Top 3 Itineraries in Coimbra

No matter how long you plan to stay, there’s a perfect trip to Coimbra.

If you only have a few days, Coimbra weekend getaways are the perfect option. A 3 to 5-day stay in Coimbra offers just enough time to soak in the highlights

For a balanced mix of sightseeing and relaxation, city breaks in Coimbra are ideal. With a few extra days, you can dive deeper into Coimbra’s most iconic landmarks, stroll through charming neighborhoods, and savor local cuisine at a leisurely pace.

For those who crave freedom and discovery, road trips through Coimbra offer the perfect opportunity to explore beyond the city. With the open road ahead, you’ll uncover Portugal's most scenic landscapes, visit charming towns, and discover hidden gems along the way.

Explore all the best trips for every travel style below and make your next trip to Coimbra truly unforgettable!

If you’re as convinced as we are that Coimbra belongs on your bucket list, you're in luck. The best trips to Coimbra are just a quick search away.

Enter your dates below to discover the best travel packages in Coimbra and start planning your next trip!

Discover the perfect Coimbra itinerary with our handpicked list. Whether you're in Coimbra for a short stay or a longer visit, there's an itinerary for you.

With detailed routes, top attractions, and insider tips, these 3 itineraries will help you experience the best of Coimbra without missing a thing. Dive into our list and learn how to plan the ultimate trip to Coimbra!

A scenic 10-day road trip through Braga, Nazaré, Batalha, Sintra, and Almada is one of the best ways to experience Portugal. With the freedom to travel at your own pace, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make spontaneous stops between the planned activities on your itinerary.

A 10-day itinerary means that Coimbra can easily be combined with other top destinations in Portugal without stress. While it’s possible to travel between Braga, Nazaré, Batalha, Sintra, and Almada by public transport, renting a car in Portugal opens up a whole new level of freedom!

So, with 10 days to spend, all you need is a rental car, some hotel reservations, and this iconic road trip itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Lisbon

• Arrival city: Lisboa
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Lisbon, e.g., Star inn Lisboa
• Sightseeing: Praça do Comércio

Begin your road trip adventure by picking up your rental car at the airport upon arrival in Lisbon. Drive to your centrally located hotel, which offers convenient access to local attractions. Spend the day exploring nearby sights, and in the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, sampling regional flavors and soaking up the atmosphere.

Day 2: Explore Lisboa

• Destinations: Lisboa
• Driving distance: 35.72 km, approx. 1 hour and 27 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Lisbon, e.g., Star inn Lisboa
• Sightseeing: LX Factory, Oceanário de Lisboa, Time Out Market Lisboa, Praça Luís de Camões, and Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
• Recommended tour: Age of Discoveries Walking Tour in Belém

Set out on a day of discovery and visit LX Factory, Oceanário de Lisboa, Time Out Market Lisboa, Praça Luís de Camões, and Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara. Take time to enjoy the scenery and local highlights of Lisboa, with the freedom to stop at whatever sight catches your interest.

Day 4: Experience Sintra, Colares, and Sintra

• Destinations: Sintra, Colares, and Sintra
• Driving distance: 102.56 km, approx. 3 hours and 1 minute
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Lisbon, e.g., Star inn Lisboa
• Sightseeing: Quinta da Regaleira, Cabo da Roca, Initiation Well, National Palace of Pena, and Sintra-Cascais Natural Park
• Recommended tour: Sintra Small-Group Day Tour from Lisbon, Portugal

Continue your journey through Sintra, Colares, and Sintra, where you can explore Quinta da Regaleira, Cabo da Roca, Initiation Well, National Palace of Pena, and Sintra-Cascais Natural Park. Make time for a break at a cozy café or scenic picnic spot.

Day 5: Enjoy Sightseeing in Nazaré, Batalha, and Óbidos

• Destinations: Nazaré, Batalha, and Óbidos
• Driving distance: 221.68 km, approx. 3 hours and 47 minutes
• Accommodation: 5-star hotel in Leiria, e.g., Praia D'El Rey Marriott Golf & Beach Resort
• Sightseeing: Castelo de Óbidos, Praia da Nazaré, Miradouro do Suberco, Farol da Nazaré, and Batalha Monastery

Drive through Nazaré, Batalha, and Óbidos, stopping to visit Castelo de Óbidos, Praia da Nazaré, Miradouro do Suberco, Farol da Nazaré, and Batalha Monastery. Don't forget to embrace the opportunity to explore smaller towns and hidden gems along the way. Conclude your day by settling into a centrally located hotel in Leiria.

