Coimbra Travel Guide
From Wikitravel
Coimbra [1] is a city in Portugal.
Contents |
Get in
By train or bus from:
Oporto - takes aproximatelly 1 hour Lisbon - takes aproximatelly 2 hour
Get around
See
- Castle in Montemor-o-Velho (about 35km)
- Beach in Figueira da Foz (about 50km)
- Mondego River
- Botanic Garden
- Jardim da Sereia - "Mermaid's Garden"
- Parque Manuel da Nóbrega - City Park, nearby Mondego River
- University of Coimbra [2]
- Sta. Clara-a-Nova Convent
- Eurostadium Cidade de Coimbra - one of Euro2004 stages
- Conimbriga, the largest roman ruins in Portugal
Do
Buy
mm
Eat
Having a meal is not really a problem in Coimbra, since the city has a lot of restaurants. Three reasonably big shopping centers serve the standard fast food meals you can find everywhere. These three shopping centers are named 'Coimbra Shopping', 'Dolce Vita' and 'Forum Coimbra'. They are located in keys places in the city, but not necessarily close to the tourist attractions of the city. If you want to have a meal in medium to good restaurants, you have a lot of choices too:
1) The italian restaurant in the city park, very close to the Santa Clara bridge (very popular with tourists). You have a lot of outside tables, if the weather permits, and the food is prepared by italians cooks. It's not very expensive either.
2) "Zé Manel dos Ossos" is one of the most famous restaurants in Coimbra, and for a good reason. A unique atmosphere inside the restaurant is responsible for this fame, but the food is good too. The walls of the restaurant are filled with small pieces of paper, with writings from clients. Be aware that it is quite a small space, so there's a big probability that you won't find a table.
3) "Real das Canas" is truly one of the best restaurants of Coimbra. It's located in the Santa Clara side of the river, and it's not within walking distance from the center. However, it has a large window that overlooks the city, and you can hear 'fado' music in the background. Really nice room, and a very touristic place too. If you don't have a car, consider taking a taxi to go there.
4) If you want to try 'chanfana', one of the most famous dishes of the region, you should definitely go to a restaurant called "Taberna", close to the football stadium. This restaurant is specialized in a limited amount of dishes, but the quality of the food is just amazing. I advise you to go there at night, and try the 'chanfana', even though you may not have a clue about what this is. This is the place for those who really appreciate good food. Don't go too late at night, because it can be a little crowded. The restaturant is very good, and it's located in the most densely populated area of the city.
5) "Tosacana" is another very popular italian restaurant, close to the new bridge. The decoration is great, with a lot of pictures from Florence, Venice, Rome. The quality of the food is quite high. It's definitely not your standard pizza...
6) The restaurant in the "Quinta das Lágrimas" hotel may be the best restaurant in the city. It's the most expensive place in the city though... Be sure to wear your best clothes if you go there. It's a very fancy place.
Drink
Try the different varieties of firewater. One is made only from grapes while the other is made from mixed fruit. Each have a unique and different after taste.
Sleep
The posada de juventude is quite cheap. In June 2005 the going rate was 6 Euro a night.
Get out
- à Capela bar, were you can find yourself sorrounded by Portuguese Guitar tunes and "Fado de Coimbra" get a grip of this so traditional local culture
- Diligência Bar - also typical night bar were you'll find Fado de Coimbra
| This article is an outline and needs more content. It has a template, but there is not enough information present. Please plunge forward and help it grow! |
