Coimbra What to See: A 4-Day Itinerary

Located in Portugal, midway between Porto and Lisbon, Coimbra is a captivating city steeped in centuries of history. Visit Roman ruins, medieval architecture, and learn about Coimbra’s academic traditions. Once the capital of the country, Coimbra’s royal and intellectual past is still present today in its historic cathedrals, cobblestone streets, and storied university, one of the oldest in Europe. Today, it’s known not only for its prestigious academic institutions and youthful energy but also for its rich cultural heritage and scenic beauty. Our Coimbra What to See guide includes a 4-day itinerary covering the city’s must-visit landmarks along with nearby gems like Conimbriga’s Roman ruins, Lousã’s traditional Schist villages, and Bussaco Forest’s trails. We’ve also included optional day trips from Coimbra, including hiking trails, beaches, and Knights of Templar castles.

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Contents

• Is Coimbra Portugal Worth Visiting?
• Day 1: Coimbra What to See in the City
  • Morning Explore the University and the Historic Center
  • Lunch in the Historic Center
  • Afternoon Gardens or Museums
  • Day 1 Evening Fado de Coimbra
• Day 2 What to See in Conimbriga
  • Day 2 Morning and Afternoon Conimbriga Ruins
  • Day 2 Evening Dinner & Local Cuisine
• Day 3 What to See near Coimbra
  • Option 1 Tour the Schist Villages of Lousã
  • Option 2 Bussaco Forest and Palace
• Day 4 River Views Before You Go
  • Morning Mondego River Cruise or Kayak Tour
• Optional Day Trips from Coimbra
• Where to Stay in Coimbra
• Top Tips for Your Coimbra Visit

Is Coimbra Portugal Worth Visiting?

Absolutely—Coimbra is one of Portugal’s most underrated gems. The city has a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that rivals Lisbon and Porto. While many people visit Coimbra as a day trip, we’d recommend spending at least one night if not more. Immerse yourself in the history of this former capital of Portugal, roaming the medieval streets and learning about the key role Coimbra and its university played in the history and identity of Portugal.

Leave time for day trips to unforgettable experiences like the Roman ruins of Conimbriga, Lousã’s traditional Schist villages, and the lush trails of Bussaco Forest. With fewer crowds than Lisbon or Porto, Coimbra offers a more authentic Portuguese experience. After reviewing what to see in Coimbra, we hope you’ll agree that it’s worth spending 2-4+ days here.

What to Read Before You Go to Coimbra

• Hispania The Romans in Spain and Portugal by Michael B Barry – Take a broad look at Roman settlements across Spain and Portugal, providing useful historical background in Portugal’s Roman history.
• The Portuguese A Modern History by Barry Hatton – A readable, modern history of Portugal. This gives essential context for places like Coimbra and its surroundings.
• The Lusiads by Luís de Camões – Portugal’s national epic, filled with mythological and historical references. Though not directly tied to Coimbra, it’s a good cultural touchstone for travelers looking to understand Portugal’s identity.

Day 1: Coimbra What to See in the City

Day 1 Morning: Explore the University and the Historic Center

What to see at the University of Coimbra?

• Joanina Library—this 18th-century Baroque library is one of the most beautiful in Europe. Home to over 60,000 volumes dating back to the 16th century, all are housed under gilded wood ceilings and towering bookcases. No photos are allowed within the library.
• Chapel of São Miguel, with its ornate pipe organ.
• Royal Palace of Alcáçova, once a royal residence before becoming the university’s administrative center.
• University Tower, an iconic symbol of Coimbra with panoramic views.

The students dressed in their Harry Potter-esque attire are reminiscent of the similarly attired students in Évora. As it turns out though, this style of dress originated here in Coimbra.

