University of Coimbra (Universidade de Coimbra)

Largo Paço do Conde, Coimbra

The Basics

Though it was first founded in Lisbon, the hilltop University of Coimbra has occupied its current location since 1537. One of the world’s oldest universities, it was also the only university in Portugal until the 20th century. Its lofty academic reputation is one draw, but so is the university’s setting. Built on the site of a former palace, the 16th-century, UNESCO-listed campus sports a sprawling courtyard; a baroque library; a science museum; a botanical garden; and striking, centuries-old architecture at every turn.

The University of Coimbra features on numerous tour itineraries, including private campus tours, skip-the-line visits, and on full-day Coimbra city tours. Book a tour that suits you visiting preferences best, and you’ll discover its top highlights.

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University of Coimbra guided tours without queue

189 Reviews

$49.23 per adult

Traveler Favorite

Amazing tour of Coimbra University

Renan was an amazing guide! He was incredibly personable and knowledgeable, with an advanced degree in history. His insider knowledge of Coimbra University transformed the visit from ordinary to extraordinary! Highly recommend.

Sara_S, Mar 2023

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Recent reviews from experiences in Coimbra

Makes me wish I went to school here instead of in the states!

Arlene_P, Mar 2023

Guided tour of the University and city of Coimbra.

This is a university tour like no other. Not only is Renan extremely knowledgeable, but he is super friendly, warm and a total sweetheart. His energy is contagious and made the tour that much more fun for our tiny group. Not only did we explore his alma mater, but we got a deep cultural and historical lesson regarding the city of Coimbra and its traditions. I cannot recommend this enough.

A fascinating insight into Portuguese history.

Timothy_J, Mar 2023

University of Coimbra guided tours without queue

Inspirational guide with amazing depth of knowledge and understanding. He brought Portugal’s rich history to life. The law faculty, Joanina Library and Capella were all fascinating thanks to him.

Best Tour I've been on!!!!

Lauren_R, Mar 2023

University of Coimbra guided tours without queue

Our guide was so fun!!! We had such a great time! He's very knowledgeable, very friendly, and engaging! Best tour I've been on. Not only gave us a ton of very valuable information about the University but also on Portuguese history and culture!!!

Authentic alumni guide, super high quality, great price.

Jadon_B, Feb 2023

Guided tour of the University and city of Coimbra.

My guide was super knowledgeable and could answer anything about the history of the area going all the way back to pre 11th century history. Our guide was a student from the university which definitely made things feel much more authentic and of course he knew the city and university to a very high degree He was also very patient with our group. and would contextualize a lot of the history if we didn’t know. Very professional fun and high quality especially considering the price.

The guide was what made this tour amazing

Judite_H, Jan 2023

University of Coimbra - more complete and private visit, ticket included

Our tour guide Joao Archer was excellent very passionate about history and really took his time not rushed at all

Update the website!

Benjamin_A, Dec 2022

Joanina Library & University of Coimbra VIP ACCESS!

The tour is great. I learned a lot of Portuguese history quickly and the library is magnificent. NOTE: The tour does NOT leave at 6pm as the Viator website says as of 12.24.2022. This leaves at 10am and maybe also 2pm. By 6pm, these sites are closed.

Warm and Personable Tour Guide

Dr_J, Feb 2023

Guided tour of the University and city of Coimbra.

Very interesting and personable guide, who gave a thorough tour of the area. Unlike many tour guides he didn't cancel just because there was only one person signed up. I had a delightful private tour with suggestions for what to do when I arrived at my next destination, Porto.

Our guide was great, and the university and library are well worth seeing.

Andrea_H, Oct 2022

Joanina Library & University of Coimbra VIP ACCESS!

Our guide was full of personality and knowledge, and the buildings and their history are fascinating.

Great knowledge, great enthusiasm for the history of Coimbra!

Sarah_L, Feb 2023

Guided tour of the University and city of Coimbra.

We felt that our time with Rafael was a gift! Not only is he incredibly knowledgeable of Portuguese history, but he got his master's degree from the University of Choimbra that we were touring. The best part of our time with him was to experience his enthusiasm for the information that he was sharing with us. I wish I could have recorded him so that I could listen to the tour again. A really good time!

Would love to return

Ioana_B, Feb 2023

Guided tour of the University and city of Coimbra.

Renan was amazing , so knowledgeable and passionate about Portuguese history. 3 hours flew by. Amazing!

We had a great tour with...

Galina_K, Dec 2022

University of Coimbra guided tours without queue

We had a great tour with the exceptional guide Renan Souza from RM TOUR. I would highly recommend this tour as the must see place in Coimbra.

A fabulous way to see the University highlights

Don_G, Aug 2022

Visit the University of Coimbra without queues

This was a fabulous private tour. Our guide Carolina was knowledgable and friendly. We skipped the queues and wasted no time buying tickets with all tickets prepaid. She told us the key points of history plus a few fun stories and facts.

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Things to Know Before You Go

Visitors must book a tour or tickets to explore the university; it is recommended to speak quietly in many university buildings to respect the students at work.
You can climb the 180 stairs of the university’s recently restored bell tower to enjoy panoramic views overlooking the city.
Be sure to visit the Biblioteca Joanina during a campus tour: regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful libraries, it features lavish ornamentation and 53,000 books.
Begin your tour at the Paço das Escolas: located in a former palace, this historic heart of the university features some of the university’s loveliest buildings.
Owing to its heritage architecture, stairs, hills, and uneven surfaces, much of the university is not accessible to visitors.

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How to Get There

The University of Coimbra is located in the heart of Coimbra, just a 10-minute taxi trip from the main train station. Coimbra is connected by train to both Lisbon and Porto. From Lisbon, the city is roughly two hours by car via the A1; from Porto, it is one-and-a-quarter hours, also via the A1.

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When to Get There

The University of Coimbra is open to visitors throughout the year. From March–October, the ticket office is open from morning–evening, and from November–February it’s open from morning to late afternoon. Note that campus museums and sights can have their own visiting hours. The university is closed each year on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, and its “Burning Ribbons,” or graduation day, held in mid-May.

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Other Coimbra Highlights

With origins in Roman times, the riverside city of Coimbra is celebrated for its history, its beauty, and its tranquil pace of living. After visiting the eponymous university, continue your excursions. Other highlights include the Old Cathedral of Coimbra (Sé Velha de Coimbra), the Machado de Castro National Museum (one of Portugal’s top art museums), the Fado ao Centro (a center dedicated to the traditional music), and more.

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University of Coimbra (Universidade de Coimbra)

The Basics

Recent reviews from experiences in Coimbra

Things to Know Before You Go

How to Get There

When to Get There

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