If you're looking for a way to explore Coimbra that won't cost you a fortune, then a free walking tour is the perfect solution. Led by knowledgeable local guides, these tours allow you to discover the city's hidden treasures while learning about its rich history and culture.

A free walking tour in Coimbra is an enjoyable and educational way to explore the city's medieval Old Town, and stroll through its picturesque university campus.

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You will find below all you need to know about free walking tours, one of the best experiences for sightseeing in Coimbra.

How do free walking tours in Coimbra work?

Walking tours are free to book and you won't pay an upfront charge when you arrive. Instead, you'll participate in the tour, and decide how much to tip your guide at the end.

There is no minimum or maximum charge and you should pay what you think the tour was worth. You will need to bring some cash to tip your guide at the end of the tour.

How much should you tip for a free walking tour in Coimbra?

The amount you tip is a matter of personal preference. You should consider three factors when deciding how much to pay your guide. These include the length of your tour, how informative your guide was and your overall enjoyment.

If your guided walk takes 4 hours, you may decide to pay a little more than if it lasted an hour. Some travelers tip €50 while others tip €5. However, most participants choose to pay between €10 and €15 for free walking tours in Coimbra.

What are the best free walking tours in Coimbra?

History, legends and traditions of Coimbra tour

This tour gives you a deep insight into Coimbra throughout the ages, through its architecture, as well as its stories.

Itinerary

Starting at Largo da Portagem, you'll stroll to the Arch of Almedina, which was installed as a defensive mechanism, designed to slow down intruders. The tower directly above this arch-shaped gate held council meetings, and its bell would alert citizens to the opening and closing of the city gates.

From there, you'll continue walking to Baixa — the historic center of Coimbra. Within this part of the city, you'll see the Monastery of Santa Cruz and the municipal market, which sells everything from flowers to fresh seafood.

You'll also learn about the students who attend the university in Coimbra, visit its official store and the University Academic Association.

Moving along to the Praça da República, you'll see the town square in action as the thriving hub of the city.

Taking a green turn, you'll amble through Sereia Garden and the Botanical Gardens of Coimbra. Here, you'll see the 16th-century São Sebastião Aqueduct. The site is of additional historic significance as it stands on the remains of an ancient Roman aqueduct.

Leaving the tranquility of the gardens behind, you'll move on towards Sé Velha — the city cathedral, where your tour ends. Along your walk, you'll hear all about the legends and historic events that helped shape the city.

The other side of Coimbra tour

This tour enables you to step away from the most famous sites in the city, in order to explore Coimbra's lesser-known gems.

Itinerary

From Largo da Portagem, you'll walk to Green Park, which sits on the bank of the Mondego River and features a gigantic, perfectly-carved topiary bear. You'll head to the water museum, which has been running for a century and educates tourists on the city's sanitation system.

Continuing on, you'll see one of the city's most distinguishable features — the Pedro and Inês Bridge. The bridge connects the two sides of the city that are split by 180 meters of water. It is known as the "bridge that doesn't meet" because of its unusual design.

You'll see the exterior of Quinta das Lágrimas — a grand palace turned into a luxury hotel. Another point of interest along your route is the Portugal dos Pequeninos — a park, which houses miniature versions of Portugal's greatest monuments.

You'll travel to the religious landmarks of the Convent of São Francisco and the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha, before ending your tour at the Bridge of Santa Clara.

Coimbra Jewish Quarter free tour

Over the centuries, the city was split into Christian Coimbra, Jewish Coimbra and Arab Coimbra. In this tour, you'll explore the Jewish Quarter.

Itinerary

You'll begin your journey through the Jewish Quarter at May 8 Square. This landmark is named after the date that the liberals snatched the city from the control of the monarchists. You'll see the Romanesque Monastery of Santa Cruz, where two of Portugal's great kings are buried — King Afonso Henriques and his successor, King Sancho I.

You'll then travel to Praça do Comércio — the largest square in the city, where heretics were whipped, tortured and burned at the stake. These punishments were carried out in the town square between the 15th and 19th centuries.

You'll walk through the famous Largo da Portagem area of the city towards the Pátio da Inquisição. Locals claim the last burning of witches in Portugal happened in this part of Coimbra. On your way to this historic square, you'll stroll down several of Coimbra's most iconic roads.

In which languages are free walking tours in Coimbra operated?

All free walking tours in Coimbra operate in English. Many also offer Spanish and Portuguese as extra language options. Additionally, you can find tours that offer other European languages, such as Italian or German.

Where do free walking tours in Coimbra start?

Free tours in Coimbra begin at a variety of locations throughout the city. One of the most popular starting locations is Largo da Portagem, which is situated near the Bridge of Santa Clara.

Wherever your tour begins, the meeting point will be a central location in the city that is easy to reach. You'll be able to see the meeting point of all tours before you book so that you can plan your transportation accordingly.

How long do free walking tours in Coimbra last?

Typically, free walking tours in Coimbra last between two and three hours, which enables you to explore the center of the city on foot. Tours of smaller areas, such as the Jewish quarter, are slightly shorter and last around 1.5 hours.

When is the best time to join a free walking tour in Coimbra?

Free walking tours in Coimbra take place throughout the day and the time slot you choose will be based on your personal preference, and itinerary.

Some tours offer the opportunity to take a nighttime stroll through the city once the weather has cooled, which is extremely enjoyable.

Walking tours enable you to explore a new city through the eyes of a local, so book an excursion for your first day in Coimbra.

Should Coimbra free walking tours be booked online?

While it is possible to find a walking excursion to join in the city, you should consider booking your free walking tour in Coimbra online.

Not only will you be able to secure yourself the best guide during your preferred time slot, but you'll also be able to read reviews from other travelers. This will help you ensure that your tour will be enjoyable and informative.

It is free to book and takes less than two minutes to do so. You also won't need to input your credit card details, meaning you can't be charged if you have to cancel.

Free Walking Tours in Coimbra