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?
Renaissance coimbra
Machado de Castro Museum, Especiosa Gate, Capela do Sacramento, Royal Tombs and the Manga Garden.
Le siècle des lumières (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.
Downtown 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.
Conímbriga museum and ruins
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.
Directions Oporto / Lisbon (A1)
Take A1 South to exit 13 (at the 197,5 km Coimbra North).
Pass the tollbooths following signs indicating Coimbra, take IC2 to Coimbra and exit Coimbra Centro. You will come to a roundabout (Casa do Sal). Take the 2nd cutoff, which leads you to Fernão Magalhães. You will come to another roundabout. Continue straight ahead to Centro Largo da Portagem. When you come to Rio Mondego (on your right), stick to your left, at the end of the parking lot before the traffic light, make a U turn, which will lead you to the Hotel at Ave. Emídio Navarro # 21.
Directions Viseu / Coimbra – (IP3)
Take the IP3 in the direction of Coimbra, then IC2 – Coimbra heading towards Coimbra Centro. You will come to a roundabout (Casa do Sal). Take the 2nd cutoff, which leads you to Fernão Magalhães. You will come to another roundabout. Continue straight ahead to Centro Largo da Portagem. When you come to Rio Mondego (on your right), stick to your left, at the end of the parking lot before the traffic light, make a U turn, which will lead you to the Hotel at Ave. Emídio Navarro nº 21.
Directions Lisbon / Oporto (A1)
Take A1 North to exit 12 (at 189.2 km) direction Coimbra South. Just past the tollbooths to your right follow signs indicating Coimbra Bencanta. (Ave. Prof. Mário Silva) Exit to the right following IC 2 Lisbon, Condeixa, pass over the viaduct following signs indicating IC2 Lisbon and Centro. You will then come to the Centre and pass the Santa Clara Bridge. At the end of the bridge you will come to traffic lights. Turn left and approximately 50 meters ahead, you will have arrived at the Hotel. Emídio Navarro nº 21.