Top Coimbra Culture

Coimbra was home to a substantial Jewish community between the 900s and 1500s. On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll discover its dramatic past in one of Portugal’s most historic cities. You’ll also hear lesser-known stories about its cultural resilience and survival. The tour starts in Largo da Portagem, the grand square beside the Mondego River. You’ll follow the city’s main pedestrian street towards the old Jewish Quarter, past medieval stone walls and a labyrinth of steep streets where centuries of drama unfolded. You’ll stop outside the house of Aristides de Sousa Mendes where you’ll find out how, despite Aristides’ courage during dark historical moments, he suffered social, political and economic retaliation and ended his life alone and impoverished.

Guided tours are good for getting oriented, but often follow strict itineraries on tight schedules. With this self-guided audio tour, explore the heart of Coimbra’s historical center at your own pace. Walk through the city’s old medieval gates to the alleys, sidewalk cafes, and music venues of Alta da Cidade (Upper Town). Learn about the history of Fado music, and finish your tour at the university campus, where you’ll catch amazing views of the city and Mondego River.

Step into the world of the Knights Templar on this immersive self-guided walking tour of Tomar. The legendary order didn’t just defend pilgrims—they founded this remarkable city. You’ll explore Praça da República, where Gualdim Pais established Tomar in 1160, visit the Church of Santa Maria do Olival, the final resting place of Templar grand masters, and stroll through the Seven Hills National Forest, once the knights’ agricultural heart. Discover the gripping story of their rise and fall before ending at the imposing Castelo de Tomar, where a brilliant defense helped them defeat Moorish invaders. Along the way, see Portugal’s oldest synagogue, an ancient Arabic waterwheel, and more. Whether you’re a history buff or a curious traveler, this tour brings Tomar’s past to life!

The Best Way to Discover Coimbra: Scavenger Hunt & Self-Guided Tour. Play, learn, and walk! Explore at your own pace with a 100% self-guided activity. Start anytime (24/7) with no guides or schedules. Pause for a photo at Praça do Comércio or a stroll through Praça Dom Dinis and resume whenever you're ready—even the next day. This unique team-building activity is perfect for couples, families, and groups. The "Complete City" Package - Everything you need in one app: Interactive Game: Solve puzzles and discover 10+ major attractions, plus hidden gems revealed along the way. Audio & Text: Listen to our audio guide or read the history/legends of each site. Insider Tips: Access hand-picked local restaurant and shop recommendations. What you will visit: Santa Cruz Church, Praça do Comércio, Barbican Gate, Sé Velha, National Museum Machado de Castro, New Cathedral, University of Coimbra, Minerva Stairs, Praça Dom Dinis, and Jardín Botánico de la Universidad.

Embark on a journey through the heart of Coimbra with TouringBee's convenient mobile guide on your smartphone. This itinerary is specifically crafted to allow you to explore the city's attractions within a brief span of 1.5-2 hours. Experience the charm of quaint streets and lookout points, intriguing tales, and local folklore. Navigate the route at your leisure, without the need to keep up with a tour group. Feel free to pause at a café or detour to explore an intriguing side street, and return to the route whenever you wish. If you have just one day to visit Coimbra, spend it with a TouringBee audio guide and gain more insights than those who have spent a week there.

Founded by the Romans as "Aeminium", Coimbra buzzes with life till today. We'll gather downtown near the river, where the music of street performers meets the daily hustle of one of Coimbra's most iconic streets. Surrounded by small streets that weave in and out of the main road, you'll learn about the churches and the stories they keep within their walls. We'll get to know these places more intimately, and we'll stop for a coffee or a snack along the way. Up the hilly way we go to take in view and get acquaintance with the University, academic culture in Coimbra, and its many quirks. After getting to know the University we'll make our way just down the road by the impressive Roma aqueduct, and enter the country's most important botanical garden where you'll learn of its origins and relevance that it still holds today. The plaza where the students gather in the late afternoons, by entrance of the magical Mermaid Garden, awaits you at the end of your journey. - What are you waiting for?

