Coimbra

Travel Guide

Coimbra showing a river or creek, a sunset and landscape views
Coimbra showing a bridge, night scenes and a city
Portugal dos Pequenitos showing a park and outdoor art
Portugal dos Pequenitos which includes heritage elements and a church or cathedral
Santa Cruz Church showing a square or plaza

Explore the spectacular medieval buildings on the university campus and visit the intriguing museums of this former capital of Portugal.

Coimbra is a historic city with an impressive university campus and many surviving relics from its Roman occupation. An aqueduct runs through this former capital city of Portugal, whose skyline is adorned with medieval churches, museums and the red-tiled, whitewashed façades of the hilltop residential homes. Chat with residents and guides for a glimpse into the local culture and history.

Tour the charming model village of Portugal dos Pequenitos to see miniature versions of the city’s architectural highlights. Learn about the influence of Portuguese culture across the globe, with exhibits on Brazil and Mozambique, among other former colonial outposts.

For a sense of the Roman history of the city, look around the Museu Nacional Machado de Castro, which is housed in the former Bishop’s Palace. It has a focus on ecclesiastical artifacts and works of art and contains the eerie passageways of the Roman cryptoporticus, a private passageway. Learn about the religious history of the town in the preserved Velha Cathedral, from the Reconquista era forward in time. A little northeast is the impressive New Cathedral of Coimbra.

Among the city highlights is Coimbra University, one of the world’s oldest educational institutes, dating back to the 1200s. Embark on one of the guided tours of the spectacular campus for a comprehensive understanding of its extensive history and marvelous architecture.

Visit the university’s Biblioteca Joanina for its grandiose design and vast collection of tomes. Explore the S. Miguel Chapel and the Royal Palace. Stroll through the colonnade of the Via Latina and gaze up at the impressive University Tower.

Coimbra is a university town with a fascinating past. The city is located in the Centro region, slightly northwest of the center of Portugal. Fly to Francisco Sa Carneiro Airport in Porto and drive south for 80 miles (130 kilometers) to get here in about 80 minutes. Lisbon, with its Portela Airport, is a 2-hour drive south from Coimbra. Rail connections around the country are excellent.

Where to stay in Coimbra

Velha Cathedral showing a city, heritage elements and landscape views

Coimbra City Centre

4.5/5(124 area reviews)

Historic sites, river views, and bars are some highlights of Coimbra City Centre. Make a stop by Santa Cruz Church or Old Cathedral of Coimbra while you're exploring.

Coimbra City Centre
Stay Hotel Coimbra Centro
Stay Hotel Coimbra Centro
4 out of 5
Av. Fernão de Magalhães 199, Coimbra
$71 nightly
The price is $78 total per night from Jul 10 to Jul 11
$78 total
Jul 10 - Jul 11
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Coimbra. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Popular attractions Edificio Chiado ...
7.6/10 Good! (650 reviews)
"I had a great stay. Hotel is conveniently placed, very good price and excellent breakfast."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Stay Hotel Coimbra Centro
Hotel Oslo
Hotel Oslo
3 out of 5
Av. Fernão de Magalhães, 25, Coimbra
$130 nightly
The price is $141 total per night from Jul 20 to Jul 21
$141 total
Jul 20 - Jul 21
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star eco-certified hotel in Coimbra. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Nice staff and clean rooms"

Reviewed on Jul 2, 2025

Hotel Oslo
Hotel Mondego
Hotel Mondego
3 out of 5
Largo das Ameias, n3-5, Coimbra, COIMBRA
$121 nightly
The price is $130 total per night from Aug 1 to Aug 2
$130 total
Aug 1 - Aug 2
Total includes taxes and fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Coimbra. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (554 reviews)
"The staff were super friendly and helpful. The hotel is in a great location. The walk-in shower was lovely. The bed was comfortable. The air-conditioning worked well. The room was a good size. It would be good to have more hangers in the wardrobe. There wasn't a safe in the room. The breakfast was ..."

Reviewed on Jun 13, 2025

Hotel Mondego
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
SOPHIA STUDIOS
SOPHIA STUDIOS
4 out of 5
R. Sofia 37, Coimbra, Coimbra
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Coimbra. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and cable TV channels. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (132 reviews)
"Impeccably clean. Beautiful rooms. Ricardo and the staff were fantastic and friendly. We really liked the location too."

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2025

SOPHIA STUDIOS
Entre Ruas Apartments
Entre Ruas Apartments
3 out of 5
6 Rua do Corpo de Deus, Coimbra
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly aparthotel in Coimbra. Enjoy free WiFi, free bicycles on site, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (90 reviews)
"We loved these apartments. Very well appointed and spacious. Right in the middle of Coimbra’s key attractions. Wish we had spent more time. The little cards with recommendations for the city were special. The staff at the Oslo hotel (where you do check in) was super nice and attentive. Highly ..."

Reviewed on Jun 21, 2025

Entre Ruas Apartments
Coimbra Vintage Lofts
Coimbra Vintage Lofts
3 out of 5
Rua Simão de Évora, 11, Coimbra
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Coimbra. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Edificio Chiado and Núcleo da Cidade ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (140 reviews)
"Large loft with kitchen area. Awakened by toddler in adjoining room - thin walls. Not clearly communicated that we should go to the Hotel to check in - NOT to the address of the loft. Or that parking was 10 Eoros per night. Staff at the hotel were very helpful."

Reviewed on May 3, 2025

Coimbra Vintage Lofts
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Coimbra

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
64
5 - Excellent 58%
4 - Good
40
4 - Good 36%
3 - Okay
6
3 - Okay 5%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

A lovely walkable historic town with delicious pastries, tapas and fado.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Old historic city, nice to see, very hard to drive in. Especially the university area. But must-see in Portugal.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Coimbra is beautiful! Lovely, safe, friendly people. Lots of dining options, there’s something for everyone. There’s always live music being played on the streets, which is a nice touch, makes for a very unique and sweet experience.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Wonderful city! Go to a Fado show!

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Definitely go to the museum. It is incredible.

4/5 - Good

J

Don't miss the University and library.

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