Coimbra

Coimbra

Located near the historic downtown district of Coimbra, Portugal is the stately Hotel Oslo Coimbra. We are very proud of our location as a part of the traditional commercial downtown and guests are assured our hotel offers the best location when visiting this historic city.

Take a virtual tour on the post-card view of Coimbra you’ll be able to enjoy from the hotel:

At Hotel Oslo Coimbra, along with pristine and newly renovated guest rooms those who stay at our hotel enjoy free continental breakfast daily and the convenience of free parking in adjacent garage.

This is most convenient since Coimbra’s historical streets were built much before cars were even an idea, you will be happy to be able to walk around and leave automobiles under safe watchful eyes of Hotel Oslo staff at this hotel’s parking garage in center of Coimbra.

A pleasant walk through streets of this historical city will easily take visitors to most places of interest.

Visiting Coimbra

The Downtown

The medieval narrow streets, alleys and steps filled with small traditional shops make Coimbra’s downtown, and they make it unique and full of life. It’s here that, since the beginning of the history of the city, the trade, crafts and traditions are made in an intimate relation with the poetic Mondego River. Do not miss out on a visit to Santa Cruz Monastery, founded in 1131 and resting place of D. Afonso Henriques and D. Sancho I, the two first Portuguese kings.

Although there will be less people around after 20h00, it is completely safe to walk around, Coimbra is a safe city and the city center is also covered by video surveillance.

The Uptown

When crossing the Almedina Arch (Arco de Almedina) expect to enter a different part of Coimbra. This maze of streets and stairs filled the inside of the old defensive medieval wall of Coimbra, this area was inhabited by the nobles and the clergy.  It was here where the royal palace sat and where the University of Coimbra began. The Roman and the Muslim Empires also left their mark. With the growth of the University, the student fraternities emerged and, where many historical Portuguese personalities began settling.

Find your own way and walk the historic foot path to the old University. There is no going wrong, the way is up!

The University of Coimbra

The turistic circuit of the University of Coimbra is definitely worth a visit.

Get to know the intricate traditions of one of the world’s oldest universities and visit the UNMISSABLE Joanina Library, S. Miguel Chapel, the Private Exam room or dare to climb to the top of the emblematic clock tower for a breathtaking view of Coimbra.

Purchase tickets on the University shop, located inside the General Library (Biblioteca Geral).

Mondego River and Park

The Mondego River is the Portuguese river more sung by poets and, above all, by the traditional song of Coimbra. Do not miss a walk on the Parque Verde do Mondego Park and enjoy the terraces, the lawns and the beautiful walking bridge.

There are fun canoe adventures to be had.

Fado of Coimbra

Deeply rooted in academic traditions, the most sung themes include: student love, love for the city and bohemian life, and the human condition.

Attention! You should not clap Fado de Coimbra, you should feel it.

Guests to the city of Coimbra, Portugal may watch fado shows in several spots on the historical center, we would advise going “aCapella” or “Fado ao Centro”.

Be sure to include tickets to a fado show along with your guest room booking at Hotel Oslo Coimbra.

Machado de Castro National Museum

A history over 2.000 years old and an impressive architectural beauty, filled with important artistic collections.

Do not miss out on the 2 storey Roman Cryptoporticus, where you can walk around, feel and marvel at human architecture of different ages.

Botanical Garden and Sky Garden

With a privileged location, the Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra is one of the must sees of Coimbra. We suggest you enjoy a relaxing walk while enjoying the atmosphere and freshness of this classical park.
Other than the garden, it is possible to visit the Botanical Garden’s woods, connecting the University area to the downtown and Mondego river in a bus with audio guide. We also suggest this path by foot but preferably coming down, since it is quite steep.

In Coimbra with children

There are plenty of activities for parents to share with children in Coimbra. A visit to Portugal dos Pequenitos (theme park with main Portuguese monuments and traditional houses in a small scale) is a must, just across the Santa Clara Bridge. We also advise a walk on the Parque Verde do Mondego park, a visit to the fun and educational Museum of Science, the Science Exploratory in the park accross the river or, for the ones looking to get a bit more adventurous, a canoe or paddle circuit on the Mondego. Furthermore, bearing safety in mind, Coimbra downtown and uptown both with heavy restrictions on vehicle circulation are wonderful areas to enjoy time with the family.

Other sites to visit and tours

Coimbra is filled with activities and cultural, historical, artistic and religious heritage. There is plenty more to see and visit. Places like Santa Clara-a-Velha Monastery, House-museum Miguel Torga, House-museum Bissaya-Barreto, Sé Velha Cathedral, Sé Nova Cathedral, House of Writing, Quinta das Lagrimas, Penedo da Saudade, etc.

We will be thrilled to suggest other sites of interest. Simply ask and a member of Hotel Oslo Coimbra staff will tell all about sites to see!

Tourism Office

Summer | Monday – Friday | 09h00 – 20h00

Summer | Saturday – Sunday | 09h00 – 18h00

Winter | Monday – Friday | 09h00 – 18h00

Winter | Saturday – Sunday | 09h30 – 17h30

Largo da Portagem

Tel. +351 239 488 120

Dist. 350 metrs.