Coimbra, Portugal, one of the oldest cities in Europe, will steal your heart with its medieval charm and academic spirit. Did you know the university in Coimbra was founded in the 1200s?! The University of Coimbra first opened in Lisbon in 1290 and moved to Coimbra in the 1500s. It’s also famed for its graduate capes that reportedly inspired the Harry Potter uniforms.
After a couple of visits to this historic city, I learned that every cobblestone street tells a story. From the prestigious university halls to the melodic fado houses (Portuguese famous music full of longing and “saudades”), there’s something magical about Portugal’s former capital that keeps drawing us back!
Coimbra lands on our short list of places to visit in Portugal, along with the Algarve, Lisbon, Sintra, and Porto. If you are heading to Coimbra with kids, check out our recommendations!
*Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Opinions shared are my own, and I only endorse products I support. By clicking on any of the links below, I may get a small commission if you purchase at absolutely no additional charge to you. I appreciate your support.*
Chapters
Best Things To Do in Coimbra
University of Coimbra
Start your Coimbra adventure at one of the oldest universities in continuous operation in the world! The University of Coimbra, founded in 1290, is now a UNESCO World Heritage site that sits majestically atop the city. Don’t miss the Biblioteca Joanina, a stunning baroque library that houses over 200,000 books. Watch out for students in their traditional black capes (Capa e batina) – they’re keeping a centuries-old tradition alive!
The entrance fee is €13.50 for adults, and children under 12 enter free. You can check complete details and book tickets on their official website.
Portugal dos Pequenitos
This unique miniature park is a hit with kids! It’s like traveling through Portugal in just a few hours. The park features tiny versions of Portuguese monuments, traditional houses, and even buildings from former Portuguese colonies. Your kids will absolutely love feeling like giants as they explore these detailed miniatures!
The entrance fee is €9.95 for children (3-13), €14.95 for adults, and children under 2 enter free. You can check complete details and book tickets on their official website.
Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra
Looking for a peaceful escape? The Botanical Garden is perfect for families. Created in 1772, it’s a living museum with exotic plants from around the world. Portugal is known for bringing in many plant varieties from around the world over the centuries. The palace gardens in Sintra, for example, house hundreds of species of trees. They are quite magical as you feel like you are in a misty, magical garden that stretches for miles.
Kids can run freely through the bamboo forest, and there’s plenty of space for a picnic. The best part? It’s completely free to visit!
Mondego River Walks
The Mondego River is Coimbra’s lifeline, and the riverside parks are perfect for family outings. The Parque Verde do Mondego has playgrounds, cycling paths, and cafes. During summer, you can even take a cruise tour! It’s our favorite spot for watching stunning sunsets over the city.
Science Museum (Museu da Ciência)
This interactive museum makes science fun for everyone! Housed in an 18th-century chemistry laboratory, it offers hands-on experiments and fascinating displays. Trust me, your kids will never want to leave the physics demonstrations section!
The entrance fee is €5 for children (7-17), €8 for adults, and children under 6 enter free. You can check complete details and book tickets on their official website.
Old Cathedral (Sé Velha)
If these walls could talk! The Sé Velha has become one of people’s favorite spots in Coimbra – and trust me, it’s not your typical cathedral visit. Built between 1162 and 1184, this magnificent building looks more like something out of a medieval fantasy movie than a church (seriously, it could be in Game of Thrones! 😄).
You know those moments when traveling with kids can be challenging? Well, this wasn’t one of them! Our little ones were absolutely mesmerized by the echoes of their footsteps on the ancient stone floor (okay, maybe a bit too excited about the echoes at times 🙈). And don’t get me started on the stone carvings – we turned it into a game of “spot the weirdest medieval creature.” There are some pretty bizarre ones hidden in there!
Pro tip: Visit in the morning when the sun streams through the rose window. The way it paints patterns on the stone floor is pure magic, and it’s worth planning your day around it.
Tickets are €2.50 for adults, children under 12 get in free.
