Coimbra is a historic city located in central Portugal, known for its prestigious university, medieval architecture, and cultural heritage. Here are the top 10 things to do or see in Coimbra:
Visit the University of Coimbra: This is one of the oldest universities in Europe and features stunning architecture, a historic library, and beautiful gardens.
Explore the historic center: Coimbra’s historic center is filled with narrow streets, medieval buildings, and traditional architecture. Don’t miss the Sé Velha, the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha, and the Almedina Gate.
Visit the Joanina Library: This is one of the most beautiful Baroque libraries in the world and is located within the University of Coimbra. It features a stunning collection of rare books, manuscripts, and artifacts.
Attend a fado concert: Fado is a traditional Portuguese music genre that originated in Coimbra. Many restaurants and bars in the city offer live fado performances in the evening.
Visit the Machado de Castro National Museum: This museum is located in a former bishop’s palace and features a collection of Roman and medieval artifacts, as well as paintings and sculptures from various periods.
Enjoy the Botanical Garden: This garden is located within the University of Coimbra and features a variety of plants, trees, and flowers from all over the world.
Take a boat tour on the Mondego River: The Mondego River runs through Coimbra and offers a unique perspective of the city’s architecture and landscapes.
Explore the Portugal dos Pequenitos: This miniature park features scaled-down models of traditional Portuguese houses, monuments, and landmarks, as well as a small zoo and playground.
Visit the Quinta das Lágrimas: This historic estate is located just outside of Coimbra and is known for its beautiful gardens, fountains, and waterfalls. It’s also famous for its connection to a tragic love story.
Taste the local cuisine: Coimbra is known for its traditional dishes, such as chanfana (a stew made with goat meat), roasted suckling pig, and queijadas de Coimbra (a type of sweet pastry). Don’t forget to try the local wines and cheeses.