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 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
Coimbra featuring a church or cathedral and heritage elements

New Cathedral of Coimbra

Find out about the history of Sé Nova when you take a trip to New Cathedral of Coimbra. Wander the riverfront and picturesque gardens in the area.

New Cathedral of Coimbra

Areas of Coimbra

Velha Cathedral which includes a city, heritage elements and landscape views

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
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Casal dos Balaus

Casal dos Balaus might not have many top sights, but Conímbriga Ruins and PO.RO.S - Portugal Roman Museum in Sicó are two attractions nearby that you can check out.

Casal dos Balaus
Photo by Cátia Costa

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