Conimbriga
Just a 15-minute drive from Coimbra lies Portugal’s largest Roman settlement. On your first visit, your kids might shrug at the “old stones” (their words! 😅), but that can quickly change when they spot the stunning mosaic floors, still intact after 2000 years. If you can get their imagination working and help them to realize they are walking in the shoes of the Romans (which they probably have studied in school), it can really bring history to life.
The House of Fountains is absolutely spectacular, with its restored gardens and water features that still work today! Your little ones might be fascinated by the idea that Roman children once played in these same courtyards. Walking through the ancient streets truly feels like stepping back in time!
Pro Parent Tips:
- Visit early in the morning (it gets HOT!)
- Pack water and snacks
- Tour tickets start at €82 per person
Top Tours
This is kids’ absolute favorite way to explore Coimbra! This adorable little train winds through the city’s narrow streets for about 50 minutes, showing you all the main sights without tired legs (those hills are no joke!).
Pro Tip: The boarding point is at Avenida João das Regras, and tickets are super affordable – €6.48. We recommend taking this tour on your first day to get your bearings and spot places you want to explore more later.
Looking for a splash of adventure? Head to nearby Penacova for an incredible kayaking experience down Portugal’s largest river! The gentle Mondego River offers beautiful views of the valley, and you’ll see Coimbra from a totally different perspective.
Remember to pack sunscreen and water shoes .
If you really want to understand Coimbra’s magic (and skip those notorious queues!), this private tour is worth every penny. Guides share fascinating stories that kept even our history-resistant kids engaged. Who knew medieval university students had such wild traditions?
The best part? All tickets to attractions are included, and they know exactly when to visit each spot to avoid the crowds. Plus, they’re great at adapting the tour to keep children interested.
University of Coimbra Walking Tour
The guided tour takes you through the most stunning spots of this 700-year-old university. The highlight? The jaw-dropping Joanina Library – think Beauty and the Beast library vibes but with real bats protecting the books! Yes, you read that right, REAL bats!
This tour is with guides who studied and worked here. So you can learn all about the incredible history and hidden gems of this university.
Fair warning – there’s a bit of walking and some stairs involved, but our guide made plenty of stops and kept the kids entertained with fun facts and stories about student life through the centuries.
Where To Eat in Coimbra With Kids
After all that exploring, you’ll definitely work up an appetite! Here are our tried-and-tested family favorites in Coimbra:
Best Restaurants for Families
Solar do Bacalhau If you want to try authentic Portuguese codfish dishes, this is THE place! The restaurant has this lovely traditional vibe, but don’t worry – they’re super welcoming to families.
Zé Manel dos Ossos This tiny local gem is where we always end up when we’re craving real Portuguese flavors! It’s usually packed (always a good sign!), but trust me, the grilled meats are worth the wait. Pro tip: go early or make a reservation.
A Cozinha da Maria You know those places that feel like eating at your Portuguese grandmother’s house (if you had one)? This is it! Maria’s home-style cooking won over even our pickiest eater. The rice pudding here is a MUST.
Italianino Coimbra Sometimes you just need a pizza break, right? Hidden behind a church in the city center, this place saved us during one of those “I only want pasta!” phases. The wood-fired pizzas are amazing, and they have high chairs and coloring sheets for the little ones.
Sweet Treats and Cafes
Pastelaria Briosa This is where you’ll find the famous “Pastéis de Santa Clara” – think of them as Coimbra’s answer to Pastéis de Nata.
Café Santa Cruz Talk about unique – you’re literally having coffee in a former church! The neo-gothic architecture is stunning, and they serve the best hot chocolate for kids. Perfect spot for a rainy day break!
Novalis Chocogelataria Warning: you won’t be able to pass by this place without stopping! Their chocolate and gelato selection is absolutely incredible. #1 dessert spot in Coimbra for a reason!
Gelataria Gellato Davvero Perfect for hot days (and Coimbra gets HOT!). The artisanal gelato flavors change daily, and they offer mini cones for little ones. The pistachio is to die for!
Quick Bites & Coffee Stops
- RS Cafe Bar: Perfect for a quick snack and amazing coffee
- Gelataria COSI: Another great ice cream option (yes, we tried them all!)
