Main attractions:
Coimbra is the city with the most academic tradition in Portugal and a visit to the Universidade de Coimbra is a must. Wander through the famous library and steep in the tradition of the students' black capes, with each tear representing the amorous conquests.
In the upper part of the city, do not forget to visit to the Machado de Castro Museum - the largest Roman building in the Iberian Peninsula - with Gothic houses, Renaissance and Baroque works of arts, and a considerable collection of porcelain.
The town centre has much to offer the visitor and the downtown quarter - known as the Baixa - by the River Mondego, is a warren of fascinating narrow streets, and it's full of shops, cafés and churches.
Quite apart from the vast number of museums in the city, the Roman ruins of Conímbriga are certainly noteworthy and can be found close to the town of Condeixa-a-Velha.
For children, the Portugal dos Pequeninos theme park is undoubtedly the main attraction, where Portugal's key historical and cultural landmarks are reproduced in miniature constructions, up to 4 metres high.
May we suggest a tour?
Renaisscance Coimbra:
Machado de Castro Museum, Especiosa Gate, Capela do Sacramento, Royal Tombs and the Manga Garden.
Le siecle du lumiere (18TH Century):
New cathedral (Sé Nova), Natural History Museum, Chemistry Laboratory, Anthropology Museum, University Library (Bilbioteca Joanina) and the Botanical Gardens.
The Manueline Route
Machado de Castro Museum, St. Michael's Chapel and the Monastery and Cloister of Santa Cruz.
Dowtown History:
Largo de Sansão, Rua da Sofia, Terreiro da Erva, Rua da Direita, Rua da Moeda, Rua do Corvo, Paço do Conde, Rua Adelino Veiga, Praça do Comércio, Travessa dos Gatos and the Largo da Portagem.
The azulejo in Coimbra:
The azulejo is Portugal's unique ceramic tile. Discover more, by visiting St. Michael's Chapel, the Machado de Castro Museum, the old Cathedral (Sé Velha), Santa Cruz, the University colleges along the Rua Sofia and the Society for Ancient Ceramics.
Coninbriga Ruins and Museum:
A fascinating trip into the past - Conímbriga is a Roman city, built over an Iron Age village and the Roman Temple is a must-see. The Museu Monográfico is also interesting, especially for lovers of archaeology.