3 day itinerary for Coimbra

Itinerary

Coimbra is a beautiful city in Portugal, known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant student culture. Here's an ideal itinerary for 3 days in Coimbra:

Day 1:

• Start your day with a visit to the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in Europe. Take a guided tour of the campus and explore the stunning Baroque library, Biblioteca Joanina.
• After the tour, head to the nearby Botanical Garden, a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. Take a leisurely stroll through the gardens and admire the diverse collection of plants and trees.
• For lunch, head to the historic center of Coimbra and try some traditional Portuguese dishes at a local restaurant. Don't forget to try the famous Coimbra-style roasted suckling pig!
• In the afternoon, visit the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha, a beautiful Gothic-style monastery that dates back to the 14th century. Take a guided tour of the monastery and learn about its fascinating history.
• End your day with a relaxing walk along the Mondego River, which runs through the city. Enjoy the beautiful views of the river and the surrounding hills.

Day 2:

• Start your day with a visit to the Machado de Castro National Museum, one of the most important museums in Portugal. The museum is housed in a former bishop's palace and features a wide range of art and artifacts from different periods of Portuguese history.
• After the museum, head to the Old Cathedral of Coimbra, a Romanesque-style cathedral that dates back to the 12th century. Take a guided tour of the cathedral and admire its beautiful architecture and artwork.
• For lunch, head to the Mercado Municipal D. Pedro V, a bustling market that offers a wide range of fresh produce, meats, and seafood. Try some of the local specialties and enjoy the lively atmosphere of the market.
• In the afternoon, visit the Portugal dos Pequenitos, a charming miniature park that showcases the different regions and architectural styles of Portugal. The park is a great place to learn about Portuguese culture and history in a fun and interactive way.
• End your day with a visit to the Santa Cruz Monastery, a beautiful Baroque-style monastery that dates back to the 16th century. Take a guided tour of the monastery and learn about its fascinating history and architecture.

Day 3:

• Start your day with a visit to the Quinta das Lágrimas, a beautiful estate that is steeped in history and legend. The estate is famous for its beautiful gardens and for being the site where the tragic love story of Pedro and Inês took place.
• After the estate, head to the New Cathedral of Coimbra, a stunning Neo-Romanesque cathedral that was built in the 20th century. Take a guided tour of the cathedral and admire its beautiful stained glass windows and artwork.
• For lunch, head to the nearby Parque Verde do Mondego, a beautiful park that offers stunning views of the river and the city. Enjoy a picnic or try some of the local food trucks that are often parked in the area.
• In the afternoon, visit the Convento de Santa Clara-a-Nova, a beautiful Baroque-style convent that dates back to the 17th century. Take a guided tour of the convent and learn about its fascinating history and architecture.
• End your day with a visit to the Jardim da Sereia, a beautiful park that offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding hills. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the park and watch the sunset over Coimbra.