Coimbra

Family-friendly activities

Discover three amazing Portuguese cities: Porto, Nazaré, and Óbidos with a bus sightseeing tour from Lisbon. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Portugal and feel inspired by the architecture, history, and culture of these beautiful cities. Get comfortable in an air-conditioned vehicle as you start your journey toward the town of Óbidos, where we will start with a guided private or shared tour, depending on your preference. accompanied by a local guide. Completely surrounded by ancient walls and preserving all its medieval charm, Óbidos is one of the most famous and visited places in Portugal, and a must-see in the surroundings of Lisbon. The narrow cobbled streets that can be seen in Óbidos will immediately transport you to a medieval atmosphere. These streets are home to perfectly preserved old houses, historic buildings, and important monuments. Dominating the historic center in the highest part of the village, visit the Castle of Óbidos, which is declared one of the 7 wonders of Portugal. Start at the village main gate, and discover the amazing narrow streets outside of the beaten track. Visit the secret Jewish neighborhood and its white-painted houses with some great spots to take pictures. Walk along Rua Dereita, the most famous street, full of stores and traditional restaurants, and get to the castle of Óbidos. It was built in the 12th-century, although it has Roman constructions in its beginnings. It can be said that it is one of the best preserved and largest fortresses of the country, being listed as one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal. From there, you will clearly see the great wall of Óbidos, another of the town’s great symbols. Continue the trip heading to possibly the most famous fishing town in Portugal, Nazaré, where you will visit the Forte de Sao Miguel. This site has become world-famous for the giant wave that hits its coast every winter and attracts lots of surfers from all over the world. Then, walk through O Sitio, where the famous streets present a collection of religious buildings and are a hugely popular site for pilgrims from all around the globe. Hike your way up to the summit, where you'll find medieval fortifications, 17th-century churches, and modern shrines. Wander the courtyards and plazas surrounded by ornate structures, basilicas, and statues. Next, head to Oporto, the last stop of the day. First you will have 1h to have a typical Portuguese lunch on your own to regain energy, and then, the visit will start. A vibrant 1.5-hour walking tour, where you will admire the stunning Old Town on the picturesque Douro River, complete with six bridges, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Igreja Carmen, Estação São Bento, Igreja São Francisco and Ponte Don Luis. At the end of your tour, you will return to the center of Lisbon and your guide will recommend things to do during the rest of your stay.

Casa Fado ao Centro is a cultural project created in Coimbra in 2010. All of the musicians and collaborators are or were university students in Coimbra. Decorated with the belongings of the musicians, the walls are lined with history. The concerts are cultural events. In an intimate setting, you will embark on a journey through the unique sound of Fado de Coimbra, and through the most important moments in the city's history. At the end, enjoy a Port wine tasting with the musicians to interact with them and learn about their craft.

Explore the spiritual heart of Portugal by visiting Fátima, a place known for the Marian apparitions that first occurred on May 13th, 1917. Discover the Sanctuary, the Basilica, and the Apparitions Chapel. In the afternoon, head to the beautiful city of Coimbra, where you can tour the University district, the Cathedral, and the Historic Centre. Sanctuary of Fátima: This is a major pilgrimage site and one of the most important Catholic shrines in the world. It commemorates the Marian apparitions reported by three shepherd children. Chapel of the Apparitions: This chapel marks the exact spot where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to the children. It is the spiritual heart of the Sanctuary and a focal point for pilgrims. University of Coimbra: Founded in 1290, it is one of the oldest universities in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The university is renowned for its historical buildings, including the Joanina Library, a Baroque masterpiece. Old Cathedral of Coimbra (Sé Velha): This Romanesque cathedral, built in the 12th century, is one of the best-preserved buildings of its kind in Portugal. Its fortress-like appearance and intricate carvings are notable features.

Unique in its kind, began as a display of Portugal’s heritage, in terms of the different architectural styles, as well as the various types of construction, carried out according to the geomorphological factors of each region, and a whole range of traditional crafts. In the following years, Portugal dos Pequenitos continued to grow, supported by Bissaya Barreto’s thoughts and actions, giving way to new constructions, now representing the ethnographic and monumentalaspectsof today’s Portuguese-speaking African countries, as well as Brazil, Macau, India and Timor, interactive exhibitions that you can visit in the area now known as “Portugal and the World”. The construction project for Portugal dos Pequenitos was carried out by one of the greatest names in modern Portuguese architecture, Cassiano Branco, supported by the mastery of Manuel de Jesus Cardoso, who directed the works in the Park. Here you’ll discover 1.3 hectares of unique exploration experiences, for kids and adults, where it’s up to the visitor to decide how long they want to visit, which can take up a whole day!

Experience the enchantment of Coimbra aboard a charming tourist train that whisks you through the city’s most iconic historical sites. With three carefully chosen stops, discover the essence of this fascinating university city. Begin your journey at Avenida João das Regras 318, right in the heart of Coimbra, where you’ll admire traditional architecture and sense the unique ambience of this centuries-old metropolis. From there, the train proceeds to the entrance of Portugal dos Pequenitos, a famous park ideal for families and curious travelers who wish to explore miniature replicas of Portugal’s most notable monuments. Lastly, arrive at Rua Larga 2, 3004-535, Coimbra, stopping at the Department of Chemistry within the prestigious University of Coimbra—one of Europe’s oldest and most esteemed centers of learning. Throughout the ride, an audio guide immerses you in Coimbra’s remarkable history, offering captivating narratives in Portuguese, Spanish, English, and French. Hear fascinating tales of the city’s founding, its academic traditions, and the notable figures who have left their mark on its cobblestone streets. With each carriage providing a welcoming atmosphere, every detail of Coimbra’s vibrant past is brought to life. In addition to delving into local culture and heritage, be captivated by the urban landscape, medieval buildings, and the city’s lively university spirit. Discover how its inhabitants lived in centuries gone by, explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, and feel the energy that permeates every corner. *** Limited seating, subject to availability. Tickets are valid for 90 days from the date of purchase. ***

