Top Things to Do in Coimbra From Must-Sees to Hidden Gems

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Coimbra might not be the first city that comes to mind when planning a trip to Portugal, but it absolutely should be on your radar. The city is known for its historic university, rich history, youthful atmosphere and riverside views.

Whether you’re here for a day trip or staying a little longer, there’s a lot to see from iconic landmarks like the University of Coimbra and Joanina Library to quiet corners most tourists miss.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best things to do in Coimbra, including all the must-see highlights and a few hidden gems you won’t find on every itinerary.

Table of Contents

1. Visit One of the World’s Oldest Universities

The University of Coimbra is the highlight of the city. Founded in 1290, it’s the oldest university in Portugal, one of the oldest in Europe, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. So, it’s one of the best historic landmarks in Portugal.

The university is spread across several buildings throughout the city, and while some of them are absolutely stunning, like the ornate Faculty of Medicine, others are a bit more plain on the outside (I didn’t peek inside, so who knows what they’re hiding in there).

I highly recommend joining a guided tour. It’s the best way to learn about the university’s history, its traditions, and the role it still plays in Portuguese academic life today.

🎓 Learn about the university’s history from a local guide!

Things to do in Coimbra Portugal - Day trip from Porto

Watch this video on YouTube

Get a first impression on Coimbra

2. Step Inside the Stunning Joanina Library

A baroque building from the outside, inside is the Joanina Library in Coimbra Portugal — In this building is the beautiful baroque library

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. — In this building is the beautiful baroque library

The Biblioteca Joanina is hands-down the highlight of visiting the University of Coimbra and honestly, one of the most beautiful libraries I’ve ever seen. This stunning library alone makes Coimbra worth visiting.

This Baroque masterpiece is packed with ornate woodwork, beautiful details, and rows of antique books that make it feel like something straight out of Harry Potter.

Unfortunately, photography isn’t allowed inside, but trust me, it’s worth seeing with your own eyes. (The picture above is a promotional one from the Coimbra of University)

Make sure to buy your time slot ticket in advance as they sell out fast especially during high season. I recommend the combined ticket of library and chapel.

🤩 I love this walking tour for the included entrance tickets!

3. Admire the Azulejos Inside Saint Michael’s Chapel

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

Tucked inside the university complex, Saint Michael’s Chapel (Capela de São Miguel) is often overshadowed by the Joanina Library but it’s absolutely worth a visit.

The inside is decorated with stunning blue and white azulejos, a traditional Portuguese tilework style that lines the walls from floor to ceiling. There’s also a beautifully detailed organ and intricate ceiling art that makes this little chapel absolutely stunning.

To help preserve that quiet atmosphere, the door is kept closed, but there’s a doorman who opens and closes it for visitors, so don’t be shy about approaching.

🤩 This guided tour includes tickets to the chapel and the library!

4. Get the Best View of Coimbra from the Bell Tower

View from a viewing platform, you can see buildings, a river and greenery in the back — Best view of Coimbra

If you’re up for a short climb, head to the University of Coimbra’s bell tower for one of the best panoramic views of the city. From the top, you can see the red rooftops of Coimbra, the Mondego River, and even spot the Pedro e Inês pedestrian bridge in the distance.

The staircase is narrow and a bit steep, but it’s a quick climb and totally worth it for the view. It’s also included in the combo ticket with the library and chapel, so if you’re already exploring the university complex, it’s an easy add-on.

🎓 Make the most of your university visit with this guided tour!

5. Visit 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. — You have to pay a entrance fee to see the inner courtyard

Inner courtyard of the church Santa Cruz in Coimbra Portugal, you can see a grass area surrounded by a building with columns — You have to pay a entrance fee to see the inner courtyard

Igreja de Santa Cruz is one of Coimbra’s most beautiful and historically important churches. The exterior is beautiful, with its detailed stonework and grand façade that faces out onto a lively square.

Step through the doors and you’ll find a peaceful interior with classic Portuguese azulejo tiles lining the walls (not as many as in the university chapel, but still pretty cool).

Then head to the inner courtyard, a quiet space that feels like a hidden oasis in the city.

And of course, you can’t miss the tomb of Portugal’s first king, Afonso Henriques, which makes this spot not just visually impressive but historically significant too.

6. Explore the Unique Architecture of Sé Velha (Old Cathedral)

Coimbra’s Old Cathedral, Sé Velha, is one of the most distinctive churches in Portugal. Built in the 12th century, it’s a Romanesque fortress-like structure that looks more like a medieval castle than a cathedral.

