University of Coimbra Private Tour: All-inclusive Experience with Ex-student Guides

Experience the University of Coimbra like never before with our private tour led by ex-student guides. Skip the line and explore the Joanina Library. Book now!

Duration: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • University of Coimbra - Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the rich and unique history of the country’s oldest university in an engaging and personalized manner, without being tedious. They will be able to enter the magnificent visiting areas and discover the Royal Palace (Hall of Arms, Hall of Capes, and Private Exam); the Chapel of…
What's Included
  • Guided tour experience
  • Admission ticket to the University of Coimbra
What's Not Included
  • Ticket for New Cathedral
  • Old Cathedral
Additional Information

This tour is ideal for those eager to delve into the history of the University of Coimbra and its surroundings. Beyond exploring the university’s heritage, it’s essential to understand the students’ lives, traditions, and their connection with the city and its residents.
Did you know that in just over two hours, you can embark on a journey spanning more…

Location
Largo Porta Férrea
Outside the Porta Férrea, between the Faculty of Humanities and the General Library of the University of Coimbra. Plus+ code on Google Maps: 6H5F+4P Coimbra GPS coordinates: 40.207804, -8.425585
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(53 Ratings)
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Foi5002
May 26, 2025
One of the oldest Universities in the world in a stunning setting and the library is spellbinding. - One of the oldest Universities in the world. Set high above Coimbra in winding streets so bare that in mind from mobility perspective. Beautiful classically styled and ornate buildings and the library will blow your mind as much for the book collection as the room itself. The courtyard offers stunning views over Coimbra and surrounding countryside. Worthy of a visit.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Papidline
May 24, 2025
University of Coimbra - Very nice place, stunning architecture, history and historical details at every corner, it's just surprising, the cathedral, the palace, and the museum and science faculty unfortunately the library was not available for that day, but it's definitely worth it
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Navigator58880250308
Oct 28, 2024
Great tour of the University - João was very knowledgeable and easy to tour with. His experience with the University was extensive. When taken in combination with his art history background, he brought the buildings to life.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
G6614nlpatriziaa
Sep 22, 2024
A pleasant discovery - We stopped a bit by chance in Coimbra and it was a pleasant experience in fact that day was full of girls and boys there was probably the presentation of university courses, the uniform of the students is very characteristic and the boys deserve a round of applause because despite the very hot day they were also wearing the cape. The bell tower of the university which is the highest point of the city was under renovation however we still managed to see it and the place in general is very nice.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Sonia_k
Jul 20, 2024
Mrs. Sonia - Joao is an excellent guide! Extremely well qualified. Punctual. Precise, informative, entertaining. A master at his trade.
Review provided by Viator
Quest57620125215
May 18, 2024
Rich experience at the University - Excellent visit to the University, enriched with detailed and interesting information given by the guide João Archer, who proved to have great knowledge about the historical context of the University and the details of the architecture and decoration.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Cynthia_m
Apr 29, 2024
Great tour. - Wonderful experience. Well worth the money! The library was fantastic. He adjusted the tour to fit our timeline.
Review provided by Viator
Connecticuttraveler7
Apr 19, 2024
Excellent tour of University of Coimbra - My wife and I greatly enjoyed our tour of the University of Coimbra, as led by Joao. His having studied art history at the University, as well as being a native of Coimbra, made for a highly informative and enjoyable tour. When we asked him about fado and the differences of Coimbra-style fado from other styles, he gave an insightful explanation complete with a recording from his phone of Coimbra fado as performed at a “leave taking” ceremony for students graduating from the University. Highly recommended!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Robertau212
Apr 11, 2024
Great tour! - Great tour of the Coimbra University including the library. Very comprehensive for the amount of time but we did not feel at all rushed. We also very much enjoyed talking with João about the people and history of Portugal.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Happymommywith3
Sep 29, 2024
Tour of Portugal’s oldest university. - When you first approach the university, students dressed in their school uniforms which looks just like Harry Potter. Our guide explained that the author lived in Portugal and was inspired. The most amazing part of the tour was the library. Absolutely magnificent! It was also the inspiration for the library in beauty and the beast. We were informed that they keep bats to control the insects from damaging the ancient books.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $115
up to 15 guests
2 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).