24 Hours in Coimbra, Portugal | TRAVEL GUIDE

Looking at Coimbra over the Mondego River

After some incredible days exploring Lisbon and Cascais, the beautiful city of Coimbra was the next big stop on our trip around Portugal. Located halfway between the Portuguese capital and Porto, our final destination, Coimbra seemed like the perfect location for the quick stopover we were looking for.

With backpacks full of pasteis de nata, we hopped on the first train from Lisbon to Coimbra. The former capital of Portugal from 1139 to 1250 is famous for its notable University and historical library. It was now ours for just over 24h. Here’s what to see in Coimbra in a day.

Inside Igreja de Santa Cruz. Coimbra

1. Rua Visconde da Luz

With the purpose of uncovering as much of the city’s hidden gems as possible, we started our day walking down Rua Visconde da Luz, Coimbra’s main pedestrian and shopping street. We soon realised that Lisbon’s uneven layout, with cobbled streets and hilly alleys, seemed to be transported north to this city. The old charming stone architecture has survived throughout the years, as if untouched by time. Although mixed with more modern contemporary buildings around it, there’s no doubt the old builds are the true essence of the iconic University City.

2. Igreja de Santa Cruz and Sé Velha de Coimbra

A clear example is the splendid Igreja de Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz Church). You can find it by Praça 8 de Maio, at one end of Rua Visconde da Luz. The high vaulted ceilings and impressive stone columns create a peaceful environment with excellent acoustics. The same pattern is present in the two cathedrals of Coimbra (Sé Velha and Sé Nova).

3. Café Santa Cruz

Next to Igreja de Santa Cruz is Café Santa Cruz, an emblematic and perhaps the most famous coffeehouse in Coimbra. Opened on May 8th 1923, it displays a medieval style interior with stone arches, marble table tops and leather chairs. It was formerly the meeting point of choice for intellectuals and students from the University of Coimbra. It now welcomes locals and tourists from all over the world regularly throughout the day.

Fado in Cafe Santa Cruz Coimbra, Portugal

This is also the best place to enjoy Coimbra Fado concerts and poetry readings. Coimbra Fado is slightly different to other types of Fado as it’s only sung by men. They usually dress in the cap and gown style of students, who used to sing their goodbyes when graduating from the University of Coimbra.

Café Santa Cruz | 

Monument to Joaquim António de Aguiar, Coimbra

Coimbra, Portugal

4. University of Coimbra

The University of Coimbra is the most magnificent building in the city. Although established in Lisbon back in 1290, the splendid institution relocated to various places until finally settling down in Coimbra in 1537, under the reign of King João III. Located in the former Royal Palace of Coimbra, it’s the oldest and most distinguished University and Research Centre in Portugal. Although the University of Oxford was founded first, the University of Coimbra is also one of the fifteen higher education institutions that emerged in Europe before the end of the 13th century.

University of Coimbra, Portugal

A national symbol and a pioneer of cultural splendour, it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2012. With stunning views overlooking the Mondego River, the main building is set around an open courtyard dominated by the emblematic University Tower and the statue of King João III.

Biblioteca Joanina

Inside the University, the Biblioteca Joanina protects a range of book collections from the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries – its grandeur is unlike anywhere else I have ever seen, a true symbol of magnificence! The remaining structure of the last existent medieval prison in Portugal, which goes back to the former use of the building as a Royal Palace and Academic Prison, is located under the Baroque Library.

https://blushrougette.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/University-Of-Coimbra-Portugal.jpg

University of Coimbra, Faculty of Law

5. Aqueduto de São Sebastião

Our next stop was the Aqueduto de São Sebastião, a reconstruction of the former Roman aquaduct that was carried out under the reign of King Sebastião, in the 16th century. A National Monument since 1910, it’s 1 km long and has 21 “Garden Arches”. Close by, the statue of John Paul II commemorates the Pope’s visit to Coimbra on 15th May 1982. Funnily enough, he travelled through Portugal from Lisbon, to Coimbra and Porto, just like us!

Aqueduct of San Sebastian - Garden Arches, Coimbra

Aqueduto de São Sebastião - Arcos do Jardim Coimbra, Portugal

Pope John Paul II Statue, Coimbra

6. Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra

The Aqueduct of São Sebastião runs parallel to the beautiful Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra. It’s safe to say we love visiting gardens (just check out our posts on Sky Garden and Barbican Conservatory to find out how much) and the lovely Jardim Botânico de Coimbra did not disappoint! With a free entrance (bonus!), its 13 hectares collect a variety of medicinal and exotic plants that were used for the study of medicine and natural history at the University of Coimbra.

Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra

7. Where to eat and drink in Coimbra

Apart from Café Santa Cruz, here are a couple of places we also loved:

  • Fangas Mercearia Bar. A cosy, colourful and quirky place is the best place to eat in the old town. With delicious petiscos (tapas), vinho verde and an obligatory selection of cheese, sausages, stuffed vegetables and honey. Fangas also has a sister restaurant nearby, Fangas Maior.

Top tip: you don’t need the cheese board AND extra cheese…there’s more than enough on the board already!

  • Passaporte. It offers stunning views of the river and city, coupled with the fresh menu options!

View from Passaporte, Coimbra

Passaporte R. da Couraça Estrela 13, 3000-150 Coimbra, Portugal
Fangas Mercearia Bar | Rua de Fernandes Thomas 45-49, 3000-168 Coimbra, Portugal

I am really excited to plan another trip around Portugal soon! There is still so much to see and this beautiful country never ceases to surprise me. Have you ever been to Coimbra? If you really loved our post please leave us a comment and show us some love on social media using the buttons below 🙂

G.x


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54 comments

  1. Jane

    What a beautiful place – some incredible views judging by your photos. The Botanical Gardens looks like my type of place too. Great blog for anyone visiting Coimbra!

    Reply

    1. blushrougette

      Thank you for the lovely comment, Jane! 🙂 x

      Reply

  2. Nicka

    Beautiful city and post! I love all your photos too. ♥️

    Reply

    1. blushrougette

      Thank you 🙂

      Reply

  3. Yaya

    One of the best travel posts I’ve read in a while!! Really makes me want to visit Coimbra!

    Reply

    1. blushrougette

      Thank you so much for the lovely comment! Coimbra is an incredible place, there’s so much history behind it!

      Reply

  4. abbie

    I have been to both Lisbon and Porto but never made it to Coimbra – but I now have another reason to head back to Portugal! It is such a beautiful country and you have captured Coimbra beautifully. Thankyou for sharing x

    abbiejadewanders.co.uk

    Reply

    1. blushrougette

      Awe thank you! I would definitely recommend Coimbra for a short trip, especially if you’re travelling between Porto and Lisbon! Portugal is amazing, I’ve been to five different parts and I still can’t get enough of it! x

      Reply

  5. Beth

    It looks stunning there! I’ve not been in years but I need to go back and actually explore the place more!

    Beth x | https://bethrebecca.com/

    Reply

    1. blushrougette

      It really is stunning! Such a great place to explore 🙂 x

      Reply

  6. Amalog

    Love how informative this is. I loved Portugal and visited the country once and it was one of my favourite place to go back to. We visited the Algarve ‘highly recommend’ and it was the most relaxing holiday I ever had. 👍 you should visit the Algarve soon. ❤️k

    Reply

    1. blushrougette

      Thank you! The Algarve is definitely on my list! x

      Reply

  7. Antonia

    Such a beautiful place! I haven’t heard a lot about it before. Portugal is definitely on the top of my travel bucket list. x

    Antonia || Sweet Passions

    Reply

    1. blushrougette

      Portugal is unbelievably beautiful – it’s one of my favourite countries to wander around! I would definitely recommend visiting at least once 🙂 x

      Reply

  8. Emma

    Wow! Coimbra looks amazing, I’d never heard of it before reading your travel post 🙂

    Emma – http://www.lifeofemmax.co.uk

    Reply

    1. blushrougette

      It is a hidden gem, trust me! x

      Reply

  9. Wealthy Wishing

    Wow, it looks absolutely stunning. I’m glad you weren’t there during their recent historical temperatures! I’m also quite jealous of your backpacks full of pasteis de nata.. delish!

    Reply

    1. blushrougette

      Thank you! It really is an incredible place, do visit if you have the chance! x

      Reply

  10. Stephany Story

    The whole history of my family is in Portugal before arriving in Brazil, beautiful blog and hope you have enjoyed your trip

    Reply

    1. blushrougette

      Thank you! Portugal is awesome, I love it x

      Reply

  11. Crista

    Such a gorgeous looking place! I hope to visit Portugal one day.

    -Crista

    Reply

    1. blushrougette

      Coimbra is definitely worth stopping by on a quick day trip! x

      Reply

  12. Under flowery sky

    Wow, looks so charming. I love the portuguese
    architecture and the golden tones. Amazing
    botanical garden..

    Reply

    1. blushrougette

      It’s really cute! I’d definitely recommend visiting if you’re around x

      Reply

  13. MagicandBliss

    Such a great list. Beautiful pictures and lovely looking blog. Thanks for sharing!

    MagicandBliss | https://magicandbliss.com/

    Reply

    1. blushrougette

      Thank you so much!

      Reply

  14. Jenny in Neverland

    Wow, these photos are stunning. Thank you for sharing! The botanical garden looks beautiful!

