Coimbra Top Attractions Walking Tour including University
by José Tour Guide
Choose from 1 available option
How do you want to book?
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.$11.60Overview
This 2.5-hour walking tour covers Coimbra’s top attractions, including its main sights and the university. The tour begins at Largo da Portagem, a central square where the guide explains the city’s historical development and points out landmarks across the river. It then continues to Praça do Comércio, known for its two 12th-century churches. Next is Igreja de São Tiago, a church founded in the 12th century that has undergone several changes over time. The tour proceeds to Igreja de Santa Cruz, part of a 12th-century monastery sponsored by Portugal’s first king, whose tomb is located inside. Afterward, the group visits Torre de Almedina, a former city defense tower and archway providing access to the walled city, near a sculpture dedicated to the Fado of Coimbra. The walk moves on to Se Velha de Coimbra, the Old Cathedral built in the 12th century with a fortress-like design and connections to university traditions. The Museu Nacional de Machado de Castro is next, with origins dating back to the Roman Empire and offering one of the best views of the city. The tour continues to Se Nova Catedral, which combines Baroque and Mannerist architecture and was once a Jesuit college. The oldest university in Portugal is also included, where the guide describes its academic customs and the site’s evolution since Muslim occupation, supported by historical photos and tips for visitors. The tour ends at Jardim Botânico, the 18th-century botanical garden where the guide recounts the tragic love story of Pedro and Inês. The tour includes an expert guide registered with the national tourist office and provides a paper or PDF with local recommendations for dining and photography. Paid entrances and gratuities are not included.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Largo da Portagem
This central square is one of Coimbra’s main public spaces. The guide explains the city’s historical occupations and points out notable locations across the river.
10 min
Praca do Comercio
This square features two churches dating from the 12th century. Visitors learn about their history and architectural significance here.
10 min
Igreja De Sao Tiago
The Church of St. James was founded in the 12th century and has experienced several structural changes over time. The guide recounts its history during the visit.
10 min
Igreja de Santa Cruz
Part of a 12th-century monastery sponsored by Portugal’s first king, this church contains his tomb and played an important role in local history.
15 min
Torre de Almedina
The Almedina arch and tower were originally part of the city’s defensive walls, controlling access to the walled city interior. Nearby is a sculpture dedicated to the Fado music tradition of Coimbra.
10 min
Se Velha De Coimbra
The Old Cathedral, built in the 12th century, resembles a fortress and is strongly connected with the academic customs of Coimbra’s university.
15 min
Museu Nacional de Machado de Castro
This museum’s origins go back to the Roman Empire period. It is often overlooked but offers one of the best views over Coimbra.
10 min
Se Nova Catedral de Coimbra
The New Cathedral combines Baroque and Mannerist architectural styles. It was formerly a Jesuit college before becoming a cathedral.
10 min
University of Coimbra
Portugal’s oldest university and one of the oldest in Europe. The guide explains its academic traditions and the site’s history from Muslim occupation onward, using photos and visit advice.
15 min
Jardim Botanico
The tour ends at this botanical garden founded in the 18th century. The guide tells the story of Pedro and Inês, a tragic local love story with several dramatic events in Coimbra.
15 min
Meeting point
Look for the guide wearing a yellow T-shirt with a black logo next to the statue in the center of the square. If it's cold or raining, I'll wear a jacket or vest saying "Coimbra Free Tours"
End point
In the afternoon, if the garden is already closed at the end of the tour, it will end at the University (about 300 meters from the Botanical Garden).
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
Coimbra Top Attractions Walking Tour including University
by José Tour Guide
Choose from 1 available option
How do you want to book?
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.$11.60Overview
This 2.5-hour walking tour covers Coimbra’s top attractions, including its main sights and the university. The tour begins at Largo da Portagem, a central square where the guide explains the city’s historical development and points out landmarks across the river. It then continues to Praça do Comércio, known for its two 12th-century churches. Next is Igreja de São Tiago, a church founded in the 12th century that has undergone several changes over time. The tour proceeds to Igreja de Santa Cruz, part of a 12th-century monastery sponsored by Portugal’s first king, whose tomb is located inside. Afterward, the group visits Torre de Almedina, a former city defense tower and archway providing access to the walled city, near a sculpture dedicated to the Fado of Coimbra. The walk moves on to Se Velha de Coimbra, the Old Cathedral built in the 12th century with a fortress-like design and connections to university traditions. The Museu Nacional de Machado de Castro is next, with origins dating back to the Roman Empire and offering one of the best views of the city. The tour continues to Se Nova Catedral, which combines Baroque and Mannerist architecture and was once a Jesuit college. The oldest university in Portugal is also included, where the guide describes its academic customs and the site’s evolution since Muslim occupation, supported by historical photos and tips for visitors. The tour ends at Jardim Botânico, the 18th-century botanical garden where the guide recounts the tragic love story of Pedro and Inês. The tour includes an expert guide registered with the national tourist office and provides a paper or PDF with local recommendations for dining and photography. Paid entrances and gratuities are not included.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Largo da Portagem
This central square is one of Coimbra’s main public spaces. The guide explains the city’s historical occupations and points out notable locations across the river.
10 min
Praca do Comercio
This square features two churches dating from the 12th century. Visitors learn about their history and architectural significance here.
10 min
Igreja De Sao Tiago
The Church of St. James was founded in the 12th century and has experienced several structural changes over time. The guide recounts its history during the visit.
10 min
Igreja de Santa Cruz
Part of a 12th-century monastery sponsored by Portugal’s first king, this church contains his tomb and played an important role in local history.
15 min
Torre de Almedina
The Almedina arch and tower were originally part of the city’s defensive walls, controlling access to the walled city interior. Nearby is a sculpture dedicated to the Fado music tradition of Coimbra.
10 min
Se Velha De Coimbra
The Old Cathedral, built in the 12th century, resembles a fortress and is strongly connected with the academic customs of Coimbra’s university.
15 min
Museu Nacional de Machado de Castro
This museum’s origins go back to the Roman Empire period. It is often overlooked but offers one of the best views over Coimbra.
10 min
Se Nova Catedral de Coimbra
The New Cathedral combines Baroque and Mannerist architectural styles. It was formerly a Jesuit college before becoming a cathedral.
10 min
University of Coimbra
Portugal’s oldest university and one of the oldest in Europe. The guide explains its academic traditions and the site’s history from Muslim occupation onward, using photos and visit advice.
15 min
Jardim Botanico
The tour ends at this botanical garden founded in the 18th century. The guide tells the story of Pedro and Inês, a tragic local love story with several dramatic events in Coimbra.
15 min
Meeting point
Look for the guide wearing a yellow T-shirt with a black logo next to the statue in the center of the square. If it's cold or raining, I'll wear a jacket or vest saying "Coimbra Free Tours"
End point
In the afternoon, if the garden is already closed at the end of the tour, it will end at the University (about 300 meters from the Botanical Garden).
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.