Top Six Things to Do and See in Coimbra, Portugal

Famous for its university, ceramics and fado music, Coimbra is a quaint town offering winding cobblestone alleys, commercial plazas and hilltop views overlooking the Rio Mondego. For travelers heading north through the Beira Litoral region of Portugal, or those coming from Lisbon, Coimbra can be a welcome respite from the flocks of city tourists.

Though winters can be wet and chilly, Coimbra’s Mediterranean climate makes it a comfortable destination year round. I like to visit Coimbra in March-April or September-October when tourists are few, the student population is buzzing, and temperatures are mild.

Getting to Coimbra from Lisbon is as easy as hopping on an express train from Santa Apolónia station. Trains drop passengers at one of two stations in Coimbra. “Coimbra A” is a centrally located train station near Coimbra’s old town center and the best starting point for visitors. However, if your train stops at “Coimbra B” a couple of miles from old town, catch a ride to “Coimbra A” on one of the shuttle trains leaving from the opposite side of the platform.

I like Coimbra’s relaxed atmosphere enough that I return there every few years. Here’s my list of the Top Six Things To Do And See In Coimbra.

1. Stroll the alleyways in Lower and Upper Town.
Coimbra is informally divided into Lower and Upper town. You won’t find any signs telling you which is which, but it’s easy enough to figure out. Essentially, if your legs aren’t straining from walking uphill or down then you’re probably in Lower town. The lower section stretches from the Coimbra A train station east and includes Praça do Comércio, the Commercial Plaza. Here shoppers can find everything from clothing and shoes to books and linens, and diners will find excellent restaurants tucked in the narrow alleyways.