4 day itinerary for Coimbra

Itinerary

Coimbra is a beautiful city with a rich history and culture. Here's an ideal itinerary for 4 days in Coimbra:

Day 1:

• Start your day by visiting the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in Europe. Take a guided tour of the campus and admire the stunning architecture and beautiful gardens.
• After the tour, head to the Biblioteca Joanina, the university's baroque library. The library is a masterpiece of architecture and design, with ornate decorations and a stunning collection of books.
• For lunch, head to the historic center of Coimbra and try some traditional Portuguese cuisine at one of the many restaurants in the area.
• 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 by taking a stroll along the Mondego River and enjoying the beautiful views of the city.

Day 2:

• Start your day by visiting the Machado de Castro National Museum, which houses a collection of art and artifacts from the Roman and medieval periods.
• After the museum, head to the Old Cathedral of Coimbra, a beautiful Romanesque-style cathedral that dates back to the 12th century.
• For lunch, head to the Mercado Municipal D. Pedro V, a bustling market where you can find fresh produce, meats, and seafood. Try some of the local specialties and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
• In the afternoon, visit the Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra, a beautiful garden with a wide variety of plants and trees from around the world.
• End your day by taking a walk through the Jardim da Sereia, a beautiful park with stunning views of the city.

Day 3:

• Start your day by visiting the New Cathedral of Coimbra, a beautiful Gothic-style cathedral that was built in the 16th century.
• After the cathedral, head to the Portugal dos Pequenitos, a miniature park that showcases the architecture and culture of Portugal. It's a great place to learn about the country's history and traditions.
• For lunch, head to the Praça da República, a lively square in the heart of the city. There are plenty of restaurants and cafes in the area, so you're sure to find something you like.
• In the afternoon, visit the Convento de Santa Clara-a-Nova, a beautiful Baroque-style convent that was built in the 17th century. Take a guided tour of the convent and learn about its fascinating history.
• End your day by taking a walk through the Parque Verde do Mondego, a beautiful park with plenty of green space and stunning views of the river.

Day 4:

• Start your day by visiting the Museu Nacional de Machado de Castro, a museum that showcases the work of the famous Portuguese sculptor Joaquim Machado de Castro.
• After the museum, head to the Quinta das Lágrimas, a beautiful estate that was once the site of a tragic love story. Take a guided tour of the estate and learn about its fascinating history.
• For lunch, head to the Casa das Bifanas, a local restaurant that serves delicious pork sandwiches.
• In the afternoon, visit the Mosteiro de Santa Cruz, a beautiful monastery that dates back to the 12th century. Take a guided tour of the monastery and learn about its fascinating history.
• End your day by taking a walk through the Parque da Cidade, a beautiful park with plenty of green space and stunning views of the city.

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to Coimbra!