Uncover the rich history and stunning architecture of Coimbra on this guided walking tour. Visit the University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at the beauty of the Joanina Library, renowned for its Baroque interiors. Explore the medieval streets of the city as you descend through the Arco de Almedina and visit the historic Church of Santa Cruz, the burial site of Portugal's first king. This immersive experience connects key landmarks while providing insights into Coimbra’s academic and cultural legacy.

To think of Portugal is to think of a long and fascinating history, rich in achievements, discoveries and memorable achievements - from its foundation to the present day. That they reflect in habits and customs that are preserved. Let me introduce you to some of the eternal mysteries of the history of Portugal, and its connection to the Templars. The convent is one of the largest Portuguese buildings, hosting traces from the 12th century to the present day. It will reflect the medieval conventual life, the relevance/power of the Order of Christ in Portugal, and, also, its connection to the Templars. In this space it is impossible to escape the symbolism, which still today is seen wrapped in mystery

Award-winning actor turned storyteller brings Tomar’s rich history to life! Fun, educational, and packed with tales you’ll love — a must-do tour for curious travellers. Most people come to Tomar for one thing — the castle. Right now, it’s closed after hurricane force winds. But here’s the truth: If that’s all you see, you’ve missed the real story. This walking tour takes you beyond the gates of the Convent of Christ and into the living, breathing town that made it possible. Because Tomar isn’t just a monument — it’s a story. Tragic story of a saint murdered for love, the horror of the Jewish massacre. Tomar is artistry too. Watch skilled artisans craft traditional tiles and pottery Insider tips where to eat, drink, and explore. Think of this as walking Tomar with a friend who loves the city And if you don’t laugh, your money back!

Immerse yourself in a unique and intimate experience with a private guided walking tour of Fátima. Discover the story of the three shepherd children—Lúcia, Francisco, and Jacinta Marto—who witnessed the apparitions of Our Lady in 1917. Your tour will take you to the sacred sites of these apparitions, the shepherds' homes, the basilica where their tombs are located, and the places where the Angel of Peace appeared. For a more complete experience, choose the 4-hour option to complete the Way of the Cross along the path once traveled by the shepherds.

Discover the rich history and traditions of Coimbra and its ancient university during this guided tour. Join your dedicated tour guide and walk around the campus of Portugal’s oldest university, visiting the Royal Palace, chapel, the assembly room, and the stunning Joanina Library. Then, venture out to the city to see key landmarks including the cathedral, the Barbican Gate, and the Santa Cruz Monastery.

The Roman Empire had an enormous weight in our culture and the evidence of this can be found a bit everywhere in the Sicó area. In this adventure we will start to discover the complex of the Roman Ruins of Conímbriga where you can contemplate the architectural capability of the Roman people and how they lived. From here we will head towards another “ex-libris” of this region, the Casmilo Holes, majestic geological formations that were once complexes of underground caves that are now exposed to the surface. All this and much more is what we will discover in this adventure... ENTRY INCLUDED

Discover one of Portugal’s most important religious landmarks (and UNESCO World Heritage sites) on this private tour of the Convent of Christ in Tomar. Meet your guide right outside the landmark (or opt for pickup from your hotel), head right in (tickets own expense), and soak up this 14th-century convent’s spectacular interiors. The landmark was once a stronghold of the Knights Templar, and you’ll learn all about its wealth of history.

Learn about the Jewish history of Coimbra as you visit areas of the city’s old town on this private walking tour. Follow your guide as they take you to landmarks and attractions in Coimbra Old Town that are tied to the city’s former Jewish community and learn about the community’s history and culture. Places on this private tour are limited to nine participants.

pensar em Portugal é pensar na sua fascinante história, rica em conquistas/descobertas e momentos memoráveis. Desde a fundação até aos dias de hoje, preservamos com orgulho tradições e costumes

Cover the highlights of the “City of Knowledge” with a local guide who can bring its history to life on this private Coimbra walking tour. Explore the upper and lower sections of the old town (Alta and Baixa) as you learn about their history and culture, and discover why the city was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Delve into the importance of the storied university plus pick up tips for sightseeing and dining on your own.

