Discover the top 9 best things to do in Coimbra, the former capital of Portugal! Wander through centuries-old streets, marvel at one of the world’s oldest universities, and soak in the soulful sounds of Fado de Coimbra. Let this guide inspire you to explore this captivating city!
Enjoy the widest selection of tours and activities in Coimbra, which includes visits to the historic University of Coimbra, Joanina Library, and the botanical garden. This city is rich in history and culture and is an excellent destination for every type of visitor.
For a stress-free experience, check out the most extensive range of Coimbra vacation packages, where you can customize itineraries and include must-see attractions. After a day of exploring, find the perfect place to stay with varied accommodation options in Coimbra.
With so much to discover, the city belongs on every traveler’s bucket list. Dive into our blog for insider tips and hidden gems that will make your visit truly unforgettable!
Must-Do Experiences in Coimbra
Coimbra served as Portugal's medieval capital for over a century. It’s home to the country's oldest and most prestigious university, and visitors can learn about the olden days through the many things to do in Coimbra.
Explore the Santa Cruz Monastery or the Machado de Castro Museum and glimpse into the city's rich past with Coimbra historical tours. Meanwhile, walking tours in Coimbra will take you through the medieval streets, hidden alleyways, and lively squares.
Bus tours in Coimbra are a comfortable way to explore the city. On the other hand, private sightseeing tours in Coimbra provide a personalized experience when accessing the city's highlights, from the Old Cathedral to the Mondego Riverfront.
For nature lovers, hiking tours in Coimbra ascend the Serra da Lousa mountains, where scenic villages await. If you're keen to explore beyond the city, guided day trips in Coimbra include visits to the Conimbriga Roman Ruins or charming river beaches.
Top 9 Things To Do in Coimbra, Portugal
Nestled between Lisbon and Porto, Coimbra is one of Portugal's most captivating cities, rich with medieval architecture and lively traditions. Compared to larger Portuguese cities, Coimbra offers a relaxed experience enriched by its timeless charm, cultural scene, and iconic landmarks.
No matter if you're wandering through its historic old town, admiring its ancient university, or venturing on a day trip, there's no shortage of experiences in the city. Here are the top 9 things to do in Coimbra to make the most of your visit!
9. Tour the University of Coimbra
Join a guided tour of the University of Coimbra and explore one of Portugal’s most iconic landmarks. Founded in 1290, this UNESCO-listed site is considered the oldest university in the country and boasts a rich history and stunning architecture.
Walking through its grand halls and courtyards, you’ll see why it has shaped Coimbra’s identity for generations. Inside the university, you’ll find remarkable features like the Joanina Library, the Royal Palace, the Chapel of São Miguel, and the Coimbra Botanical Garden.
Step Into the Magical Joanina Library
Join a private tour in Coimbra & Aveiro and discover the Joanina Library, one of the most breathtaking libraries in the world. This Baroque masterpiece has three halls ringed by ornately carved wooden bookshelves in deep gold and black. It looks like something out of Beauty and the Beast.
The library houses over 60,000 rare books from the 16th to 18th centuries. And here’s a fun fact: To protect these priceless works, a colony of bats lives inside, feasting on insects that could damage the paper at night.
Visiting this library is one of the best things to do in Coimbra. While photography is restricted inside most areas to preserve the collection, experiencing the library is truly unforgettable. Walking through its ornate rooms, you’ll hear history whispering from every book and gilded decoration.
Discover Palacio Real’s Great Hall of Acts
The university isn't just about books; it was once a royal palace serving as the residence of Portugal's first king, Afonso Henriques. The Palacio Real is filled with hand-painted ceilings, golden details, and grand halls that still hold ceremonial events today.
One of the most impressive rooms is the Sala dos Atos Grandes, or Great Hall of Acts, where Ph.D. students defend their theses in front of an academic audience dressed in robes. If you love Harry Potter vibes, this is as close to a real-life Hogwarts setting as it gets.
Admire the Spectacular Capela de Sao Miguel
This ornate chapel features hand-painted azulejo tiles, intricate wooden balustrades, and a vibrantly painted ceiling. The highlight is a massive Iberian organ, a masterpiece of craftsmanship that fills the chapel with awe-inspiring sound.
Explore the Botanical Garden of Coimbra
Beyond its rich history, the University of Coimbra has stunning green spaces, like its Botanical Garden. Established in 1772, this peaceful retreat was designed to support the university's natural history and medicine studies. It’s excellent for relaxing, wandering, and admiring rare plant species.
Walk through luscious gardens, historic pathways, and beautiful greenhouses. Don't miss the 16th-century Sao Sebastiao Aqueduct, which runs nearby. This garden is a stunning location for photography or a peaceful escape during your visit to Coimbra.
