The University of Coimbra and surrounding, Portugal

Things to do in  Coimbra

Portugal’s answer to Oxford

Perched on the banks of the Mondega River in central Portugal, the pretty city of Coimbra packs a punch when it comes to history and architecture. Buttery sandstone churches and whitewashed houses stud its medieval Old Town, while the UNESCO-listed campus of the 13th-century University of Coimbra stands proud as the oldest university in Portugal. Some of the best things to do in Coimbra include exploring the university’s gloriously baroque Biblioteca Joanina library and seeing the best of Portugal in miniature at the cute and compact Portugal dos Pequenitos.

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Top 3 attractions in Coimbra

#1

University of Coimbra (Universidade de Coimbra)

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Portugal’s oldest university, the University of Coimbra (Universidade de Coimbra) was founded in 1290, and is located in the former capital city. Now a popular tourist destination, the university was granted UNESCO World Heritage Status in 2013, and boasts notable architecture, a botanical garden, a science museum, and more.More
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#2

Fátima

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Fátima is one of the most important shrines to the Virgin Mary in the world, a site that first became known in 1917 when three shepherd children told of Mary appearing to them. The last event that year, which took place on October 13, is known as the Miracle of the Sun and was attended by tens of thousands of people. A marble pillar with a statue of Our Lady marks the exact spot in the Chapel of Apparitions, and millions of pilgrims make the journey to see it yearly.More
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#3

Tomar

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Tomar may seem like a simple riverfront town, but it packs a strong historical punch. Set on the banks of the Nabão River, this small city is home to the impressive Castle of Tomar and the Convent of Christ, a 12th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site and the former medieval headquarters of the Knights Templar.More
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Top activities in Coimbra

Coimbra Private Walking Tour with U.C. Tickets Early Access

Coimbra Private Walking Tour with U.C. Tickets Early Access

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Guided tour of the University and city of Coimbra.
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Guided tour of the University and city of Coimbra.

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$71.93
Joanina Library & University of Coimbra VIP ACCESS!

Joanina Library & University of Coimbra VIP ACCESS!

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University of Coimbra guided tours without queue
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University of Coimbra guided tours without queue

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Schist Villages at Lousa Mountain

Schist Villages at Lousa Mountain

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$83.00
Conimbriga and The Roman Tour

Conimbriga and The Roman Tour

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$83.00
University of Coimbra - more complete and private visit, ticket included

University of Coimbra - more complete and private visit, ticket included

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$106.24
Convent of Christ Tour "Portugal in the Map" - Visit Tomar with a local guide!

Convent of Christ Tour "Portugal in the Map" - Visit Tomar with a local guide!

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$38.73
The Magnetism of Fatima

The Magnetism of Fatima

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Tomar, Batalha & Alcobaça - 3 World Heritage Sites without rushing!

Tomar, Batalha & Alcobaça - 3 World Heritage Sites without rushing!

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Aveiro, Costa Nova beach and Moliceiro Boat, half-day from Coimbra

Aveiro, Costa Nova beach and Moliceiro Boat, half-day from Coimbra

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Hiking in Conimbriga and Mouros River Valley

Hiking in Conimbriga and Mouros River Valley

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Transfer Fátima To Lisboa

Transfer Fátima To Lisboa

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Fátima Private Transfer to/from Lisbon

Fátima Private Transfer to/from Lisbon

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Discovering the charms and places of Coimbra

Discovering the charms and places of Coimbra

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Cycling to Conimbriga Roman Ruins, self-guide, full-day from Coimbra

Cycling to Conimbriga Roman Ruins, self-guide, full-day from Coimbra

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Jewish History of Coimbra

Jewish History of Coimbra

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Fátima Sanctuary and Pastorinhos Village, half-day from Coimbra

Fátima Sanctuary and Pastorinhos Village, half-day from Coimbra

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Fátima, Batalha, Alcobaça and Nazaré Private Tour

Fátima, Batalha, Alcobaça and Nazaré Private Tour

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Private Tour Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré E Óbidos

Private Tour Fátima, Batalha, Nazaré E Óbidos

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All about Coimbra

When to visit

Coimbra enjoys mild winters, warm summers, and plenty of sunshine, which makes it a year-round destination. It sees far fewer crowds than Porto, Lisbon, and the Algarve region, so you won’t feel too jammed even when visiting in July and August, which coincide with the European school holidays. However, the best month to visit is May to experience the Burning of the Ribbons festival, when graduates set their gowns and ribbons alight and sing fado music in the streets.

Getting around

Thanks to its small size, Coimbra is a very walkable city—however, steep streets mean you’ll likely break a sweat, especially in sunny summer when you might prefer to get around by taxi or on a sightseeing tour with transport. Coimbra is home to a train station from which trains depart for Lisbon and Porto—the line stops at plenty of other notable towns such as Aveiro and even whisks you all the way down to Faro in the Algarve region.

Traveler tips

Hailed as one of Europe’s top Roman archaeological sites, the Conimbriga Roman Ruins are a must for history buffs. Dating back to the first century, the ruins were once home to a Roman nobleman and boast the accolade of one of the biggest Roman empire houses ever to be discovered. Conimbriga is around 6 miles (10 kilometers) from the center of Coimbra.

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People Also Ask

Is it worth visiting Coimbra?

Yes, it is absolutely worth visiting Coimbra. Not only is the city home to a prestigious university, a gorgeous Old Town, and plenty of great restaurants, it also sees far fewer crowds than Lisbon and Porto. So you’ll be able to wander the charming streets without the bustle.

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What is Coimbra best known for?

Coimbra is best known for being home to Portugal’s oldest university. Dating back to 1290, it’s not only the oldest in Portugal but also one of the oldest universities in the world, earning the grand campus UNESCO World Heritage Site status. The baroque Biblioteca Joanina library is a must-see.

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Is Coimbra a walkable city?

Yes, Coimbra is a very walkable city thanks to its compact Old Town and a pedestrian-friendly center with plenty of crossings and sidewalks. However, with great views comes great effort, and the streets can be steep and hilly—stay hydrated when climbing them in summer.

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How many days should I spend in Coimbra?

Three days in Coimbra is ideal. This lets you explore the Old Town, see the historical sights, and soak up the riverside charm at a relaxed pace, and there's time to take a day trip to other Beiras highlights, including Conimbriga Roman Ruins and Aveiro, nicknamed the Venice of Portugal.

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Is Coimbra a party town?

Yes, thanks to an average student population of more than 20,000, you can find plenty of party opportunities in Coimbra. There are many bars and nightclubs that stay open five nights per week—top picks include Vegas Club and LIT Coimbra.

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What kind of food can I eat in Coimbra?

Central Portugal has a distinctive cuisine, and you can sample its best dishes in Coimbra. Famous dishes include leitão, slow-roasted suckling pig; pastéis de Tentúgal, a flaky pastry filled with a sweet custard; and caldo verde, a hearty soup made from green vegetables.

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