Visit Coimbra in Two Days
Day 1: From the Heights to the Heart of the City
Botanical Garden – A Green Refuge in the Heart of the City
We begin our journey through Coimbra with a peaceful visit to the Botanical Garden, located at the foot of the university hill. Founded in the 18th century, this space is a true oasis of science and contemplation. Among tropical greenhouses and centuries-old trees, we find one of the oldest gardens in Europe, still closely connected to the University’s research. It’s the perfect place to start our climb toward knowledge.
University of Coimbra – The Cradle of Knowledge
Continuing up the hill, we arrive at the Alta and the heart of Coimbra’s life: the University. Founded in 1290 by King Dinis, it is one of the oldest universities in Europe still in continuous operation. The visit includes the Courtyard of Schools, the magnificent Joanina Library, the Hall of Capelos, and the Chapel of Saint Michael. Climbing the tower is almost a must — the view over the city and the Mondego River is breathtaking. This architectural complex occupies the former Royal Palace, once home to the first kings of Portugal.
Machado de Castro National Museum – Between Art and Archaeology
Just down from the University, we enter the Machado de Castro National Museum, built over the ancient Roman cryptoporticus of Aeminium. This museum blends art and archaeology, with a rich collection of sculpture, painting, and sacred goldsmithing. The building itself is a testament to Coimbra’s long and complex history.
New Cathedral – Baroque Splendor
Next to the museum, we find the New Cathedral, once the Church of the Jesuits. Its Baroque façade conceals an interior richly decorated in gilded woodwork. It became the city’s cathedral after the Jesuits were expelled in the 18th century, and it hosts important academic ceremonies. Its grandeur and beauty stand out in the upper part of Coimbra.
Old Cathedral – The Fortress of Faith
We continue descending toward the city center and reach the Old Cathedral, one of the most iconic Romanesque churches in the country. Built in the 12th century, it resembles a fortress with its robust walls. Its steps host the Monumental Serenade during the Queima das Fitas, when Coimbra Fado echoes through the streets — a must-see moment of student spirit.
Quebra-Costas Stairs and the Almedina Arch
We now descend the picturesque Quebra-Costas steps, lined with colorful houses, little shops, and outdoor cafés. These lead us to the Almedina Arch, once the gateway into the walled city. A place steeped in history, where centuries of urban life can still be felt.
Monastery of Santa Cruz – The Resting Place of the First King
Already in downtown Coimbra (Baixa), we reach the Monastery of Santa Cruz. Here lies Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal. Founded in 1131, this monastery was also an important intellectual center. Its church impresses with the richness of its interior and the royal tombs.
Penedo da Saudade – The Poets’ Viewpoint
To end the first day, we suggest taking a taxi to Penedo da Saudade, where plaques and verses pay tribute to former students and poets. With a panoramic view over the city and the river, it’s a place of memory, nostalgia, and beauty — ideal for reflecting on everything seen throughout the day.
Day 2 – From the Mondego to the Roman Past
Largo da Portagem – The City’s Gate
At the start of day two, head to Largo da Portagem to begin another day of discovery. One of Coimbra’s most emblematic spaces, with the Mondego River peeking at the end of the avenue, this square is framed by historic buildings, outdoor cafés, and the imposing statue of Joaquim António de Aguiar, a 19th-century politician. Once a toll collection point for river traffic, today it’s a meeting place, a spot for contemplation, and a starting point for exploring downtown. Here, one breathes an old-world charm with a cosmopolitan twist.
Riverfront – The Mondego, Silent Witness of History
Descending to the banks of the Mondego, the longest river born and flowing entirely within Portuguese territory, we uncover centuries of history that helped shape Coimbra. Since Roman times, when Conímbriga thrived nearby, to the growth of the medieval city, the Mondego was always a vital artery, a source of sustenance, a transport route, and inspiration for poets and musicians.
For centuries, its banks witnessed trade, boats coming and going, and encounters between peoples. Today’s riverfront, with its gardens and quiet walkways, preserves that spirit of connection, between shores, between eras, between people. The sound of the water reminds us that Coimbra was born facing the river and grew with it, in a constant dialogue between nature and civilization.
Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha – Ruins that Tell Stories
On the other side of the Mondego, we begin our visit at the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha. This 13th-century site was submerged by the river’s waters for centuries, until it was recovered. Queen Saint Isabel, known for the miracle of the roses, once lived here. The ruins tell stories of faith, resilience, and resistance.
Portugal dos Pequenitos – A Miniature World
Just a few steps away, Portugal dos Pequenitos offers a playful take on Portuguese history and culture. Conceived by Bissaya Barreto, this park features miniature versions of monuments, traditional houses, and spaces representing the Lusophone world, a delight for both children and adults.
Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova – Home of the Holy Queen
We then head uphill to the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova, built in the 17th century to replace the old one. Here lies the silver tomb of Queen Saint Isabel, patroness of the city. The church, with its golden altar, is a serene and majestic stop, offering a privileged view over Coimbra.
Conímbriga – Traces of a Roman City
In the afternoon, we suggest a short trip to Conímbriga, about 15 km away. This is one of the largest and best-preserved Roman ruins in the Iberian Peninsula. The colorful mosaics, thermal baths, and the House of Fountains transport us two thousand years back in time, revealing the sophistication of Roman life in Lusitanian lands.
