Coimbra travel guide

The official currency in Coimbra, Portugal is the Euro (€). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops, with Visa and Mastercard being the most common. However, smaller establishments and market stalls might only accept cash, so it's advisable to keep some on hand. ATMs, known locally as Multibanco, are plentiful and offer a convenient way to withdraw cash. Keep in mind that foreign cards may be subject to fees. It's worth noting that tipping in Coimbra is customary but not mandatory, usually around 10% of the bill. As for budgeting, Coimbra is known for being more affordable than Portugal's larger cities like Lisbon and Porto, so your money tends to go further here.

The official language in Coimbra is Portuguese. While English is spoken in many tourist areas, it's recommended to learn a few basic Portuguese phrases. 'Bom dia' (Good morning), 'Por favor' (Please), and 'Obrigado' (Thank you) can go a long way in helping you interact with locals.

Moreover, understanding a few signs such as 'saída' (exit), 'entrada' (entry), 'aberto' (open), and 'fechado' (closed) can be helpful. Don't worry about perfect pronunciation, as locals appreciate any effort to speak their language. Lastly, remember that Portuguese in Portugal is different from Brazilian Portuguese, so it's best to learn European Portuguese phrases before your trip.

Home to plenty of top attractions, Coimbra is more than just a wonderful city in Portugal. Coimbra is a travel hotspot and a great place to experience a mix of the traditional and modern culture of Portugal.

One fascinating sight in Coimbra is the unforgettable Paço das Escolas. Considered one of the most well-known attractions in the city, a visit to this spectacular travel destination is something you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Coimbra. This remarkable attraction is located at 3000-515 Coimbra, Portugal and is open for visitors Monday - Sunday, between 09:00-19:00.

For more information about what you can expect during a vacation in Portugal, check out our list of top attractions in Coimbra below. Discover the best places to visit in Coimbra, including the fascinating Paço das Escolas, Santa Cruz Church, Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Coimbra, Sé Velha - Coimbra, and Choupal National Forest.

Use this map to find the location of all top attractions in Coimbra.

Traveling is all about gaining new experiences. You can have that and more in the city of Coimbra.

Coimbra offers numerous tours and activities for travelers to choose from. Historical Tours, Walking Tours, and Half-day Tours are only a few of the many experiences you can book for your holiday in Portugal.

Explore the most popular experiences you can join in Coimbra by clicking on one of the top-rated tour categories below.

Travelers in Coimbra can choose from 13 categories of top-rated tours and tickets. If you're curious about what the most frequently recommended experiences in the city are, Activities is the answer.

The most popular tour in Coimbra is the fantastic A tour between Cascades and Schist Villages, Piodão. By joining this highly recommended tour, travelers get to learn more about what makes Coimbra one of the best travel destinations in Portugal.

Coimbra also offers plenty of budget-friendly tours and activities that promise travelers a unique experience in the city. The affordable Coimbra's Historical Highlights: A Self-Guided Audio Tour is the cheapest tour in the city, and is a popular Historical Tour. This experience costs around 7 EUR and allows travelers a great time in Coimbra. This Historical Tour is available in 1 language: English. Around 13 travelers have given this activity an average rating of 5 stars out of 5.

Secure an unforgettable experience for your upcoming trip to Coimbra and book a top-rated tour in the city. Discover the best tours, activities, and tickets in Coimbra below.

Discover the best things to do in Coimbra. Choose from 83 fantastic tours and activities available in the city.

Select your dates and number of travelers in the search bar below to receive the best recommendations for your vacation in Coimbra. Click the green button to view your options.

Coimbra, Portugal, is a city steeped in history and culinary traditions. The best places to eat in Coimbra range from the bustling street food markets to the refined high-end restaurants. The city center, especially the Baixa district, offers a multitude of dining options where you can sample the city's traditional dishes. The most revered is Leitão à Bairrada, succulent roast piglet often paired with sparkling white wine from the region. Another must-try is Chanfana, a hearty goat stew cooked in a traditional black clay pot. For those with a sweet tooth, the Pastel de Tentúgal, a puff pastry filled with sweet egg cream, is a local delicacy not to miss. The riverfront area of Coimbra is also known for its fresh seafood, served in a variety of ways. Try the arroz de marisco, a flavorful seafood rice dish, or the caldeirada, a fish stew. For a dining experience with a view, head to the restaurants lining the Mondego River. Here you can enjoy traditional Portuguese cuisine while overlooking the beautiful cityscape.

Experience the charm of shopping in Coimbra, where traditional craft meets contemporary fashion. The best place to go shopping in Coimbra is Baixa, the heart of the city. Wander along the pedestrian-friendly streets lined with a blend of modern shops and quaint boutiques. Don't miss Rua Ferreira Borges and Rua Visconde da Luz, well-known for their diverse range of stores. Forum Coimbra, the city's largest shopping center, is another must-visit, offering a wealth of local and international brands.

