Destination guides > Europe > Portugal > Centro region > Coimbra
Coimbra
Coimbra is a vibrant city with lots of students who study at the university, which was founded in 1290.
The city is divided into two: the baixa (lower town) by the river is the main commerical centre and alta (upper town) is the older part of the city where the university and many of Coimbra's main attractions are located.
Practical information
Coimbra Tourist Information Centre
Largo Dom Dinis, Coimbra
Tel 239 832 591
Praça da República, Coimbra
Tel 239 833 202
Turismo Centro
Largo da Portagem, Coimbra
Tel 239 833 019
Website www.turismo-centro.pt
Coming & Going
Coimbra is centrally located between Lisbon and Porto and all trains and many buses travelling between the two cities stop here.
There are two main train stations in Coimbra. Most long distance trains only stop at Coimbra B station, although Coimbra A is more centrally located. There are frequent local trains that connect the two stations.
Coimbra's bus terminal is located on Avenida Fernão de Magalhães. There are frequent buses to Lisbon and Porto and there are also buses to Évora and the Algarve.
Local transport
Coimbra's public transport network consists of buses and a suburban train network. Buses are the most useful option for travellers. Bus 1 runs between Coimbra A station and the university and buses 11 and 24 go from Coimbra A station to Praça da República.
Hostel accommodation
Grande Hostel de Coimbra
Rua Antero Quental 196, 3000-031 Coimbra
Tel 239 108 212
Pousada de Juventude de Coimbra
Rua Henrique Seco 14, 3000-145 Coimbra
Tel 239 822 955
Sightseeing, museums & tourist attractions
Igreja de Santa Cruz
This 12th century monastery is built in Mannerist and baroque styles and is home to the tombs of Kings Afonso Henriques and Sancho I.
Praça 8 de Maio, Coimbra
Tel 239 822 941
Admission €2.50
Open Mon-Sat 9am-noon & 2pm-5pm, Sun 4pm-6pm
Museu Nacional de Machado de Castro
This art museum features a collection of Flemish and Portuguest paintings although it is mostly noted for its collection of 14th-16th century sculpture.
Largo Dr José Rodrigues, Coimbra
Bus 1
Tel 239 823 727
Website http://mnmachadodecastro.imc-ip.pt/
Open Currently closed for renovation, but will reopen later in 2010
Sé Nova (New Cathedral)
Dating from 1598, this cathedral took around 100 years to complete and it comprises styles ranging from classic to baroque.
Largo da Sé Nova, Coimbra
Tel 239 823 138
Admission free
Open Tue-Sat 9am-noon & 2pm-6.30pm, Sun 10am-noon & 4pm-6pm
Sé Velha (Old Cathedral)
More unique and impressive is Coimbra's old cathedral. This fortress-like building dates from 1162 and is one of Portugal's best examples of romanesque architecture.
Largo da Sé Velha, Coimbra
Tel 239 825 273
Admission €1
Open Mon-Thu 10am-6pm, Fri 10am-2pm, Sat 10am-5pm
Universidade de Coimbra
Portugal's oldest university was founded in 1290 and moved from Lisbon to Coimbra in 1537. It is the country's most prestigous university and it is home to several attractions that include the baroque Biblioteca Joanina, which was built in 1717 and contains around 250,000 books; Capela de São Miguel, an ornate chapel dating from 1517 and Sala dos Capelos, an old hall used for academic ceremonies that boasts an ornate wooden ceiling.
Largo da Porta Férrea, Coimbra
Bus 1
Tel 239 859 800
Website www.uc.pt
Admission €5 for all university attractions or €3.50 for each sight
Open Jan-Apr 9.30am-5.30pm; May-Sep 9am-7pm; Oct-Dec 9.30am-5.30pm
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