Steeped in history and long regarded as Portugal’s cultural and intellectual centre, the district of Coimbra is a timeless destination and is spread before the lovely Mondego River (the longest in the country). It was once capital of an emerging Portuguese kingdom. An ancient centre of learning, poetry and sculpture, Coimbra was also the setting for the love affair of Pedro and Inês. It is also known for its university students' festivals/parties.

MUST VISIT

• ComercioSquare in the heart of the city is lively with cafes, restaurants and boutiques
• Queima das Fitas ("The Burning of the Ribbons"), takes place at the end of the second semester (usually in the beginning of May) and it is one of the biggest student parties in all Europe.
• University of Coimbra - this impressive university is still one of the World’s most illustrious and the city's biggest attraction.
• The most famous parks in the city are probably the Botanical Garden of the University, Santa Cruz Park and Manga Gardens
• The Santa Cruz Monastery, best known as Igreja de Santa Cruz is a National Monument in Coimbra
• Walk through the miniatures of the Portugal Monuments at Portugal dos Pequenitos theme park
• The Old Cathedral is one of the most important Romanesque Roman Catholic buildings in Portugal.
• Quinta das Lágrimas (Quinta das Lágrimas Gardens)-This romantic garden echoes the tragic love story between Inês de Castro and Prince Pedro – a legend that has inspired literature, poetry and song.
• Porto, also known as Oporto in English, is just 01 hour 20 minutes’ drive from Coimbra.
• Mix monuments by leading world architects from the past and the present, and some fantastic baroque carvings