We’ve done Douro, now wanting a day trip to either Aveiro, Braga or Coimbra. We are more about live of the people, country side and less about more church tours. Any suggestion for those towns or another perhaps please?
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
6616 posts
Ran out of time so didn’t make it to Braga, but there’s enough in Coimbra to occupy a full day. To me, Aveiro is good for a couple hours at most. Guimarães Is recommended by some, but didn’t make it there either.
We had a rental car on our trip so can’t speak to using public transportation.
Posted by
New York City
4 posts
Coimbra is a wonderful, memorable little city. I was there in May 2017. It was quite full of tourists, but still possible to walk out of the town center into less busy areas. We saw a college where students were preparing for an event. Architecture is beautiful and unique, very well preserved. Much to appreciate even without doing any church tours.
Posted by
Cascais, Portugal
1689 posts
I’m in Braga now for the first time. It’s quite nice and I haven’t been inside a church! If hills are an issue with you, Braga is flat, so easy walking.
Not certain whether I like it better than Coimbra, but definitely better than Aveiro. Coimbra is one big hill. But the university library is spectacular.
I don’t think you would be disappointed in either Braga or Coimbra.
Posted by
20 posts
Here's a vote for Guimaraes. We stayed three nights and loved every minute of it. Also we took a daytrip to Braga, which we enjoyed, but not nearly as much as Guimaraes. Braga has more stunning churches/cathedrals, especially if combined with a visit to nearby Bom Jesus Do Monte (which I recommend), but lacks the medieval charm of Guimaraes. Though Braga's pedestrian friendly center is more bustling, Guimaraes provides an endless delight of narrow twisting alleys, quaint squares and atmospheric cafes. We did not visit Aveiro or Coimbra so cannot compare.