Discover Coimbra

On the banks of the river Mondego, Coimbra is famous for its University – the oldest in Portugal and one of the oldest in Europe – which has shaped its image as "the city of students". 150,000 people live here in the country’s third-largest city. During the 12th and 13th centuries, Coimbra was the capital of Portugal, and it has been moulded by various civilizations and cultures, including the Romans, the Moors, and the Christian conquerors. Today, Coimbra is a popular destination for tourists and students alike, offering a unique blend of ancient and modern attractions.

Why Visit Coimbra with FlixBus?

Coimbra is a unique and captivating destination that offers visitors a taste of Portugal's rich history and culture. One of the city's most notable features is its stunning architecture, with medieval and Baroque buildings nestled among winding streets and alleyways. The highlight of the city's architectural heritage is the University of Coimbra, which features stunning examples of Baroque and Manueline styles.

Coimbra's cultural offerings are equally impressive, with the city being home to a wealth of museums, galleries, and cultural events. The Museu Nacional de Machado de Castro is one such attraction, housing an impressive collection of Portuguese art and artefacts. Meanwhile, the annual Queima das Fitas festival is a must-see event for anyone visiting in May, as students from the university take to the streets in a vibrant celebration of their academic achievements.

Food is another highlight of Coimbra, described more below.

When to Visit Coimbra

Coimbra is most comfortable during the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant – and the crowds are smaller than in the peak summer season. The winter season (December to February) is also a good time to visit if you don't mind cooler temperatures and occasional rain. Coimbra also hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Festa das Latas in October and the Queima das Fitas in May, which can be great times to experience the local culture and festivities.

Top Coimbra Attractions

Coimbra attracts world travelers primarily because of its University of Coimbra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dating to the 13th century, whose historic buildings include the Baroque-style Biblioteca Joanina, one of the world’s most beautiful libraries.

Another must-visit attraction is the Old Cathedral, a Romanesque-style church from the 12th century, featuring impressive Gothic and Baroque elements. You should definitely consider climbing to the top of the bell tower for a panoramic view of the city!

The Machado de Castro National Museum is another popular stop that features a vast collection of art and artefacts from the region's history, all housed in a former bishop's palace.

For nature lovers, there are many gardens not to be missed, too, such as those at Choupal, those at Quinta das Lágrimas, the setting for the story of D. Pedro and Inês de Castro, and the Botanical Gardens.

Getting Around Coimbra

Coimbra is best appreciated on foot, but the old town is very steep, so wear comfortable shoes. You’ll need public transportation (buses only, as there are no metro or tram services) if you want to go to the popular Forum Coimbra shopping mall up on a hill across the river. Get your tickets on the bus or from a kiosk or vending machine. Taxis are widely available, and there are also plenty of bikes and electric scooters, which offer a convenient and eco-friendly way to get around. Keep in mind that some areas of Coimbra may have steep hills, making walking often a challenge.

Food and Drink in Coimbra

Coimbra's cuisine reflects that of central Portugal, with an emphasis on hearty and flavourful dishes. One delicacy very specific to the region is leitão à bairrada, a succulent roast suckling pig. Other popular dishes include chanfana, a stew made with goat or lamb, and arroz de cabidela, a rice dish with chicken and blood. For dessert, taste the Santa Clara pastries filled with almond cream or the arrufadas (sweet buns) in one of the historic cafés in the city centre.

Good food is easy to find in the Baixa area and the streets around the university. For a traditional tavern experience, head to the historic district of Almedina. Coimbra also hosts a number of food festivals throughout the year, including the Feira Nacional de Artesanato e Gastronomia, which features local cuisine and crafts.

Nightlife and Entertainment in Coimbra

Coimbra is a vibrant university town with a lively nightlife scene. The historic city centre, particularly the streets around Praça da República, is a popular area for bars and clubs, with live music and DJs playing until the early hours. Visitors can also enjoy traditional Fado music in cozy bars and restaurants throughout the city. In May, the Queima das Fitas (Ribbon Burning) festival celebrates the end of the academic year with a week-long program of concerts, parades, and parties. During the summer, the Festas da Cidade (City Festivals) take place, with outdoor concerts and street performances. For a unique after-dark experience, visitors can take a romantic stroll along the Mondego river, illuminated by the city's iconic pedestrian bridge, the Ponte Pedro e Inês.

Plan Your Visit to Coimbra with FlixBus

The old university vibe of Coimbra alone is reason enough to visit this delightful and dynamic city. For the most affordable tickets, book in advance – the earlier you book, the cheaper your ticket will be! Climb aboard and enjoy your trip with our free Wi-Fi and spacious seats. Booking is easy – online, at a sales point, or with our FlixBusApp, which you can use to manage your bookings and use the digital tickets to get on board. Pay with credit card, Paypal, Google and Apple Pay. You can also pay in cash onboard or at a sales point. Travelling by bus is one of the most environmentally-friendly options available, as you reduce traffic-related emissions and you can help the planet by offsetting your CO₂ emissions when booking your ticket! Enjoy your FlixBus trip to Coimbra!

Discover buses and coaches to Coimbra

Find cheap bus tickets to Coimbra

Looking for an affordable bus to Coimbra? With 96 connections serving Coimbra, no matter where you're travelling from, FlixBus can help you get there for a great-value fare.

For the best fares, always book in advance and travel off-peak if you can. Don't forget to download the FlixBus App to find the best deals, manage your bookings, and get up-to-date information about your trip. With the app, you don't need to print your ticket, you can show your e-ticket to the driver.

It couldn't be easier to book a bus ticket to Coimbra with FlixBus, simply input your departure stop and chosen dates, then select a journey. Tickets to Coimbra start from only £2.49, subject to availability.

Why travel from or to Coimbra with FlixBus

• Easy booking: Getting to or departing from Coimbra with FlixBus is simple. You can book a trip from or to Coimbra at our shops or purchase your ticket on board. If you want to do it digitally, you can book your trip on our website or with the FlixBus App.
• Flexible payment: You can pay for your tickets with credit card, PayPal, or Google Pay.
• Environmental impact: When you choose FlixBus, you're choosing a greener way to travel to Coimbra than going by car, helping cut traffic-related emissions, and you can support our sustainability vision even further by offsetting your CO₂ emissions when booking your trip.
• Low cost: Save money on travel by booking a bus to Coimbra, leaving you with more cash to enjoy the city's attractions.

Onboard services

Ready to book your trip to Coimbra? Don't forget to reserve your seat in advance for the best travel experience. Subject to availability, you can choose from a classic, table, or panorama seat or book an additional seat beside yours if you want the extra space. You can also bring a hand luggage and check-in luggage, free of charge. Once on board, all you have to do is sit back and relax with our free onboard Wi-Fi, the extra legroom, power outlets, and toilets.