Things to do in Coimbra

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Coimbra showing a river or creek, a sunset and landscape views

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Coimbra must see attractions

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 which includes heritage elements and interior views

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 featuring 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, a square or plaza and heritage architecture

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 which includes heritage elements

Discover the most popular places to visit in Coimbra

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Coimbra

Velha Cathedral showing a city, heritage elements and landscape views

Coimbra City Centre

4.5/5(124 area reviews)

Historic sites, river views, and bars are some highlights of Coimbra City Centre. Make a stop by Santa Cruz Church or Fado ao Centro while you're exploring.

Coimbra City Centre
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Casal dos Balaus

While Casal dos Balaus isn't home to many top sights, Conímbriga Ruins and PO.RO.S - Portugal Roman Museum in Sicó are some notable places to visit nearby.

Casal dos Balaus

Popular day trips from Coimbra