Coimbra was the capital city of Portugal until the late 1200s and is now famous for having one of the oldest universities in the world. This beautiful, charming city is full of historical prominence and culture. Best of all, it’s an easy daytrip from Lisbon.
Begin your morning with breakfast at Padaria e pastelaria Flor da Conchada. This delightful restaurant serves scrumptious pastries and coffee for less than $10 a meal. From there, head to the bustling Rua Ferreira Borges in Lower Town. This popular commercial street offers great shopping and two of Coimbra’s best attractions — the São Tiago Church and the Mosteiro de Santa Cruz in the busy Praça Oito de Maio.
Make your way over to Restaurante Santos for delicious leitão da bairrada and cheesecake for only $20.
In the afternoon, it’s time to head to Upper Town. The steep hills of this section of Coimbra are tough to navigate, but worth the effort. Some highlights include 12th-century Sé Velha, the Old Cathedral of Coimbra, and the Sé Nova, or New Cathedral. Make a quick stop at the Museum of the Holy House of Mercy while nearby.
No trip to Coimbra is complete without stopping by the Universidade de Coimbra. The 125-step climb up the stairs provides excellent views of the city. Be sure to book a guided tour of the university to learn the history of the buildings, including the Biblioteca Joanina, the Academic Prison for incarcerated students and St. Michael’s Chapel. A tour will cost you $17.
Finally, swing by Ze Manel dos Ossos, a local institution that serves home-cooked Portuguese food at its finest. A meal here will cost $20.
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