Coimbra is renowned for its unique ceramics and pottery, exquisite silverware, and vibrant embroidered linens. Look out for these locally-made items as they make perfect souvenirs. The city also takes pride in its fashion scene, with local designers showcasing their creations in various boutiques. Remember to check the opening hours as many shops close for a siesta in the afternoon. Additionally, enjoy the weekly markets like the Mercado D. Pedro V, where you can find fresh produce, flowers, and local crafts. Shopping in Coimbra provides a delightful mix of the old and the new, making it a memorable part of your Portuguese adventure.

Experience the magic of Coimbra, Portugal without breaking the bank! The best free things to do in Coimbra range from strolling through the charming streets to exploring historical landmarks. Start with a visit to the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in the world. Wander through its ancient corridors and marvel at the stunning architecture. Don't miss the Joanina Library, an 18th-century Baroque library that's a masterpiece in itself. From there, take a leisurely walk along Mondego River, offering splendid views of the city and its iconic red-roofed houses. Next, step into the serene green oasis of the Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra, a perfect spot for a picnic or leisurely stroll. History buffs should not miss the Old Cathedral of Coimbra (Sé Velha), a Romanesque relic that's a testament to the city's rich history. Finally, enjoy a vibrant sunset from the Santa Clara Bridge, ending your day with a breathtaking panorama of Coimbra. Each of these free activities offers a unique window into the soul of this enchanting city, making your visit unforgettable.

Travelers have a great selection of vacation packages to choose from in Portugal.

Get more Coimbra vacation ideas on this site and discover the greatest selection of vacation packages in Europe. Scroll down to find the best vacation packages in Portugal that match your needs and budget.

Discover and compare vacation packages that take you to the wonderful city of Coimbra.

The best flights, hotels, and activities in Coimbra get fully booked quickly. Use the search tool below to find the best vacation packages in Portugal. Your customized holiday package to Coimbra is only a few clicks away!

Over the years, more airlines have started offering flexible and direct flights to Coimbra, making it one of the most accessible travel destinations in Portugal.

Use the search tool below to find the cheapest flights to Portugal and the city of Coimbra from your city of departure.

While each type offers varying amenities and rates, there is no denying that Coimbra provides a great selection of lodging options ready to cater to every kind of guest.

Budget accommodations are also incredibly popular among travelers in Coimbra. Cheaper alternatives allow travelers to save on accommodation costs and have more to spend on other experiences.

Select the type you prefer to compare options under each category and find the best accommodation.

Hotels are travelers' go-to accommodations in Coimbra for the unique experience they provide.

Besides offering basic amenities, many hotels in Coimbra provide meals and extras, such as shuttle services, spa facilities, tour desks, and other services. But because not all hotels in Coimbra are created equal, finding the best in the city often requires careful research. For your convenience, we've done all the research to make it easier for you to check out all the top hotels in Coimbra.

Below is our hand-picked list of the best hotels in the Coimbra. Travelers are encouraged to book early as these hotels quickly reach capacity.

Click the arrows or swipe the list to see each hotel's ratings, reviews, locations, rates, and more. You can read detailed descriptions of each hotel by clicking the cards.

Use the Accommodation Search tool below to find available stays in the city of Coimbra on specific dates. This handy feature also allows you to compare prices and amenities.

Enter the preferred check-in and check-out dates. Then, select the number of guests and rooms. Click the Search button to find all the available hotels and places to stay in the city of Coimbra that match the information provided.

Discover and choose from our broad range of popular car rental options in the city of Coimbra to find the best car for your travel plans. All car rentals come with CDW insurance for added protection throughout your trip.

Renting a car is a popular choice among travelers who want to explore Portugal at their own pace.

This car is particularly popular among couples and solo travelers touring the city of Coimbra.

Check out all options available in Coimbra and book the car rental for your upcoming adventures in Portugal below.

Get ready to hit the road and explore the beautiful city of Coimbra. Find the best deals on a variety of popular car rentals in Coimbra, Portugal, or any other destination in Europe by using the search tool below.

Enter your pick-up and drop-off location, driver's age, and dates. Click the green button to view your options.

When unsure of where to go next, use the map below. This map shows the locations of all the best destinations in Portugal. Use the map to plan your trip and find the best routes.

Traveling to another city or region in Portugal? Use the flight search tool below to quickly find the cheapest one-way or round-trip flights from Coimbra to different local destinations.

Enter all the necessary information and click or tap on the Search button to see a list of the available domestic flights in Portugal on the selected dates.