What to do in Coimbra

Activities, attractions and tours

A historic cityscape with a prominent hilltop church, a bridge over a river, and a dense urban area with colorful buildings.
A historic cityscape with a river, a bridge, and a hill with colorful buildings.
A bridge over a river, a town with colorful buildings, and a hill with a tower.
A historic building with a clock tower, a large open plaza, and a sunset in the background.
A river with a bridge, a fountain, and a cityscape with historic buildings.

Places to Visit in Coimbra

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Coimbra, Coimbra District while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Coimbra attractions from NZ$3, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Coimbra tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 123 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Coimbra. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

Activities

Coimbra Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour

Coimbra Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour

NZ$3
per adult
Coimbra Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour
Coimbra Top Attractions Walking Tour

Coimbra Top Attractions Walking Tour

NZ$10
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Coimbra Top Attractions Walking Tour
Barca Serrana - Traditional Boat Trip

Coimbra: Barca Serrana Traditional Boat Trip

NZ$25
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Coimbra: Barca Serrana Traditional Boat Trip
Explore Coimbra: Walking Tour with a Local Guide

Explore Coimbra: Walking Tour with a Local Guide

NZ$30
per adult
Explore Coimbra: Walking Tour with a Local Guide
Coimbra’s Jewish Heritage An Audio Tour of the Medieval Town

Coimbra’s Jewish Heritage An Audio Tour of the Medieval Town

NZ$8
per adult
Coimbra’s Jewish Heritage An Audio Tour of the Medieval Town
Private Guided Tour in Coimbra Downtown

Coimbra Downtown: Private walking tour with tickets

NZ$155
per adult
Coimbra Downtown: Private walking tour with tickets
Package: Transfer from Porto + Buçaco Tour

Package: Transfer from Porto + Buçaco Tour (All Inclusive – Excluding Lunch)

NZ$127
per adult
Package: Transfer from Porto + Buçaco Tour (All Inclusive – Excluding Lunch)
Coimbra: Live Fado Show with Glass of Port Wine

Coimbra: Live Fado Show with Glass of Port Wine

NZ$31
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Coimbra: Live Fado Show with Glass of Port Wine
University of Coimbra Guided Tour with Tickets

University of Coimbra Guided Tour with Tickets

NZ$117
per adult
University of Coimbra Guided Tour with Tickets
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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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A historic building with a clock tower, arched staircases, and a courtyard.

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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A model of a white building with arches and a tower, surrounded by a pool and greenery.

3. 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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A grand library with ornate bookshelves, a red carpet, and a central ornate archway.

4. 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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A historic building with intricate stone carvings and a large arched entrance.

5. 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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A historic courtyard with a fountain, surrounded by arched walkways and a prominent castle-like building with a tower.

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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An ancient stone church with a red-tiled roof and a bell tower, surrounded by ruins and a river in the background.

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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A historical building with a central courtyard, columns, and domed roofs.

Recommended things to do in Coimbra

Number of things to do
123
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Coimbra Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: NZ$3
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Coimbra

Stay near popular Coimbra attractions

A historic building with a clock tower, arched staircases, and a courtyard.

Coimbra University

9.4/10 (734 reviews)
This UNESCO-listed university dates back to 1290, featuring the ornate Joanina Library with gilded interiors and rare books. Reserve morning tickets to explore its historic buildings and enjoy panoramic views.
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Our guide on where to stay in Coimbra

Find the best Coimbra areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Coimbra
Learn more about Coimbra
A historic building with a dome and a statue on top, surrounded by red-tiled roofs and a river in the background.

Coimbra City Centre

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.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Coimbra

A street with a white fence, a church, and flags.

Miranda do Corvo

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.