Coimbra: Portugal's University City in a Day

Coimbra is Portugal’s old university city: a hill crowned by one of Europe’s oldest universities, steep medieval lanes, students in black capes and a very different, lived-in feel from Lisbon and Porto. It’s perfect as a stop between the two cities or an easy day trip from either.

Quick answer: spend a day: tour the University (book the Joanina Library time slot), wander down through the old town, and cross the river to Santa Clara. With kids, add Portugal dos Pequenitos. It’s about 1h45 from Lisbon or 1 hour from Porto by train.

The University of Coimbra

Founded in 1290 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the university sits at the top of the city. A combined ticket (around €18.50 in 2026) includes:

• Biblioteca Joanina: a jaw-dropping baroque library of gilded wood and 18th-century books, famously protected at night by a colony of bats that eat the insects. Entry is by strict time slot printed on your ticket, so be on time.
• The Royal Palace (Paço das Escolas), including the grand ceremonial Great Hall where students defend their degrees.
• The São Miguel Chapel, with a spectacular organ.
• The Academic Prison, where misbehaving students were once locked up.

Tickets sell out on busy days, so buy early in the day or online.

More things to do

• The old town (Alta and Baixa): steep lanes and stairways like the Quebra-Costas (“back-breaker”) linking the university with the shopping streets below.
• Old Cathedral (Sé Velha): a fortress-like Romanesque cathedral.
• Santa Cruz Monastery, where Portugal’s first kings are buried, and the café in its old chapel.
• Coimbra fado: different from Lisbon’s, traditionally sung by male students. Look for an evening performance.
• Portugal dos Pequenitos: a park of miniature Portuguese houses and monuments, adored by small children. See Portugal with kids.
• Santa Clara-a-Velha: the ruins of a Gothic monastery once flooded by the river.
• Conímbriga: one of the best-preserved Roman towns in Portugal, with superb mosaics, a short drive away.

Getting there

• From Lisbon: Alfa Pendular trains take about 1h45 and Intercidades about 2 hours to Coimbra-B station.
• From Porto: about 1 hour by Alfa Pendular.
• Coimbra-B is on the edge of town. Change to the short shuttle train to Coimbra (A) in the centre (usually included with your ticket), or take a taxi.
• Car: on the A1 between Lisbon and Porto (tolled). See Portugal tolls explained.

It makes a great stop on the way between the two cities. See Lisbon to Porto by train.

Tips

• Wear good shoes. The old town is very steep.
• Visit during term time to see students in their traditional black capes. In May, the Queima das Fitas student festival takes over the city.
• Try the local pastries, like pastel de Santa Clara, and the hearty chanfana (goat stewed in red wine).

Staying the night? See places to stay in Coimbra. More ideas: day trips from Porto.

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