Coimbra Tours From Lisbon

Coimbra is a perfect destination for a one-day tour. It houses numerous medieval architectural landmarks: Se Velha de Coimbra, Se Nova de Coimbra, the monastery of Santa Clara a Nova, and others. The Cathedral of Se Velha and Se Nova are two main architectural masterpieces near the famous University. While in the city, it's recommended to see its historical center and walk around, feeling its enchanted atmosphere.

Coimbra is a perfect destination for a one-day trip from Lisbon, rich with architectural and historical landmarks. For visitors who come here for the first time, the best idea is to take a ready-made tour to see all the major sights. Most of Coimbra's attractions are located in the city center. If you want a more extensive experience, consider spending a few days here. The day tour itinerary here is combined in the most convenient way to show all the significant landmarks and create the best impression.

Coimbra is comfortable for walking, but in case of need, there is a way to move around on a bus. Additionally, there is an electric trolleybus in Coimbra, which is a separate attraction itself, as it's considered to be the last in Portugal. The Elevador do Mercado can be used to move around the city from the lower station near the municipal market, Pedro V, to the upper one near the university.

Yes, Coimbra is a safe Portuguese destination. This medieval city is perfect for exploration, and of course, it's a great spot to stay for more than one day. The safety measures are the same as for any other place, so it is advisable to take into account the basic safety rules. It's always important to keep an eye on your belongings, avoiding poorly lit areas at night. Visitors should be attentive and courteous to avoid any troubles.

One of the main Coimbra gems worth visiting is The Old Library. The entire library surface is a masterpiece, tightly packed with bookcases made of Portuguese chestnut wood. The number of volumes in the library's collection is more than 300 thousand books. The spotlight of the library is the third room with a highly magnificent interior. The portrait of its founder, Joao Vl, is located here. The ceilings, created by Portuguese artists António Simoes Ribeiro, a student of the famous Tiepolo and Vicente Nunes, are one more bright element here.

The Coimbra region is famous for the tender suckling pig and goat stewed in red wine. Suckling pig is meat, cooked for 2 hours on a spit with a mixture of local spices. These dishes of regional cuisine are served in most restaurants and cafes with sauce, boiled or fried potatoes, salad, and orange slices. The Portuguese dry white sparkling wine can be an excellent accompaniment for your meal. For the cooking are used local products from the Bairrada region, Portuguese Champagne.

After visiting all the major attractions of Coimbra, a great option is to go to the top of the university bell tower, which has a breathtaking view of the city below. Combining active leisure with passive rest is highly advisable as Portugal is a food paradise. While in Coimbra, take your chance to try local specialities in the cafes and restaurants. After a busy day, it's highly recommended to go to one of the numerous restaurants and fado performances and enjoy local wine and cuisine. 

Coimbra is where numerous music and folk festivals and special events are held. If you come here in May, you can see how, in the square in front of S.Vella, the students participate in the traditional ceremony of burning Queima das Fitas ribbons. They do it as a symbol of goodbye to the careless and troubleless life. As for the music festivals, the roster changes, so you can check the available activities right before you come here.

Most visitors come to Coimbra to see its architecture and enjoy the atmosphere of university life. At the same time, there is a list of outdoor activities. Don't miss Choupal National Forest, a large forested area ideal for walking, jogging with breathtaking views, and active cycling. Portugal dos Pequenitos is also a must-visit spot, especially for visitors with small kids.

Coimbra is an excellent destination to visit any time of the year, as Portugal's climate is mild and warm. As in any other region, the most popular and crowded time is summer. The most moderate and comfortable climate is in spring and autumn. Any time of the year, Coimbra is a good choice for one or more days of visit, providing an option of visiting various museums and historical sites, making it an appealing destination regardless of the season.