Coimbra often gets overlooked by families rushing between Lisbon and Porto, but this historic university city is absolutely worth a stop—especially if you're travelling with curious kids and teens. Home to one of Europe's oldest universities and packed with fascinating stories (yes, including tales of vampire bats!), Coimbra offers the perfect mix of education and adventure that will keep the whole family engaged.

Why Coimbra works for families

Unlike some Portuguese destinations that cater primarily to couples or young travelers, Coimbra has this wonderful ability to captivate different ages for different reasons. Your history-loving teen will be fascinated by centuries-old traditions, while younger kids will be enchanted by quirky museums and riverside parks. Plus, it's compact enough to explore in a day or two without exhausting little legs (though be prepared for some serious hills!).

The University of Coimbra: where learning comes alive

Biblioteca Joanina (Joanina Library)

This is the crown jewel of any Coimbra visit, and here's the good news: you don't need to book the often-expensive guided tours. The self-guided visit is perfect for families—you'll get explanatory sheets in multiple languages, and the experience is just the right length to hold kids' attention without overwhelming them.

But here's what will really capture your children's imagination: the resident bats! These tiny creatures have been living in the library for centuries, helping preserve the ancient books by eating insects that would otherwise damage them. Kids absolutely love this real-life vampire story, and it's a perfect conversation starter about how nature and human knowledge can work together.
No photos are allowed in the main library, so here is a stock one.

Por Wirdung - Obra do próprio, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15840905

Rest of the University Complex

The entire university can be explored relatively quickly, making it ideal for families. The academic traditions, beautiful courtyards, and panoramic views over the city provide plenty of photo opportunities and "wow" moments. Don't miss the stunning views from the university tower if it's open during your visit, the São Miguel Chapel and the Great Hall of Acts (reminiscent of a Harry Potter school hall).

Gabinete de Curiosidades (Cabinet of Curiosities)

This was an unexpected hit with my teens! This quirky museum houses one of the most eclectic collections you'll ever see—from scientific instruments, stuffed snakes and crocodiles to bizarre artifacts that will have your family puzzling over their purpose. It's wonderfully odd and exactly the type of place that sparks great conversations and silly photos. The dark lighting also adds to the mood. A little creepy.

Also don’t miss the Bordalo trash art (a young owl) just outside of the Gabinete de Curosidades.

Getting around: be prepared for hills

Let’s be honest…

Coimbra is not stroller-friendly. Like many historic Portuguese cities, it's built on hills with narrow cobblestone streets, a lack of sidewalk and plenty of stairs. If you're traveling with little ones, consider bringing a lightweight pushchair that's easy to carry, or better yet, a baby carrier for the steepest sections.

The good news? You can park along the river to explore the lower old city and parks. Tackle the uphill climb to the university when everyone's energy levels are highest (usually morning for families!). It is all downhill to make it back to the car at the end!

If walking uphill is too much, the little touristic train is fun and can take you all the way up to the heart of the university. Tickets are relatively inexpensive too.

Where to eat: beyond bifanas and bacalhau

There are plenty of traditional restaurants in Coimbra, some centuries old. The traditional Restaurante Sol do Bacalhau is THE place for codfish. Zé Manel dos Ossos is a tiny local gem. Head there for grilled meats (go early or make a reservation).

Italianino

Sometimes you need a break from Portuguese cuisine, and this charming Italian restaurant is exactly what families crave. The Italian owner is genuinely fun to chat with, and watching fresh pasta being made by hand is entertainment in itself. The place is tiny but there are two different locations across the road from one another.

Gelataria Novalis

After all that walking and learning, everyone deserves great gelato! This spot serves some of the best ice cream in Coimbra, with flavours that will please both adventurous and traditional tastes. It's perfectly located for a mid-exploration treat between the city and Portugal dos Pequenitos.

Family-friendly attractions beyond the university

Portugal dos Pequenitos

This miniature park is absolute magic for younger children (and secretly fascinating for adults too). It features scaled-down versions of Portugal's most famous monuments and architectural styles. Kids love running between the tiny buildings, and it's actually a brilliant way to get them excited about other destinations you might visit during your Portugal trip.

Baloiço Valdosa (Swing with a View)

Want an Instagram-worthy moment that kids will actually enjoy? This scenic swing offers beautiful views over Coimbra and the surrounding landscape. It's a bit of a trek to reach, you might want to drive there, but the payoff is worth it—especially for teens who love dramatic photo opportunities.

Riverside Parks

The parks along the Mondego River provide essential downtime for families. Pack a picnic, let kids run off energy, and enjoy watching local life unfold along the water. It's also a great spot for younger children to decompress after the sensory overload of the university visit.

Where to stay: family-friendly accommodations

Vila Galé Coimbra

This hotel strikes the right balance for families—comfortable, well-located, and with amenities that work for different ages. The staff is accustomed to families, and the location makes exploring Coimbra straightforward without being right in the thick of tourist crowds.

**Get custom recommendations!**

If you prefer something more rural, more authentic, feel free to email me for custom ideas. My last visitors to the region were delighted with their stay.

Practical tips for visiting Coimbra with kids

Timing your visit: Morning visits to the university work best—kids are fresh, crowds are lighter, and you can reward good behavior with afternoon gelato and park time.

What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes are non-negotiable. Pack water bottles and snacks, especially if traveling with younger kids who can't wait for scheduled meal times.

The bottom line

Coimbra might not be the most obvious family destination in Portugal, but it offers something genuinely special—a chance to blend education with adventure in a setting that feels authentically Portuguese rather than touristy. Whether your kids are fascinated by ancient libraries, quirky collections, or just love exploring somewhere new, Coimbra delivers memorable experiences that will have them talking long after you've returned home.

The city proves that learning doesn't have to happen in a classroom, and sometimes the best family travel moments come from discovering places that weren't necessarily designed for tourists but welcome curious visitors with open arms.

Ready to plan your Portugal adventure?

Planning a family trip can feel overwhelming—especially when you want to hit that sweet spot between educational and entertaining for different ages. If you're inspired by the idea of exploring Coimbra and other Portuguese gems with your family, I'd love to help you create the perfect itinerary.

As a travel planner specialising in family adventures, I can help you:

Design age-appropriate itineraries that keep everyone engaged
Find family-friendly accommodations and restaurants
Navigate practical challenges like transportation with kids
Discover off-the-beaten-path experiences your family will love

Whether you want a quick consultation to pick my brain about Portugal with kids, or a fully customised itinerary tailored to your family's interests and pace, I'm here to take the stress out of planning so you can focus on making memories.

Ready to start planning? Schedule a call here to discuss your Portugal family adventure—I can't wait to help you create an unforgettable trip!

Coimbra with kids and teens: A family guide to Portugal's historic university city