The exterior is what makes Sé Velha stand out most, with its thick walls and solid appearance. It’s one of those buildings that feels like it hasn’t changed in centuries.

The interior is more simple and can be seen for a small entry fee.

7. Spot the Tile Murals and Find the Real Places Around Town

Tile pictures of the main sights in Coimbra

One of my favorite little surprises in Coimbra was stumbling across a series of beautiful tile murals showing the city’s main attractions. You’ll find them just across from the Mercado Municipal D. Pedro V, and they’re not heavily promoted.

The panels show stylized versions of Coimbra’s landmarks, like the university and churches, and make for a great starting point if you’re into scavenger-hunt-style exploring.

I actually only found them toward the end of my visit, but I wish I’d seen them earlier, it would’ve been fun to try to spot all the places in real life.

8. Snap a Photo at Claustro da Manga

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.

Tucked away behind the Santa Cruz Monastery, the Claustro da Manga (also called Jardim da Manga) is one of Coimbra’s more unique sights. This bright yellow structure was originally part of the monastery’s water system.

Today it looks a little worn, it still makes for a cool photo spot. It’s not a major tourist stop, so you’ll often have it to yourself, which makes it all the better for soaking in the atmosphere or snapping a few great photos without the crowds.

9. Relax in the University’s Botanical Garden

Just a short walk from the university buildings, the Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Coimbra is a peaceful spot that feels like a completely different side of the city. It’s one of the oldest botanical gardens in Portugal and free to enter.

The garden is surprisingly large and features a mix of manicured areas, wild sections, fountains, and even a massive tree in front of the old glasshouse that I couldn’t stop staring at.

There are plenty of benches if you want to sit down and rest your feet, and the shady paths make it a great escape on a hot day. Just make sure to bring something to drink, I didn’t see a café inside the garden.

10. Wander Through the Romantic Gardens of Quinta das Lágrimas

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.

If you’re into lush gardens with a side of drama, the Jardins da Quinta das Lágrimas are the place to be. Once part of an estate, now a golf resort, this garden feels more like a peaceful forest walk.

For a few euros, you can visit two of Coimbra’s most romantic (and tragic) landmarks: the Fountain of Love and the Fountain of Tears. Legend has it, this is where Prince Pedro and his secret lover Inês de Castro, Portugal’s star-crossed lovers, met in secret.

Even if historical romances aren’t your thing, the gardens are worth a visit. With a overgrown archways and quiet paths, it’s a perfect escape from the city.

11. Enjoy Riverside Views by the Pedro e Inês Bridge

If you’re looking for a more casual green space, head down to the Mondego River, especially near the Pedro e Inês pedestrian bridge.

On the city center side, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed walk or to sit under the trees and take in the river views.

Cross the bridge and you’ll find a totally different vibe, the opposite bank is more active, with locals swimming, stand-up paddling, and enjoying the sunshine (especially in summer). It’s a great place to see another side of Coimbra that feels more local and laid-back.

Plus, the bridge itself offers one of the best panoramic views of the city, especially as the sun starts to set.

Map of Coimbra Things to Do

👉 If you’re visiting for just one day, don’t miss my guide on how to plan the perfect Coimbra day trip, it includes tips on what to prioritize, how to get there, and where to eat.

A very thing building in a pedestrian area in Coimbra Portugal — Take some time to simply stroll through Coimbra old town

Final Thoughts: What to Do in Coimbra

Coimbra might not have the instant name recognition of Lisbon or Porto, but that’s exactly what makes it so special.

It’s a place where you can wander historic university halls in the morning, relax in peaceful gardens in the afternoon, and stumble across hidden gems with barely another tourist in sight.

Whether you’re into architecture, nature, history, or just exploring somewhere a little different, Coimbra has something to offer and it’s all packed into a walkable, welcoming city that’s easy to love.

Looking for even more under-the-radar spots to explore? Check out my post on hidden gems in Portugal, one of them is just a short trip from Coimbra and absolutely worth adding to your itinerary.

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A travel guide graphic showcasing Coimbra, Portugal, with two scenic images. The top image captures the city’s skyline reflected in the river, featuring historic buildings and a bridge. The bottom image highlights the University of Coimbra’s grand architecture, including a clock tower and elegant staircases. Bold text in the center reads “Best Things to Do in Coimbra,” with “Portugal” displayed on a green banner above. The website "veganderlust.com" is listed at the bottom. — Things to See in Coimbra in Portugal