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Porto vs. Coimbra

Thanks in advance. We have only a couple of extra days and trying to decide between visiting Coimbra or Porto this Fall 2018? Does anyone have a preference they would like to share and why?

Posted by
1669 posts

If you are traveling from Lisbon, Coimbra would be a quicker trip, but only by about an hour by train. Both places are pretty amazing. Two days in Coimbra would give you a good feel for the town. I’m not certain you could do justice to Porto in only two days.
I would encourage you to do your research on both cities and go with the one that interests you more.

Posted by
80 posts

Hello lhegland,

I'm a little biased since I live in Porto area but my preference is Porto - great gastronomy, people, amazing historic centre (UNESCO World Heritage Site), great nightlife, very good public transportation system (tram, funicular, train, metro, bus)...

Coimbra is also great though - part of it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site (the uptown, north of the river), people are great as well, beautiful monuments...

Whatever city you choose, surely you'll love it ;)

Enjoy Portugal ;)

Posted by
7661 posts

We loved Porto and the Douro Valley.

If you go to Porto, stay at the wonderful B&B:
In Patio Guesthouse. Book early, it only has five rooms.

Posted by
160 posts

I’ve been to both. Definitely Porto. It’s an amazing place. Stay at the ribeira do Porto hotel. Walk to the market. Spend a whole day wandering through the Port houses and drinking!