Things to do in Coimbra

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Coimbra showing a river or creek, a sunset and landscape views

Coimbra Attractions

Eager to know the best things to do in Coimbra? Rich history, appetizing local food and a diverse range of spectacular attractions are just a taste of what's in store. Get ready to pack your bags and discover the secrets of this bustling city.

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Coimbra must see attractions

1. Coimbra University

Dating back more than seven centuries, Coimbra University is the historic highlight of the city’s town center. Its 16th-century campus contains some of the most intriguing landmarks in the region, including a tower, a chapel and a palace. Speak with the docents for a comprehensive understanding of the university’s history.
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Coimbra University featuring a sunset and a square or plaza

2. Portugal dos Pequenitos

Portugal dos Pequenitos is the Little Portugal area that features tiny versions of the country’s most iconic landmarks. It is a fun and educational facility, where kids can find out about the cornerstones of Portuguese culture. Snap photos of your favorite tiny structures as you recognize these models of famous houses and monuments.
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Portugal dos Pequenitos

3. Old Cathedral of Coimbra

Dating back as far as the 12th century, the majestic Velha Cathedral is a rare example of a preserved church of Romanesque design from the Reconquista era. Admire the fortress-like design of the cathedral’s façade, with its narrow arched windows and battlements marking the roof.
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Velha Cathedral which includes heritage elements and interior views

4. Biblioteca Joanina

The Biblioteca Joanina is a historic hilltop library with stunning Baroque touches. Dating back to the 1700s, the library is one of the highlights of Coimbra University’s campus and offers wonderful views of the surrounding Old Town area. Snap photos of this marvelous structure and admire its ornate décor and grandiose features.
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Biblioteca Joanina featuring a sunset

5. Santa Cruz Church

Santa Cruz Church is a stunning structure in which Portugal’s first two kings are buried. It comprises a vast monastery with an elaborate façade, a labyrinth of paths and courtyards and a rich history that dates back to the 12th century. Relax in the city’s spacious central plaza and gaze up at the Manueline façade of this momentous church.
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Santa Cruz Church featuring a church or cathedral, a square or plaza and heritage architecture

6. Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha

The Convento de Santa Clara-a-Velha includes the well-preserved Gothic ruins of a 14th-century monastery. It contains a visitor center with exhibits that explain the intriguing archaeological traces and architectural designs of the convent. Piece together the history of this nunnery with a tour of the vestiges that remain.
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Convento de Santa Clara-a-Velha which includes a church or cathedral

7. Jardim da Manga

Take a moment to relax in the Jardim da Manga, a small garden built around a yellow fountain that is believed to date back to the 16th century. Watch multiple fountains of water spurt upward and take pictures in front of the photogenic structure, which was named a national monument in the 1930s.
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Jardim da Manga which includes heritage elements

8. New Cathedral of Coimbra

Visit the New Cathedral of Coimbra (Nova Sé de Coimbra) and admire the impressive artistic elements of its exterior and chapels. Take time to study the religious sculptures and magnificent altarpieces.
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Coimbra which includes a church or cathedral and heritage elements

Recommended things to do in Coimbra

Number of things to do
40
Things to do from
$3
Cheapest thing to do
Coimbra Data eSIM 0.5GB daily to 50GB 30 Days
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Coimbra

Free Things to Do in Coimbra

There's no need to dig deep into your pockets in Coimbra. The following won't cost a penny.

Museu da Cidade Edifício Chiado - See if there are any special exhibitions or guided tours on at this interesting museum.

CAV - This is a must-visit for culture vultures eager to add an artistic flourish to their escape.

Velha Universidade - Stop at this modern landmark and be inspired by its unique design.

Torre de Anto - If you're curious about the days of old, this is one attraction you ought not to miss.

Núcleo da Cidade Muralhada/Torre de Almedina - Spend some time in this buzzing area and imagine life as a local.

Biblioteca Joanina - Stop here for a while and learn about the importance of this place to the local community.