Day 6: Embrace the Spirit of Guimarães, Vila Nova de Gaia, and Avintes

• Destinations: Guimarães, Vila Nova de Gaia, and Avintes
• Driving distance: 305.17 km, approx. 3 hours and 31 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Porto, e.g., Vincci Ponte de Ferro
• Sightseeing: Aqui Nasceu Portugal, Jardim do Morro, Guimarães Castle, and Zoo Santo Inácio
• Recommended tour: Complete Douro Valley Wine Tour with Lunch, Wine Tastings and River Cruise

Spend time discovering Aqui Nasceu Portugal, Jardim do Morro, Guimarães Castle, and Zoo Santo Inácio, with plenty of opportunities to engage in outdoor activities or enjoy local culture. After a day of exploring, check into a hotel in Porto.

Day 7: Spend Time in Braga, Tenões, and Ponte da Barca

• Destinations: Braga, Tenões, and Ponte da Barca
• Driving distance: 252.12 km, approx. 4 hours and 21 minutes
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Porto, e.g., Vincci Ponte de Ferro
• Sightseeing: Arco da Porta Nova, Bom Jesus do Monte, Parque Nacional Peneda-Gerês, and Braga Cathedral
• Recommended tour: Douro Wine Tour with Lunch and River Cruise from Porto, Portugal

Explore Arco da Porta Nova, Bom Jesus do Monte, Parque Nacional Peneda-Gerês, and Braga Cathedral at a relaxed pace. Make spontaneous stops for sightseeing, photography, or lunch at a family-run restaurant.

Day 8: Explore Porto

• Destinations: Porto
• Driving distance: 144.33 km, approx. 2 hours and 16 minutes
• Accommodation: hotel in Coimbra, e.g., Solar Antigo Luxury Coimbra
• Sightseeing: Luís I Bridge, Parque da Cidade do Porto, Gardens of the Crystal Palace, Torre dos Clérigos, and Porto Cathedral
• Recommended tour: University of Coimbra guided tours without queue

Continue your road trip through Porto, enjoying the flexibility to explore Luís I Bridge, Parque da Cidade do Porto, Gardens of the Crystal Palace, Torre dos Clérigos, and Porto Cathedral and nearby points of interest. As the day winds down, arrive at a new hotel in central Coimbra.

Day 9: Wander Through Almada, Fátima, and Feijó

• Destinations: Almada, Fátima, and Feijó
• Driving distance: 241.48 km, approx. 3 hours and 4 minutes
• Accommodation: 3-star hotel in Lisbon, e.g., Star inn Lisboa
• Sightseeing: Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Sanctuary of Christ the King-Portugal, Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, and Park Paz
• Recommended tour: Sintra and Cascais Small-Group Day Trip from Lisbon, Portugal

Visit Basilica of the Most Holy Trinity, Sanctuary of Christ the King-Portugal, Sanctuary of Our Lady of Fátima, and Park Paz as you navigate scenic routes. Take time to enjoy local markets, trails, or viewpoints that catch your eye. At the end of the day, check-in at a comfortable hotel in central Lisbon.

Day 10: Bid Farewell to Lisbon

• Departure city: Lisboa
• Driving distance: 1.33 km, approx. 19 minutes
• Sightseeing: Santa Justa Lift

Savor an hour or two for souvenir shopping or revisiting a favorite spot before it’s time to say goodbye to Lisbon. Drop off your rental car at the airport a couple of hours before departure for a seamless end to your trip.

The estimated cost for a rental car and accommodations for each night along this route is around 926 EUR, providing a value-for-money way to experience what's beyond Coimbra.

Looking for something different? Explore more road trips with a stop in Coimbra for alternative itineraries, routes, and durations.

Enjoy a 5-day city break in Coimbra with the perfect itinerary, designed to showcase the city’s top sights, local flavors, and hidden corners.

No need to stress over the details – we’ve curated the perfect 5-day itinerary to give you a seamless outline for your trip. Use this itinerary to capture the best of Coimbra without the hassle of planning.

Day 1: Begin Your Journey in Coimbra

Arrive in Coimbra and start your trip with a relaxing walk through town, discovering highlights like Parque da Cidade Manuel Braga.

Take in the local charm as you wander the streets, and as evening approaches, indulge in a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. Restaurante O Pátio is a top-rated recommendation. Say 'cheers' and set the tone for an amazing vacation ahead!

