Coimbra Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in May)

Coimbra is the jewel of the map of Portugal and the capital before Lisbon. The University of Coimbra has spawned many writers and poets in this country. It has a history of 728 years. It's hard to imagine an old university looking like a palace castle, and the Baroque sculptures attached to the marble faade. The library, science museum and church here are splendid and full of treasures. Walking on the campus, I can see the students wearing the bachelor's uniforms swaying with a youthful smile. When the author of Harry Potter created the masterpiece, he used the shape of the bachelor's robes as the characters in the book. Standing on the heights of the university, you can see the picturesque scenery of Coimbra. How to get there: Take the Portuguese Railway to Coimbra, take a taxi from New Town Railway Station and get off at 5 Euros. If you get down the Old Town Railway Station, you need to take 15 minutes to go uphill. You need to buy tickets to visit the inner hall, you can choose the Royal Palace, St. Michael's Church and the old library package. The price is 12.5 euros / person. It is recommended that after visiting the campus, go to the river in the old town and walk in the picturesque scenery.

Coimbra is really not a famous travel destination, but it is the birthplace of Portuguese and the prototype of the school uniform of the Hogwarts School of Magic in the Harry Potter series. Each college also has its own The college belt, to the graduation season to ignite the college to bring celebrations, is there a plot associated with the Goblet of Fire? The school is fully open, with the St. Joanna Library highly recommended.

The University of Coimbra's UNIVERSIDADE DE COIMBRA was founded in 1290. The university was originally the palace where the first kings of Portugal lived, when it was the capital of the kingdom. In June 2013, UNESCO listed the University of Coimbra as a World Heritage Site. In the Joanna Library, there are more than 300,000 pieces from the 16th to the 18th centuries, which are placed in beautiful sheet metal bookshelves. In the church of St. Michael's, the Baroque-style organ is a highlight. The big clock at the top of the tower will ring every time you go to class. Today, the bell will reverberate on campus. Students sang in Fado: "Coimbra tem mais encanto na hora da despedida!" (Coimbra is even more difficult when you leave!)

Same place but different time.

My lunch at the best place

Coimbra: A University City of Culture and Academics

Coimbra is an autonomous city in Portugal, the fourth largest city center, a city with a rich history and academic atmosphere, carrying the essence of national culture and tradition. 🍠Must-visit attractions University of Coimbra: As the oldest university in Portugal, its architectural complex is listed as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO and is a symbol of the city. University of Coimbra's library: Built in 1717, it is one of the oldest and most magnificent libraries in Portugal. The most famous is its unique rectangular hall, known as the "Grand Reading Room", the top is decorated with exquisite gold wood carvings, and the shelves are filled with a wealth of manuscripts, ancient books and precious documents. Santa Clara-a-Velha Monastery: This monastery was built in the 14th century, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and is also the resting place of St. Clare. New Cathedral or Sé Nova: This Baroque-style cathedral was built in the 18th century, the interior is beautifully decorated, and it is the religious center of Coimbra. Conímbriga Museum: Located near the city, the ancient city site of Capuada, displays archaeological discoveries from the Roman era. Barragem da Aguieira: This dam is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery and is an ideal place for hiking and enjoying lake views. 🍠Recommended food Coimbra’s Broa: This is a traditional cornbread, served with various meats or cheeses, and is one of the local specialties. Queijo de Sicó: This cheese originates from the nearby mountains, has a rich taste, and is a delicious representative of Portuguese cheese. Pastel de Tentúgal: This is a traditional Portuguese pastry made from egg yolk syrup and dough. 🍠Shopping areas Praça do Comércio: This square has various shops and cafes, suitable for strolling and casual shopping.

Feels cheating

Must see is library BUT there’s no tickets only to a library., minimum bundle ticket is with lab and church visiting. To justify the high price I think because at the end the tour to visit the library last literally about 20 min. They limit number of people to 60, so everyone enters and leaves at the same time. You get 10 min in first room, another 10 min in the second/main room. They open and close doors just for the group. And for this “great” experience they charge more than 14 eur. Chemical lab was interesting but most of booths don’t function. Church is 3 min visit. It’s just one more church. Very small. Quite a disappointment

Coimbra: A University City of Culture and Academics

Coimbra is an autonomous city in Portugal, the fourth largest city center, a city with a rich history and academic atmosphere, carrying the essence of national culture and tradition. 🍠Must-visit attractions University of Coimbra: As the oldest university in Portugal, its architectural complex is listed as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO and is a symbol of the city. University of Coimbra's library: Built in 1717, it is one of the oldest and most magnificent libraries in Portugal. The most famous is its unique rectangular hall, known as the "Grand Reading Room", the top is decorated with exquisite gold wood carvings, and the shelves are filled with a wealth of manuscripts, ancient books and precious documents. Santa Clara-a-Velha Monastery: This monastery was built in the 14th century, is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture, and is also the resting place of St. Clare. New Cathedral or Sé Nova: This Baroque-style cathedral was built in the 18th century, the interior is beautifully decorated, and it is the religious center of Coimbra. Conímbriga Museum: Located near the city, the ancient city site of Capuada, displays archaeological discoveries from the Roman era. Barragem da Aguieira: This dam is surrounded by beautiful natural scenery and is an ideal place for hiking and enjoying lake views. 🍠Recommended food Coimbra’s Broa: This is a traditional cornbread, served with various meats or cheeses, and is one of the local specialties. Queijo de Sicó: This cheese originates from the nearby mountains, has a rich taste, and is a delicious representative of Portuguese cheese. Pastel de Tentúgal: This is a traditional Portuguese pastry made from egg yolk syrup and dough. 🍠Shopping areas Praça do Comércio: This square has various shops and cafes, suitable for strolling and casual shopping.

Coimbra Bones 🦴

When visiting Coimbra City, Portugal 🇵🇹, you must find the way to the city center and enjoy your lunch at ‘Restaurante Zé Manel dos Ossos’. Tasty food in the traditional environment of the Students city. 😍