"Coimbra" Top 5 Page for this destination Coimbra by acemj

Coimbra Travel Guide: 304 reviews and 719 photos

Rustic Charm

I cannot lie. Coimbra was a slight disappointment, but not because it wasn't a charming place. The sight of the city rising above the Rio Mondego is worth going out of your way for all by itself. Charming streets wind up toward the Old University, which tops the hill like a worn and rusted crown. Amazing azulejos cover the walls and elderly people stroll deliberately, smiling as they walk as if each step were adding to their wisdom.

I was disappointed because I wasn't expecting charm. I wasn't looking for quaint lanes and hearty food. My friend Andrew and I came to Coimbra looking for some youthful energy. Intentionally arriving on a Saturday, we expected to go out late and find a sleepless city full of students dancing, debating world affairs and drinking late into the night, but we hardly saw any students at all. Instead, Coimbra extended her hand and welcomed us with a courteous smile. She treated us well, offered up a silent night and left us well rested when we left. Thank you Coimbra, but next time turn the music up, fill up the bar and tell us we can sleep when we go home!!

Last visit to Coimbra: Feb 2003
Intro Updated Mar 8, 2003
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Reviews (37)

entrance to parque de santa cruz - Coimbra

Some quiet paths in the city Off The Beaten Path (3)

Parque de Santa Cruz is off of Praca de Republica near the university and offers a number of peaceful spots to get away... more travel advice

Narrow lanes Things to Do (15)

Stroll around Coimbra and you're sure to find something that interests you. This street reminded me of the tight, high... more travel advice

Sunday morning party boat! Transportation (3)

We were walking around the riverfront on Sunday morning and noticed this boat floating by full of people partying. It... more travel advice

Rua Ferriera Borges Things to Do (15)

This is the main shopping street in Coimbra and a nice place for a stroll. I love buildings like this one, which reminds... more travel advice

Comments (24)

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Vulindlela Mar 26, 2007 at 6:34 PM

Well written! Thank you for the great tips.
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Nemorino Jul 14, 2005 at 12:07 AM

This was over 2 years ago, so by now I'm sure you've gotten reconciled to digital photography (the best invention since crunchy peanut butter in my opinion). My visit to Coimbra was on a bicycle tour of Spain and Portugal, quite a few years ago.
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bambino36 Sep 9, 2004 at 9:31 AM

you must go during the student festivities in May "Queima das Fitas"... this year they beat a world record... more beer drank in the less period of time... Cheers
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Nelson1979 Jun 10, 2004 at 7:35 AM

Did u go in summer ? I studies there (erasmus) from september to februari and nightlife was great, especially Via Latina. Maybe you went on a day that they had holidays because it's a vibrant city !
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Henrik_rrb May 13, 2004 at 5:20 PM

Great page, Mark! Now I know more about Coimbra for the Euro2004-trip! Hopefully the students aren't sent home for the summer though... ;-) Did you have trouble to enter the old library? I've heard you might have to stand in the line for hours...?
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Procaccini Dec 6, 2003 at 5:06 AM

Thanks Mark! Fatima is an undefinible place for me: the Virgin Mary always helps me to understand everything!!!!! ciao from Italy! :-)))))))))
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ncfg Dec 5, 2003 at 3:39 PM

At the weekends students usually returns to their homes, so the student nights are during the week. Bad luck you had, I am sure you would love that student environment. Great page!
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Leipzig Sep 28, 2003 at 2:37 AM

Coimbra looks like a charming old town. I think I would like this town more than you - I do not need to party on my holidays. Great page, anyway!
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tessy Sep 27, 2003 at 3:36 PM

Wow, great page, great differences: the student's places, the old women, the clean birds, the narrow streets, ....
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Amitu Jul 29, 2003 at 7:50 PM

At last..a great page with b & W pics on a portuguese town..great stuff Mark-highly interesting insights