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A historic building with a courtyard, tourists, and a tree. 1
A narrow stone alleyway with an arched passageway, a shop with a red door, and a person walking away. 2
A historic stone building with a large arched entrance and a tower with battlements. 3
A group of people standing on a paved path with a grassy field and trees in the background. 4
A historical building with a clock tower, a large open plaza, and a person taking a selfie. 5
By Mateus

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
Free cancellation available
Price is ฿958 per adult
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Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 2h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation

Overview

  • Discover Coimbra beyond the guidebooks on a 2-hour small-group walk through the university and the medieval heart of Portugal's first capital.

    Your host is Mateus, a current University of Coimbra student who grew up spending his summers in Florida and speaks fluent English. Starting at the Iron Gate, hear about the university's traditions, student rituals and the iconic black capes.

    Explore the university, founded in 1290, and see the exterior of the Joanina Library, then the Sé Nova, a Jesuit church turned cathedral.

    Pass the 12th-century Sé Velha and descend the cobbled Rua de Quebra Costas, hearing about Fado de Coimbra and the tragic love storey of Pedro and Inês de Castro.

    Continue through the medieval Almedina Tower to Rua Ferreira Borges, the main pedestrian street, and the Santa Cruz Monastery, where Portugal's first two kings are buried.

    Finish by the Mondego River, with views back over the old town and the university on its hill.

Activity location

  • University of Coimbra
    • Paco das Escolas,
    • 3000-370, Coimbra, Portugal

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Iron Gate
    • 20 Rua de São Pedro
    • 3000-515, Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal

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What's included, what's not

  • Inclusions
    Walking tour, monuments viewed from the outside
  • Inclusions
    Local tips: real-time recommendations on where to eat, drink and explore, shared as you pass by
  • Inclusions
    Local host: Mateus, a University of Coimbra student
  • Exclusions
    Food and drinks
  • Exclusions
    Hotel pickup and drop-off

Know before you book

    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transport options are available nearby
    • Not recommended for travellers with spinal injuries
    • Not recommended for pregnant travellers
    • Not recommended for travellers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Travellers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
    • Not recommended for people with mobility impairments

Activity itinerary

University of Coimbra

  • 25m
Founded in 1290 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the oldest universities in the world. The tour covers the outdoor spaces, entry to the ticketed interiors such as the Joanina Library is not included

Estatua de D. Dinis

  • 15m
The king who founded the university in 1290 and made Portuguese the official language of the kingdom

Se Nova Catedral de Coimbra (Pass by)

A 17th century Jesuit church with one of the most ornate interiors in Coimbra

Paço das Escolas

  • 15m
The university's main courtyard, once a royal palace, with sweeping views over the city and the Mondego river.

Biblioteca Joanina (Pass by)

One of the most beautiful baroque libraries in Europe, built in 1717 and home to 60,000 volumes

Sala dos Capelos (Pass by)

The Great Hall, once the throne room of the royal palace and today where degrees are awarded, lined with portraits of Portuguese kings.

Capela de Sao Miguel (Pass by)

The university's own chapel, decorated with 17th century azulejos and home to a baroque organ of more than 2,000 pipes.

Old Cathedral of Coimbra (Se Velha de Coimbra) (Pass by)

The 12th century Romanesque cathedral where Portugal's second king was crowned, now surrounded by the bars where students gather at night

Rua Quebra Costas

  • 15m
The square at the heart of Coimbra's fado, where students once sang to the tricanas of the old town

Torre de Almedina (Pass by)

The last remaining gate of Coimbra's medieval Arab walls

Rua Ferreira Borges

  • 15m
Coimbra's main pedestrian street, lined with shops, cafés and restaurants in the heart of the old town

Monastery of the Holy Cross (Coimbra)

  • 15m
Where Portugal's first two kings are buried. Free to enter, though it may close for mass or ceremonies

Parque Verde do Mondego

  • 15m
A riverside park along the Mondego, with open views back towards the old town and the university on the hill

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    University of Coimbra
    • Paco das Escolas,
    • 3000-370, Coimbra, Portugal

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Iron Gate
    • 20 Rua de São Pedro
    • 3000-515, Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal

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