Santa Cruz Church - Whatever your beliefs, this site will invoke a sense of reverence.

Jardim Botanico - If you like working in your garden, this attraction will captivate your green thumb.

Things to Do in Coimbra with Kids

There's fun for the entire family no matter where you go in Coimbra. Here are a few family friendly experiences you can do together that are sure to make your break memorable:

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Coimbra? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Frequently asked questions

What to do in Coimbra on a sunny day?
For a little fun under the sun, you can’t go past these outdoor experiences:


What to do in Coimbra on a rainy day?
Try some of these popular indoor activities and turn a dark, rainy day into something fun:


What should I not miss in Coimbra?
To really experience this destination’s flavor, be sure to check out these unmissable sights:

  • Portugal dos Pequenitos
  • Old Cathedral of Coimbra
  • Santa Cruz Church

Are there cheap things to do in Coimbra?
If you’re on a tight budget, consider adding the following low-cost experiences to your to-do list:


What can you do in Coimbra for free?
Your time away in Coimbra needn’t cost a bundle with free attractions like these on offer:

  • Santa Cruz Church
  • Coimbra University
  • CAV
  • Biblioteca Joanina

Discover the most popular places to visit in Coimbra

Image for Coimbra University

Coimbra University

4.5/5(57 reviews)

Enjoy the views from the bell tower and visit the Baroque library in the former prison on the campus of one of Europe’s oldest universities.

Coimbra University
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Portugal dos Pequenitos

4.5/5(15 reviews)

Embrace your inquisitive side, as you inspect the various homes, pavilions and monuments of this intriguing and fun miniature village.

Portugal dos Pequenitos
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Old Cathedral of Coimbra

4.5/5(52 reviews)

One of the main attractions of Coimbra’s central historic area, this fascinating preserved cathedral has a fortress design and Arabic touches.

Old Cathedral of Coimbra
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Biblioteca Joanina

5/5(43 reviews)

Go on a guided tour of a library containing countless tomes, Baroque architecture and an intriguing history entwined with a prison.

Biblioteca Joanina
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Santa Cruz Church

4.5/5(47 reviews)

Examine the range of Manueline and Romanesque architecture and inspect the artworks in the final resting place of two kings.

Santa Cruz Church
Image for Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha

Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha

4.5/5(23 reviews)

Visit the museum for an explanatory film and explore the remaining parts of this nunnery that was often at risk of flooding.

Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha
Image for Jardim da Manga

Jardim da Manga

4.5/5(8 reviews)

This small garden centers on an old fountain, believed to be one of the earliest examples of Renaissance architecture in Portugal.

Jardim da Manga
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New Cathedral of Coimbra

4.5/5(3 reviews)

An austere Mannerist and Baroque façade makes way for an opulent gilded interior at this 400-year-old church founded by Jesuits.

New Cathedral of Coimbra
Image for Museu Nacional Machado de Castro

Museu Nacional Machado de Castro

Appreciate the magnificent architecture of the former Bishop’s Palace, see religious sculptures and delve into an eerie Ancient Roman corridor.

Museu Nacional Machado de Castro

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Coimbra

Velha Cathedral showing a city, heritage elements and landscape views

Coimbra City Centre

4.5/5(124 area reviews)

Historic sites, river views, and bars are some highlights of Coimbra City Centre. Make a stop by Santa Cruz Church or Jardim da Manga while you're exploring.

Coimbra City Centre
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Casal dos Balaus

While Casal dos Balaus isn't home to many top sights, Conímbriga Ruins and PO.RO.S - Portugal Roman Museum in Sicó are some notable places to visit nearby.

Casal dos Balaus
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Popular day trips from Coimbra

Condeixa a Nova

Condeixa a Nova

Photo by Travelholic Path

Mealhada

Photo by Cátia Costa

Penacova

Photo by Travelholic Path

Luso

Miranda do Corvo

Miranda do Corvo

Montemor-o-Velho Castle showing tranquil scenes, heritage elements and a ruin

Montemor-o-Velho