You can walk around the university on your own. That said, we’d strongly recommend taking a walking tour with a current or former student. We enjoyed a wonderful morning exploring the university, and learning more than we could have imagined about the history of Portugal. Check availability of the top University of Coimbra walking tour below:

Stroll Through Coimbra’s Historic Center

This area is best explored on foot. After touring the university, start from the top of the hill at the university and wander your way downhill. As you descend, pass through medieval alleys, Repúblicas (student community houses), and historic quarters. Many of the University of Coimbra tours include this walk.

Here are five top sites to see in Coimbra’s historic center:

1. Sé Velha (Old Cathedral) – This 12th-century Romanesque cathedral is one of the most important Portuguese examples of medieval architecture.
2. Santa Cruz Monastery – Continue your walk down to Praça 8 de Maio, where you’ll find the Santa Cruz Monastery. It’s the final resting place of Portugal’s first two kings, Afonso Henriques and Sancho I. The monastery’s Manueline architecture, azulejos, and cloisters are stunning.
3. Sé Nova (New Cathedral) – The Jesuits began construction on the New Cathedral in 1598. It now serves as the city’s main cathedral.
4. Rua Visconde da Luz – Stroll along this lively pedestrian street with traditional shops, cafes, and pastry counters.
5. Old Jewish Quarter – Detour through the old Jewish district (Judiaria), one of Portugal’s oldest. Look for the discreet signage marking historical points of interest, such as the medieval house pictured below.

Day 1 Lunch

Enjoy a traditional lunch in the historic center at Sete Restaurante or the cozy and character-filled Zé Manel dos Ossos.

Day 1 Afternoon: Gardens or Museums

Spend your afternoon enjoying one of Coimbra’s most peaceful green spaces or cultural treasures (or both, they are fairly close together).

Wander the Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra

Tucked just below the university, the Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra is one of Portugal’s oldest and most beautiful green spaces. Established in 1772 during the Enlightenment reforms of the Marquis of Pombal, the garden was created to support scientific research and medical studies. Here you’ll find an impressive collection of native and exotic plant species, organized into themed areas including medicinal plants, tropical greenhouses, bamboo groves, and rare trees from around the world. Best of all, entry is free, making it an ideal stop for travelers looking for a peaceful, budget-friendly activity.

Marvel at the Machado de Castro National Museum

If you’re exploring what to see in Coimbra, the Machado de Castro National Museum is a must-visit for art, history, and Roman ruins all in one stop. Housed in a former Episcopal palace overlooking the city, the museum is considered one of Portugal’s most important cultural institutions. Named after Joaquim Machado de Castro, an 18th-century Portuguese sculptor, it features sculptures, religious art, tapestries, jewelry, and ceramics.

Pro tip: Enjoy a coffee or light lunch on the deck of the museum after your visit to enjoy the views.

What makes this museum especially unique is the Roman cryptoporticus beneath it. While this adds a few Euros to your entry ticket, we’d highly recommend it. You’ll find an underground network of arched galleries that once formed the foundation of the ancient Roman forum.

Pro tip: Be sure to follow to signs, it’s a bit easy to get turned around in the dimly lit tunnels.

Day 1 Evening: Fado de Coimbra

Fado de Coimbra is different from the form of Fado seen in Lisbon and other parts of the country. Unlike the more widely known Lisbon style of fado, Coimbra’s version is performed exclusively by men, traditionally university students or alumni, dressed in the signature black academic robes. The songs are poetic and often touch on themes of love, saudade (longing), and the passage of time.

For a truly special experience, attend an evening concert at Fado ao Centro, located in the historic center. Each performance includes a brief introduction to the tradition, followed by a beautifully curated live show. If you’re looking for a more casual setting, don’t miss the free daily fado concerts at Café Santa Cruz, usually held around 6 and 10 p.m. beside the Santa Cruz Monastery. For those who’d like to pair a wine tasting with a Fado concert, this tour may be a great option.

You can enjoy this Fado evening on any day of your trip.