After meeting your tour guide in the morning, you will be transported to Penacova and provided with the kayaking equipment and some instructions. Then, set off from the Carvoeira dam on a kayaking tour with a total length of 18 km (11 miles).  You'll be kayaking through the natural Mondego river valley, surrounded by extensive forests. As you travel downriver, you will pass by the small villages of Ronqueira, Rebordosa, Louredo, Foz do Caneiro and Casal. This part of the river is full of small beaches where you can stop for a picnic or go to go for a swim. On the river beach of Palheiros, you'll find a small bar where you can buy an ice cream or a cold beer. The river usually has a light current, which makes the kayaking easy and accessible to all ages. Finish in Torres do Mondego, after 3-4 hours of kayaking and breaks along the way. Expect to arrive between 15.00 and 17.00 pm.

Tick off three of the most important cities on the Portuguese coast in just one day with this convenient private transfer service. Travel from Porto to Lisbon and enjoy optional stops in Aveiro, Coimbra, Fátima, Nazaré, or Óbidos. After getting picked up from your hotel in Porto, travel towards the city of Aveiro. Enjoy some free time to explore the canals, Nouveau architecture, and colorfully painted Moliceiros boats of the city. Alternatively, you may wish to stop in Coimbra, home to one of the oldest universities in Portugal. Here, immerse yourself in the city's modern area, the university, and its ancient past. Continue towards either Nazaré or Fátima for lunch and a walk around the city. In Nazaré, soak up the views of the Portuguese coast and see for yourself why the city is a surfer's paradise. Or, explore the many religious sites in Fátima. Finally, pay a visit to the medieval town of Óbidos. Here, enjoy some free time to explore the town's famously quirky bookstores, medieval streets, and liquor bars at your own pace. Get dropped off at your hotel in Lisbon after a full day's sightseeing.

Explore the beauty and history of Coimbra with the Walkbox app — your personal companion for discovering the city at your own pace, enhanced by real-time WhatsApp communication with the tour curator — from smooth onboarding to personal tips and assistance throughout your journey. Content is available in English, Portuguese, French and Spanish. Walkbox is a top-rated and intuitive guide that works offline, offering a captivating walking tour experience with engaging stories, authentic insights, and natural-sounding audio guides that plays automatically as you explore — helping you experience Coimbra like a local. You're free to do the tour whenever you like, in full or in parts, within 5 days of your booking date. To ensure everything runs smoothly, your tour curator will send you clear instructions after booking and remains available for personalized support via WhatsApp or SMS before and during your experience, from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Explore over 50 points of interest, including iconic landmarks, picturesque streets, hidden gems and vibrant areas that reflect the city’s rich cultural heritage and timeless beauty. Covering a 5 km route, the tour is generally easy to follow, with one uphill section close to the start taking you up to the university with an average slope of 16% over 450m. The tour takes approximately 4 hours to complete, depending on your pace and the stops you choose to enjoy. Your tour starts and ends at Largo da Portagem, near the iconic Santa Clara Bridge. Explore the vibrant Baixa area before ascending medieval alleys to the Old Cathedral. Visit the Machado de Castro Museum, a highlight of Portuguese Fine Arts, and the historic University of Coimbra, home to the stunning Courtyard of the Schools and the Baroque Joanina Library, a world-renowned 18th-century treasure. Science enthusiasts can delve into the university’s natural history museum, showcasing unique 18th-century collections and laboratories. The second half of the tour takes you through Coimbra’s charming gardens, including the lush Botanical Garden and romantic Santa Cruz Park. Descend from Praça da República via the central garden of Avenida Sá da Bandeira, passing the Manga Garden to reach Praça 8 de Maio, home to the iconic Santa Cruz Monastery and Church. Conclude your journey with a stroll through the Baixa area, ending at the picturesque Praça do Comércio by the river. As a bonus, you’ll receive a city preview guide (PDF) with stunning photos, tour highlights, Walkbox Q&As, and insights into local culture and food — to help you get inspired and prepare for your tour, and remember the experience later.

Serranas do Mondego are a locally based cultural project, started by the grandsons of boatmen, who returned the traditional and very important boats of Mondego, now equipped with electric motors. This is an innovative concept entirely based on the 3 pillars of sustainability, with particular emphasis on the cultural dimension, the valorization of uses and customs, traditions and endogenous products. The Mondego River was, for centuries, the main route of communication between the populations of the interior and the coast. There were several primitive transport systems on this river, however, Barca Serrana plays a prominent role, being at the center of the most important economic and commercial activities in the Mondego basin. Today, the Serranas do Mondego allow you to travel to the past, delve into the stories and memories of popular cults, enjoying the surrounding landscape and an incomparable experience.

Join a history student from the University of Coimbra on a guided walking tour of Coimbra and learn about the student's traditions (what they do, how they live, how they dress, day-to-day life), the history of the oldest University in Portugal (creation and evolution) , and the ancient history of the city itself (roman, medieval, modern and contemporary)! Explore the most remarkable monuments and landmarks of Coimbra. As you walk, listen to your guide share exclusive curiosities about the students (your guide will be dressed with the traditional student's outfit) and tips about the city (what to do/visit, where to eat) to enhance your visit. The tour will be very personal, adapted to you and with good humour. Itinerary: https://maps.app.goo.gl/btr4PaSVYFbh7LWEA