Coimbra

Coimbra is a historic city in Central Portugal, which serves as the regional capital and, with almost 150 000 inhabitants, is the largest municipality there and one of Portugal's four largest metropolises. An important urban and administrative centre since the birth of the Portuguese nation and the city has amassed vast cultural and architectural legacy and is the seat of one of world's oldest universities with a UNESCO-listed campus.

Universidad de Coímbra, Portugal, 2012-05-10, DD 12 - University of Coimbra

Coimbra Halal Travel Guide

How to travel to Coimbra

Fly to Coimbra

The most convenient airports for Coimbra are (in order of distance):

Francisco Saturday Carneiro Airport - Porto
Portela Airport - Lisbon

Coimbra-A-vista geral 1 - Coimbra-A is a beautiful, historic station strategically located in the downtown - but not served by long-distance trains

Travel by train to Coimbra

Alfa Pendular at Coimbra-B station - Alfa Pendular at Coimbra-B

Coimbra has two main train stations: Coimbra-A is a historic train station built near the riverbank close to the medieval downtown. It is a terminus station only served by local trains. Coimbra-B is a through station on the Lisbon-Porto line, served by high-speed long-distance Alfa Pendular trains. It is quite remotely located, and the best you can do when arriving on an Alfa is to change to a local train to Coimbra-A, as all local trains serve both stations and your long-distance ticket will cover this stretch as well.

Travel duration to Coimbra-B is about 1h from Porto and about 1h 45m from Lisbon. Train times (from any location) can be found on the National Rail - CP]

By car

The best way to drive to Coimbra is using the A1 Highway. Take any exit to Coimbra and you will be about 10 min away from the downtown.

About 1 hour from Porto
About 2 hours from Lisbon

Take a bus to Coimbra

The bus station is located at Av. Fernão de Magalhães and is easily reached by local bus or on foot (a 10 minutes walk from the downtown). It has destinations for the whole of Portugal (with changes for some far away destinations), and it's faster and fares are normally cheaper than the train.

Coimbra is a hard city to drive in as it was built around medieval structures. Also, finding a parking spot can be difficult. The best option for visiting Coimbra is to find a hotel with parking or to park near the downtown and then walk around. The main attractions are in the downtown and within walking distance of each other. Coimbra Baixa is the lower city (downtown). Alta is the highest part of the city, which is also difficult to drive around.

Get Around

GPS 40.210|-8.427

By foot

Most of the things to see and do in Coimbra, and most of the places to eat, drink and sleep are within reasonable walking distance of each other and of the railway station, in Baixa. There are several hotels, residencias, pensions, restaurants, cafes, pastry shops, and late night restaurants.

Most monuments are in Baixa and Santa Clara (across the Mondego river).

Smaller shops, restaurants and hotels are mostly in Baixa and Santa Clara.

Major shopping malls are in Alta, by Solum and near the municipal stadium/pool.

Travel on a Bus in Coimbra

The SMTUC operates bus lines in and around Coimbra. See a map ndex_mapa.php here.

By electric bus

The "Pantufinhas" or Blue Line provides transport in the historical downtown, and a link between the lower and upper town.

By elevator

There's an elevator ( "Elevador do Mercado"]) that connects Rua Padre António Vieira with Rua Olímpio Nicolau Rui Fernandes (next to Mercado Municipal D Pedro V). A valid SMTUC ticket is necessary to gain access.

What to see in Coimbra

Coimbra November 2012-7 - Old library (Biblioteca Joanina) of the University of Coimbra

Secular monuments

University of Coimbra 40.2074, -8.4261 On the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2013 - the famous old library shuts at 7PM.

Medieval Downtown Sao Tiago, Sao Bartolomeu
Quinta das Lagrimas 40.198056, -8.433333 Quinta das Lágrimas Quinta das Lágrimas and its tragic story of love

Eurostadium Cidade de Coimbra 40.203333, -8.407778 Estádio Cidade de Coimbra - Coimbra City Stadium 67308 one of the Euro 2004 stages

Religious monuments

Sé Velha de Coimbra - Fachada secundária - Old Gothic Church

Old Gothic Church - Se Velha | 40.208778, -8.427083 Old Gothic Church of Coimbra Se Velha of Coimbra front

Sé Nova de Coimbra fachada 2 - New Gothic Church

New Gothic Church of Coimbra - Se Nova | 40.2097, -8.4246 New Gothic Church of Coimbra Sé Nova de Coimbra - Fachada principal (2)

Igreja de Santa Cruz 40.210833, -8.428611 Monastery of Santa Cruz (Coimbra) Pt-coimbra-mosteiro-santacruz church in Baixa

