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.

The Best Places to Stay in Coimbra

For Boutique Chic

• Sapienta Boutique Hotel, set close to the university, features sleek contemporary guest rooms, plus a popular rooftop bar. A brilliant fusion of old and new, this 22-room hotel is a wonderful choice for those eager to stay within walking distance of the sights. Smart and boasting a great restaurant. 
• Casa de Sao Bento, a restored blue-painted townhouse situated near the S. Sebastião Aqueduct, has simple guest rooms with polished parquet flooring, big windows and patterned bedspreads. There's no restaurant but the hotel has a cosy coffee shop and wine bar. A lovely, 26-bedroom boutique base. 

For a Heritage Escape

• Quinta da Palmeira Country House is a beautifully-decorated Portuguese country house with a luxurious spa and outdoor swimming pool, as well as an excellent restaurant specialising in classic Portuguese dishes. Expect just eight elegant guest rooms with scenic views of the valley. 
• Quinta Das Lagrimas, a historic palace on the outskirts of Coimbra, has attractive rooms and suites overlooking mature gardens. It's a five-star choice with a sense of heritage grandeur. Highlights include a serene spa with indoor pool and two top-notch restaurants. Very romantic. 
• Octant Lousā blends classic elegance with contemporary comforts. An 18th-century palace in Lousã, the hotel has an imposing façade and chic modern guest rooms with views towards the mountains. Savour Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, seasonal favourites and a glamorous bar. An indulgent escape. 

For an apartment or villa

• If you'd prefer a self-catering option, we suggest that you visit our online partner Booking.com.

Travel information

• Fly to Porto Airport, 2.5 hours to the north. Most hotels will be happy to arrange an airport pick-up in advance. 
• The Centro region is great for a road trip! Contact our online partner Rentalcars if you would like to hire a car.
• Visit during the summer months, with temperatures hovering around 23-28°C between June and early September. You'll find fewer crowds and great hotel deals outside the school holidays, or in spring and autumn, when the cooler weather is ideal for hiking and cycling in the valley beyond the city. 

Still not sure?