Coimbra, set along the banks of the Mondego River in central Portugal, is a historic city known for its academic legacy and old-world charm. Once the medieval capital of Portugal, it is home to the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its baroque Joanina Library, with gilded woodwork and ancient manuscripts, is considered one of the world’s most beautiful libraries, reflecting the city’s deep intellectual tradition.

Winding cobbled streets climb up from the river to the university’s hilltop, where Gothic cathedrals, Roman ruins, and picturesque plazas reveal centuries of history. Coimbra is also known for its unique style of Fado music, Fado de Coimbra, traditionally performed by male students in long black cloaks, adding a haunting, soulful soundtrack to the city’s atmosphere.

Beyond its cultural riches, Coimbra offers inviting riverside promenades, botanical gardens, and lively cafés where student life mixes with local traditions. It’s a city where scholarship, music, and history intertwine, creating a destination that feels both timeless and alive with youthful energy.