What to do in Coimbra

Activities, attractions and tours

A historic cityscape with a prominent hilltop church, a bridge over a river, and a dense urban area with colorful buildings.
A historic cityscape with a river, a bridge, and a hill with colorful buildings.
A bridge over a river, a town with colorful buildings, and a hill with a tower.
A historic building with a clock tower, a large open plaza, and a sunset in the background.
A river with a bridge, a fountain, and a cityscape with historic buildings.

Coimbra Tourist Attractions & Activities

If you’re searching for an exciting holiday, count on Expedia.com.au to help you find interesting attractions, enlightening experiences, and tons of other fun things to do in Coimbra AU$9. From first-rate tours to incredible deals on sightseeing trips – our extensive selection of local things to do and places to visit is just a few clicks away.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re travelling alone, alongside your main squeeze, or with your favourite friends or family members, Expedia has the inside scoop on what to see and do while in this corner of the world. And our search tool makes it simple to score the best deals around. So regardless of if you are on a tight budget or prefer to spare no expense, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for by browsing over 110 activities in Coimbra, Coimbra District.

The intuitive booking system here on Expedia.com.au makes planning your holiday easier—and more affordable—than ever before. And not only can you discover all the best Coimbra attractions from AU$9, but you can also book flights, hire cars, and reserve hotel rooms all in just a few moments. A world of wonder awaits you and your travelling companions. Count on Expedia.com.au to help you plan the holiday of your dreams, and you’ll have the time of your life.

Activities

Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour

Coimbra Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour

AU$8
per adult
Coimbra Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour
Aveiro

Full Day Tour from Porto to Coimbra and Aveiro with River Cruise

AU$160
per adult
90% of travellers recommend
Full Day Tour from Porto to Coimbra and Aveiro with River Cruise
Coimbra Top Attractions Walking Tour

Coimbra Top Attractions Walking Tour

AU$8
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Coimbra Top Attractions Walking Tour
Barca Serrana - Traditional Boat Trip

Coimbra: Barca Serrana Traditional Boat Trip

AU$21
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Coimbra: Barca Serrana Traditional Boat Trip
Coimbra: Live Fado Show with Glass of Port Wine

Coimbra: Live Fado Show with Glass of Port Wine

AU$26
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Coimbra: Live Fado Show with Glass of Port Wine
University of Coimbra Guided Tour with Tickets

University of Coimbra Guided Tour with Tickets

AU$97
per adult
University of Coimbra Guided Tour with Tickets
Guided tour of the University and city of Coimbra.

Guided tour of the University and city of Coimbra.

AU$110
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Guided tour of the University and city of Coimbra.
Coimbra Walking Tour

Coimbra Walking Tour

AU$49
per adult
Coimbra Walking Tour
Coimbra: Adventure, Discovery & Learning with a Local

Coimbra: Adventure, Discovery & Learning with a Local

AU$81
per adult
Coimbra: Adventure, Discovery & Learning with a Local
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Top places to visit

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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A historic building with a clock tower, arched staircases, and a courtyard.

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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A model of a white building with arches and a tower, surrounded by a pool and greenery.

3. 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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A grand library with ornate bookshelves, a red carpet, and a central ornate archway.

4. 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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A historic courtyard with a fountain, surrounded by arched walkways and a prominent castle-like building with a tower.

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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A historic building with intricate stone carvings and a large arched entrance.

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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An ancient stone church with a red-tiled roof and a bell tower, surrounded by ruins and a river in the background.

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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A historical building with a central courtyard, columns, and domed roofs.

Recommended things to do in Coimbra

Number of things to do
110
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Coimbra Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: AU$9
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Coimbra

Stay near popular Coimbra attractions

A historic building with a clock tower, arched staircases, and a courtyard.

Coimbra University

9.4/10 (734 reviews)
This UNESCO-listed university dates back to 1290, featuring the ornate Joanina Library with gilded interiors and rare books. Reserve morning tickets to explore its historic buildings and enjoy panoramic views.
See properties

Our guide on where to stay in Coimbra

Find the best Coimbra areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Coimbra
Learn more about Coimbra
A historic building with a dome and a statue on top, surrounded by red-tiled roofs and a river in the background.

Coimbra City Centre

Historical sites, river views and bars are some highlights of Coimbra City Centre. Make a stop by Santa Cruz Church or Old Cathedral of Coimbra while you're exploring.

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Coimbra

A detailed mosaic floor with geometric patterns and a central diamond shape.

Condeixa a Nova

A river with a grassy bank and trees on one side.

Penacova

Frequently asked questions

Is Coimbra worth visiting?
Famous for its bars and pubs and shopping, discovering cool things to do in Coimbra is easy. Remember to add New Cathedral of Coimbra to your itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Coimbra?
Start your adventures with a visit to PO.RO.S - Portugal Roman Museum in Sicó and Casa Museu Fernando Namora. Then, explore other areas of Coimbra for local restaurants and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Coimbra?
The top tourist attraction in Coimbra is New Cathedral of Coimbra, so be sure to add it to your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Coimbra?
Three days in Coimbra is enough to enjoy the city's main attractions. Many guests stay for two days on average. New Cathedral of Coimbra, Museu Nacional Machado de Castro and Casa Museu Bissaya Barreto are highly rated sights. Like to discover more? Hang around a while longer to visit nearby hotspots like Figueira da Foz.
Is Coimbra a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and top attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Coimbra is a good destination to experience on foot. Have fun wandering between New Cathedral of Coimbra and Museu Nacional Machado de Castro. Then take a stroll around Sé Nova, Santa Cruz, Almedina e São Bartolomeu, located 0.32 kilometres from the centre, and Coimbra City Centre, which is about 0.16 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Coimbra with kids?
If you're searching for activities and sights for all of your group, take a look at these fantastic ideas for what to do in Coimbra with kids.

What to do in Coimbra for adults?
Museu de Conimbriga and Sister Lucia's Memorial are just a couple of the things to do in Coimbra. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Coimbra?
From visiting parks to strolling around exciting neighbourhoods, it's simple to find free things to do in Coimbra. If you need new ideas, get some tips from a local tour guide. New Cathedral of Coimbra is a top spot for anyone wanting to save on their sightseeing adventures.