Coimbra is Portugal's fourth-largest urban area and used to be the country's capital, between 1131 and 1255. It is home to one of the most traditional and prestigious universities, the University of Coimbra, established first in 1290 in Lisbon and later relocated in 1308, making it the oldest academic institution in the Portuguese-speaking world.

For visiting the University of Coimbra and its famous Joanine library, the regular ticket costs 13.5€.

Coimbra's historic center is full of relevant monuments and buildings, categorized as a World Heritage site by UNESCO. The old city is located on a hill right by the Mondego river. The best way to know the city is to take a walking tour.