Private guided tour of the University of Coimbra - Ticket Included

Coimbra , Portugal

Private guided tour of the University of Coimbra - Ticket Included

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(12 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This is a special visit for those who only have a few hours to visit Coimbra, but would like to see at least the essentials of the University of Coimbra (Joanina Library, Royal Chapel of S. Miguel and the Royal Palace). If you are this type of traveler, then this tour is designed for you, here you can discover all the rich history and unique secrets of the University of Coimbra, in the hands of experienced guides (who are historians and former students of the University of Coimbra).
When you book with us, we guarantee entry to the buildings (ticket included), so you don't need to worry about logistics or even waiting in line to buy a ticket, you just have to be at the meeting point at the scheduled time and enjoy the visit.

This visit has a huge demand from our visitors, it is a different visit and not to be missed, so we advise you to book as soon as possible and we will be happy to welcome you soon to our city of Coimbra.

Available options

Tour UC Lower Season

Tour UC High Season 2025

Tour UC Midlife 2025

What's included

Tickets to visit the Universida DE Coimbra, visiting spaces.

Guided walking tour to the Universida DE Coimbra (Royal Chapel, Royal Palace and Joanine Library)

Guided walk

Professional interpreter Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Visit the main buildings of the University of Coimbra: Joanina Library, the Royal Chapel of São Miguel and the Royal Palace of the University of Coimbra. With this visit, get to know the University of Coimbra in 60 to 90 minutes, you will have the opportunity to learn about the history and clear your doubts with our guides. We advise you to book in advance, we always guarantee entry, in the summer, the queues to buy tickets can reach two hours. I wait for you, to show the best of the University of Coimbra.

What's not included

Food, Drink and Souvenirs

Private transportation

Available languages

Guide guide

PT EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

10 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Outside Porta Férrea, between the Faculty of Letters and the General Library of the University of Coimbra.
GPS coordinates of the Meeting Point: 6H5F+4P Coimbra

Important notes

When booking this guided tour, your tour guide is named João Archer de Carvalho, certified guide by Turismo de Portugal, Master in Art History, and former student of the University of Coimbra. He has extensive experience in conducting guided tours through the center of Portugal. In case of doubt, you should contact the guide through the following contact number: +351 917 796 464 (preferably via WhatsApp).

About Coimbra

Coimbra, known as the City of Students, is a historic city in central Portugal with a rich academic tradition. It's home to one of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Coimbra, and is famous for its well-preserved medieval architecture, vibrant student life, and cultural heritage.

Top Attractions

University of Coimbra

One of the oldest universities in the world, the University of Coimbra is a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning architecture and a rich history.

Historical 2-3 hours €12 (general admission)

Coimbra Cathedral (Sé Velha)

This Romanesque cathedral is one of the most important religious buildings in Portugal, featuring beautiful architecture and historical artifacts.

Religious 1-2 hours €3 (general admission)

Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha

A ruined monastery that was once the home of Queen Saint Isabel, offering a glimpse into the city's medieval past.

Historical 1-2 hours €4 (general admission)

Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra

A beautiful and serene garden with a diverse collection of plants, perfect for a relaxing stroll.

Nature 1 hour Free (with University of Coimbra ticket)

Portugal dos Pequenitos

A miniature park featuring scaled-down replicas of famous Portuguese monuments and buildings, ideal for families and children.

Cultural 1-2 hours €7 (general admission)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Cozido à Portuguesa

A hearty stew made with various meats, vegetables, and beans, cooked slowly in a clay pot.

Dinner Contains meat and beans

Bacalhau à Brás

A popular dish made with shredded salted cod, onions, potatoes, and eggs.

Dinner Contains fish and eggs

Leitão à Bairrada

Roast suckling pig, a specialty of the Bairrada region, served with a crispy skin and tender meat.

Dinner Contains pork

Pastel de Tentúgal

A traditional pastry from the Tentúgal region, filled with sweet cream and topped with cinnamon.

Dessert Contains dairy and sugar

Popular Activities

Hiking in Bussaco Forest Kayaking on the Mondego River Visiting thermal spas in Luso Strolling along the Mondego River Exploring the University of Coimbra Visiting the Coimbra Cathedral (Sé Velha) Swimming at nearby beaches Visiting the Festa das Latas (Bottle Caps Festival)

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This is the best time to visit Coimbra for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city is lively with students and tourists.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Portuguese
Widely spoken: English, French, Spanish
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Time Zone

GMT+1 (Western European Time)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Coimbra is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates. However, as with any destination, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Be cautious of your surroundings, especially at night
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps

Getting there

By air

Francisco de Sa Carneiro Airport • 110 km from Coimbra

By train

Coimbra-B Station, Coimbra A Station

By bus

Coimbra Bus Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The bus system is efficient and covers most parts of the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, FreeNow

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Alta Baixa Sé Nova

Day trips

Conímbriga

15 km from Coimbra • Half day

Conímbriga is a well-preserved Roman settlement with impressive mosaics, ruins, and a museum.

Luso and Bussaco Forest

20 km from Coimbra • Full day

Luso is a charming spa town known for its thermal waters, while Bussaco Forest offers beautiful hiking trails and a historic palace.

Aveiro

60 km from Coimbra • Full day

Aveiro is a charming coastal city known as the 'Venice of Portugal' for its canals and colorful moliceiro boats.

Festivals

Queima das Fitas (Ribbon Burning Festival) • Late May Festa das Latas (Bottle Caps Festival) • December

Pro tips

Visit the University of Coimbra early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience
Try local specialties, such as Cozido à Portuguesa, Bacalhau à Brás, and Pastel de Tentúgal, at iconic eateries like O Sucesso, Zé Manel dos Frangos, and Café Santa Cruz
Explore the city's neighborhoods, such as Alta, Baixa, and Sé Nova, to discover hidden gems, local shops, and cultural sites
Take a day trip to Conímbriga, Luso and Bussaco Forest, or Aveiro to experience the region's history, nature, and unique culture
Attend a Fado performance at the University of Coimbra for a traditional Portuguese music experience