Day 2: Discover Coimbra's Most Iconic Attractions

Enjoy your first full day in Coimbra by heading out for some must-see sightseeing. Explore around town and visit popular attractions like the iconic Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha and Portugal dos Pequenitos.

One of the best ways to quickly learn how to navigate the city is to join one of the many great city sightseeing tours in Coimbra. Choose a walking tour to embrace a relaxed exploration. Alternatively, go for a tour by bus or bike to cover a larger part of Coimbra in the same amount of time.

In the evening, head out for another lovely dinner and raise a glass to a fantastic day of exploring!

Day 4: Explore the Local Flavors of Coimbra

Start the day with breakfast at a local cafe before you head out to explore. Ponte Pedonal Pedro e Inês, Hell Valley Viewpoint, Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Coimbra, Aqueduto de São Sebastião / Arcos do Jardim, and Exploratório - Centro Ciência Viva de Coimbra are attractions you could discover today.

Afterward, enjoy lunch or visit a local market. Spend the afternoon shopping for unique souvenirs to memorialize your city break in Coimbra.

For a fun and interesting evening, check out the food and drink tours in Coimbra. Take the opportunity to sample local specialties and learn more about the food culture of Portugal!

Day 5: Savor Your Final Moments in Coimbra

Spend your last few hours in Coimbra soaking up the charm of the city at your own pace. Stroll through favorite spots or revisit local markets before bidding farewell to the city.

We recommend booking your transfers from Coimbra in advance.

For more inspiration, explore the complete selection of city breaks in Coimbra, all including pre-planned itineraries you can customize to suit your style. Start with a ready-to-go Coimbra travel plan and make it your own by selecting tours, accommodations, and more.

A 5-day weekend getaway in Coimbra offers the perfect break from the hustle of daily life.

However, with a well-planned Coimbra itinerary, you can effortlessly experience the best of the city in just a few days. Picture yourself exploring iconic landmarks, savoring local cuisine, and wandering charming neighborhoods—it's all within reach as long as you know how to plan your trip properly.

With 5 days to spend, this is the perfect Coimbra weekend itinerary for your trip:

Day 1 - Arrive in Coimbra

Arrive in Coimbra around noon and head to your hotel for an early check-in.

• Morning: Take some time to relax and refresh after your journey, or get a head start by visiting a nearby landmark.
• Afternoon: Ease into your trip with some sightseeing, for example, visiting Parque da Cidade Manuel Braga, and soak in the surroundings.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and celebrate the start of the vacation with some drinks.

Day 2 - Discover Coimbra’s Famous Sights

Maximize your first full day in Coimbra with sightseeing, food, and drinks.

• Morning: Visit Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha early to avoid crowds and enjoy the views.
• Evening: Dine at a popular restaurant and cap off the day at a local bar.
• Tip: Use part of the morning to join one of the many city sightseeing tours in Coimbra and get a guided journey through the top attractions in the city.

Day 3 - Immerse in the Local Culture of Coimbra

No itinerary in Coimbra is complete without trying the city's top local delicacies and experiencing the culture.

• Morning: Start with a traditional breakfast to fuel up for the day and then head to Barbican Gate.
• Afternoon: Explore Sé Velha - Coimbra and Santa Cruz Church, stopping at markets, boutiques, museums, or exhibitions along the way.
• Evening: Enjoy a dinner featuring regional specialties and finish with a night tour of the city’s illuminated landmarks.
• Tip: Explore food and drink experiences in Coimbra and join an afternoon tour to sample the authentic flavors of Portugal.

Day 5 - Depart from Coimbra

Make the most of your last few hours in Coimbra before your departure.

• Morning: Grab a light breakfast at a local bakery or café and take a final stroll nearby.
• Afternoon: If you have time, do some last-minute sightseeing.

For more ideas, explore our complete selection of weekend trips to Coimbra. Whether you’re looking for a quick getaway or want to extend the weekend, these trips all come with pre-planned but customizable Coimbra itineraries, ensuring an effortless travel experience.

As you explore Coimbra, you’ll find countless layers of history, art, and local charm waiting to be uncovered.

Finding the right place to stay is essential for a comfortable trip. This is why we've also gathered our top recommendations for the best places to stay in Coimbra for you.

Wherever your journey takes you, we’re here to make every step memorable. From expert tips to local insights, count on us to help you experience Coimbra in a way that feels truly unforgettable!