A historical city in Central Portugal, Coimbra was the capital of Portugal in the 12th century. Even though we have gone a long way from those times, the charm of the city has remained. Today, Coimbra is an important regional and cultural center famous for the tradition of fado-singing and for its World Heritage -listed University campus, which is among the oldest in Europe. More than that, this medieval inland town is good for shopping and outdoor sports such as golf and biking.
Holy cross church in Coimbra
Holy cross church in Coimbra
Coimbra, a warm-hearted historical city in central Portugal
The first capital of Portugal and the main city of Central Portugal, Coimbra is famous mainly for its historical sights. Coimbra’s hilltop university area that overlooks the city and the river was built as early as 1537, making it one of the oldest universities in Europe. Thus, the area of the UNESCO World Heritage -listed university campus of Coimbra is an atmospheric place and a suitable target for a day walk.
Historical sights. Coimbra has also other historical attractions worth visiting. It is a city of churches and cathedrals as well as Roman age ruins, and the medieval downtown area is good for much more than just shopping in Coimbra. With all its winding cobblestone streets and medieval architecture, the old part of Coimbra is considered the heart of the city. Some of the best places for nightlife in Coimbra are also found inside the area.
Autumn colors in Coimbra
Cultural heritage. What else is there about Coimbra that meets the eye of a traveler? The National Museum of Macha Castro, which is found inside the old bishop’s palace, sure. The tradition of fado-singing, without a doubt! Coimbra is considered the birthplace of this traditional Portuguese music style that is known for its melancholic, blues-like shades.
Nature and sports. River Montego and its refreshing parks are a good place for walks in Coimbra, and also nice courses for golf around Coimbra are easy to find. If you don’t have time to tour Portugal extensively, the theme park Portugal dos Pequenitos in Coimbra offers a miniature version of Portugal. Suitable destinations for tours in the region would be for instance the historical towns of Condeixa-a-Nova and Montemor-o-Velho. The area is good also for biking around Coimbra.
Coimbra Old Town by night
Practical information for your trip to Coimbra
Located in Central Portugal along the main highway leading from Lisbon to Porto, Coimbra is easy to reach by road or rail.
As for flights and travelling to Coimbra, your main options are Lisbon and Porto, with the fist mentioned offering better connections. Lisbon is less than two hours away from Coimbra by train, and Porto can be reached in approximately one hour. Buses and trolleys are available for public transport in Coimbra, but getting around in the city is also easy by foot. Car rental in Coimbra is a good choice for exploring the area around the city.
Coimbra old town seen from water
The climate in Coimbra is quite warm all through the year, with average monthly high temperatures climbing to 15 degrees Celsius even at the coldest time of the year. Summers of Coimbra are warm with 25-30 degrees Celsius temperatures generally available. However, winters in the former capital of Portugal are quite humid, which makes the period between April and September the best time to visit Coimbra.
Cobblestoned street in Coimbra
Visitor services. A regional center full of historical charm, Coimbra is one of the most popular holiday cities in Portugal with all appropriate tourism services available. There are four tourist offices in the city, with the main office located in Largo da Portagem. Visit also the office along Avenida Afonso Henriques, with tourism information concerning the central region of Portugal available. Hotels in Coimbra cover a range of standards and styles, and local restaurants in Coimbra are best available in the old city part of Baixa.Nightlife in Coimbrais considered quite active, in spite of which Coimbra is a safe destination for travel.
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