Discover Coimbra by Hire Car
The central Portuguese city of Coimbra is considered one of the most remarkable in the country.
Here is the oldest university in Portugal, founded as early as 1290 by the second king Dom Dinis.
Even today, you’ll find a lively student scene here.
Sights in Coimbra
Worth seeing is the Patio das Escolas the central square and focal point of the university.
Around the Praca da Republica, the numerous student cafés invite you to take a little break.
Coimbra is also home to the largest botanical garden with greenhouses and shady walkways Jardim Botanico.
Also worth a visit are the city’s two cathedrals, Se Nova and the Museu Nacional Machado de Castro, located just below in a 16th-century bishop’s palace, and Se Velha, a Romanesque fortified church built on the site of the first Portuguese cathedral.
From here, visitors pass through the 12th-century Arco de Almedina city gate to reach Coimbra’s bustling pedestrian zone.
Leisure activities in Coimbra
For entertainment, the city offers the Portugal de Pequenitos theme park on the south bank of the Mondego River, with the peaceful Quinta das Lagrimas garden beyond.
Also located across the Mondego is the Gothic monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha, which has all but sunk into the sand over time.
On the aforementioned side of the river, vacationers should also park their hire car, then walk across the Ponte de Santa Clara to conquer the city stress-free and without the hassle of finding a parking spot.
hire car price comparison Coimbra
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