Where to Stay in Coimbra: FULL Guide to the Best Places (2025)

Coimbra is home not only to one of the oldest universities in Europe, which is said to have inspired Harry Potter's Hogwarts attire but also to the most bizarre and tragic love story of all time.

This city offers a unique charm, and choosing the best location to make the most of your time is important. In this full guide to where to stay in Coimbra, I'll tell you about all the best neighborhoods, what you can do in each, and the best hotels to book for your trip.

The Best Areas to Stay in Coimbra

Baixa de Coimbra (Downtown) – The heart of the Old Town, Baixa de Coimbra, is located right by the Mondego River and is characterized by its historic buildings, traditional shops, charming cafes, and narrow streets. This is also where most of the hotels in Coimbra are located.

Alta de Coimbra (Upper Coimbra) – Known for its historical and academic significance, here you'll find the University and Sofia Street, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the Botanical Garden.

Santa Clara – Located on the other bank of the Mondego River, this quieter area offers stunning views of the historical center. It's also where you can visit Quinta das Lágrimas and Portugal dos Pequenitos (a must-see, especially if traveling with kids).

1. Where to Stay in Coimbra for First-Time Visitors: Baixa de Coimbra

Baixa de Coimbra, considered the town center, is next to the Coimbra-A train station, making it easily accessible if you arrive in town by train.

Downtown is not only where you'll find most of Coimbra hotels and apartments, catering to a range of preferences and budgets, but it is also the place where you can soak in history, enjoy the student-dominated nightlife, have a great meal at one of the many restaurants and cafes, or simply enjoy the endless street shopping options.

This historical Coimbra area is home to some of the most significant sites in the city, such as:

• Rua de Sofia – this street was historically significant for its connection to the University of Coimbra and embodies centuries of academic tradition

• Santa Cruz Monastery – where you can see the extraordinarily sculpted tombs of the first two Portuguese kings

• Sé Velha (Old Cathedral) – one of Portugal's most important Romanesque buildings and a testament to the country's architectural and religious heritage

• Arco de Almedina – an ancient arch leading to the old town

• City Hall

• Numerous churches, characterized by their classic Portuguese charm

Best area to stay for:

• First-time travelers

• History lovers

• Visitors traveling without a car

Best Hotels to Stay in Baixa de Coimbra

$$$ Hotel Oslo

Hotel Oslo is a family-run hotel with modern rooms and a stunning view of the University – which you can also enjoy from this hotel's rooftop bar. Hotel Oslo is only 50 meters from the train station and a short walk to the Mondego River.

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$$ Tivoli Coimbra Hotel

The Tivoli Coimbra Hotel is a modern 4-star hotel. Located in the city center, near the Rua de Sofia, Tivoli Coimbra is one of the hotels in Coimbra where you can rent a business center for meetings or events.

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$ Vila Julieta Guesthouse

This hotel is in the middle of the town center, making it an excellent location to visit Coimbra. Each room offers a private bathroom and a flat-screen TV. This hotel has a shared lounge and is known for its very helpful staff.

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Things to Do in Baixa de Coimbra

• Walk through the Arco da Almedina to visit the Old Town's cobbled streets.

• Explore the pedestrian streets like Rua Ferreira Borges and Rua Visconde da Luz for local shopping and dining.

• Visit the bustling Mercado Municipal D. Pedro V for fresh produce and local products.

• Stroll by the Mondego River and have lunch at one of the restaurants nearby.

• Visit the Rua da Sofia.

• Learn about Portugal's royal history at the Santa Cruz Church and Monastery.

2. Where to Stay in Coimbra Near the University & for History: Alta de Coimbra

Alta de Coimbra, the upper part of the city, feels like stepping back in time. Home to one of the oldest universities in Europe – built in 1290! – Universidade de Coimbra is where you'll find a stunning baroque masterpiece in the form of a library, also a UNESCO World Heritage site (Coimbra seems to be full of these) – the Joanina Library.

Personally, I don't know what is more impressive: the extensive collection of rare books or the beautiful architecture of this historical place. Anyways, it's a must-see if you are visiting Coimbra.

There are some other things you can do while at Coimbra University:

• Go up the old bell tower to get the best views of Coimbra

• Take a walking tour around the University of Coimbra

• Lose yourself in a true oasis right in the middle of the city: the Botanical Gardens

In Alta de Coimbra, you can stay at a quaint family-run hotel or a luxurious boutique hotel, any of which will be the perfect base for exploring Coimbra's historic heart.

Coimbra's Harry Potter Connection

It might seem weird to make this connection, but the truth is that J. K. Rowling got her inspiration for the Hogwarts uniforms described in the Harry Potter series from her time in Portugal where she lived during the early 1990s.

Particularly from the traditional academic attire of Portuguese university students which consists of a black suit, tie, and cloak, which closely resembles the Hogwarts dress code.

Best area to stay for:

• Literature and architecture enthusiasts

• History lovers

• Time traveler fans

• Harry Potter fans

Best Hotels to Stay in Alta de Coimbra

$$$ Sapientia Boutique Hotel

Sapientia Boutique Hotel offers bright rooms equipped with private kitchens in the city center. This boutique hotel is located in Alta de Coimbra. Enjoy the city lights by going to the rooftop bar on the top floor of this hotel.

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$$ The Luggage

This city center hotel is a beautiful mansion transformed into a boutique hotel. Located an easy walk from the University of Coimbra, this hotel offers rooms with a patio overlooking the city.

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$ LAA Studios

With modern rooms in pastel colors, the hotel's terrace is the perfect spot to relax after a day of sightseeing. Each room of this Coimbra accommodation has a private bathroom and a flat-screen TV.

