra in the courtyard between the Biblioteca Joanina and the clock and bell tower. Do watch out for the glorious tiled interior, baroque organ and Rococo side altars in gold & blue inside the chapel.
Read more about tickets and timings here: Chapel of St Michael Coimbra
Old Cathedral of Coimbra
This fortress like cathedral has a stunningly beautiful altar. The blue and gold work existing for last 5 centuries is mesmerizing. The colorful tile work too is worth a good look. They allow photography and there are tickets for entry to the cloisters. Nobody rushes you up throughout your visit and it should take just an hour for a not so hurried visit. Once outside spend some time going around the cathedral. The west facade has some grand Moorish style columns and are well decorated with designs.
Read more: Old Cathedral of Coimbra
Old Cathedral of Coimbra
New Cathedral of Coimbra
This cathedral was established in 1543. The simple facade has four niches which carry statues of four Jesuit saints. The magnificence of the facade will stun you. This is such a contrast compared to the old cathedral. The 17th century choir stalls of the main chapel were brought from the Old Cathedral.
Tour time 1 hour.
New Cathedral of Coimbra
Fado ao Centro in Coimbra
Fado ao Centro is a Cultural Association of Fado in Coimbra. It has live fado shows every day at 18:00. The best musicians are selected to sing at the centre. You can interact with the musicians, and if luckier may be even hear them rehearsing. Visit the permanent exhibition about the History of Fado de Coimbra.
Tickets and Timings:
Open every day, from 10 AM to 7 PM
Daily concerts at 6 PM
See more pictures: Fado Ao Centro
Jardim Botánico (Botanical Garden) Coimbra Portugal
Experience nature in the botanical gardens of Coimbra! This garden was conceived and developed during the reform of university in 1773. They claim the gardens have an exuberant and exotic collection of flora. The figures quoted as 1,200 plants and trees from around the world.
The garden is open through out the year and entry is free. You can get some peace and pictures in this environment. Several noteworthy features are: fountain, a glasshouse dating from 1856, tree named “Figueira Estranguladora” which is from Australia, several ponds and the tiny 19th-century Capela de São Bento.
Tour time 3 hours or more if you are keen.
Read more: Botanical Garden of University of Coimbra
Jardim Botanico Coimbra by Jorge Lima flickr
Igreja e Mosteiro da Santa Cruz Coimbra
The Monastery of the Holy Cross, also known as the Church of the Holy Cross and as Mosteiro da Santa Cruz, is a National Monument in Coimbra. It is one of the oldest and most important monuments in Coimbra. Dom Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, attended the religious services whenever he returned from the battles that he fought. He and his son, Dom Sancho I, chose the monastery to serve as his final resting place.
The church was built with Ançã stone. It still preserves some magnificent details on the façade, pulpit, and tombs of the kings, the Cloisters of Silence and the paintings in the sacristy.
Tickets – Free sight
Timings – Mon to Sat – 9 AM to noon and 2 PM to 5 PM; Sundays – Noon to 5.30 PM
Read more: The Monastery of Holy Cross
Monastery of the holy cross
Santa Clara Monastery Portugal Coimbra
Not much of this monastery dating back to 14th century remains today. The Santa Clara Monastery was built in 1314 by Queen Isabel de Aragon over the foundations of a small convent of Clarissa nuns founded in 1286. Built on the banks of Mondego River, the site got destroyed due to frequent floods over a period of 150 years.
Check out if it is open before you plan a visit. (it was closed in 2022 for renovations) You can visit the museum which has exhibition of the objects found here structured according to the monastic experience and the Interpretative Centre, where the audiovisual means are used to present the history of the place and its requalification.
Where to Eat in Coimbra
I always recommend this to all who travel to cities, even if it is for a short while. No other better way to experience a city. Since the University is on hill top, walking through the up and down sloping alleyways is worth experiencing. The pavements are tiled in patterns which reminded me of the pavements of Lisbon.
There are walking tours conducted by students. Probably you can fund a student pursuing studies there. Plenty of bars and cafes, the food is good. During peak hours you may find yourself sharing your table with a student!
Where to stay in Coimbra
Check out these hotels rated high in several sites:
Is one day enough for Coimbra tour?
Since Coimbra is a city with university, the nightlife is vibrant. You can easily spend one day in Coimbra city visiting the various old monuments during day and see the lively night life by booking a hotel. Coimbra is located in Central Portugal between Lisbon and Porto. If you have time enough it is definitely worth spending the night too.
Is 2 days too long in Coimbra?
To fully discover Coimbra you require two full days. A third day would provide time for a day trip to one of the fascinating destinations surrounding Coimbra.
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We had only one day in Coimbra so I was interested to see what all we missed on our visit. Unfortunately the university was holding its graduation ceremonies when we were there so it was impossible to really tour it. I definitely would have liked to visit the Botanical Garden. Getting a walking tour from a student sounds like a great idea!
That meal looks tempting 🙂 I have read your other articles on Coimbra and this one sums it up nicely x
Nice taking a brief on the place of interest in Coimbra! If you have visited that botanical garden, hope u make beautiful post on it 🙂 Love to take a stroll along the beautiful pathway
Interesting ideas to know Coimbra, lovely pictures!
I’ve enjoyed all your posts on Coimbra. Wonderful pictures with an even better commentary!
Stunning architecture. Walking is the best way to explore I agree! 🙂
You fanned the embers of my longing to visit Portugal again with this post.
Coimbra seems like a lovely place to visit and the food looks so sumptuous. Thanks for sharing dear! 🙂
Stunningly beautiful architechture ! Wonderful pictures .A walk in the botanical garden has to be an experience to remember !
I feel the cathedrals and the gardens would please me ☺️
Wonderful pictures!!!
Love your Portugal posts. Great local perspective.
Nice list of places to visit. Thanks.
Wonderful photos! Thank you for the tour and advice (my favorite is “Walk & Eat!).
University Architecture is looking very beautiful !!
Wow, must be so good to get out and get lost… Such a lovely post. Need to add Portugal to that bucket list.
Interesting architecture. Even the walkway is fancy!
Hey, Indrani, I’ve read so many posts of yours on Portugal. Why don’t you assemble these in a ebook on Portugal tourism regarding what to visit, why to visit and when to visit with your amazing clicks? Just a thought 🙂
Great idea Ravish. Thanks for inspiring me to think in that direction. 🙂
I am going to think on it.
I agree with Ravish. Your posts are a mine of information and that too in depth. Indrani, it will make an amazing travelogue with all the awesome pictures you have clicked.
That’s a great idea from Ravish. All of your beautiful pictures and narration would be of great help to the tourists want to visit Portugal… 🙂
Nice pictures, great architecture!
I think you had a nice trip in that place, it seems to be a good one for a visit
Beautiful pictures!
The cathedral looks great. x
That platter is so awesome 🙂
Amazing pictures.
Great, So beautiful pics.
nice pathway! beautiful cathedral!
Lisbon is one of the places I’d love to visit. It looks so warm and enchanting.
I bet the Botanical Garden would be a wonderful place to enjoy nature.
I really liked that walking path and fence. That’s a neat mosaic pattern in the walkway. – Lots of wonderful buildings there as well.
Wonderful shots.
That looks sooooo good.
Hello Indrani, Coimbra looks like a beautiful place to visit. Lots of pretty place to visit and eat. Thanks for sharing! Have a happy day!