
University of Coimbra and Old Town Walking Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 4 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is University of Coimbra and Old Town Walking Tour worth booking?
University of Coimbra and Old Town Walking Tour is a 2-hour experience in Coimbra, Portugal, from $29 per person. It scores 69 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 4 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 69 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (4)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $29 per person
Discover Coimbra beyond the guidebooks on a 2-hour small-group walk through the university and the medieval heart of Portugal's first capital. Your host is Mateus, a current University of Coimbra student who grew up spending his summers in Florida and speaks fluent English. Starting at the Iron Gate, hear about the university's traditions, student rituals and the iconic black capes. Explore the university, founded in 1290, and see the exterior of the Joanina Library, then the Sé Nova, a Jesuit church turned cathedral. Pass the 12th-century Sé Velha and descend the cobbled Rua de Quebra Costas, hearing about Fado de Coimbra and the tragic love story of Pedro and Inês de Castro. Continue through the medieval Almedina Tower to Rua Ferreira Borges, the main pedestrian street, and the Santa Cruz Monastery, where Portugal's first two kings are buried. Finish by the Mondego River, with views back over the old town and the university on its hill.
What you get
About this experience
Discover Coimbra beyond the guidebooks on a 2-hour small-group walk through the university and the medieval heart of Portugal's first capital. Your host is Mateus, a current University of Coimbra student who grew up spending his summers in Florida and speaks fluent English. Starting at the Iron Gate, hear about the university's traditions, student rituals and the iconic black capes. Explore the university, founded in 1290, and see the exterior of the Joanina Library, then the Sé Nova, a Jesuit church turned cathedral. Pass the 12th-century Sé Velha and descend the cobbled Rua de Quebra Costas, hearing about Fado de Coimbra and the tragic love story of Pedro and Inês de Castro. Continue through the medieval Almedina Tower to Rua Ferreira Borges, the main pedestrian street, and the Santa Cruz Monastery, where Portugal's first two kings are buried. Finish by the Mondego River, with views back over the old town and the university on its hill.
What's included
Included
- Walking tour, monuments viewed from the outside
- Local tips: real-time recommendations on where to eat, drink and explore, shared as you pass by
- Local host: Mateus, a University of Coimbra student
Not included
- Meals
- Private transportation
What you'll see and do
Universidade de Coimbra
Founded in 1290 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the oldest universities in the world. The tour covers the outdoor spaces, entry to the ticketed interiors such as the Joanina Library is not included
25 minutes here
Estatua de D. Dinis
The king who founded the university in 1290 and made Portuguese the official language of the kingdom
15 minutes here
Se Nova Catedral de Coimbra
A 17th century Jesuit church with one of the most ornate interiors in Coimbra
Pass by without stopping
The university's main courtyard, once a royal palace, with sweeping views over the city and the Mondego river.
15 minutes here
Biblioteca Joanina
One of the most beautiful baroque libraries in Europe, built in 1717 and home to 60,000 volumes
Pass by without stopping
Sala dos Capelos
The Great Hall, once the throne room of the royal palace and today where degrees are awarded, lined with portraits of Portuguese kings.
Pass by without stopping
Capela de Sao Miguel
The university's own chapel, decorated with 17th century azulejos and home to a baroque organ of more than 2,000 pipes.
Pass by without stopping
Se Velha De Coimbra
The 12th century Romanesque cathedral where Portugal's second king was crowned, now surrounded by the bars where students gather at night
Pass by without stopping
The square at the heart of Coimbra's fado, where students once sang to the tricanas of the old town
15 minutes here
Torre de Almedina
The last remaining gate of Coimbra's medieval Arab walls
Pass by without stopping
Rua Ferreira Borges
Coimbra's main pedestrian street, lined with shops, cafés and restaurants in the heart of the old town
15 minutes here
Where Portugal's first two kings are buried. Free to enter, though it may close for mass or ceremonies
15 minutes here
Parque Verde do Mondego
A riverside park along the Mondego, with open views back toward the old town and the university on the hill
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Coimbra
Meet me at the Porta Férrea (Iron Gate), the main entrance to the University of Coimbra. I will be waiting outside the gate.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The tour ends by the river, a short walk from Largo da Portagem, the main shopping street and the restaurants of the old town.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Mateus
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Not recommended for people with mobility impairments
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 4 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
1 mentionTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Pace and timing
1 mentionSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Traveler reviews
4 verified traveler reviews for University of Coimbra and Old Town Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great tour with Mateus....
Great tour with Mateus. The pace of the tour was just right for us. Mateus was both informative and personable. Also stopped at a local cafe for a coffee and local pastry as we requested.
via Viator
Mateus the tour guide was...
Mateus the tour guide was a very good story teller explaining the history of the area and the sites we visited. Would absolutely recommend this tour to others
via Viator
An afternoon wrapped in Coimbra history
Great way to discover the Coimbra history and that of the University with a great host, in that Mateus.
via Viator
This was a great tour of...
This was a great tour of the university grounds and old town. Mateus, a current student, was really friendly and more importantly really knowledgable. I would definitely recommend.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 2 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 1
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 69
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
University of Coimbra and Old Town Walking Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Coimbra.
How much does University of Coimbra and Old Town Walking Tour cost?
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Prices start at $29 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Coimbra usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does University of Coimbra and Old Town Walking Tour take?
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Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Coimbra is not rushed.
Is University of Coimbra and Old Town Walking Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 69 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 4 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Coimbra, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule University of Coimbra and Old Town Walking Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is University of Coimbra and Old Town Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book University of Coimbra and Old Town Walking Tour?
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Around 1 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Coimbra can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Coimbra and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does University of Coimbra and Old Town Walking Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Coimbra within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Coimbra?
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On Outty we rank every Coimbra experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Coimbra Top Attractions Walking Tour, Discovering the charms and places of Coimbra, Soft Canyoning, river Ceira, Góis, Serra da Lousa, Coimbra. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Coimbra?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Coimbra?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in University of Coimbra and Old Town Walking Tour?
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Included: Walking tour, monuments viewed from the outside; Local tips: real-time recommendations on where to eat, drink and explore, shared as you pa; and Local host: Mateus, a University of Coimbra student. Not included: Meals; and Private transportation. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for University of Coimbra and Old Town Walking Tour?
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Meet me at the Porta Férrea (Iron Gate), the main entrance to the University of Coimbra. I will be waiting outside the gate. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is University of Coimbra and Old Town Walking Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for University of Coimbra and Old Town Walking Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is University of Coimbra and Old Town Walking Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Not recommended for pregnant travelers; and Not recommended for people with mobility impairments. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to University of Coimbra and Old Town Walking Tour if the weather is bad?
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This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about University of Coimbra and Old Town Walking Tour?
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Across 4 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
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