Guimarães: A fairytale journey through Portugal's history for families
If you like castles and history, Guimarães needs to be on your list when visiting Portugal. Forget the long queues of Sintra, head here for medieval history. Guimarães, a charming city often called the "Cradle of Portugal." Here, history comes alive in a way that ignites children's imaginations and sparks a love for learning.
Exploring the City Walls
Guimaraes is a pedestrian-friendly paradise. Weave your way through narrow cobbled streets lined with colorful houses (Largo do Toural) and traditional shops. Keep an eye out for the iconic iron verandas and granite balconies – they add a touch of magic to the cityscape. As you explore, tell tales of knights and princesses, and let your children feel like they've stepped back in time.
The Mighty Guimarães Castle
No historical adventure is complete without a visit to a castle! The imposing Guimarães Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sits proudly on a hilltop overlooking the city. Climb the ramparts and walk around and imagine knights defending the land (a highlight for the kids). Explore the towers and dungeons, whispering stories of bravery and adventure into your children's ears. The castle offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape, making it a perfect spot for a family photo.
Guimarães Castle
Palace of the Dukes of Bragança
Step into the world of Portuguese nobility at the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança. This architectural gem showcases Gothic and Renaissance styles, with impressive towers and a charming courtyard. You can visit the inside and admire a vast collection of tapestries, ceramics and medieval weapons.
Walk one of the oldest streets
Rua da Santa Maria, one of the oldest streets in Guimarães. Planted on both sides of the street is a series of historic buildings dating back to the 12th and the 13th century.
Ice-cream break
Take a break in the lovely Largo da Oliveira square, a bustling heart of the city. There you can find numerous cafes, restaurants and ice-cream shops perfect for a refreshing treat or a sit-down meal.
Food time
Taberna Trovador is perfect to eat with kids. It serves petiscos (small tapas). You order as many or as few as you like and get to try lots of different options. The adults can have a glass of green wine (Vinho Verde) as it is the regional drink.
Practical Tips
Parking: While the city center is pedestrian-only, there are several parking garages located on the outskirts (Parque Publico Condessa Mumadona is perfectly located, for example).
Getting Around: The best way to explore Guimaraes is on foot. The city is compact and easily walkable even with young children, allowing you to discover hidden alleys and charming corners at your own pace.
Accessibility: Many of the historical sites, including the castle and the Palace of the Dukes, have cobblestone paths and uneven surfaces. If you're traveling with a stroller, be prepared for some bumps.
What to do around Guimarães with kids
To go beyond the historic centre, here are some suggestions that families will love.
Quinta das Manas
15 minutes away from Guimarães is this pedagogical farm where kids can interact and feed a huge variety of animals (from ostriches, to owls to goats and ferrets). You need to pre-book your visit here.
Guimarães cable car
Probably the first cable car in Portugal, it takes you up Montanha da Penha, all the way up to a catholic church (Santuario da Penha). Return tickets for adults cost 7,5€ (half price for children). The ride above the trees is fun and the area is full of pathways to explore, rocks to climb and great views. There is a car park at the bottom of the hill near the cable car station.
Santuario da Penha
Citânia de Briteiros
A Celtic archeological site worth a detour. Nestled in the countryside, this archaeological site has Celtic roots and dates back to the 1st century BC. Defensive walls and stone huts are spread across the site, forming a fortified village known as citânia. Amid the ruins are two reconstructed huts (castros) that reveal how people lived in those days. Also noteworthy is the Pedra Formosa, a carved monolith belonging to an old bathhouse. You get a little map at the entrance and can follow your own path. The view from the cafe is great too. Warning: the site is closed at lunchtime!
Festival time
In late June (around 21-24th June), the city travels back to the medieval era with this four-day festival called Feira Afonsina. The event features historical reenactments, food stalls with medieval treats and shops selling traditional crafts. A great time to visit with kids who will love the displays that make history come alive.
Festas Gualterianas (in early August), a celebration of Saint Guálter, is also a fun time to visit. Open-air concerts, floats, parades, fireworks, etc. Warning: it gets very busy though.
Guimaraes offers a unique blend of history, charm, and family fun. Let your children embark on a magical journey through Portugal's past, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
