9 Best Sights in Coimbra and Central Portugal, Portugal

One of Coimbra's most illustrious museums, the Museu Nacional de Machado de Castro sits on the site of a vast Roman cryptoporticus (a maze of underground storage vaults). The building above, constructed in the 12th century to house the local bishops, was extensively modified over the centuries and finally converted into a museum in 1912. The Bishop's Chapel, adorned with 18th-century tiles and silks, remains a highlight. The museum is notoriously difficult to navigate, although there are plenty of staffers on hand to point you in the right direction. As you exit the museum, note the large 18th-century azulejo panel depicting Jerónimo translating the Bible. A pleasant terrace restaurant offers beautiful city views and refined light meals.  

This zigzag wooden walkway along the Paiva River offers scenic views of the river and the Arouca Geopark. From start to finish, the 8-km-long (5-mile-long) trail takes about 2½ hours and allows visitors to experience the surrounding landscape—waterfalls, granite cliffs, endangered species, and five geosites—without disrupting it. There's river beach access from the walkway, including the popular Praia do Vau midway through, perfect for a refreshing dip. The walkway has a modest €2 entrance fee (tickets required in advance). Near the Areinho entrance, you'll find the spectacular 516 Arouca suspension bridge, though separate €12 tickets are required to cross it. You can access the walkway from either Espiunca or Areinho. Check in advance that all sections of planned routes are open, as some parts required major rebuilding following wildfire damage in summer 2024. If in doubt, go with a walking tour.  While there are cafés located at both ends of the trail, make sure you pack enough water and snacks and wear comfortable walking shoes as this is a strenuous hike, requiring you to climb a lot of stairs, and can be especially challenging in the summer heat.

This massive stone structure with twin square bell towers anchors Cathedral Square, lending the plaza a dramatic air. Construction on this cathedral was started in the 13th century and continued off and on until the 18th century. Inside, massive Gothic pillars support a network of twisted, knotted forms that reach across the high, vaulted roof, and a dazzling, gilded, baroque high altar contrasts with the otherwise somber stone. The lines of the 18th-century upper level are harsh when compared with the graceful Italianate arches of the 16th-century lower level. To the right of the mannerist main portal is a double-tier cloister, which is connected to the cathedral by a well-preserved Gothic-style doorway. The cathedral's Sacred Art Museum has reliquaries from the 12th and 13th centuries. For great views of the cathedral, head a block south to the tiny square of Praça de Dom Duarte.

Designed by architect Luís Marçal Grilo, this contemporary cultural center stands out for its angular lines and expansive glass frontage, set within the green landscape of Parque das Abadias. Its auditoriums host theater, music, and dance, while galleries exhibit photography, crafts, and visual art. The on-site Olaias restaurant, recognized by the Michelin Guide, serves refined seasonal dishes.

Formerly the Universidade de Coimbra's chemical laboratory, this 18th-century neoclassical building now houses a museum displaying some 250,000 curious and intricate scientific instruments as well as rooms filled with interactive displays and interesting experiments. This is the most important science collection in Portugal, and one of the most important in Europe, covering biology, chemistry, and physics. 

The main draw of Figueira da Foz is the magnificent 2-km-long (1-mile-long) beach that locals claim is the widest in Europe. It has calm waters that offer plenty of shallow areas for paddling tots, making it particularly popular among families. The golden strand is so broad you'll stroll for several minutes just to get your feet wet, and it's flanked by a promenade lined with sprawling terrace cafés. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards. Best for: sunrise; sunset; swimming.  It can get crowded, but walk towards Buarcos to find the quieter stretches.

Quinta de Cabriz is among the best-known wineries in the region. Located 39 km (24 miles) south of Viseu in the community of Carregal do Sal, it produces red, white, rosé, and sparkling wines. The hearty Cabriz Colheita Seleccionada red—which spends six months in French oak—is one notable award winner. Visitors can enjoy tastings in the cellars followed by a meal in the restaurant: local dishes like roasted kid are a strong suit and wine pairings, naturally, are excellent. Advance booking is required for visits and for the restaurant. 

Ovar is a veritable open-air art gallery of azulejo tiles, and the city's Rua do Azulejo (literally, "Street of Tiles") is a guided route by the Atelier for the Conservation and Restoration of Tiles (ACRA), leading to some of the city's most notable examples of the distinctive style. The tourist office can provide information about start times, locations, and themed events, such as tile painting.

With over 250 years of history, this storied seminary houses one of Portugal's most impressive collections of 18th-century Italian art, a church, and a library with over 9,000 books. There's a museum dedicated to the works of priest and artist Nunes Pereira, housed in the workshop where he crafted some of his finest pieces. With a lofty location near the the botanical gardens, the seminary offers breathtaking views of the city, and also offers "Spiritual Tourism" stays (advance booking essential) for visitors looking for respite from the hectic pace of life. Guided tours of the seminary are available in English, but be sure to book at least one day in advance via the website.