Known as the “City of Students,” Coimbra is home to Portugal’s oldest university and one of Europe’s most prestigious academic institutions. With its medieval streets, stunning hilltop views, and vibrant student culture, Coimbra offers a perfect blend of history, intellectual heritage, and youthful energy.
The crown jewel of the city, this 13th-century university features:
The magnificent Joanina Library, a Baroque masterpiece with gilded woodwork and over 50,000 ancient volumes
The University Tower, offering panoramic city views
The Royal Palace with its stunning Sala dos Capelos (Great Hall)
The unique Academic Prison where misbehaving students were once confined
This 12th-century Romanesque cathedral is one of Portugal’s best-preserved medieval buildings. Its fortress-like exterior hides a beautiful interior with Gothic influences and intricate stone carvings.
A national monument containing the tombs of Portugal’s first two kings (Afonso Henriques and Sancho I), this monastery features exquisite Manueline architecture and beautiful azulejo tilework.
Created in 1772, this lush 13-hectare garden is one of Europe’s oldest botanical gardens, featuring exotic plants, greenhouses, and peaceful walking paths along the Mondego River.
Experience this unique style of Fado music, traditionally performed by male university students in black capes. The melancholic songs about love and student life are best heard at:
Fado ao Centro (dedicated Fado venue)
Café Santa Cruz (historic café with occasional performances)
Coimbra offers delicious traditional dishes:
Chanfana – Slow-cooked goat in red wine
Leitão da Bairrada – Suckling pig from nearby Bairrada region
Pastéis de Santa Clara – Sweet egg-based pastries
Queijo da Serra – Creamy mountain cheese
This charming miniature park features scale models of Portugal’s most famous monuments, perfect for families with children.
Getting There:
From Porto: 1 hour 15 minutes by train or 1.5 hours by car
From Lisbon: 2 hours by train or 2 hours by car
Best Time to Visit:
May-June during the Queima das Fitas student festival or September for the academic year opening ceremonies. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather.
Where to Stay:
Options range from historic hotels near the university to modern accommodations by the river. The upper town offers atmospheric stays close to major sights.
Coimbra’s compact hilltop layout makes it perfect for exploring on foot. Whether attending a Fado performance, admiring the university’s grandeur, or strolling through medieval streets, visitors will feel the weight of history and the energy of student life in this remarkable city. The combination of academic prestige, architectural wonders, and living traditions makes Coimbra an essential stop in Portugal.
Porto, Portugal
Lisbon, Portugal