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Things to Do in Alta de Coimbra

• Visit the beautiful Joanina Library

• Go up the bell tower at Coimbra University for the stunning city views

• Escape to the Botanical Gardens of the University of Coimbra

• Get to know some Portuguese art and history at the Machado de Castro National Museum

Travel Tip: Where to Find the Best Suckling Pig in Coimbra

One of Portugal's culinary masteries, the suckling pig, finds in Coimbra its home. There are many options, but why not go to the best? And that is Rui dos Leitões. Located just a 24-minute bus ride from Coimbra-B train station, you'll find the most delicious, succulent, and unforgettable suckling pig. And by the way, the best drink to go with leitão is, of course, champagne!

3. Where to Stay in Coimbra With Kids or for a Romantic Getaway: Santa Clara

On the other side of the Mondego River, you'll find the Santa Clara neighborhood, with its stunning views of Coimbra's Old Town.

This area is home to the ancient Santa Clara-a-Velha Monastery, known for its impressive gothic ruins and St Francis Convent (Convento Sao Francisco).

The area is also a family favorite, thanks to Portugal dos Pequenitos, a park full of miniature versions of Portuguese landmarks where you will, without a doubt, have a great time – go prepared with lots of space on your phone memory for this one!

This neighborhood is also where you can visit the beautiful Quinta das Lágrimas Gardens, a historic palace famous for the tragic love story of Prince Pedro and Inês de Castro.

There are fewer hotels here than in the Baixa/Alta areas of Coimbra. However, there are still a handful of friendly hotels, including the best and most charming: Hotel Quinta das Lágrimas.

The Tragic Love Story of Pedro and Inês

Inês, initially a lady-in-waiting to Pedro's wife, became his lover. Their romance was opposed by the king (Pedro's father), leading to Inês's execution in 1355. Later, when Pedro became king, he exhumed Inês' body and placed her on the throne, declaring her the queen. He then required courtiers to pay homage to the queen by kissing her hand. Their story, marked by love and tragedy, has immortalized the Quinta as a symbol of their enduring love.

Best area area to stay:

• Families

• Couples

• Romantic getaways

• Quiet stays

Best Hotels to Stay in Santa Clara

$$$ Hotel Quinta das Lagrimas – Small Luxury Hotels

Located in a former palace, Hotel Quinta das Lagrimas is one of the best hotels in Coimbra and the only 5-star hotel in the city. With palace rooms, garden rooms, free private parking, two restaurants, an outdoor swimming pool, a luxurious spa, an excellent breakfast, and a 9-hole golf course, this is one of the best hotels in Coimbra.

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$$ Guest House Santa Clara

This hotel has rooms offering a river view and the University of Coimbra as background.

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$ ArchiSuites

A walking distance from Portugal dos Pequeninos, this hotel has family rooms and an outdoor swimming pool perfect for taking your kids.

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Things to Do in Santa Clara

• Spend an afternoon strolling around Quinta das Lágrimas

• Take your kids to the Portugal dos Pequenitos – you can still go if you don't have kids. It's quite an experience to feel like a giant next to small-scale versions of some of the most remarkable Portuguese landmarks

• Visit the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha ruins

• Go shopping in the Forum Coimbra Mall

Where to Stay in Coimbra – Frequently Asked Questions

🗓️ How many days should I stay in Coimbra?

Although you can see most of Coimbra's main attractions on a day trip from Porto, 2-3 days is the appropriate time to fully enjoy and explore the city. Spending 2 to 3 days in Coimbra allows you to visit its historic Old City and the main sights. It also leaves time for you to go on a guided tour of the Roman ruins of Conimbriga.

Dating back to the 9th century BC, the Roman ruins of Conimbriga are among Portugal's best-preserved ancient sites. While visiting, you can explore extensive remains, including intricate mosaics, residential areas, public baths, and the forum. Walking through these ruins gives you a real sense of the past coming to life.

🌃 Is Coimbra worth to visit for one night?

Absolutely! Spending a night in Coimbra allows you to soak up its charm, especially after sunset. You can enjoy a leisurely evening exploring the historic streets, have dinner at a traditional Portuguese restaurant, or catch some Fado music live. It's a great way to fully experience the city's student culture and can be an awesome pit stop on any Portugal road trip along your way to Lisbon or the Douro Valley.

🚶🏽‍♀️ Is Coimbra a walkable city?

Yes, Coimbra is quite walkable, especially its historic areas like the University of Coimbra and Baixa. It's worth mentioning that there's no metro or tram in Coimbra; however, the city's bus network, SMTUC, effectively covers most areas, and you can also take a taxi or haul a private car.

Where to Stay in Coimbra – Final Words

Coimbra might not be anything like staying in Lisbon or Porto, but it certainly has a rich history as a university town and a beautiful medieval atmosphere with narrow cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and a vibrant student culture.

To me, the city's relaxed pace and authentic Portuguese charm provide a refreshing contrast to the vibrant energy of the more well-known places in Portugal.

There's a very famous fado song in Portugal called Balada da Despedida. It goes like this: Coimbra, tem mais encanto, na hora da despedida – meaning Coimbra is more charming when it's time to say goodbye (surprisingly, you can listen to Chris Martin sing this song during last year's Coldplay concerts).

I don't know where they got this idea, but I hope you can now agree with me that the old Fado song is wrong. Coimbra can be charming while you visit it, not only when you say goodbye. Whether you are a history lover or not, this is undoubtedly a nice place to spend a couple of days soaking in the ancient energy and lasting love vibes this city offers.