Black capes, the world’s most beautiful library, student fado and the love story of Pedro and Inês: discover Coimbra with a local. Book for €1.50 and decide at the end how much it was worth.
Fun fact: Coimbra was Portugal’s first capital, and its university, founded in 1290, is one of the oldest in Europe.
Highlights
- The University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Student traditions, black capes and Queima das Fitas
- Coimbra fado, sung by students
- The Old Cathedral and Portugal’s first capital
- Portugal’s most tragic love story: Pedro and Inês
Full description
Coimbra is the city where Portugal learned to think… and to sing. It was the country’s first capital, and one of Europe’s oldest universities still beats at its heart. Your local guide will show it to you, starting at the São Sebastião Aqueduct and passing the Arco da Traição and the Monumental Staircase before reaching the top of the university hill, a UNESCO World Heritage Site: the Porta Férrea, Via Latina, Torre da Cabra and the famous Joanina Library. You’ll learn about the black capes, Queima das Fitas and the Monumental Serenade, hear the story of Coimbra fado, sung by students, and descend the “backbreaker” Quebra Costas beside the Old Cathedral. We’ll pass Jardim da Manga, the Inquisition courtyard and the Church of Santa Cruz, with its convent sweets and the Miracle of the Roses. The tour ends by the Mondego River with Portugal’s most tragic love story: Pedro and Inês de Castro. How does it work? The €1.50 you pay when booking is just a booking fee: it reserves your place in the group but doesn’t go to the guide. The tour itself is pay-what-you-wish: at the end, you give your guide whatever you think they’ve earned. Most people leave €15–20 per person, but here the price is set by your smile, not a fixed fee.
Route
Duration: 2 h 30 min
- Meeting point
On foot
1Acueducto de São Sebastião
Guided visit · 10 min
Meeting point beneath the main arch
On foot (3 min)
2Jardín Botánico
Pass by · 10 min
Student traditions in a green oasis
On foot (3 min)
3Arco da Traição
Guided visit · 5 min
The origin of a name with a rich history
On foot (3 min)
4Escaleras Monumentales
Guided visit · 10 min
The Estado Novo and the legend of the stairs
On foot (3 min)
5Estatua de D. Dinis
Guided visit · 10 min
The king who founded the university
On foot (5 min)
6Universidad de Coimbra
Guided visit · 20 min
Porta Férrea, Via Latina, Torre da Cabra and Joanina Library (exterior)
On foot (3 min)
7Sé Nova
Guided visit · 10 min
The Jesuits and the Marquis of Pombal
On foot (5 min)
8Sé Velha
Guided visit · 15 min
Portugal’s first capital and the Monumental Serenade
On foot (3 min)
9Torre de Anto
Guided visit · 10 min
The Coimbra song: student fado
On foot (2 min)
10Escalera de Quebra Costas
Pass by · 5 min
The “backbreaker” and the tricanas
On foot (5 min)
11Jardim da Manga y Patio de la Inquisición
Guided visit · 10 min
Peace and a dark chapter in history
On foot (3 min)
12Iglesia de Santa Cruz
Guided visit · 10 min
Convent sweets and the Miracle of the Roses
On foot (8 min)
13Río Mondego
Guided visit · 10 min
End with the story of Inês de Castro and King Pedro
For reference only: the route and times may change on the day.
Duration: 2 h 30 min
Shared group
Up to 6 people
Guide / driver speaks
Spanish
What's included
Local guide in Spanish
Around 2.5-hour walking tour of the upper and lower city
Stories, fun facts and recommendations from a local
Not included
Your pay-what-you-wish contribution to the guide at the end of the tour (the average is €15–20 per person)
Monument admission (exterior visits only)
Food, drinks and transportation
Meeting point
Coimbra, Portugal
The exact meeting point is provided in the booking confirmation.
Important information
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users
- People with reduced mobility
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes (there are hills and stairs)
- Water
- Cash for the tip
Not allowed
- Groups of more than 6 people, even if they book separately
Good to know
- Look for the blue umbrella with yellow “Free Tour” lettering
- Arrive 10–15 minutes before the start time
- The tour runs rain or shine
- At the end, leave whatever tip you consider fair, in cash
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to the tour start time: your booking fee will be refunded. If your plans change, cancel to free up your place for another traveler.
Company's general termsShowHide
Pay-what-you-wish free tour: the €1.50 paid when booking is a booking fee and does not include payment for the guide. At the end of the tour, each person gives the guide what they consider fair, in cash and in euros only (the average is €15–20 per person). Maximum 6 people per booking: we do not accept groups of more than 6, even if they book separately. Are you a larger group? For large groups, we require prepayment of €12 per adult and €5 per child, or you can book a private tour. There are hills and stairs. Monument visits are exterior only; admission is not included. Drinks, food and transportation are not included. Stops may vary depending on the guide, weather or events in the city. Free cancellation up to the start time.
Questions and answers
Where is the pick-up?
At the hotel, rental or address you give when booking. The company confirms the exact spot and time.
Can I bring children?
Yes. Count children in the number of people. For child seats or other needs, write to the company through the booking messages.
Can we stop wherever we like?
On a private service the vehicle is just for your group: agree stops with the driver, within the service's duration.
Can I cancel?
Free cancellation up to the tour start time: your booking fee will be refunded. If your plans change, cancel to free up your place for another traveler.
How do I pay?
Online, by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. You get the confirmation by e-mail straight away.
What if I have more questions?
After booking, talk to the company through the booking messages. Before that, write to us at [email protected].