    Reply

    1. blushrougette

      Thanks Jenny! It’s really peaceful over there. We had a nice time just walking around and learning about all the different plants x

      Reply

  15. Sarah Mark

    Wow! Coimbra looks utterly beautiful! Especially the Igreja de Santa Cruz and Sé Velha de Coimbra! I have never visited Portugal before but I will need to go after reading this post.

    Reply

    1. blushrougette

      That’s so cool to read Sarah! Portugal is an incredible country – the food, the architecture, the people and the weather! Unbeatable x

      Reply

  16. Matt Two Tickets To

    Coimbra looks absolutely beautiful! It’s lovely to see some of the lesser known cities of Portugal highlighted in this way. Would love to check it out one day. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

    1. blushrougette

      Thanks Matt! Coimbra is definitely worth stopping by if you’re travelling between Porto and Lisbon. I couldn’t recommend it enough!

      Reply

  17. Graham Crosby Crosby

    An excellent read. The place sounds well worth a visit, even just for the coffee house, which sounded fantastic.

    Reply

    1. blushrougette

      Thanks so much Graham! Glad you liked learning more about Coimbra – it’s such a glorious city!

      Reply

  18. Baby Boomer Super Saver

    We visited Porto and the Douro Valley in Portugal. I would love to go back! Now I want to go to Coimbra, too! Especially to the botanical garden, that place must have been amazing!

    Reply

    1. blushrougette

      Sounds like a lovely holiday! If you loved Porto (it’s so cool over there), then you definitely need to visit Coimbra! You won’t be disappointed x

      Reply

  19. Serena

    I’ve never heard of Coimbra but it looks stunning and so full of history!

    Serena / http://www.ramblingsofanotherunigraduate.com

    Reply

    1. blushrougette

      It is! Thanks for the comment Serena x

      Reply

  20. Aimsy

    Wow! What a beautiful place to visit. Your photos are stunning, and makes me want to be there exploring now! I loved Lisbon, so this place has to go on my list!
    Thanks for sharing!

    Aimsy xoxo
    Aimsy’s Antics

    Reply

    1. blushrougette

      Thanks Aimsy! Definitely add Coimbra to your list – it’s great if you want to visit Porto too, the train goes right through it! x

      Reply

  21. Alice Myles

    Oooh I’ve not made it to this part of Portugal before but it looks so lovely! I’m especially partial to a botanical garden so that looks right up my street!

    Reply

    1. blushrougette

      Yay! I love it when people are big fans of botanical gardens! It’s such a peaceful place to spend the day too x

      Reply

  22. Fabiana

    I love Coimbra!
    My sister did her Erasmus program there. Your post took me back to all those great places.
    Can’t wait to go back there !!

    Reply

    1. blushrougette

      That’s amazing! I bet she loved it there. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment, Fabiana x

      Reply

  23. Hannah

    I’m so excited to visit Portugal – I’ve always wanted to go but not yet managed to. I hadn’t heard of this particular city but it looks beautiful! I’d just have to visit the Botanical Gardens, as it looks stunning (big fan of gardens, too!)

    Reply

    1. blushrougette

      Hi Hannah, thanks for the comment! Portugal is a stunning country – I’ve been a few times and I can’t wait to be back myself! I couldn’t recommend it enough x

      Reply

  24. Britt K

    I am absolutely blown away by the grand architecture – We don’t have anything quite like that here. It’s incredible! I would love to make a trip over and see it for myself someday in the near future.

    Reply

    1. blushrougette

      Thanks for the comment, Britt! I agree, Portugal’s architecture is stunning – definitely worth checking out! x

      Reply

  25. Enzo

    I’m a pasteis de nata lover! So I can’t wait to go to Portugal and try the “real deal” 🙂 Seems like a very nice city and I like the idea of visiting it for 24 hours. Thank you for this post!

    Reply

    1. blushrougette

      Yay, a fellow pasteis de nana enthusiast! You’re right, they taste better in Portugal! Hopefully you get to visit soon x

      Reply

  26. Riana Ang-Canning

    I can’t wait to spend more time in Portugal soon! Coimbra looks very pretty. Definitely would love to see those views from Passaporte and check out the aquaducts and churches.

    Reply

    1. blushrougette

      Hi Riana, thanks for the comment! Definitely, Coimbra is a lovely place to explore!

      Reply

  27. Alisa Russell

    Stunning! I had never seen Portugal before, and your pictures made it very real. I also learned something new so thanks for the info. Great job!

    Reply

    1. blushrougette

      Thanks! Portugal is an amazing country. If you love good food, beautiful architecture and nice weather, you’ll definitely love it. I couldn’t recommend it enough x

      Reply

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