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Day 2 What to See in Conimbriga

Day 2 Morning & Afternoon: Conimbriga Roman Ruins

The next stop in our Coimbra What to See Guide is a bit outside of the city, the Conimbriga Roman Ruins. Just 15 km south of Coimbra near Condeixa-a-Nova, Conimbriga was one of the largest and most prosperous Roman settlements in what is now Portugal. The Romans inhabited Conimbriga from the 9th century BC and flourished between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD. Before exploring the ruins, start at the on-site Conimbriga Monographic Museum. It adds valuable context with displays of recovered artifacts, including pottery, coins, tools, and sculptures.

What makes Conimbriga so captivating is its exceptional state of preservation. Walk through the extensive ruins and see the remains of Roman houses, baths, an amphitheater, aqueducts, and city walls. The intricate mosaics, especially in the Casa dos Repuxos (House of the Fountains), are incredible. Wander around the Roman forum and public buildings to get a glimpse into daily life.

Conimbriga is an essential stop and is one of our favorite Roman Ruins in Europe. Aim to visit in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds, and allow at least a couple of hours to wander around this extraordinary site. To make the most of your visit, we’d recommend taking a small group or private tour. There are interpretive signs, but the tour guides are tell a much better story of life in Conimbriga.

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Day 2 Evening: Dinner & Local Cuisine

No visit to Coimbra is complete without diving into its rich and flavorful cuisine, which blends traditional Portuguese dishes with local specialties. One of the local favorites is chanfana, a hearty stew of goat or lamb slow-cooked in red wine and garlic. You’ll also find plenty of fresh river fish, creamy rice dishes, and regional cheeses. For something sweet? Don’t leave without trying pastéis de Santa Clara, a rich pastry filled with sweet egg yolk and almond cream, created by nuns in Coimbra’s convents. We’d recommending having this with a cup of coffee at Pastelaria Briosa. Or, enjoy a Suspiro, a large egg-white meringue.

Pro tip: If you have extra time before dinner, enjoy exploring the historic center of town, or take a walk along the Mondego River. You’ll find many river-side restaurants where you can enjoy a drink overlooking the water.

A few great restaurant options are:

• Loggia has wonderful views and seasonal menus (attached to the museum).
• Zé Manel dos Ossos is a local institution beloved for its rustic charm and hearty portions of traditional foods (expect lines).
• Sete Restaurante offers a more contemporary dining experience in the heart of the old town.
• Café Santa Cruz—set inside a beautifully restored former church—offers pastries and light meals in an atmospheric setting (and free Fado in the evenings).

Day 3: What to See near Coimbra

For day 3, we’ve include a few options, exploring the Schist Villages or the Bussaco Forest and Palace. If you are ambitious, and don’t mind a full day, you could do one in the morning, with the other in the afternoon.

Option 1: Tour the Schist Villages of Lousã

For those seeking a more rural escape, a visit to the schist villages of Lousã is a must. These traditional villages were built almost entirely from local schist stone (mudstone / shale). They’re tucked into the slopes of the Serra da Lousã mountains, about an hour from Coimbra. Once vibrant agricultural communities, most of these villages were gradually abandoned during the 20th century as younger generations moved to urban centers in search of work. By the late 1900s, most had fallen into disrepair.

In recent decades, villages such as Talasnal, Candal, and Cerdeira have been carefully restored through government-backed initiatives and passionate local efforts. Their historic charm has been preserved, while introducing small-scale tourism and vacation rentals. Cerdeira also hosts a unique artist workshop.

Today, they’re peaceful retreats where visitors can explore narrow stone alleys, panoramic hiking trails, and family-run taverns and cafés. To fully appreciate the history and hidden gems of the area, we’d highly recommend taking a guided tour from Coimbra. Some of the villages are only reached via narrow, windy, mountain roads, so it’s nice to let someone else do the driving. Search for the ideal tour for you below:

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Option 2: Bussaco Forest and Palace

The Mata Nacional do Bussaco (Bussaco Forest) is just 30 minutes from Coimbra. Once a monastic retreat for Discalced Carmelite monks in the 17th century, the forest was carefully cultivated as a spiritual and ecological haven. Today, it is a protected landscape with centuries-old cypresses, cedars, and exotic specimens from around the world. As you wander its trails, you’ll come across quiet hermitages, chapels, fountains, and viewpoints, many of which were constructed by the monks for meditation and solitude.

