Is Coimbra Worth Visiting? 5 Pros & 3 Cons You Should Know

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I first came across Coimbra not through a travel blog or guidebook, but through a board game. It was a deck-building strategy game named after the city, filled with scholarly characters and set around Portugal’s oldest university. At the time, I didn’t think much more of it.

Fast forward to my time in Porto, where I realized Coimbra was just a short train ride away. I figured, why not turn the game into a real-life experience? So I did and I’m glad I went.

In this post, I’m going to break down the pros and cons of visiting Coimbra based on my actual experience. Personally, I think the pros far outweigh the cons, but I’ll lay it all out so you can decide for yourself if Coimbra is worth visiting.

Table of Contents

Reasons for Visiting Coimbra

1. Coimbra’s Historic Role as Portugal’s Capital

Coimbra isn’t just another pretty Portuguese city, it’s a former capital. From 1139 to 1260, it was the political heart of the country, shaping early Portugal’s identity.

You can still feel that legacy when visiting Igreja de Santa Cruz, where Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques, is buried. Standing in front of his tomb is a striking reminder of Coimbra’s importance in Portuguese history.

Its influence extended beyond politics too, laying the groundwork for Portugal’s educational development by establishing one of the oldest universities in the world, but more on that next.

Things to do in Coimbra Portugal - Day trip from Porto

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Get a first impression on Coimbra

2. Home to One of the Oldest Universities in the World

A grand Baroque-style library with towering wooden bookshelves adorned with gold detailing stretches along both sides of a red carpeted aisle. The ornate ceiling and intricate carvings frame a central painting of a regal figure, illuminated beneath an arched alcove. A black grand piano sits at the far end, adding to the elegance of the historic space. — Inside St. Michael’s chapel

A chapel from the inside with blue tiles on the wall — Inside St. Michael’s chapel

The University of Coimbra is a landmark of Portuguese culture and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in 1290, it’s the oldest university in Portugal and one of the oldest in Europe, making it a must-visit.

While there’s plenty to see across the university grounds, these are the standout attractions:

Biblioteca Joanina: A jaw-dropping Baroque library often described as one of the most beautiful in the world. It’s like stepping into a scene from Harry Potter.
Saint Michael’s Chapel: A peaceful hidden gem with gorgeous blue azulejos tiles lining the walls.
University Bell Tower Viewpoint: Climb up for panoramic views of Coimbra, including the Mondego River and the iconic Pedro e Inês pedestrian bridge.

For more details and tips, check out my full post on things to do in Coimbra.

🤩 Best walking tour of Coimbra University and Coimbra city centre

3. Discover Coimbra’s Most Beautiful Churches

This image showcases a historic Romanesque-style cathedral with thick stone walls, a grand arched entrance, and fortified towers. The weathered facade suggests medieval architecture, and the bright blue sky above enhances the grandeur of the structure. Metal barriers and parked cars in the foreground indicate ongoing preservation efforts or restricted access. — Sé Velha

The ornate façade of a historic church, featuring intricate Manueline-style stone carvings, statues, and decorative arches, stands against a partly cloudy sky. The grand entrance, framed by elaborate sculptures, leads into the dimly lit interior. Visitors in casual attire walk towards the entrance, adding a sense of scale to the impressive architecture. — Sé Velha

For a city steeped in history, it’s no surprise that Coimbra is home to some stunning churches, each with its own unique character and story to tell.

Igreja de Santa Cruz: Tucked away in a bustling square, this is arguably Coimbra’s most beautiful church. Inside, you’ll find peaceful silence, intricate blue azulejos, and the tomb of Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques.
Sé Velha (Old Cathedral): This 12th-century Romanesque church stands out for its fortress-like exterior. While the outside is absolutely worth admiring, I didn’t find the inside that special unless you’re particularly into historic church interiors.
New Cathedral (Sé Nova): Located near the university, this more recent cathedral offers a contrast to the medieval austerity of Sé Velha with a brighter, more ornate design.

🤩 Learn more about this unique cathedral on a Coimbra walking tour

4. Relax in Coimbra’s Beautiful Parks

A grand, tiered stone fountain covered in cascading green vines stands in the middle of a pond, reflecting the bright blue sky. Large lily pads float on the water’s surface, with a single pink water lily blooming in the foreground. The surrounding trees add to the tranquil, garden-like atmosphere. — Botanical Garden of Coimbra

A weathered stone wall with Gothic-style archways, partially covered in ivy, stands in a lush forest. One archway frames a dirt path leading deeper into the trees, while the other features a delicate quatrefoil window design. The serene setting gives the ruins an enchanting, almost fairytale-like feel. — Botanical Garden of Coimbra

One thing that really surprised me about Coimbra was just how green the city is. If you love to break up sightseeing with some peaceful nature, Coimbra has you covered and most parks are free to visit. Here are a few favorites:

Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Coimbra: A gorgeous botanical garden near the university, filled with fountains, shady benches, and a massive tree I couldn’t stop staring at. It’s completely free and my personal favorite.
Riverside Parks by the Pedro e Inês Bridge: On both sides of the Mondego River, you’ll find lovely spaces to sit, walk, or even paddleboard in summer. The view of the city from the bridge is a bonus.
Jardins da Quinta das Lágrimas: More like a romantic forest than a park, this spot has a tragic love story tied to its fountains. It’s worth a visit for the peaceful paths and picturesque spots.
Choupal National Forest: Close to the train station, this large forest is ideal for a longer walk in nature. Probably not a must for day-trippers, but great if you’re staying longer or just want some quiet time.

