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As you tour Portugal, you can’t possibly miss visiting Coimbra. It doesn’t matter whether you’re here for fast-track travel or leisurely sightseeing; there is an endless supply of things to do and sights to see in Coimbra.
Through this Coimbra blog, I will share with you some of the most interesting things to do in Coimbra.
Going on a 4 days trip is sufficient to see some of the most interesting places in Coimbra. But if you can add 2-3 days more you’d be able to experience rather than ‘see’ that an ordinary tourist does. So, without further ado, let me present you some of the best things to do in Coimbra, top things to do in Coimbra and some helpful travel tips.
1. Sé Velha
Sé Velha is a majestic Cathedral standing tall in the city of Coimbra, Portugal.
The cathedral’s importance is further underscored by the presence of the tomb of the patron saint. Classical music concerts and organ recitals are held on a regular basis within the Basilica.
Quick Facts:
- A beautiful example of Romanesque architecture style, the cathedral holds the burials of Sisnando Davides, Vataça Lascaris, António de Sousa Franco.
- The highlight of the place includes the imposing crenellated walls.
- The cathedral was opened on 1146.
Address: Largo Sé Velha, 3000-383 Coimbra, Portugal
2. Igreja de Santa Cruz
Igreja de Santa Cruz, the centuries old landmark, is considered to be one of Coimbra’s most gorgeous churches.
The cemetry is where the famous and powerful people of the Coimbra are buried. A special feature of the basilica is its high altar and ceiling, which are both decorated with beautiful artwork.
Quick Facts:
- The church belonging to the Parish faith is worth seeing for its the quaint monastery located behind the church.
- Diogo de Boitaca, Marcos Pires are the prominent architects who were involved in designing and building it.
- The church houses the mausoleum of country’s first two kings.
- The church was opened on 1146.
- Igreja de Santa Cruz is also the final resting place of greats such as Afonso I of Portugal, Sancho I of Portugal.
- Igreja de Santa Cruz was also designated as national monument.
With so much to offer, no wonder Igreja de Santa Cruz is one of the top things to do in Coimbra.
3. Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha
Quick Facts:
- Brought to life by the architect Domingos Domingues, christian monastery ruins is a classic example of fine Gothic architecture.
- The christian monastery ruins was built somewhere around 14th century.
- The christian monastery ruins was opened on 1146.
4. National Museum Machado de Castro
Quick Facts:
- The religious art museum was built somewhere around art century.
- The religious art museum’s collection include marvellous Gothic sculptures.
- The religious art museum was opened on 1146.
- Also worth seeing here include the Roman ruins located underground nad an 11th-century cloister.
An incredible sight, National Museum Machado de Castro scores high in the list of the best things to do in Coimbra.
5. Conímbriga
Conímbriga are the ruins from the Roman empire that once ruled here.
In the attached museum you can see a display of coins & ceramics that the ancient civilization used. The colorful mosaics and the remains of the giant coloums are some of the highlight of the site.
Quick Facts:
- Conímbriga was also designated as a national monument.
6. Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova
Quick Facts:
- The was built somewhere around 14th-century.
- The was opened on 1146.
- Evident throughout its structure is the Baroque architecture style.
Without a doubt this wonderful is one amongst the top things to do in Coimbra.
Address: confraria rainha, 3040-270 Coimbra, Portugal
7. Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra
Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra is a large expanse of green located in the very heart of Coimbra.
Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra is maintained by horticulturalists and gardeners specialist in their work.
Including both indoor and outdoor displays there are thousand of species in this Botanical Garden. Plants belonging to different climatic conditions can be found here – tropical, subtropical and savannah.
Quick Facts:
- It was in 18th-centuary when it was established.
Address: Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456 Coimbra, Portugal
8. New Cathedral
Quick Facts:
- Brought to life by the architect Baltazar Álvares, is a classic example of fine Baroque architecture.
- Some of the things New Cathedral features include facade.
- The was built somewhere around 17th-century.
- The belongs to the Catholic faith, but is visited by others too.
Add it to your Coimbra trip if you have time.
Address: Largo Feira dos Estudantes, 3000-213 Sé Nova, Coimbra, Portugal
9. Chapel of São Miguel
Chapel of São Miguel, one of city’s medieval church, is one of the city’s many architectural gems.
Frescoes and gold details adorn the ceiling of the church. A quiet looking cemetry adores the church ground.
Quick Facts:
- Some of the things Chapel of São Miguel features include vibrant interior.
- The church was built somewhere around 16th.
- The church belongs to the Catholic faith, but is visited by others too.
Address: R. Dr. Guilherme Moreira 10, 3000-210 Coimbra, Portugal
10. Museu da Ciência da Universidade de Coimbra
Museu da Ciência da Universidade de Coimbra houses exhibits suitable for all ages, and is known for its scientific and educational content.
Kids will love the terrarium, they can even learn how to make one themselves.
Quick Facts:
- The natural history museum was opened on 1146.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Coimbra trip.
Address: 3000-272 Coimbra, Portugal
12. Penedo da Saudade
Penedo da Saudade is a beautifully landscaped park spread over a large area in Coimbra.
Take a walk through this lovely park and simply enjoy the outdoors.
Spring is the season when hundreds of flowers are on full blossom. The Penedo da Saudade is a hub of leisure activities, walk, jog, bike, swim or boat – choose your own adventure.
Quick Facts:
- The park was opened on 1146.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Coimbra trip.
13. Porta e Torre de Almedina
Porta e Torre de Almedina is a fortified medieval tower located in the city of Coimbra.
It was once part of the defensive walls which surrounded the city.
Quick Facts:
- The medieval tower was opened on 1146.
14. Palacio Real de Coímbra
Palacio Real de Coímbra is the central plaza, the heart of the beautiful city of Coimbra.
This is where various festivals, concerts and carnivals are held throughout the year.
Quick Facts:
- The main square was opened on 1146.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Coimbra trip.
But beyond the famous attractions in Coimbra, there is something that pulls you back again and again, perhaps it’s the city’s charm. All in all, whether you are a backpacker, a solo traveler, slow traveler, a female traveler or a couple there are plenty of interesting things to do in Coimbra for everyone.
And it’s not difficult to create an itinerary that includes some of the best tourist attractions in Coimbra. So what are Coimbra sights to see or you have already been here? Let me know in the comments along with your tips and experiences.