At the heart of the forest stands the late 19th century Neo-Manueline Palace Hotel do Bussaco, one of Portugal’s most iconic architectural landmarks. Today, it’s a luxury hotel, where you can sleep in rooms once reserved for royalty. Even if you’re not staying overnight, the palace and its surrounding grounds are well worth a visit for a drink on the terrace or a leisurely lunch in the elegant dining room.

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Day 4: River Views Before You Go

Morning: Mondego River Cruise or Kayak Tour

Before departing, enjoy a final look at Coimbra from the water with a Mondego River traditional Barca Serrana cruise or guided kayak tour. These short trips offer peaceful views of the city skyline, the Pedro e Inês footbridge, and surrounding landscapes.

Check availability of the top kayak tour below:

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Optional Day Trips from Coimbra

You could easily spend a week or more in Coimbra by adding these fantastic day trips:

• Tomar & Almourol Castle – Explore the Knights of Templar heritage of Tomar and visit the fairytale Almourol Castle on an island in the Tagus River
• Nazaré & Batalha Monastery – Enjoy seaside views and giant waves in Nazaré, followed by a visit to the impressive Gothic monastery in Batalha.
• Aveiro – Often called the “Venice of Portugal,” Aveiro offers colorful canals, art nouveau buildings, and delicious ovos moles pastries.
• Paiva Walkways (Passadiços do Paiva) – Hike one of Portugal’s most stunning wooden boardwalk trails along the Paiva River, a full-day adventure for nature lovers.
• Porto – Just over an hour by train, Porto makes for a dynamic day trip full of culture, food, and riverside beauty. Stroll along the Ribeira, visit a Port wine cellar, and visit the nearby stunning beaches. Porto also makes a wonderful base for further day trips in Northern Portugal.

Where to Stay in Coimbra

For an unforgettable stay in Coimbra, base yourself in the heart of the historic center at the Sapientia Boutique Hotel. This stylish and sustainable property is located right next to the University of Coimbra. In addition to the incredible location just steps from the Joanina Library, the sunsets over the river from the rooftop and its warm hospitality are incredible. Both rooms and studios with kitchenettes are available. See our full review of Sapientia Boutique Hotel for more information.

A few other excellent options nearby include the elegant Solar Antigo Luxury Coimbra, known for its beautifully restored stone interiors, and Hotel Quinta das Lágrimas, a romantic retreat set in lush gardens just across the river from town. For budget-conscious travelers, Serenata Hotel & Hostel Coimbra offers great value with modern amenities and a prime location. Search for other lodging options on the map below:

Tips for your Coimbra Visit

• Getting Around: Coimbra’s historic center is best explored on foot. Taxis are available if you’d like a ride up the hill to the university. The streets are very narrow–we’d recommend against driving your car around the old town streets. For trips to Conimbriga, Lousã, and Bussaco, we’d recommend joining a guided tour. If you decide to rent a car, read our tips for renting a car in Portugal to ensure a stress free rental experience. We use and recommend Discover Cars for our Portuguese car rentals.
• When to Go: Spring and early autumn are ideal for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Winter has very few tourists, but be aware of the cooler weather (there was even some ice when I visited the Schist Villages nearby in winter).

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Coimbra What to See Guide Wrap-Up

Coimbra is a destination that seamlessly combines history, culture, and natural beauty, and is often overlooked for those visiting Lisbon and Porto. A visit to Coimbra is an unforgettable experience, whether you’re delving into its Roman past, immersing yourself in university traditions, or enjoying walks along the Mondego River.

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