Sta. Clara-a-Velha Convent 40.202756, -8.433439 Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha Most sta clara a velha 3
Sta. Clara-a-Nova Convent 40.2034, -8.4362 Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Nova Sta clara nova 1

}} Sister Lucia of Jesus Memorial

Parks and gardens

Jardim Botânico (3540454067) - Botanical garden of the university of Coimbra

Botanical Garden - Jardim Botânico da Universidade de Coimbra | 40.2058, -8.4214 Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra - Jardim Botânico de Coimbra

}} Parque Manuel Braga GPS 40.2048, -8.4273

Parque Verde do Mondego 40.2014, -8.425 345394 City park by the Mondego River

Jardim da Sereia - Mermaid's Garden aka Jardim de Santa Cruz | 345495

Penedo da Saudade 40.205167, -8.414833 Penedo da Saudade 62546 a beautiful garden

Museums

Machado de Castro National Museum 40.208792, -8.425494 Machado de Castro National Museum

Museum of Science 40.2102, -8.4237 Science Museum of the University of Coimbra

Peq - From Portugal dos Pequenitos

Portugal dos Pequenitos - Portugal of the little ones | 40.203056, -8.434167 Portugal dos Pequenitos Portugal dos pequenitos (2)

File:conimbriga - Roman Ruins of Conimbriga

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Coimbra

Have a walk up to the top of University Hill from the Mondego river (one of the three great rivers of Portugal), a gorgeous view.

Acueducto de San Sebastián, Coímbra, Portugal, 2012-05-10, DD 04 - San Sebastián Aqueduct

Fado

There are two kinds of fado in Portugal: Fado from Lisbon and Fado from Coimbra, neither should be missed (fados are nostalgic songs accompanied by Portuguese guitar).

Coimbra Fado group Verdes Anos

Student life

There is always a lot going on in the student community, go and find out what's up. There are two student festivals held every year:

Festa das Latas
Queima das Fitas

Get lost

The center of Coimbra is a great place to get lost, Coimbra is a small city but it is full of interesting spots, such as museums (Machado de Castro), Torre d`Anto, etc.

Shopping in Coimbra

Rua Visconde da Luz, Coímbra, Portugal, 2012-05-10, DD 01 - Rua Visconde da Luz in the old town

The medieval center of Coimbra is unusual in retaining a number of independent bookshops, boutiques, toyshops, galleries, antique and foodshops.There are several bookstores,cafes,restaurants,esplanadas. In Alta/Olivais:

Coimbra Shopping
Dolce Vita

Forum Coimbra GPS 40.2124, -8.4448}} If you are even just a bit into pottery and the traditional pottery is a must.

Plaza del Comercio, Coímbra, Portugal, 2012-05-10, DD 01 - Plaza del Comercio

Halal Restaurants

Please be informed that on some destination such as Coimbra we had no local Muslim/a that has researched some of the area. If you are a Muslim/a and have been to Coimbra or would like to maintain the eHalal Guide to Coimbra, please contact us at guides@ehalal.io or email us your updates.

Having a meal is not really a problem in Coimbra, since the city has a lots of restaurants, some featuring regional cuisine, in the old city (Baixa).

Three reasonably big shopping centers serve the standard fast food meals you can find everywhere. They are located in key places in the city, but not necessarily close to the tourism attractions of the city.

Menu Verde inside the Galerias Topázio, Loja 3, go up to the 2nd floor ☎ +351 239-840-207 Opening Hours: Open Monday to Friday 9AM Monday - 5PM €2.90 for soup and 5.50 a main dish (July 2012) Delicious ovo-lacto Vegetarian food.

Molho de Brocolos | Avenida Saturday da Bandeira 33/35 40.212, -8.423 Around to the right and at the back of the 2nd floor of Galerias Avenida € 5-8 mains Organic vegan food. Location isn't great tucked away at the back of the 2nd floor of a slightly run-down Shopping Centre, but the food and the staff totally make up for it.

Fangas Mercearia Cafe | Rua Fernandes Tomas, 45-49 ☎ +351 93 409 36 36 Opening Hours: Tuesday - Thu: 12:00-01:00, Friday - Sat: 12:00-02:00 Small but tasty dishes, rich in flavour mainly because they use local products, good Vegetarian even vegan choice, nice selection of Portuguese fruit cocktails, surprising(ly good) desserts.

