Portugal's picturesque former capital city, Coimbra, is perched on a hillside facing the Rio Mondego. A fantastic destination for history buffs, Coimbra boasts a beautifully preserved Moorish-era Old Town, centred around the spellbinding Romanesque cathedral, Se Velha. Most of the best places to stay in Coimbra are tucked along the narrow surrounding streets, or in nearby squares, perfect for on-foot explorations of a very special city.
Coimbra’s most iconic landmark is undoubtedly its famous university, a UNESCO World Heritage site built on the grounds of a former palace. The stunning Biblioteca Joanina, a Baroque library with 18th-century bell tower, reflects the wealth and grandeur of Portugal's golden age. Equally impressive are the medieval monasteries of Santa Clara – both the 13th-century Santa Clara-a-Velha and the 17th-century Santa Clara-a-Nova. Don’t miss touring the Machado de Castro National Museum, with its exceptional collection of historical artworks, or admiring the 9th-century Almedina Arch.
Vibrant and historic, Coimbra captivates travellers with its fusion of architectural treasures and living traditions. Fado singers and guitarists give life to the streets and squares, as they have done for centuries. Do take the time to attend a performance for a real sense of the city’s soul, before returning to your pick of the best places to stay in Coimbra.