Insider Tip: The best way to experience the university’s rich history is through a private guided tour that grants access to all the major sites without waiting in long lines.
8. Visit the Se Velha (The Old Cathedral of Coimbra)
One of the best things to do in Coimbra for history lovers is to join a city tour that includes visiting Se Velha, the city’s old cathedral. This 12th-century Romanesque gem, which has stood for nearly 800 years, is one of the best-preserved medieval churches in the country.
Walk through the grand entrance to admire intricate Moorish-inspired carvings. Stop by the Porta Especiosa, a masterpiece combining Renaissance and Gothic designs by famed sculptor Joao de Ruao.
Wander through the 13th-century cloisters and a peaceful courtyard surrounded by elegant arches. Visit the intricately carved tombs of Coimbra's most important figures, including Count Sisnando Davides.
Insider Tip: Located near Coimbra University, Se Velha is an easy stop while exploring the historic center. Entry is free, though a small fee grants access to the stunning cloisters. This is a must-see if you love history or want to witness Portugal's medieval past!
7. Explore the Machado de Castro Museum
Explore history on a seven-day city break in Coimbra, which includes a visit to Machado de Castro National Museum on the second day. Housed in a 12th-century bishop's palace, this museum is a key Portuguese cultural institution.
The star attraction is the Roman cryptoporticus, a first-century underground gallery that once supported the forum of ancient Aeminium. Wandering through this beautifully lit maze feels like returning to the city's earliest days.
Discover a stunning collection of sculptures, paintings, and decorative arts from the 14th to 16th centuries. Highlights include a recreated chapel from the Convento de Sao Domingos and a rare 16th-century terracotta Last Supper by the French artist Hodart.
A visit to this museum is one of the most interesting things to do in Coimbra for history and art lovers. Its treasures offer an unforgettable journey through centuries of Portuguese culture and heritage.
6. Stroll Through Coimbra’s Historic Old Town
Get lost in the charm of Old Town on a self-guided audio tour of Coimbra's highlights. Explore medieval alleyways, historic squares, and traditional shops that transport you to another era.
This picturesque district, perched on a hill, is divided into two parts. The first is Baixa (Lower Town), which features bustling markets and historic churches. The other half is Alta (Upper Town), home to the University of Coimbra and grand religious monuments.
Stroll through the maze of cobbled streets and hidden courtyards. The Mercado Municipal D. Pedro V is a must-visit, offering a glimpse into local life. Here, you can find locals selling fresh produce and chatting in the aisles, keeping the district's energy flowing.
For a fun and engaging way to tour the city, consider a self-guided scavenger hunt through Coimbra. This activity combines sightseeing with puzzle-solving. Visit the Palace of Schools and the Santa Cruz Monastery, which offer stunning architectural details and rich histories.
Head to the riverbank near Ponte de Santa Clara for the best views. Coimbra's iconic skyline rises above the Mondego River, and the city's Old Town showcases the rhythm of daily life.
5. Tour the Santa Cruz Monastery in Coimbra
Discover one of Coimbra’s top attractions on a walking tour, which includes the Santa Cruz Monastery. Nestled in Praca 8 de Maio, this 12th-century structure is the final resting place of Portugal’s first two kings, Afonso Henriques and Sancho I.
Head inside to find the Gothic tombs of Portugal’s early rulers beneath a beautifully sculpted facade. The lovely Manueline cloister features intricate stonework, adding to the artistic beauty.
After exploring, stop by Cafe Santa Cruz, located in a former chapel, where you can enjoy a coffee beneath stained-glass windows and vaulted ceilings. This enchanting experience captures the essence of the city's rich history and architectural splendor.
4. Savor Coimbra's Gastronomic Delights
A private Coimbra food and wine-tasting tour is a must for anyone looking to savor regional flavors. It’s also one of the top things to do in Coimbra, offering the chance to explore hidden taverns, sample local delicacies, and enjoy regional wines.
Try Leitao a Bairrada (roasted suckling pig), renowned for its tender meat and crispy skin. This delicacy is best paired with Espumante, the sparkling wine of the Bairrada region.
Satisfy your sweet tooth with Pasteis de Santa Clara. These pastries, originating from the Santa Clara convent in Coimbra, feature a delicate almond filling encased in a crisp, flaky crust.
Experience Portugal's beloved bacalhau (salted cod). Traditionally imported from Norway, bacalhau is prepared in countless ways across the country, showcasing its versatility in Portuguese cuisine.
