University of Coimbra and Old Town Walking Tour

Discover Coimbra beyond the guidebooks on a 2-hour small-group walk through the university and the medieval heart of Portugal's first capital. Your host is Mateus, a current University of Coimbra student who grew up spending his summers in Florida and speaks fluent English. Starting at the Iron Gate, hear about the university's traditions, student rituals and the iconic black capes. Explore the university, founded in 1290, and see the exterior of the Joanina Library, then the Sé Nova, a Jesuit church turned cathedral. Pass the 12th-century Sé Velha and descend the cobbled Rua de Quebra Costas, hearing about Fado de Coimbra and the tragic love story of Pedro and Inês de Castro. Continue through the medieval Almedina Tower to Rua Ferreira Borges, the main pedestrian street, and the Santa Cruz Monastery, where Portugal's first two kings are buried. Finish by the Mondego River, with views back over the old town and the university on its hill.

1. 1

   Universidade de Coimbra

   25 min

   Founded in 1290 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the oldest universities in the world. The tour covers the outdoor spaces, entry to the ticketed interiors such as the Joanina Library is not included

2. 2

   Estatua de D. Dinis

   15 min

   The king who founded the university in 1290 and made Portuguese the official language of the kingdom

3. 3

   Se Nova Catedral de Coimbra

   Pass by

   A 17th century Jesuit church with one of the most ornate interiors in Coimbra

4. 4

   Stop 4

   15 min

   The university's main courtyard, once a royal palace, with sweeping views over the city and the Mondego river.

5. 5

   Biblioteca Joanina

   Pass by

   One of the most beautiful baroque libraries in Europe, built in 1717 and home to 60,000 volumes

6. 6

   Sala dos Capelos

   Pass by

   The Great Hall, once the throne room of the royal palace and today where degrees are awarded, lined with portraits of Portuguese kings.

7. 7

   Capela de Sao Miguel

   Pass by

   The university's own chapel, decorated with 17th century azulejos and home to a baroque organ of more than 2,000 pipes.

8. 8

   Se Velha De Coimbra

   Pass by

   The 12th century Romanesque cathedral where Portugal's second king was crowned, now surrounded by the bars where students gather at night

9. 9

   Stop 9

   15 min

   The square at the heart of Coimbra's fado, where students once sang to the tricanas of the old town

10. 10

    Torre de Almedina

    Pass by

    The last remaining gate of Coimbra's medieval Arab walls

11. 11

    Rua Ferreira Borges

    15 min

    Coimbra's main pedestrian street, lined with shops, cafés and restaurants in the heart of the old town

12. 12

    Stop 12

    15 min

    Where Portugal's first two kings are buried. Free to enter, though it may close for mass or ceremonies

13. 13

    Parque Verde do Mondego

    15 min

    A riverside park along the Mondego, with open views back toward the old town and the university on the hill

• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.