University of Coimbra and Old Town Walking Tour

5.0 (4 reviews) Coimbra, Portugal
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Duration2h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 8 travelers

Overview

Discover Coimbra beyond the guidebooks on a 2-hour small-group walk through the university and the medieval heart of Portugal's first capital.

Your host is Mateus, a current University of Coimbra student who grew up spending his summers in Florida and speaks fluent English. Starting at the Iron Gate, hear about the university's traditions, student rituals and the iconic black capes.

Explore the university, founded in 1290, and see the exterior of the Joanina Library, then the Sé Nova, a Jesuit church turned cathedral.

Pass the 12th-century Sé Velha and descend the cobbled Rua de Quebra Costas, hearing about Fado de Coimbra and the tragic love story of Pedro and Inês de Castro.

Continue through the medieval Almedina Tower to Rua Ferreira Borges, the main pedestrian street, and the Santa Cruz Monastery, where Portugal's first two kings are buried.

Finish by the Mondego River, with views back over the old town and the university on its hill.

What's included

  • Walking tour, monuments viewed from the outside
  • Local tips: real-time recommendations on where to eat, drink and explore, shared as you pass by
  • Local host: Mateus, a University of Coimbra student
  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

What to expect

  1. Universidade de Coimbra
    25m
    Founded in 1290 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the oldest universities in the world. The tour covers the outdoor spaces, entry to the ticketed interiors such as the Joanina Library is not included
  2. Estatua de D. Dinis
    15m
    The king who founded the university in 1290 and made Portuguese the official language of the kingdom
  3. Se Nova Catedral de Coimbra
    Pass by
    A 17th century Jesuit church with one of the most ornate interiors in Coimbra
  4. 15m
    The university's main courtyard, once a royal palace, with sweeping views over the city and the Mondego river.
  5. Biblioteca Joanina
    Pass by
    One of the most beautiful baroque libraries in Europe, built in 1717 and home to 60,000 volumes
  6. Sala dos Capelos
    Pass by
    The Great Hall, once the throne room of the royal palace and today where degrees are awarded, lined with portraits of Portuguese kings.
  7. Capela de Sao Miguel
    Pass by
    The university's own chapel, decorated with 17th century azulejos and home to a baroque organ of more than 2,000 pipes.
  8. Se Velha De Coimbra
    Pass by
    The 12th century Romanesque cathedral where Portugal's second king was crowned, now surrounded by the bars where students gather at night
  9. 15m
    The square at the heart of Coimbra's fado, where students once sang to the tricanas of the old town
  10. Torre de Almedina
    Pass by
    The last remaining gate of Coimbra's medieval Arab walls
  11. Rua Ferreira Borges
    15m
    Coimbra's main pedestrian street, lined with shops, cafés and restaurants in the heart of the old town
  12. 15m
    Where Portugal's first two kings are buried. Free to enter, though it may close for mass or ceremonies
  13. Parque Verde do Mondego
    15m
    A riverside park along the Mondego, with open views back toward the old town and the university on the hill

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meet me at the Porta Férrea (Iron Gate), the main entrance to the University of Coimbra. I will be waiting outside the gate.

End point

The tour ends by the river, a short walk from Largo da Portagem, the main shopping street and the restaurants of the old town.

Additional information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Not recommended for people with mobility impairments

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Reviews

5.0 (4)
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