University of Coimbra and Old Town Walking Tour

5.0 (3 reviews) 2 hours Free cancellation

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3 reviews

5.0

University of Coimbra and Old Town Walking Tour — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

University of Coimbra and Old Town Walking Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

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.

Private and Luxury Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Culture Small Group Short term availability Weather Dependent - Low

At a glance

Duration: 2 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 8 people
People per booking: 1–8
Guide: English
Operated by: Mateus

Ages: Adults (8–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Walking tour, monuments viewed from the outside
Included: Local tips: real-time recommendations on where to eat, drink and explore, shared as you pass by
Included: Local host: Mateus, a University of Coimbra student

Not included

Not included: Meals: Food and drinks
Not included: Private transportation: Hotel pickup and drop-off

Itinerary

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
Estatua de D. Dinis

15 min

The king who founded the university in 1290 and made Portuguese the official language of the kingdom
Se Nova Catedral de Coimbra

Passing by

A 17th century Jesuit church with one of the most ornate interiors in Coimbra
Stop 4

15 min

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

Passing by

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

Passing by

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

Passing by

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

Passing by

The 12th century Romanesque cathedral where Portugal's second king was crowned, now surrounded by the bars where students gather at night
Stop 9

15 min

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

Passing by

The last remaining gate of Coimbra's medieval Arab walls
Rua Ferreira Borges

15 min

Coimbra's main pedestrian street, lined with shops, cafés and restaurants in the heart of the old town
Stop 12

15 min

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