Epic Day Trip to Coimbra: How to Get There & What to Do

Veganderlust contains affiliate links and is a member of the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. If you make a purchase using one of these Amazon links, I may receive compensation at no extra cost to you. For more info, see the Disclosure Policy.

Facebook Tweet Pin Print Email

Coimbra is one of Portugal’s most underrated cities. It’s home to one of the oldest universities in the world, a rich royal history, and beautiful green spaces along the Mondego River.

I did a day trip to Coimbra from Porto, but as I researched my visit, I realized it’s just as simple to reach from Lisbon, the travel time is nearly the same, and the experience in Coimbra doesn’t change based on where you start.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to plan the best day trip to Coimbra, whether you’re coming from Porto or Lisbon. I’ll cover transport options, what to do once you’re there, and tips to make the most of your time in Portugal’s historic university city.

Table of Contents

How to Get to Coimbra (From Porto or Lisbon)

Coimbra is in between Portugal’s two biggest cities, making it a great day trip from Porto or Lisbon, or even a stopover on a road trip between the two.

A Quick Note on Arrival Stations

One thing to know before you go: Coimbra’s main train and bus stations aren’t in the city center. You’ll arrive at Coimbra-B station (for trains) or a bus stop nearby, both of which are about a 20-minute walk from the historic center.

You can walk, like I did (both ways, my legs definitely felt it!), or take a local train or bus to Coimbra-A station, which is much closer to the main sights. If you want to save your energy for exploring, I recommend hopping on the short transfer.

Getting to Coimbra from Porto

You can reach Coimbra easily by train or bus from Porto. The train takes about 1 hour and the bus takes about 1.5 hours.

Train: Departs from Porto Campanhã station. Book in advance for the best prices. I paid €23 for a same-day first-class ticket since second class was sold out.
Bus: Buses also leave from the bus terminal at Campanhã station. They are cheaper than the train, especially if you book ahead. I paid €6 for a bus back to Porto, booked just a few hours in advance.

If you’re deciding between them, buses are usually the better deal on short notice, but the train is more comfortable and the views are better as well. Either way, Coimbra is one of the best day trips from Porto by public transport.

🤩 Make the most of your time and book a combined day tour to Coimbra and Aveiro from Porto!

Getting to Coimbra from Lisbon

From Lisbon, you can reach Coimbra in about 1.5 hours by train or a bit over 2 hours by bus.

Train: Depart from Lisbon Santa Apolónia or Oriente stations. The trains are frequent, comfortable, and the fastest way to get to Coimbra from Lisbon. Book your ticket now for the best prices.
Bus: Buses depart from either Rodoviário de Sete Rios or Oriente. They’re typically a bit slower but often cheaper than the train. Booking early will usually get you the best deals.

If you’re coming from Lisbon, the journey is longer, so you’ll have less time to explore. However, by leaving early and taking a late return train or bus, you can still see all the major highlights. So, it’s still one of the best day trips from Lisbon by train.

🤩 Want to skip the hassle? Book a day tour from Lisbon to Coimbra!

Things to do in Coimbra Portugal - Day trip from Porto

Watch this video on YouTube

Get a first impression on Coimbra

Best Things to Do in Coimbra on a Day Trip

If you have just one day in Coimbra, focus on the highlights that capture the city’s history, culture, and charm. Here are my top recommendations, check out my full post about Coimbra’s attractions for more details!

1. Visit the University of Coimbra

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

Start your day at the heart of the city: the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest in the world. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see landmark in Portugal.

The Joanina Library is a must-see (no pictures allowed inside), and the Saint Michael’s Chapel and university bell tower are also worth a visit for the architecture and views.

Tip: Make sure to book your entrance ticket to the library in advance, they have time slot tickets and they sell out fast in high season.

🌺 This amazing guided walking tour includes entry tickets!

2. Step Inside Igreja de Santa Cruz

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. — The tomb of Portugal’s first king

Inner courtyard of the church Santa Cruz in Coimbra Portugal, you can see a grass area surrounded by a building with columns — The tomb of Portugal’s first king

Igreja de Santa Cruz is one of Coimbra’s most beautiful churches and the burial site of Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques.

The blue tilework inside is stunning, and the atmosphere is incredibly peaceful despite its location on a busy square.

The courtyard and tomb are accessible with a small entrance fee and well worth a short detour.

🥾 See the best of Coimbra on this epic walking tour!

3. Stroll by the Sé Velha (Old Cathedral)

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.

Coimbra’s Old Cathedral, or Sé Velha, is a Romanesque structure dating back to the 12th century. Its fortress-like exterior makes it one of the most unique churches in Portugal, built in a time when places of worship also needed to be defensible.

If you have time and interest, you can also pop into the new cathedral nearby.

🏰 Learn about Coimbra’s fascinating history from a local guide!

4. Take a Breather in the Botanical Garden

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.

A massive, ancient tree with a gnarled trunk and sprawling roots dominates the scene. Its thick branches are covered in lush green leaves, stretching high into the sky, with a tall palm tree standing nearby. Behind the tree, an elegant historic building with wrought iron fencing adds a touch of grandeur.

Coimbra is surprisingly green, and the botanical garden near the university is the perfect place to relax after walking through the city.

There’s no entry fee, and the massive trees, fountains, and shaded benches make it a peaceful spot for a break.

Just a heads-up: I didn’t see a café inside the garden, so if you’re planning to rest there for a while, it’s a good idea to bring your own water or drinks.

5. Look for the Tile Murals

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.

If you’re near Mercado Municipal D. Pedro V, keep an eye out for the tile panels illustrating Coimbra’s main attractions.

These are easy to miss but make for a fun, artistic scavenger hunt, you can try to find the real-life versions throughout your visit.

Where to Eat in Coimbra on a Day Trip

When planning your day in Coimbra, make sure to time your meals carefully. Like in many Portuguese cities, most restaurants close in the afternoon and only the very touristy spots stay open all day (often with less appealing food).

If you want a proper sit-down meal, plan to eat lunch before 2 PM and don’t book your train or bus back too early, so you have time for dinner if you’re staying into the evening.

Personally, I always seek out fully vegan restaurants, and Coimbra has two: O Burrito and Cozinha Consciente. I stopped by O Burrito for a snack and it was the perfect quick bite before continuing to explore. For my vegan dinner I headed back to Porto.

Final Thoughts: Is a Day Trip to Coimbra Worth It?

Coimbra is definitely worth visiting, if you’re interested in Portuguese history, university culture, or just want a slower-paced city with real character.

Whether you choose a Coimbra day trip from Porto or you do your day trip to Coimbra from Lisbon, the city is packed with memorable sights, and offers a completely different vibe to other Portuguese cities.

If you want to dig deeper into what to do in Coimbra, including some lesser-known attractions, check out my full post on things to do in Coimbra, it’s packed with extra details and a few hidden gems you won’t want to miss.

Pin it for later:

A travel graphic featuring a historic building in Coimbra, Portugal, with grand stone staircases, ornate carvings, and a clock tower flying the Portuguese flag. Bold red and black text overlays the image, reading “EPIC DAY TRIP TO COIMBRA, Portugal.” The bottom of the image includes the website "veganderlust.com." — Visiting Coimbra Portugal: How to Get There & What to Do