Experience the epic tale of the Knights Templar in Tomar on this exclusive full-day guided tour. This is more than a tour—it's a meticulously crafted historical narrative that chronologically traces the Templars' story, from their origins to their enduring legacy in Tomar. Your journey begins at the Convent of Christ, the heart of this tale. Explore how the Templars' fortress transformed over the centuries, evolving from a powerful military stronghold into a magnificent architectural testament to their influence. Our guide will reveal the story behind the architecture, from the superb Knights Templar Round Church to the majestic Manueline Window. The narrative continues in the afternoon, where you will explore Tomar's old town. Discover how this medieval settlement flourished under their guidance. With our expert guide, you will gain a profound and engaging understanding of the Templars’ pivotal role in Portuguese history. This is the story of Tomar, told as it happened.

Tomar and its unique Convent of Christ (a UNESCO World Heritage site) have a special place in world history and lots of stories, art, and architecture you don’t want to miss. This charming medieval town in central Portugal unexpectedly became the unofficial new headquarters of the legendary and powerful Knights Templars, shortly after they were disbanded on the orders of the Vatican, in the 14th century. They were rebranded the “Order of Christ” and, eventually, one of its Grand Masters became pivotal to the Age of Discoveries: Henry the Navigator. Later on, in 1581, the Convent of Christ was the stage for the creation of the Iberian Union sealing the creation of the biggest empire in the World at the time. We will take you through the Convent of Christ and the Castle, the city's most beautiful churches, visit the Jewish synagogue, and give you a flavor of the charming modern-day Tomar. Option: a visit to the beautiful, photo-friendly Castle of Almourol, located on a tiny islet.

The villages of Shale have already been dubbed "magical villages," their names sound like Romans, Arabs and even barbarians, but it is their characteristic appearance that makes them so fantastic. These structures dating back to medieval times emanate an architectural beauty that is still difficult to match today, even more fascinating are the places where they find themselves by necessity of fixation for pastoral and agricultural activities. During this adventure we will take you to know some of the most beautiful villages of Shale of Serra da Lousã as well as the sweeping landscapes that this unique place has to offer ...

Uncover the True Legacy of the Knights Templar in Tomar! Join us on a journey through the Templar stronghold of Tomar, where history and mystery collide. Explore the Convent of Christ, a UNESCO site, with its iconic Charola (Templar Rotunda), stunning Manueline architecture, and hidden Order of Christ symbols. Learn about the 1190 Almohad siege, the Templars’ transformation, and their role in Portugal’s Age of Exploration. Visit Santa Maria do Olival, the burial site of Templar Masters, and stroll through medieval streets where knights once walked. Marvel at the Aqueduct of Pegões, an engineering wonder. Along the way, we separate fact from myth, revealing the true Templar story. Whether you're a history lover or a curious traveller, this immersive experience will bring the past to life. Book now and step into the world of the Templars!

Watching the candle procession is a chilling and fascinating experience. Contact with God is always present in this breathtaking atmosphere

Dive into the rich history of Tomar, a town where the legacies of the Knights Templar and the Jewish community come together to create a unique cultural tapestry. This three-hour tour offers an essential experience for anyone looking to truly understand Tomar’s significance in Portuguese history. From the powerful presence of the Templars who once made Tomar their stronghold, to the deep-rooted Jewish heritage that has shaped the town’s character. Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply curious about the stories that have shaped this remarkable town, this tour promises an unforgettable journey into Tomar's enduring legacy.

On this walking tour you’ll discover all of Coimbra’s main attractions. It’s the perfect way to discover the city if you only have a few hours. If you have more time, this is also the best way to get na introduction. Then you can take advantage of the tips given on the tour to explore some aspects in more detail in the following days. Don’t just limit yourself to a few historical anecdotes about the city. Take a tour led by a guide registered with the national tourist office, but in a more informal and relaxed atmosphere. Get the knowledge, context and experience from a local. With this tour you will get: - Na overview of the city’s history - Passage through all of Coimbra’s main attractions - Knowledge of the most important academic traditions - Tips on restaurants and best places for photos and panoramic views - A quick reference guide to the city in paper or pdf format