Is Coimbra Portugal Worth Visiting? Best Things to Do & Eat

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Wondering to know if Coimbra, Portugal, is worth visiting? Then you’re in the right place. Many first-time visitors to Portugal ask such questions when planning a trip beyond Lisbon and Porto.

With so many beautiful spots in Portugal, choosing where to spend your time (and money) can feel tricky.

As someone who now lives in Portugal, I have visited many charming small cities and villages that you rarely see on social media. Coimbra is one of those places, and it mixes history, charm, and budget-friendly prices perfectly.

I’ve made this two-day itinerary for first-time visitors seeking a clear, budget-friendly way to explore the city without the burden of overplanning.

🤩 Prefer video? Watch the video below for the full vibe, and if it helps, hit subscribe on the channel for more trips like this.

Table of Contents

Where is Coimbra, and Why Go?

Coimbra is a relatively small city in the middle of the Portuguese mainland. It’s often missed because most people visit the bigger cities, like Lisbon and Porto.

But that’s what makes Coimbra special. It’s a quiet, relaxing place that’s perfect for a weekend trip or a quick day trip from Lisbon or Porto.

You can easily get there by train or bus, and tickets are cheap. If you’re planning a trip around Portugal, make sure to add Coimbra to your list.

It’s full of history and has a calm, local feel without the big crowds.

Getting to Coimbra: Quick Travel Tips

Coimbra sits in central Portugal, roughly halfway between Lisbon and Porto. That makes it a wonderful choice for a weekend break or even a day trip. Trains and buses run often, tickets are affordable, and you can book them online or at the station.

From Porto or Lisbon: Train and Bus Options

From Porto’s Campanhã Station, the train to Coimbra takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes, and tickets are inexpensive (starting from €12).

You’ll likely arrive at Coimbra B Station. You can walk into the centre if you have time, though it is a stretch. If you’re on a day trip, a quick taxi helps you save energy.

A Relaxed Alternative to Busy Cities

Coimbra is calm, pretty, and friendly. It feels authentic rather than staged, and even during holiday periods it keeps a relaxed pace.

Quiet streets and riverside paths
An authentic local feel
Fewer crowds, more time to breathe

Where to Stay in Coimbra: A Unique Stay at Hostel Sé Velha in the Old Town

We stayed in a cosy hostel in the old town, where everything was within easy reach. For the full review, watch the hostel review on YouTube.

🤩 Interested in staying at the same hostel? Watch our hostel experience!

Why Choose the Old Town

Coimbra’s centre is small, so staying central means you can do most things on foot. It is peaceful, safe, and surprisingly romantic in the evening.

Close to the river
Surrounded by historic buildings
Good value for budget travellers

🤩 Check prices and stay at about Hostel Sé Velha

Day 1: Discovering the Heart of Coimbra

If you’re travelling through Portugal and wondering whether Coimbra is worth adding between Lisbon and Porto—trust me, it is. This small city in central Portugal is packed with history, charm, and plenty of things to see without breaking the bank.

A city full of history: Coimbra was once the capital of Portugal, so every street feels like a walk through the past. You’ll find old stone buildings, cobbled streets, and a calm, local vibe that’s hard to find in bigger cities.

Easy to reach and easy on your wallet: The best part? It’s right between Lisbon and Porto, which makes it the perfect stopover. You can hop on a cheap train, spend a day exploring, and still have money left for a pastel de nata or two.

A hidden gem that feels local: Most tourists rush from Lisbon straight to Porto, skipping Coimbra completely. That’s great news for you because it means fewer crowds and more authentic experiences — like chatting with locals or enjoying a quiet riverside walk.

Why this itinerary helps: In just one day, you can see Coimbra’s top sights, eat delicious food, and soak up its relaxed atmosphere. And don’t worry; this guide keeps things simple and budget-friendly, so you can enjoy the best of Coimbra without any stress (or an empty wallet).

Note that all the suggested things to do in Coimbra are based on our travel experience during our visit, so you can think of this page as just a guide, and you’re welcome to add or remove anything. Here’s what you can do in Coimbra for a day:

Jane sits smiling between two bronze statues of Fado guitar players in Coimbra, Portugal. Behind them stands a third statue and a large mural featuring a geometric portrait of a bearded man, set against pastel-colored buildings.

A cobblestone street in Coimbra, Portugal, lined with colorful, narrow buildings, including a prominent pink one with ornate windows and balconies. A few people walk along the street, and a steep staircase with outdoor café seating climbs between the buildings.

Morning: Stroll Along the River Promenade

Start your day in Coimbra with a peaceful walk along the river promenade. The river splits the city, a bit like in Lisbon and Porto, and the views are lovely.

It’s quiet and calm in the morning or evening, perfect for first impressions and photos before the streets get busy.