To immerse yourself in local life, visit Mercado Municipal D. Pedro V, where fresh seafood, cured meats, and artisanal cheeses fill the stalls. Discovering Coimbra's culinary scene is an adventure that promises to delight your palate at every turn.
3. Experience Fado de Coimbra
Make your vacation in Coimbra unforgettable by experiencing the distinct charm of a local fado show. Unlike Lisbon’s version, Fado de Coimbra is traditionally performed by men.
Male singers, often university students in black capes, sing poetic, academic-inspired lyrics accompanied by the Coimbra-style Portuguese guitar. To experience this rich tradition, you can catch a live show or explore the genre's history at Fado ao Centro.
Alternatively, wander the streets, and you might hear students singing under the stars. Even if you're in a cozy club or on a quiet street, listening to this intimate, haunting music is one of the best things to do in Coimbra at night.
2. Enjoy Family-Friendly Things To Do in Coimbra With Kids
Take a seven-day Portuguese self-drive road trip that includes visiting Portugal dos Pequenitos. This quirky, open-air theme park blends education and fun, where little ones can step inside miniature replicas of the country’s most famous landmarks.
For an interactive, hands-on experience, head to Ciencia Viva de Coimbra, a modern science center that makes learning fun. It offers engaging exhibits where kids can experiment, explore, and discover scientific concepts.
Snap photos of your little explorers at Portugal dos Pequenitos or spark their imagination at the science center. These two attractions are among the best things to do in Coimbra with kids.
1. Go Canoeing on the Mondego River
Top Things To Do Near Coimbra
Coimbra is a fantastic base for day trips to Portugal's charming towns, scenic landscapes, and historical landmarks. Coimbra is located about halfway between Lisbon and Porto, making it an ideal stop for those traveling through central Portugal. Here are the best day trips from Coimbra:
Explore the Schist Villages in the Lousa Mountains
Discover Lousa Mountains' Schist villages on a day trip outside Coimbra. These stone-built villages offer a glimpse into traditional Portuguese life, featuring narrow cobbled streets, rustic houses, and unspoiled natural surroundings. Together, these elements create a captivating atmosphere.
Access to these villages varies. Some villages require a four-wheel drive through winding mountain roads. Others are only accessible by hiking through dense forests teeming with wildlife. The reward is a combination of breathtaking views, crisp mountain air, and an authentic off-the-beaten-path experience.
Regardless if you're a nature lover, photographer, or just looking to escape the city, exploring the Schist Villages is a must. It's one of the most unique things to do near Coimbra.
Visit the Conimbriga Roman Ruins
Discover one of Portugal’s most impressive Roman ruins on a day trip to the ancient Conimbriga. Just a drive away from Coimbra, this site reveals the remains of a thriving Roman city with ornate motifs, bathhouses, and an extensive forum.
The detailed floor mosaics, still remarkably intact, depict scenes from mythology, the four seasons, and hunting expeditions. Stroll through the House of Fountains, where you can admire Roman architecture and imagine life centuries ago.
For a deeper dive, visit the Museu Monografico de Conimbriga, where artifacts provide insight into the site’s history. After your visit, you'll understand why exploring Conimbriga is one of the exciting things to do near Coimbra for history lovers.
Discover the Knights Templar Legacy at the Convent of Christ
Among the top spots for trips and excursions from Coimbra is the Convent of Christ in Tomar, a former Knights Templar fortress. This 12th-century masterpiece is an architectural wonder seamlessly blending Romanesque, Gothic, Manueline, and Renaissance styles into one historical monument.
Inside, admire the ornate Charola (Round Church), an extraordinary Templar sanctuary filled with gold-painted details. A highlight is the intricate Manueline-style windows, showcasing Portugal's distinctive architectural flair.
Outside, walk along the castle walls and see stunning views of Tomar's rooftops unfold. A visit to the Convent of Christ offers a deep dive into Portugal's past and is one of the most unforgettable things to do near Coimbra.
Plan Your Visit With the Best Things To Do in Coimbra!
Coimbra is a city where history, culture, and nature unite, offering medieval charm, academic prestige, and scenic beauty. This city offers a variety of experiences, including exploring the historic University of Coimbra and venturing on day trips outside the city.
To make the most of your vacation, check out the top itineraries in Coimbra, which include the city's must-see sights and hidden gems. If you plan to explore beyond the city, car rentals in Coimbra provide an easy way to visit nearby destinations like Tomar and Fatima.
For a comfortable stay, browse the best places to stay in Coimbra. You’ll have a diverse selection to choose from: luxury hotels, cozy boutique guesthouses, or budget-friendly options.
With so much to see and do, Coimbra is a must-visit destination in Portugal. Plan your trip today and experience the best things to do in Coimbra!
