Coimbra City Tour

Half-Day Coimbra Tour – 4 Hours

Meet with your guide and start the tour.

Coimbra - Famous for its university, ceramics, and fado music, Coimbra is a quaint town offering winding cobblestone alleys, commercial plazas, and hilltop views overlooking the Rio Mondego.

Coimbra, a wonderful mix of centuries of culture, is one of Portugal's major historic capitals and is divided into the upper part – the Episcopal and University section - and the lower part near the river - the shopping district. From the more modern lower town on the right bank of the Mondego steep lanes climb to the upper town, with the extensive buildings of the University, on a hill 100m above the river. This University, rich in history and said to be the oldest seat of learning in Portugal, was founded in the XIII century.

With an impressive collection of books the Joanine Library began in 1717 at the instigation of King João V, Its unique style makes it Portugal’s most famous library. Cafés on Largo da Portage near Avenida Emídio Navarro overlook a grassy area with flowerbeds and offer a place to watch locals. Or, feel the rapture as you sip your coffee beneath the solemn-looking Igreja Santiago on Praça do Comércio.

Coimbra's historic center is full of ancient alleyways. But to feel the atmosphere, the best route is to stroll along the Rua Ferreira Borges/Rua Visconde da Luz, Coimbra's main shopping street. Shops, galleries, and cafés line Coimbra's streets, including an assortment of bars and wine taverns catering to the student population of the city. The Arco de Almedina just off of Rua Ferreira Borges is the gateway to the Upper town.

Once you pass through the Almedina Arch the cobblestones rise to meet you on a consistent upward stretch. About halfway up the hill, you’ll meet up with the Quebra Costas (Backbreaker) stairs. Among many other historic buildings worth a visit we have the Romanesque Sé Velha (imposing, castle-like structure, one of the most important Romanesque Roman Catholic buildings in Portugal).

Entrance Fees Included: University of Coimbra, Sé Velha