You can watch locals heading to work, see the sunlight sparkle on the water, and enjoy the gentle breeze. It’s a simple moment, but it gives you a real feel of Coimbra’s relaxed charm before the city wakes up.

A smiling woman stands by the riverbank in Coimbra, Portugal, pointing toward the city's historic hillside buildings with red-tiled roofs. The Santa Clara Bridge crosses the Mondego River behind her, with the University of Coimbra visible at the top under a partly cloudy sky.

Exploring the Old Streets and Atmosphere

Head into Coimbra’s old streets and let yourself get a little lost. The narrow lanes are full of charm, with colourful tiled houses, family-run shops, and classic Portuguese bakeries.

You’ll hear locals chatting in Portuguese and smell fresh bread drifting from the doorways; it’s hard not to stop for a snack.

Some streets are hilly, but the views and beautiful buildings make every step worth it. It feels like walking through a living postcard from Portugal’s past.

Igreja de São Tiago

Igreja de são tiago is right in the centre of Coimbra, and it feels like a mix of local life and history. When I walked inside, I loved how open and bright it felt.

The tall nave and the detailed tilework made it a calm place to pause, and the best part was that it was completely free to visit, which is great if you’re travelling on a budget.

The only drawback was that it was quite busy with visitors, mostly tourists, so we didn’t stay too long. Instead, we stepped back outside and wandered into the narrow streets just across from the church.

I’d highly recommend doing the same. Those streets are full of charm and offer a lovely glimpse into everyday Coimbra, which made the visit feel even more special.

A dramatic view of the Gothic-style façade of Santa Cruz Church in Coimbra, Portugal, with intricate stone carvings and pointed spires under a moody, cloud-filled sky. People are seated at an outdoor café in the plaza below, adding a lively atmosphere to the historic setting. — *Igreja de São Tiago*

Santa Clara Monastery Across the River

Cross the river for the old monastery site and more city views. Even if you do not visit inside, it is worth adding to your list for the historical feel and slower pace.

Taste Local Flavours: Food Highlights in Coimbra

Local food is a huge part of Coimbra’s charm. Small bakeries, family restaurants, and simple menus deliver big hits of comfort. Eating here tends to be budget-friendly, especially compared to Lisbon or Porto.

Try a Sweet Specialty Pastéis de Santa Clara

It’s no secret that the famous Portuguese pastel de nata gets all the attention. It’s the star of the pastry world.

But don’t leave Coimbra without trying pastéis de Santa Clara. They deserve their moment too.

These delicate pastries are filled with sweet egg yolk and almond jam, then wrapped in thin, crispy layers. Think flaky and golden, and it’s very hard to eat just one.

You’ll find them in local bakeries along Rua Ferreira Borges, Coimbra’s main shopping street. We tried ours from Briosa Coimbra, and I’d highly recommend it.

They’re sweet but not too heavy and pair perfectly with a mid-morning coffee. Warning: one pastry may lead to a second.

A tray of golden-brown pastries wrapped in crispy, flaky phyllo dough is displayed behind a glass bakery case. The neatly arranged treats are likely a type of traditional Portuguese sweet, glowing under warm lights with another pastry visible on the shelf below. — *Pastéis de Santa Clara*

Must-try Iconic Goat Stew: Chanfana

For a true local dish, order chanfana. It’s a goat stew that is slowly cooked in red wine until the meat is tender and full of flavour.

It’s rich, warming, and perfect for a cool or rainy day. When we tried it, the weather was drizzly, so this cosy meal felt like exactly what we needed.

Locals have loved chanfana for centuries, which is always a good sign. If something survives that long, it must be doing something right.

For a well-reviewed spot, check my recommendation for the best place to try chanfana in Coimbra.

And don’t skip their caldo verde soup. It was the best I’ve had outside Porto, which is saying a lot.

A rustic Portuguese meal served in clay pots, including tender braised beef ribs in a rich sauce, accompanied by a side of boiled potatoes and sautéed greens like spinach or kale.

A bowl of traditional Portuguese caldo verde soup, featuring a creamy potato base with thinly sliced green cabbage or kale and a drizzle of olive oil on top, served in a white dish with a spoon.

Day 2: Stepping Into History at Coimbra University

Coimbra University was the first university in Portugal and is one of the oldest in Europe. The buildings are stunning, the views from the top are incredible, and you really feel the history as you walk.

A wide view of the main square at the University of Coimbra in Portugal, showcasing its grand white buildings with red-tiled roofs and a central statue facing the historic library building. A tall clock tower and construction crane are visible on the left, while visitors stroll across the spacious courtyard under a partly cloudy sky. — *Coimbra University main courtyard*

Getting Around the Campus

Much of the campus is free to explore. The main courtyard is open, and you can explore the grounds and see the architecture and city below.

