View of Coimbra, a riverfront city in central Portugal and the country’s former capital, is home to a preserved medieval old town and the historic University of Coimbra

WHAT TO DO IN COIMBRA?

With its streets winding their way up to Alta, its gardens, cultural venues and promenades along the Mondego, Coimbra invites you to discover it at your own pace. Explore the city on foot, cross the river and find activities to enjoy as a couple, with the family or simply at your leisure.

  • Almedina Gate Arch - Coimbra, Portugal

    EXPLORING COIMBRA ON FOOT

    Walking is one of the best ways to get to know Coimbra. With its sloping streets, stairways and ancient passageways, the route from Alta to Baixa offers different perspectives of the city.

    Along the way, you’ll come across squares, gardens, outdoor cafés and views over the River Mondego.

    Suggestions for exploring Coimbra on foot:

    • Stroll through the streets between Alta and Baixa;

    • Pass through the Arco de Almedina;

    • Take a stroll along Rua Ferreira Borges;

    • Explore the squares in the city centre;

    • Finish the route by the River Mondego.

  • Vista panorâmica do rio Mondego e das margens verdes de Coimbra

    A STROLL ALONG THE MONDEGO

    The Mondego reveals a more relaxed side to Coimbra. Along its banks, you can walk, cycle or simply relax whilst taking in the view of the city.

    Start at Parque Verde, cross the Pedro e Inês Bridge and continue along the Santa Clara riverbank, with views of the Alta de Coimbra.

    Things to do along the Mondego:

    • Walk or cycle in Parque Verde;

    • Cross the Pedro e Inês Bridge;

    • Explore the Santa Clara riverbank;

    • Relax in the green spaces;

    • Enjoy the view over the city.

  • The Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra on June 29, 2014 in Coimbra, Portugal

    EXPLORING COIMBRA’S GARDENS

    Coimbra’s gardens combine exploring the city with moments of tranquillity. Some are located in the city centre, whilst others invite you to explore greener areas.

    The Botanical Garden stands out for its tree-lined avenues and historic nooks and crannies. Next to the River Mondego, the Choupal National Forest offers tree-lined paths where you can get close to nature.

    Gardens and green spaces to visit:

    • Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra;

    • Choupal National Forest;

    • Mondego Green Park;

    • Sereia Garden;

    • Penedo da Saudade;

    • Quinta das Lágrimas Gardens.

  • Panoramic aerial view of Coimbra with Old Cathedral of Coimbra (Se Velha) - Coimbra, Portugal

    DISCOVER THE CITY’S VIEWPOINTS

    The hill, the river and its two banks offer different perspectives on Coimbra, especially when the light highlights the Alta district and the course of the Mondego.

    Penedo da Saudade combines gardens with views over the city. On the Santa Clara riverbank and as you make your way down from the Alta district, you’ll also find several spots that are well worth a stop.

    Places to admire Coimbra:

    • Penedo da Saudade;

    • The churchyard of Santa Clara-a-Nova;

    • The Santa Clara riverbank;

    • The Pedro e Inês Bridge;

    • The stairways and streets of Alta;

    • Elevated areas near the University.

Tips for exploring Coimbra

Coimbra can be explored on foot, but the hills, stairways and cobbled streets mean that comfortable footwear is essential. Whenever possible, start in the Alta district and make your way down towards the River Mondego.

Set aside time to make your way over to Santa Clara and check the opening times of attractions and the cultural programme in advance. Some experiences may require booking.

    • Start in Alta and wander through the streets of the city centre towards Baixa. Continue to the Parque Verde do Mondego, cross the Pedro e Inês Bridge and round off the day on the Santa Clara riverbank, overlooking the city. If possible, make sure to visit a garden or catch a Coimbra Fado performance.

    • Among the main options are Portugal dos Pequenitos, the UC Exploratório – Centro Ciência Viva, the Botanical Gardens and the Mondego Green Park. These venues allow you to combine learning, interactive activities and time spent outdoors.

    • Two days will give you time to explore the city’s main areas at a leisurely pace, stroll between Alta and Baixa, and visit the banks of the Mondego. With three days, you can add more gardens, museums, cultural experiences or a trip to the surrounding area.

Where to stay in Coimbra

 

Staying in the historic centre allows you to explore Coimbra on foot and experience the city’s rhythm at first hand. Right next to the University and just a few minutes from the streets of Alta, you’ll find an ideal starting point from which to make your way down to Baixa, explore the gardens and reach the banks of the Mondego.

A stay where history, the character of the buildings and the views over Coimbra are all part of the experience.

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