And with the giant wave of the world, we reached Day 8! Psstt… Let’s study for the exam and have some fun!
Psstt… Let’s Travel around the world, a day at a time.
As a seasoned traveller, I can confidently tell you that Coimbra, in Portugal, is a hidden gem that should be on everyone’s travel list. The city is a vibrant blend of ancient and modern, brimming with a rich history reflected in its stunning architecture, from the grandeur of the University of Coimbra – one of the oldest in Europe – to the charming, narrow streets in its historic district. Coimbra is also the birthplace of Fado music, which you can often hear floating through the evening air. In addition, the city’s delightful gastronomy, featuring dishes like Chanfana and Leitão da Bairrada, is an unmissable indulgence. The unique combination of the city’s historical significance, cultural richness, and exquisite food will make your visit to Coimbra unforgettable.
What to see in Coimbra
Coimbra, a riverfront city in central Portugal, is full of fascinating attractions with immense historical and cultural importance. Here are a few places you should definitely see:
- University of Coimbra: Established in 1290, this is one of the world’s oldest universities in continuous operation, and its beautiful campus is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Don’t miss the stunning Biblioteca Joanina, an 18th-century Baroque library with around 300,000 books.
- Old Cathedral of Coimbra (Sé Velha): This Romanesque Roman Catholic building was constructed in the 12th century. Its austere architecture starkly contrasts the intricate Baroque style that dominates Portugal.
- Santa Clara-a-Velha Monastery: Here, you can see the Gothic ruins of a 14th-century church that was abandoned due to frequent floods. It was recently restored and is now a museum.
- Quinta das Lágrimas: This estate is associated with the tragic love story of Prince Pedro and Inês de Castro. Its beautiful gardens, fountains, and historic structures make it a must-see.
- Machado de Castro National Museum is one of Portugal’s most important art museums. It’s built over the Roman cryptoporticus, which you can also tour.
- Monastery of Santa Cruz: Founded in 1131, it’s the burial site of Portugal’s first two kings. The church’s ornate main altar and cloisters are worth exploring.
- Portugal dos Pequenitos: This is a fun and educational place for children. It’s a miniature park with scale models of Portugal’s houses and monuments.
Remember to also stroll down the old town’s narrow, winding streets and along the river Mondego – it’s the perfect way to absorb the city’s serene ambience. And don’t forget to sample the local cuisine and enjoy a live Fado show to complete your visit.
Top 3 localities to visit near Coimbra
- Aveiro: Often dubbed as the “Venice of Portugal,” Aveiro is famous for its charming canals, colourful moliceiro boats, and Art Nouveau architecture. The city is also known for its production of salt and seaweed, which you can learn about in the local museum. Don’t forget to try the local sweet treat, ovos moles.
- Bussaco Forest: Located in the mountain range Serra do Bussaco, this lush, enchanting forest is home to a luxurious palace-turned-hotel, the Palace Hotel do Bussaco, which was once a royal retreat. There are various rare trees and plants, tranquil fountains, and serene chapels to explore in the forest.
- Figueira da Foz: This seaside town, also known as “Queen of the Beaches of Portugal,” is a popular destination for those seeking sun, sand, and surf. In addition to the beautiful beaches, you’ll find a lively town filled with excellent seafood restaurants, a bustling casino, and various cultural events.
Hotels and accommodations near Coimbra
There are several excellent accommodation options in and around Coimbra to suit different budgets and preferences:
- Quinta das Lágrimas: This luxury hotel in Coimbra is steeped in history and surrounded by beautiful gardens. It offers a blend of old-world charm and modern amenities, including a spa and golf course.
- Sapientia Boutique Hotel: This charming hotel in the heart of Coimbra’s historic district offers modern comfort and traditional architecture. The hotel is just a short walk away from the University of Coimbra.
- Hotel Oslo Coimbra: This is a more budget-friendly option near the city centre. It offers comfortable rooms and is renowned for its excellent service.
- Bussaco Palace Hotel: If you don’t mind staying a bit further out from Coimbra, this luxurious palace-turned-hotel in the Bussaco Forest offers opulent rooms and stunning forest views.
- Casa Pinha: For those looking to stay near Figueira da Foz, Casa Pinha offers panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, comfortable rooms, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure the best rooms and rates.
Where to Eat in Coimbra
Coimbra offers a variety of fantastic dining options that serve delicious Portuguese cuisine. Here are a few options:
- Restaurante Ze Manel dos Ossos: This popular, traditional restaurant is hidden in downtown Coimbra. They serve typical Portuguese dishes but are mainly known for their “ossos” (bones) dish.
- Solar do Bacalhau: Located in an old manor house, this restaurant offers a diverse menu with traditional Portuguese and international dishes. They also have a great selection of wines.
- A Taberna: This is a great place to go if you are interested in trying local specialties. They serve traditional Portuguese food in a cozy and rustic setting.
- Restaurante Trovador: Known for its delicious and hearty Portuguese dishes, this restaurant is located in the city centre and is a favourite among locals.
- Arcadas da Capela: Located in the Quinta das Lágrimas hotel, this fine dining restaurant offers gourmet Portuguese cuisine with a modern twist.
Remember to try local specialties like “Chanfana” (goat stew), “Leitão da Bairrada” (roast suckling pig), and “Pastéis de Santa Clara” (a sweet pastry) when you visit.
How to Get to Coimbra
There are several ways to reach Coimbra, depending on where you’re traveling from:
- By Air: The nearest international airports to Coimbra are Porto’s Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport and Lisbon’s Humberto Delgado Airport. From these airports, you can take a train or bus to Coimbra. Alternatively, you can rent a car from the airport and drive.
- By Train: Coimbra is well connected to other cities in Portugal by train. The train journey from Lisbon to Coimbra takes about 2 hours, while it takes approximately 1 hour from Porto. Trains arrive at Coimbra-B station, from where you can take a short connecting train ride to Coimbra-A, located in the city centre.
- By Bus: Rede Expressos, a national bus company, operates regular services between Coimbra and other Portuguese cities.
- By Car: If you’re driving from Lisbon, take the A1 motorway north towards Porto and exit at Coimbra Sul or Coimbra Norte. If you’re coming from Porto, take the A1 motorway south towards Lisbon and exit at Coimbra Norte or Coimbra Sul. Be aware that the A1 is a toll road.
Coimbra in 4k
FAQ – Frequently asked questions
Question: What is Coimbra, Portugal, most known for?
Answer: Coimbra is most known for its historic university, the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest in continuous operation in the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is also famous for its rich history, beautiful architecture, and as the birthplace of Fado music.
What is the best time to visit Coimbra?
The best time to visit Coimbra is from May to October when the weather is warm and dry. However, to avoid the tourist crowds, consider staying in spring (April to June) or fall (September to October).
How can I get around in Coimbra?
Coimbra is a compact city, and many of its attractions are within walking distance of each other in the city centre. For longer distances, there’s a reliable public transportation network consisting of buses and taxis. If you plan, However, if visiting the wider region, consider renting a car.
What local dishes should I try in Coimbra?
Try the Chanfana (goat stew), Leitão da Bairrada (roast suckling pig), and a sweet treat called Pastéis de Santa Clara. Also, be sure to pair your meal with local wines.
What language is spoken in Coimbra, Portugal?
Like the rest of Portugal, the most widely spoken language in Coimbra, like the ese. However, English is commonly spoken in hotels, restaurants, and other tourist areas.