Italia the Italian restaurant in the city park and over the river, very close to the Santa Clara bridge (very popular with tourists). You have a lot of outside tables, if the weather permits, and the food is prepared by Italian cooks. It's not expensive either.
Zé Manel dos Ossos Beco do Forno, 12. A unique atmosphere inside the restaurant is responsible for this fame, but the food is good too. The walls of the restaurant are filled with small pieces of paper, with writings from clients. Be aware that it is quite a small space, so there's a big probability that you won't find a table. Generous portions and a charcoal grill that makes a big difference compared with the electric ones. Try the bone marrow stew (from which the restaurant takes its name) or the grilled seabass or a great dish of stewed octopus and potatoes.
Restaurante Vitória is in the downtown and has traditional dishes suchs as "cozido à portuguesa", "bacalhau assado na brasa", "chafana". Nice and quiet restaurant.
Salão Brasil in the "baixinha" (downtown) center. A unique room, with huge windows and very spacious, invites for a relaxed meal. The food is great with some unique dishes from around the nation - like "Vitela Maronesa" and "Secretos de Porco preto". Vegetarian meals.

During the weekends there is jazz, folk and fado concerts - most of them for free. It's great to finish your meal - you have plenty of time, Portuguese are always late - and get a concert right there. Sometimes they get very crowded.

Taberna. If you want to try 'chanfana', one of the most famous dishes of the region, you should definitely go to this restaurant, close to the football stadium. This restaurant is specialized in a limited amount of dishes, but the quality of the food is just amazing. Go there at night, and try the 'chanfana', even though you may not have a clue about what thit is. Thit is the place for those who really appreciate good food. Don't go too late at night, because it can be a little crowded. The restaurant is very good, and it's located in the most densely populated area of the city.
Toscana is another very popular Italian restaurant, close to the new bridge. The decoration is great, with a lot of pictures from Florence, Venice, Rome. The quality of the food is quite high. It's definitely not your standard Pizzas...
O Telheiro, Rua do Padrao. On the downside, it is very hard to get a table (but you will get one if you wait) and it is out of the center of Coimbra (approx. 5 mins from Coimbra B train station).
Wok - oriental cuisine of very good level on the opposite side of the river, between the new (Santa Isabel) and pedestrian (Pedro e Ines) briges.
Farinha de Milho in Anca, a beautiful restaurant in a beautiful setting with beautiful traditional Portuguese food. This restaurant is in an old water mill in a small village just 10 minutes drive from Coimbra.
Rua de Azeiteiras (a street in Baixa) has lots of nice traditional restaurants.
Joao do Leitoes one of the most typical restaurants of the city. Its main dish is a roasted piglet served whole with potatoes and salad.

Quinta das Lágrimas hotel's restaurant may be the best restaurant in the city. It's the most expensive place in the city though... Be sure to wear your best clothes if you go there. It's a very fancy place.
Gengibre is modern and elegant restaurant near the Santo Antonio dos Olivais church
There is a lot of quality production in the regions surrounding Coimbra, try some "Bairrada" soft drinks.
Don't miss the "licor beirao", a national sweet drink drink born and made in the region.
Try the different varieties of firewater "Agua-Ardente". One is made only from grapes while the other is made from mixed fruit. Each have a unique and different after taste.

Cafes

Café Santa Cruz, Coímbra, Portugal, 2012-05-10, DD 01 - Café de Santa Cruz

Cafe de Santa Cruz is a historical cafe next to the "Igreja de Santa Cruz" (Saint Cross Church).
The bars in the new City Park are open all day long.

Night out

A warning and the students in this town seem to prefer Tuesday or Thursday night to go out. On weekends, this city is sleepy as many students go home to their families.

a Capela bar, were you can find yourself surrounded by Portuguese guitar tunes and "Fado de Coimbra" get a grip of this so traditional local culture.
Diligencia Bar - The oldest Fado House in Coimbra. Typical night bar were you'll find Fado de Coimbra and all kind of Portuguese traditional music.
Salao Brazil - A restaurant but also a bar, most worthy during weekends, with - mostly - free jazz, folk and fado concerts.
Bar AAC - Academic Association Bar, entrance sometimes limited to University students.
The bars in the "Parque Verde do Mondego" are a good place to go for a drink during Spring and Summer.
The bars around the "Praca da Republica" are full of the spirit of the students of the University, mainly during weekdays in Autumn, Winter and Spring.
Bar Quebra Costas, R. Quebra Costas 45, 3000 Coimbra, Portugal. Nice location on the stairs leading to Se Velha. Open air concerts.

Clubs

NB - Disco near Praca da Republica.
Theatrix - Disco in Av. Saturday da Bandeira.
Noites Longas - Disco near Praca da Republica, alternative sounding (metal, rock).

