I am a solo traveler leaving Porto by train enroute to Setubal to visit friends. I know the train service between Porto and Coimbra and Coimbra and Lisbon is easy and frequent. I'm trying to decide between just 1 night in Coimbra - arriving late morning and leaving early the following afternoon - or spending 2 nights. I will not have a car so will be dependent on my feet and Bolt to get around. I want to explore the old town and visit the university. There does seems to be a fair bit to do. Would you suggest 2 nights for a more leisurely visit? And any recommendations of moderately priced hotels in a quiet area would be appreciated. I am not afraid of walking up/down hills! Thanks in advance.
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
8563 posts
We spent three nights there and felt it was sufficient. You could see everything is a full day if need be. We stayed at Hotel Mondego, Largo das Ameias nº 1-4. It’s by one of the train stations. The 8th of May plaza is about a 10 minutes walk from it, while the university is further. There is a funicular by the market that goes up the hill if you don’t want to walk up to the university.
Posted by
OP
46 posts
Thanks for the reply and hotel suggestion!
Posted by
San Franciso Bay Area, USA
1181 posts
We visited Coimbra last September and stayed 3 nights, 2 nights is about perfect. That gives you time to visit the University and Library, see Coimbra Fado performance, and enjoy the town. We stayed at the Hotel Oslo which is near the Mondego hotel that jaimeelsabio recommended. Hotel Oslo was reasonably priced, included breakfast (lots of variety) and had a great rooftop deck. The area that the hotel is convenient, although not within walking distance of the train since the Coimbr-A station is closed. There is a shuttle bus from Coimbra-B station.