What to do in Guimarães

Activities, attractions and tours

Aerial view of  guimaraes city, portugal
Aerial view of  guimaraes city, portugal
Sao Tiago Square
Guimaraes, Portugal - April 15, 2018 : gray day next to the castle of Guimaraes, Portugal
#Castelo #castle #Guimaraes #Portugal #History

O Castelo de Guimarães começou por um mosteiro mandado construir por Mumadona Dias no século X, antes, portanto, da formação de Portugal. Como os ataques dos mouros eram frequentes decidiram construir uma muralha para proteger a comunidade e os monges que viviam no seu interior. Foi esta fortaleza que deu origem ao Castelo de Guimarães. Mais tarde, no século XII, foi neste castelo que nasceu Dom Afonso Henriques que viria a ser o primeiro rei de Portugal. Com a falta de uso o castelo foi-se degradando. Recentemente foi recuperado e classificado como Monumento Nacional. É também considerado Patrimônio Mundial pela UNESCO. Um lugar cheio de história e que foi berço de Portugal. Não é à toa que em um pedaço da muralha original tem os dizeres “Aqui nasceu Portugal”.

The Castle of Guimarães began with a monastery built by Mumadona Dias in the 10th century, before, therefore, the formation of Portugal. As the attacks of the Moors were frequent they decided to build a wall to protect the community and the monks that lived inside. It was this fort that gave origin to the Castle of Guimarães. Later, in the twelfth century, it was in this castle that Dom Afonso Henriques was born. Some years after he would become the first king of Portugal. With the lack of use the castle was degrading. Recently it was recovered and classified as National Monument. It is also considered World Heritage by UNESCO. A place full of history and that was cradle of Portugal. It is no wonder that in a piece of the original wall has the words "Here was born Portugal".

Places to Visit in Guimarães

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Guimarães, Braga 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 Guimarães attractions from NZ$16, 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 Guimarães tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 49 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 Guimarães. 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.


  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

What to do in Guimarães


Discover the most popular places to visit in Guimarães

Explore areas of Guimarães

Portugal - built under the orders of Mumadona Dias in the 10th century to defend the monastery from attacks by Moors and Norsemen

Old Town Guimarães

5/5(1 area review)

Unique features of Old Town Guimarães include the historical sites and restaurants. Make a stop by Largo da Oliveira or Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira while you're exploring the area.

Old Town Guimarães

 

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 Guimarães

Frequently asked questions

Is Guimarães worth visiting?
Providing a mix of walking trails and views, there's no shortage of things to do in Guimarães. When you're here, head to Sanctuary of Penha, a must-see attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Guimarães?
Kick your day off with a visit to Antigos Paços do Concelho and Centro Internacional das Artes Jose Guimaraes. Then, check out different areas of Guimarães for tasty eats and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Guimarães?
Sanctuary of Penha is one of the top tourist attractions in Guimarães and should be high on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Guimarães?
Three days in Guimarães is plenty of time to visit the city's major highlights. Many travellers spend three days on average. Sanctuary of Penha, Centro Internacional das Artes Jose Guimaraes and Museu de Arte Primitiva Moderna are highly rated sights. Want to experience more? Stick around a while longer to visit nearby hotspots like Porto.
Is Guimarães a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and major attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Guimarães is a great place to tour on foot. Have fun wandering between Sanctuary of Penha and Centro Internacional das Artes Jose Guimaraes. Then take a stroll through Oliveira, São Paio e São Sebastião, located 0.32 kilometres from downtown, and Costa, which is about 2 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Guimarães with kids?
Deciding what to do in Guimarães with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're getting away with teenagers or toddlers, there are loads of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep them happy here.

What to do in Guimarães for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or fan of Mother Nature, there are plenty of things to do in Guimarães for adults including Museu de Alberto Sampaio.
Are there free things to do in Guimarães?
One of the top ways to find free things to do in Guimarães is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other top attractions you can enjoy without opening your wallet. Sanctuary of Penha is one spot that doesn't charge an entrance fee.