5. The Joy of Getting Lost in Coimbra’s Streets

A series of three traditional blue and white azulejo tile murals depicting historic buildings adorn a weathered concrete wall along a street. Each artwork showcases intricate architectural details, with the leftmost mural featuring a grand staircase and clock tower, the center depicting an ornate cathedral, and the rightmost showing a fortified church. The faded and cracked wall contrasts with the vibrant blue tiles, adding a sense of history and charm. — Tile pictures of the main sights in Coimbra

A striking yellow Baroque-style structure with domed towers and elegant arches sits in a courtyard, surrounded by reflecting pools and greenery. Small water channels run alongside, with pigeons perched near the edges. In the background, classic European buildings with white facades and shuttered windows rise against the blue sky. — Tile pictures of the main sights in Coimbra

One of the things I love most about Coimbra is that it’s a city made for exploring on foot. Beyond the major sights, there are little surprises waiting if you take the time to wander.

My favorite unexpected find? A series of beautiful tile murals showcasing Coimbra’s main attractions, located just across from the Mercado Municipal D. Pedro V. I stumbled upon them by chance. They’re also near a cool yellow structure I found.

Coimbra’s charm isn’t just in its famous sites, it’s in the slow walks, quiet alleys, and hidden gems that make the whole experience feel personal.

Reasons Why You Might Not Want to Visit Coimbra

Some Areas Feel a Bit Neglected

Rough looking street in Coimbra — Not so touristy street in Coimbra

While Coimbra’s historic core is full of charm, you’ll quickly notice a different vibe when you wander outside the main tourist spots. On smaller roads, the pavement can be cracked or uneven, buildings often look run-down, and graffiti is everywhere, and not the artsy kind.

That said, I never felt unsafe, even as a solo female traveler. It’s more about appearances than any real risk. But if you’re sensitive to visual decay or prefer cities where every street is Instagram-ready, this aspect of Coimbra might be a little disappointing.

The Main Train Station Isn’t in the City Center

If you’re arriving in Coimbra by train, whether from Lisbon or Porto, your journey will likely end at Coimbra-B station, which is unfortunately not in the city center.

It’s about a 20-minute walk to reach the historic area, or you can transfer to a local regional train or catch a bus to Coimbra-A station, which is much closer to the center.

So, it’s definitely manageable, it’s just not as convenient as other day trip destinations where the train drops you off right in the heart of town. It adds a bit of extra time and coordination to your trip, but it’s definitely not a dealbreaker.

Limited Vegan Food Options

If you’re coming from Porto or Lisbon, cities with amazing vegan food scenes, Coimbra might feel like a bit of a step down in terms of vegan variety. The options are more limited, especially when it comes to dedicated vegan spots.

That said, Coimbra does have a couple of all-vegan gems. I had a great meal at O Burrito, a cozy little spot serving delicious burritos. I tried their cold burrito (thanks to the summer heat), and while I realized I personally prefer them warm, it was still super tasty.

Cozinha Consciente is another fully vegan option worth checking out.

Just keep in mind that many restaurants close in the afternoon, so plan to eat either early or later in the evening to avoid the long mid-day break.

Best Time to Visit Coimbra

In the summer months, it can get really hot in Coimbra. So, I recommend visiting in spring or fall. That way you can still spend some relaxing time in the parks but it’s not too hot for sightseeing in the city.

Where to Stay in Coimbra

If you decide to stay in Coimbra over night there are some great accommodation options.

I recommend the Sapientia Boutique Hotel, it’s a highly-rated hotel with beautiful interior design in a great central location.

If you prefer apartments, like I usually do, I’d recommend Sophia Studios. They have beautiful bright apartments in a central location.

FAQ about Visiting Coimbra

Should I visit Coimbra or Aveiro?

Visit Aveiro if you want a chill day, strolling around, taking a boat ride and relaxing at the beach. Visit Coimbra if you want a full day of sightseeing.

Does Coimbra have beach?

No, Coimbra does not have a beach. It’s located in central Portugal.

How many days in Coimbra?

The main sights in Coimbra can be seen in one day.

Final Thoughts: Is Coimbra Worth Visiting?

For me, absolutely. Coimbra is a city where history, culture, and quiet charm come together.

Sure, it’s not as polished as some other Portuguese destinations, and you might have to dig a little deeper to find the vegan eats or navigate an extra train transfer. But if you love places that feel lived-in and layered, Coimbra is well worth your time.

Whether you’re into grand old universities, peaceful parks, or just want a change of pace from the bigger cities, Coimbra offers something different and memorable.

👉 Ready to explore it for yourself? Check out my full guide on how to plan the perfect day trip to Coimbra for tips on transport, timing, and what not to miss.

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A picture of the university of Coimbra and another picture of the skyline of Coimbra, with the text "Is it worth visiting? Coimbra Portugal" — Is Coimbra Portugal Worth Visiting?