Things to do in Coimbra

Activities, attractions and tours

Coimbra which includes a sunset, a river or creek and landscape views
Coimbra featuring a river or creek, a bridge and a city
Portugal dos Pequenitos featuring a park and outdoor art
Portugal dos Pequenitos showing heritage elements and a church or cathedral
Santa Cruz Church which includes a square or plaza
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Top places to visit

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 showing interior views and heritage elements

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 which includes 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, heritage architecture and a square or plaza

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 showing heritage elements

What to do in Coimbra

Popular places to visit

Coimbra University featuring a sunset and a square or plaza

Coimbra University

5/5(12 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
Portugal dos Pequenitos

Portugal dos Pequenitos

4/5(1 review)

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

Portugal dos Pequenitos
Velha Cathedral showing interior views and heritage elements

Old Cathedral of Coimbra

5/5(9 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
Biblioteca Joanina which includes a sunset

Biblioteca Joanina

4.5/5(11 reviews)

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

Biblioteca Joanina
Santa Cruz Church featuring a church or cathedral, heritage architecture and a square or plaza

Santa Cruz Church

4.5/5(8 reviews)

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

Santa Cruz Church
Convento de Santa Clara-a-Velha which includes a church or cathedral

Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha

5/5(4 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
Jardim da Manga showing heritage elements

Jardim da Manga

5/5(1 review)

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

Jardim da Manga
Coimbra featuring a church or cathedral and heritage elements

New Cathedral of Coimbra

New Cathedral of Coimbra is just one of the places to see in Sé Nova, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Wander the riverfront and picturesque gardens in the area.

New Cathedral of Coimbra
Coimbra featuring a fountain and heritage elements

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

Areas of Coimbra

Velha Cathedral featuring landscape views, heritage elements and a city

Coimbra City Centre

4.5/5(18 area reviews)

Historical 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
Photo by Cátia Costa

Penacova

Frequently asked questions

Is Coimbra worth visiting?
Famous for its bars and pubs and shopping, discovering cool things to do in Coimbra is easy. Remember to add New Cathedral of Coimbra to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Coimbra?
Start your adventures with a visit to PO.RO.S - Portugal Roman Museum in Sicó and Casa Museu Fernando Namora. Then, explore other areas of Coimbra for local restaurants and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Coimbra?
The top tourist attraction in Coimbra is New Cathedral of Coimbra, so be sure to add it to your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Coimbra?
Three days in Coimbra is enough to enjoy the city's main attractions. Many guests stay for two days on average. New Cathedral of Coimbra, Museu Nacional Machado de Castro and Casa Museu Bissaya Barreto are highly rated sights. Like to discover more? Hang around a while longer to visit nearby hotspots like Figueira da Foz.
Is Coimbra a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and top attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Coimbra is a good destination to experience on foot. Have fun wandering between New Cathedral of Coimbra and Museu Nacional Machado de Castro. Then take a stroll around Sé Nova, Santa Cruz, Almedina e São Bartolomeu, located 0.32 kilometres from the centre, and Coimbra City Centre, which is about 0.16 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Coimbra with kids?
If you're searching for activities and sights for all of your group, take a look at these fantastic ideas for what to do in Coimbra with kids.

What to do in Coimbra for adults?
Museu de Conimbriga and Sister Lucia's Memorial are just a couple of the things to do in Coimbra. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Coimbra?
From visiting parks to strolling around exciting neighbourhoods, it's simple to find free things to do in Coimbra. If you need new ideas, get some tips from a local tour guide. New Cathedral of Coimbra is a top spot for anyone wanting to save on their sightseeing adventures.