- O Croissant: Fresh-baked croissants that give Paris a run for its money!
Where To Stay In Coimbra With Family
Here are our top-rated family-friendly hotels:
Hotel Quinta das Lágrimas Perfect for families who appreciate outdoor space. The hotel has a swimming pool perfect for kids. *Luxury
Sapientia Boutique Hotel A contemporary hotel cleverly integrated into Coimbra’s old town. Its location makes it easy to explore the city’s attractions on foot. *Luxury
Vila Galé Coimbra A modern riverside hotel with stunning views over the Mondego River. The rooftop pool is a major highlight. *Mid-range
Stay Hotel Coimbra Centro Located in the heart of Coimbra, close to restaurants, shops, and major attractions, making it convenient for families with children of all ages. *On a budget
8 Fun Things To Know about Coimbra
- Coimbra was Portugal’s capital for over a century (1131-1255).
- The university’s students still wear black capes inspired by Harry Potter (just kidding, it’s actually the other way around!).
- Coimbra has its own style of Fado, traditionally sung by male students.
- The Biblioteca Joanina has a colony of bats that protect its books from insects.
- The famous love story of Pedro and Inês is set in Coimbra.
- Students celebrate the end of the academic year with the “Queima das Fitas” festival.
- The city has a secret network of underground tunnels.
- Coimbra’s traditional sweets were originally created by nuns.
Best Time To Visit Coimbra
The best time to visit is during spring (March-May) or fall (September-November) when the weather is pleasant and the student life is in full swing. As a large portion of the population is students, the city can feel a bit empty when school is not in session. We visited in August, and it was a bit dead!
Summer can be quite hot, but it’s perfect for riverside activities. Winter is mild but can be rainy – perfect for museum visits!
How To Get to Coimbra
Getting to Coimbra is super easy:
- From Lisbon: 2-hour train ride (from $30 USD) or bus journey (€15)
- From Porto: 1.5-hour train ride (from $37 USD)
- By Car: Easy access via A1 motorway or renting a car.
Don’t forget to validate your train tickets before boarding!
How To Move Around
Walking (My Favorite!)
Coimbra is absolutely made for walking! I fell in love with the narrow cobblestone streets and hidden staircases. Though I’ll give you a heads up – it’s pretty hilly. Leave the stroller in the car, and take a baby carrier instead. The historic center is super walkable, and you’ll discover the most amazing little cafes and shops that you’d miss otherwise.
Local Buses
You can hop on the local SMTUC buses. They’re super affordable and connect all the main spots.
Want to hear something exciting? Having a car in Coimbra opened up so many possibilities for day trips! I recommend Europcar to find the best deals. But fair warning – parking in the historic center can be tricky as is navigating those narrow streets.
Family Tips
- Pack those comfy walking shoes – trust me, those charming cobblestones can be tricky for little feet!
- Pack plenty of snacks and water – those hills make everyone hungry and thirsty! (Plus, sometimes kids just need their familiar snacks 😅)
- Consider a baby carrier instead of a stroller for the steeper areas. Like Lisbon, Coimbra is hilly.
- Download the SMTUC bus app – it’s a lifesaver for timing rides around nap schedules
- Keep some cash handy for buses and small shops (though most places take cards now)
- Don’t forget sun protection – hats, sunscreen, and light layers are essential here
- Schedule regular breaks – the Botanical Garden and riverside park were our favorite chill spots
- Learn a few basic Portuguese phrases – my kids felt so proud saying “obrigado”!
- Keep your afternoons flexible – sometimes the unplanned adventures were the best ones!
- Try the local pastries – pastéis de nata make excellent treats!
- Look out for street musicians – instant entertainment for the whole family!
- Visit the Science Museum – it was a massive hit with our kids
_____
Portugal continues to amaze us with its family-friendly destinations, and Coimbra holds a special place in our hearts. Whether you’re exploring the historic university, enjoying riverside picnics, or discovering hidden medieval streets, Coimbra has something for everyone in the family.
Additional Reading
Your Travel Guide For Your Visit To Berlengas Islands, Portugal
Leave a Reply