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to Coimbra

Coimbra - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to Coimbra, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Coimbra. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in Coimbra and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to Coimbra. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to Coimbra. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations in Coimbra: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in Coimbra.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in Coimbra: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in Coimbra, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in Coimbra.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in Coimbra, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in Coimbra, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within Coimbra and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in Coimbra, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in Coimbra, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of Coimbra without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for Coimbra is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring Coimbra.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group Coimbra is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in Coimbra, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group Coimbra Media: info@ehalal.io

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Muslim Friendly Hotels

There are several affordable hostels around the town center.

Pousada de Juventude - In June 2008 the going rate was €11 a night plus €2 if you are didn't have the card from youth hostel.

Residencial Gouveia | Rua João de Ruão, nº 21 – 1º andar ☎ +351 239 829793 18-28 euros - Residencial Gouveia is located in the heart of downtown Coimbra. It is an excellent compromise between comfortable and affordable / economical price. It offers rooms with free Wi-Fi and air conditioning (optional) and allows you to make reservations at the official site. It does not include meals.

Residencial Domus | rua Adelino Veiga 62 They have cheaper rooms in another building just opposite - a double costs 20 euros (February 2006)
Residencia Aeminium Coimbra - ☎ +351 239 829426 - Great location near transportations and all main attractions. Good alternative to hotels or hostels with a good quality-price ratio.

Grande Hostel de Coimbra - Rua Antero Quental nº196 Near Praça da República (centre) ☎ +351 239 108 212 Check-in: 12AM / Check-out: 11AM Hostel with lockers, free Internet, no curfew. Dorms €18 and double rooms 20 per person per day. It's a big house with a big garden and a nice and friendly atmosphere! There is a spacious living room, a well-equipped kitchen and a terrace for the guests to use.

Hotel Comfort Inn Almedina Coimbra | Av. Fernão de Magalhães, 199 ☎ +351 239 855 500 O Hotel Comfort Inn Almedina Coimbra is located at Coimbra downtown. Free access to Wi-Fi and Internet. Nearby train stations and bus stops. Transportation to all the city 50 meters from the hotel. Parking facilities.

Hotel Ibis Coimbra | Avenida Emidio Navarro n°70 Edificio Topazio 40.20784, -8.43055 ☎ +351 239 852 130 - It's a modern looking hotel with amazing features.

 https:// Tryp Coimbra Avenida Armando Gonsalves

Pousada de Condeixa-a-Nova - Santa Cristina, Charming Hotel Rua Francisco Lemos 3150-142 Condeixa-a-Nova ☎ +351-239 944 025 +351-239 943 097 - A former palace owned by the Almadas Family, was built in the 16th century. For several years it received members of the European nobility. In the first half of the 19th century and the palace was transformed in a hotel inn, later on it was an orphanage to poor children and finally an asylum homeless elderly people.

The Oslo Hotel Coimbra ☎ +351 239829071 - Near the train station and all main attractions. It has recently been renewed and the staff are helpful and the view is nice.

Residencial Pensão Vitória - ☎ +351 239824049 - Located near the train station. Recently renewed. Excellent location, has good rooms with AC/good heating during the colder months. Very friendly staff. Superb kitchen.

Quinta das Lágrimas - ☎ +351 239802380 - The best and most expensive hotel in Coimbra. The hotel itself is a historical site.

Meliá Palácio da Lousã - ☎ +351 239990800 - The country's first boutique hotel. Located in Serra da Lousã.

Vista de Coímbra desde la Universidad, Portugal, 2012-05-10, DD 05 - Coimbra seen from the university

News & References Coimbra

More Muslim friendly Destinations from Coimbra

Conimbriga the largest Roman ruins in Portugal, about 15 km away,to the south.
Castle of Montemor-o-Velho, about 30 km away. Have a cup of tea and don't forget tasting the local sweets: "espigas de Montemor", "pastéis de Tentúgal", "queijadas de Tentúgal" - mostly eggs and sugar in delicious and extremely-caloric combinations!
Figueira da Foz is about 40 km away. Beaches and casino.
Eat "Leitão" in Mealhada
Eat "Chanfana" in Miranda do Corvo
Lousã, mountain town.
Luso/Buçaco (spa)
Curia village (garden/park and lagoon/)
Penela (Castle)
Pombal (Castle)
Penacova, a town by the Mondego river.

Also within an hour:

Aveiro, Leiria, Fátima (Marian Shrine), Tomar, Viseu.

A few hours: Guarda,Castelo Branco, Pinhel, Porto, Lamego, Lisboa, Cascais, Évora.