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
8519 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
45 posts
Thanks for the reply and hotel suggestion!
Posted by
below Canada / above Mexico
357 posts
In 2023 we spent 2 nights in Coimbra without a car, and enjoyed it. Details on our activities and lodging are in our trip report (parts 1 and 3): https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/trip-report-portugal-aug-sep-porto-coimbra-lisbon-then-to-spain