1 day in Coimbra itinerary

This itinerary for 1 day in Coimbra includes the main attractions in Coimbra, Portugal.

You can spend one day in Coimbra without rushing around and enjoy a nice mix of history, culture, and even urban nature.

I made this itinerary to help you plan what to do in Coimbra for a day, covering the main highlights of the city.

What to do in Coimbra for a day

Use this 1 day in Coimbra itinerary for a day full of the activities that make Coimbra a unique city worth visiting.

See the old town of Coimbra (morning-lunchtime)

Begin your day in the old town square, Largo da Portagem.

It offers lovely river views and is an ideal place to start a walk through the historic centre.

From here, head into the old town’s main shopping streets, Rua Ferreira Borges and Rua Visconde da Luz. You’ll find plenty of cafés, restaurants, small independent shops, and many places to buy souvenirs.

I liked the local, traditional feel of the commercial streets in Coimbra’s old town. They’re not as generic as in other European cities. There are no famous chain stores or chain restaurants, only local businesses.

I also liked the street musicians and the lively atmosphere, especially on a Saturday.

You can stroll the old town independently, or take a free walking tour, which also starts at the main square and takes you through the old town and up to the university.

I took this tour and it helped me find my way around quickly. On free tours you tip the guide as much as you like at the end of the tour.

Notable sights in the old town include:

• Santa Cruz Church, which is worth visiting for the painted tiles on the walls and the impressive organ;
• Praça do Comércio, another shopping street lined with restaurants and local shops;
• Edifício Chiado, home to the city museum;
• The Tower of Almedina, that has a small exhibition on the city’s history and some nice views of the old town.

It’s easy to find a great spot for brunch or lunch along any of these streets. I can recommend Kajo Cafe that has an all day brunch and outdoor seating.

The University of Coimbra (afternoon)

From the old town, head uphill to the University of Coimbra.

Pass through the old Barbican Gate before tackling a steep climb. You can take it slowly with plenty of stops along the way, or choose a bus or taxi if you prefer.

The university, and especially its stunning historic library, is Coimbra’s most well-known attraction.

It’s one of the oldest universities in Europe and was granted a UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

It’s an active university, so you’ll see students walking around in their traditional dress.

There are quite a few other local traditions connected with the university. I recommend you visit the university on a guided tour to hear those local stories.

I chose to take a tour also because there is so much to see inside the university complex, and I didn’t want to miss any important details.

I found that the tour added depth and context, making the visit far more meaningful, thanks to our guide who was happy to answer any questions.

What to see at the University of Coimbra:

• The stunning Baroque Library (Biblioteca Joanina) – that’s the highlight. When you go inside you’ll see why.
• The Chapel of St. Miguel right next to the library – for me it was another highlight, a very beautiful space.
• The Palace of Schools – this used to be the old royal palace which later became part of the university.
• The Science Museum – a pretty eclectic collection of scientific equipment plus the bizarre Cabinet of Curiosities that’s worth visiting.

You can cover everything, including tours of the historic buildings and the Science Museum, in around two hours.

After finishing your university visit, stop by the Botanic Gardens next to the campus.

The beautiful gardens are part of the university. You can reach them by walking downhill from the campus.

I loved spending time there on my trip to Coimbra. The place is never busy and perfect for a relaxed stroll.

Fado music show and dinner (evening)

After seeing the university and the garden, go back down towards the old town.

For your evening entertainment and to get a taste of what makes Coimbra unique, I recommend you see a fado concert at Fado ao Centro.

Coimbra fado is the unique local version of a traditional Portuguese folk music style.

It’s performed by a singer and two guitar players and the songs are soulful and nostalgic.

Fado ao Centro is one of the best places to experience and understand fado, as the show includes an explanations in English covering the history and traditions of this music.

Between songs, the singer also explains what each piece is about. This way, you’re not only listening to beautiful music, but also learning about Portuguese culture. The show lasts about an hour.

Also, the guitar players were exceptionally good.

After the performance, you can head out for dinner nearby. Check out Fernandes Tomás Street, one minute from the venue, for some local restaurants and bars.

You can also go down the stairs to the shopping streets of the old town and find plenty of places to eat there.

This is where the itinerary for 1 day in Coimbra ends. Even if you visit Coimbra for a day, you’ll have seen the major highlights: the old town, the university, and fado music.

What to book ahead for 1 day in Coimbra

For your peace of mind, book the university tour and the fado concert at least 48 hours before your trip to Coimbra. You can book them with free cancellation (24 hours in advance), in case your plans change.

The free walking tour is also best booked in advance (with free cancellation), mainly to let the guide know how many people to expect.

Staying for more than 1 day in Coimbra

There are a few more things to do and see in the city that you can’t fit into one day.

I made a 2 day itinerary as well, so have a look to see if you want to stay longer.

If you’d also like to take day trips from Coimbra (without changing hotels) than stay at least 2-4 days.

1 day in Coimbra – FAQ

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