During our visit, some areas were under renovation, but it was still well worth the time. The setting alone is impressive.

By the way, there’s also a cafeteria inside one of the buildings in the main university courtyard, where the St Michael Chapel is located. It’s a wonderful spot to have a quick lunch break, and the meals were delicious and affordable.

Stepping into History

Walking the grounds feels like stepping back in time. Students pass through arches that have stood for centuries, and the city spreads out below like a painting.

If you are travelling on a budget, you will love how much you can see for free.

Jane poses in front of the grand entrance of the University of Coimbra’s historic library building, featuring arched colonnades, a red-tiled roof, and ornate stonework under a clear blue sky.

People walk near the intricately carved stone gate of the University of Coimbra, Portugal, framed by statues and decorative reliefs, with cobblestone paving in the foreground.

Ticket Options for Deeper Exploration

Cheaper Ticket Choices

If you want to go inside the library or museum, there are affordable ticket options. You can book them through the official site for the University of Coimbra visits.

24-Hour Ticket Perk

Your ticket is valid for 24 hours, which means you can return the next day if you have not seen everything.

This is ideal if you are in town for more than one day. If you are visiting on a day trip, plan your time so you do not miss your top picks.

Pro Tips for Day Trippers

The university sits on a hill. Start here first, then work your way down into the centre for an easier day. It saves time and energy.

Arrive early for quieter courtyards and views.
Prioritise the viewpoints before the light gets harsh.
Use the 24-hour ticket if you have two days.

🤩 Visiting Coimbra on a day trip? Use Bounce to book safe luggage storage near you and explore the city hands-free!

Exploring the Coimbra University Botanical Gardens

A long, tree-lined pathway stretches through the lush and tranquil botanical garden in Coimbra, Portugal, framed by tropical plants and tall evergreens under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.

Just below the university area, the botanical garden is part of the campus. Entry is free. Pop in before you leave the hilltop for a natural reset.

You can stroll among tall trees, flower beds, and even a bamboo grove. It is big enough to find quiet corners and shady paths. We enjoyed a slow walk here, letting our feet and minds rest a bit.

🤩 Who Would Love It:
The garden is a peaceful escape for anyone who likes nature or wants a slower moment on a city break.

* Shady paths and benches
* A mix of plants and towering bamboo
* Calm, with very few crowds

Unique Dining: The Robot Experience at Go Chef

Jane in a green blouse holds up a plate of colorful seafood and vegetables, including crab legs, shrimp, and stir-fried peppers. She is seated in a warmly lit restaurant with modern decor and birdcage-style seating in the background. — *Me excited to try the biggest lobster plate at Go Chef lol*

If you want something a bit different, try Go Chef. It is a buffet-style restaurant with fresh local and international dishes for €18 per person.

The Fun Robot Waiter

Yes, a robot brings your food to the table. Welcome to the future.

It has a small screen for a face, moves smoothly between tables, and adds a fun moment to your meal. It’s one of those things you usually only see on social media, and yes, it’s actually fun in real life.

The robot waiter only comes to your table when you order fresh meat, seafood, or vegetables to be grilled at the indoor grill station.

Each table has a number, and that’s how the robot knows exactly where to go. No wrong turns, no lost food. Robots take their job seriously. The only drawback about this place was that it was a little outside the city. It’s about a 10-minute drive by taxi from the Coimbra centre.

Food Variety and Value

You will find plenty of choices, including options for vegans and those with simple tastes. There are salads, mains, and desserts, and the all-you-can-eat style means you will leave full.

Local stews and warm mains
International plates and sides
Fresh salads and sweet desserts

FAQs

Is it worth going to Coimbra, Portugal?

Yes, it is worth it if you enjoy history, views, and quieter cities. Coimbra feels more local and less busy than Lisbon or Porto.

How much time do you need in Coimbra?

One full day is enough to see the main sights. Two days is better if you want a slower pace.

Does Coimbra have an old town?

Yes. Coimbra has a beautiful old town on a hill. You will find narrow streets, old buildings, and great viewpoints.

Why is Coimbra famous?

Coimbra is famous for its historic university, one of the oldest in Europe. It is also known for student life and traditional music.

🤔 Have you visited Coimbra? Would you go for a weekend? Share your thoughts on the city’s vibe and any favourite spots you found in the comments below.

Next Steps for Your Trip

Want help planning? Explore my picks on the travel resources page. For the latest tips and updates, join the email newsletter. If you are planning more trips, browse the Europe travel guides.

Is Coimbra, Portugal, Worth Visiting or Skippable? A Local 2-Day Guide for First Timer visitors

Where is Coimbra, and Why Go?

Getting to Coimbra: Quick Travel Tips