Top 6 things to do in Coimbra

Coimbra is a charming city in central Portugal. Many describe it as ‘old’ and ‘bohemian’. It’s the kind of place that, when you walk around it, takes you back to the sweet memories of your childhood and makes you feel nostalgic, with a little smile on your face and a twinge of nostalgia in your heart. If you’re planning a road trip in Portugal, Coimbra is bound to be on your list of towns to visit. With a population of 150,000 and a few narrow streets and lanes straight out of a fairytale, it’s open to travellers who want to explore every corner of it. It’s a place where you can discover ancient monuments in the morning, laze on the beach in the afternoon and then head into town in the evening in search of a good restaurant serving local specialities. See below for six top things to do in Coimbra.

What to do in Coimbra

1. The University of Coimbra

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: Yes, yes, we know. You’re on holiday and the last thing you want to do is go to a place that reminds you of school, and more directly of work. But you trust Navaway, don’t you? Trust us, it’s definitely worth a visit. It’s over 700 years since the Universidade de Coimbra was founded, in 1290 to be exact by King Denis I. It’s THE city’s centenary site par excellence, and very often, when we talk about Coimbra, we instinctively evoke the university afterwards. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (you’d have thought), it’s a place that still trains researchers and thinkers who revolutionise the world. And we all know: knowledge is one of the most precious and useful things on earth. During the 1960s, it was also the headquarters of the Student Revolution against the Estado Novo dictatorship. There’s so much to learn at this school…

2. Santa Clara a velha Monastery

Category: €/Cultural

Description: The Monastery of Santa Clara a velha reopened its doors some fifteen years ago after nearly 17 years of study and recovery. It has an incredibly rich history, and we’d rather not tell you anything about it, because with Navaway it could take hours to tell you all the twists and turns you need to know, because we’re so enthusiastic and passionate! What we can tell you is that the original base of the monastery dates back to 1286. It was founded by Dona Mor Dias, a member of the local nobility, but closed shortly afterwards following opposition from the monks of Santa Cruz. Over time, it has been somewhat destroyed by the river and the vagaries of time, but it remains a must-see when visiting Coimbra. The tomb of Isabella of Aragon (Elisabeth of Portugal) used to sit here, but was moved by the floods.

3. Machado de Castro National Museum

Category: €/Cultural

Description: Each city has its own museum which tells its history through the exhibition of legendary works. For Coimbra, it’s at the Machado de Castro National Museum where you can learn more about the city, and about Portugal itself. After all, some time ago, this was the administrative, religious and political centre of Roman times. Later, it became a Christian temple, and then again in the second half of the 12th century, it was the bishop’s palace. It wasn’t until 1911 that it became the city’s national museum. What a journey! This is undoubtedly one of the city’s most fascinating places, where history buffs and art lovers in general will be delighted to spend an afternoon. On the programme: sculptures, paintings, ceramics, antique furniture, remains of archaeological digs carried out in the past… You’ll be even more amazed as the visit progresses.

4. A day at the beach

Category: €€/Sporty/Gastronomic

Description: Here’s the scenario: You’re the main character and you’re travelling in summer. You’re in Coimbra, Portugal, and the sun is shining brightly. That’s when this brilliant idea occurs to you: “Why don’t we go to the beach? Of course! Portugal is known for its superb spots, and it’s not for nothing that surfers love this country ^^. Every town has its own little swimming spots, such as Quiaios beach in the centre of Coimbra. It’s an easy place to swim, with gentle waves, and families love coming here for all the water-based activities such as diving and windsurfing. The Mira and Cabedelo beaches are also located in the centre of the city and are excellent places to relax and sunbathe. As well as this, there are a whole host of small restaurants around the beaches, giving you the chance to sample the local cuisine.

5. Kayak trip on the Mondego River from Coimbra

Category: €€/Sporty/Insolite

Description: Let’s stick with the theme of water in general, shall we? A bit like a mini-cruise (but cheaper) and with a bit of effort, set off on an adventure in a kayak on the Mondego River from Coimbra. This 4-hour activity is a great way to discover the city of Coimbra from a whole new angle. Over a distance of almost 18 km, you’ll paddle along the Mondego, the most famous river in Portugal, gradually descending with the current and losing yourself in a landscape of greenery. You’ll come alongside famous natural beaches and rivers with cascading waterfalls. This is a very affordable activity that can be enjoyed by families with young children, by couples for a romantic moment together in nature, and by friends for a moment of fun and laughter.

6. Visit Portugal Miniature

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: To round off your stay, there’s nothing better than a visit to Portugal Miniature. More commonly known as “Portugal dos Pequenitos”, it’s a magical place where young and old alike can easily find something to enjoy. Here you can admire some of Portugal’s greatest monuments and some of the discoveries that have had an impact on the world. What’s more, you can find reproductions of some of Portugal’s buildings: even some of the old dwellings linked to the various colonies that have been established over the centuries, such as those in Cape Verde and Macau. In fact, it’s a small village in miniature, recounting the history of the country, as well as some past events, particularly those linked to geography and architecture.