Coimbra, the city where history and fun collide! From exploring the ancient halls of the University (it’s like Hogwarts, but without the magic wands) to wandering through the medieval streets (watch out for knights on rollerblades), Coimbra has it all. I was lucky enough to be visiting during the Festa das Latas, a parade and party to kick off the new school year at the University of Coimbra. My visit to Coimbra was a journey through its rich heritage and vibrant atmosphere.
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How to get to Coimbra
Porto to Coimbra
Traveling from Porto to Coimbra can be done very easily by bus, Blablacar, or train. Flixbus offers rides from Porto to Coimbra for about $4 one way with buses leaving very frequently throughout the day. Rede Expressos also offers bus rides from Porto to Coimbra, however, they may not be as cheap as Flixbus. Blablacar also offers many rides from Porto to Coimbra, however, it may not be as cheap as Flixbus and you may not be able to book until one or two days before. There are several trains going throughout the day from the Porto Sao Bento or Campanha stations to Coimbra (not Coimbra-B because it is slightly outside the city center). Train schedules can be found here: https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/en. Some trains will include a transfer in Campanha if coming from Sao Bento and another in Aveiro.
Aveiro to Coimbra
Traveling from Aveiro to Coimbra is even easier and quicker. Flixbus doesn’t travel this route but Rede Expressos does and it costs 6 euros. It’s about a 45 minute ride from Aveiro to Coimbra and there should also be Blablacars going this route for also less than 6 euros. And of course there are also trains going this route for 5.40 euros. Schedules can be found here: https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/en.
Where to stay in Coimbra
I stayed at the Change the World Hostel in Coimbra. Location was great and very central, staff was friendly, hostel was clean, and kitchen was small but well equipped. I stayed in the 4 person dorm room with a shared bathroom. There were two bathrooms on the floor and they were modern and clean. The rooms had lockers and enough outlets.
The location of the hostel was in great proximity to the university, the train station, and the main street in Coimbra that leads to the bridge.
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What to do in Coimbra
Get lost in the alleyways
No visit to Coimbra is complete without exploring the beautiful alleyways. Wandering through Coimbra’s alleyways is like stepping into a living history book. These narrow cobblestone streets, lined with colorful facades and ancient architecture, bear witness to the city’s rich past. Dating back centuries, these alleyways have seen scholars, poets, and monarchs pass through their winding paths. As you wander, you’ll discover hidden corners and charming nooks, each with its own story to tell. I certainly did while being captivated by the enchanting beauty of it all. Exploring these alleyways immerses you in the essence of Coimbra, where history and culture intertwine, creating an unforgettable experience for every visitor.
Walk through the University of Coimbra and Jardim Botanico
The University of Coimbra, founded in 1290, stands as one of the oldest universities in continuous operation in the world. Throughout the centuries, the University of Coimbra has been a hub of intellectual and cultural exchange, nurturing renowned scholars, poets, and scientists. Today, it remains a prestigious institution, attracting students from around the globe.
The University of Coimbra is not only renowned for its academic excellence but also boasts a magnificent Botanical Garden. Established in 1772, the garden serves as a living testament to the university’s commitment to botanical research and preservation. Visitors can explore the garden’s diverse sections, including the medicinal garden, arboretum, and greenhouse, which houses exotic species. If pressed for time, I highly recommend at least walking through the garden on your visit to Coimbra.
Pedro and Inês Pedestrian Bridge
This is a famous bridge pedestrian bridge named after the legendary love story between Dom Pedro and Dona Inês de Castro, which is deeply rooted in Portuguese history and literature. The bridge spans the Mondego River, connecting the city center with the picturesque neighborhood of Quinta das Lágrimas, where the tragic love affair between Pedro and Inês is said to have unfolded. The story of Pedro and Inês is a tale of forbidden love that took place in 14th-century Portugal. Pedro, the Crown Prince, fell in love with Inês de Castro, a lady-in-waiting, but their relationship faced opposition from the royal court. Tragically, Inês was murdered, and Pedro he was consumed by grief and sought revenge when he was crowned King of Portugal.
The bridge provides a scenic pathway for pedestrians, offering stunning views of the river and the surrounding landscape. It has become a symbol of romance and a popular spot for locals and visitors to enjoy a leisurely stroll while admiring the beauty of Coimbra.
Festa das Latas
Festa das Latas is an exuberant and iconic annual celebration held in Coimbra, Portugal. This usually takes place around the first or second week of October. This lively event marks the beginning of the academic year and is eagerly anticipated by students and locals alike.
The festivities kick off with a colorful parade, where the freshman wear vibrant and often elaborate costumes. These costumes often feature clever references to pop culture, current events, or local traditions, adding an element of amusement to the procession. In addition, freshman from each school faculty wear a different color. The cans, or latas, tied around their feet make a clanking sound letting the town know that they are coming. The freshman also collect donations for a charity chosen by their faculty.
All other students are wearing the school uniform, which is allegedly rumored to have been the inspiration for J.K. Rowling for the Hogwarts uniforms in Harry Potter. Seniors often carry a turnip as part of tradition to represent resilience, resourcefulness, and camaraderie in overcoming challenges. Students are also seen pushing shopping carts, which are really just convenient to carry their things and alcohol. Yes, there is a lot of alcohol and drunk students involved. The parade runs through the whole day through the town down to the Praca da Cancao where the parade ends by baptizing the freshman in the Mondego River where they are finally initiated into the school.
The Festa das Latas parade, with its vibrant costumes, lively music, and spirited atmosphere, serves as a vibrant celebration of Coimbra’s student community and their indomitable spirit. Being able to see this on my visit to Coimbra was amazing and a ton of fun.
Where to Next?
My visit to Coimbra was an unexpected surprise. I didn’t expect to meet the beautiful people that I did, and I definitely did not expect to see a festival. Coimbra is a beautiful, less touristy city to visit in Portugal that I would not want to miss. My next stop south was the vibrant capital city of Lisbon and some nearby areas.
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How wonderful to experience unanticipated surprises. Meeting new people and experiencing a local festival is my kind of travel. Whilst appreciating and enjoying other areas of Coimbra.
I could get lost in those alleyways and gardens for hours! Thank you for this incredibly helpful guide! I’ve had Porto on my bucket list for a while and now have more ideas for when I FINALLY get to visit Portugal!
I’ve heard many good things about Coimbra. I think it is one of Rick Steves’ favorites. I think I need to carry around a turnip. I need those qualities.
It’s indeed a matter of luck to be in a new city during a festival. Such a culturally immersive experience. I’ll try including this in my Portugal itinerary when I visit
Portugal is at the very very top of my list for my next Europe trip!!! Pinning this for later.
I wish I had made the trip to Coimbra while staying in Porto, as it looks great. I would love to wander around the botanical gardens and maybe tour the historic university. A lovely place for a day trip or a few night’s stay.