Top 5 Coimbra Tickets & Passes: See Portugal’s Academic City

If you are thinking about a trip to Coimbra, Portugal, you will almost certainly want to plan a visit to a place rich with history and academic custom. Knowing the right tickets and passes can, in a way, change your whole trip, helping you discover its gorgeous landmarks, listen to the sounds of Fado, and get engrossed in student life. That said, figuring out the options can seem a little much at the start. I am here to break down the best picks, making sure that you get the most out of Coimbra!

1. University of Coimbra Ticket: A Step Back in Time

Any visit to Coimbra should, probably, begin at the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest continuously running universities around the globe. That is to say, this isn’t just any old school; it is a location where centuries of learning and tradition come to life. A ticket usually gets you into the most important areas, such as the Biblioteca Joanina, which has got to be one of the most beautiful libraries you will ever lay your eyes on.

The gorgeous baroque design and thousands of old books really make you feel the history. That and the Capela de São Miguel, a royal chapel with some incredible details, should definitely be on your tour. Usually, students around there volunteer to take you around and talk to you, offering interesting perspectives.

Getting these tickets ahead of time is a great idea, particularly at peak times. The queues can be long, so pre-booking online saves you some hassle. So you know, ticket prices are usually around €12-€15, yet it is worth checking the university’s official website to see what the options are, and to see if any discounts are available for students or seniors. Honestly, the experience is absolutely something to write home about!

Read our full review: University of Coimbra Tickets Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Coimbra University Tickets)

2. Coimbra Fado Show Ticket: An Authentic Musical Experience

If you are interested in seeing some genuine local artistry, you can not miss the Fado shows in Coimbra. Unlike the Fado usually performed in Lisbon, Coimbra’s Fado has deep connections to the university traditions, normally being performed by male students or graduates. You might just find the serenades rich with academic nostalgia and student stories, rather poignant.

There are a lot of venues across the city where you can catch a Fado show. “À Capella” and “Fado ao Centro” are rather liked for their credible shows and personal settings. Generally, you will want to grab your tickets beforehand. So, to do that, go either online or straight from the venue, especially if you are going to a show in the evening.

Ticket prices usually run from €15 to €25. In some ways, these tickets are for an hour or so of music. Even still, they give you something that is hard to put a price on; a vivid taste of Portuguese culture. Definitely look into which shows have guest reviews before booking, too. To be sure, reviews often showcase some great insights into what the performance could hold!

Read our full review: Coimbra Fado Show Tickets Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Fado Show Tickets)

3. Coimbra City Walking Tour Pass: Discovering the Hidden Gems

To really explore Coimbra, a city walking tour is a great way to get out there and move! Purchasing a city walking tour pass really allows you to enjoy different guided experiences, offering something quite engaging and enlightening as you wander about the city.

Often, these tours visit places like the Quebra Costas, the Machado de Castro National Museum, and the old cathedral (Sé Velha). The great thing is, you will probably pick up plenty of stories and historical context. More or less, you might not have picked this up on your own. Many tours will customize, more or less, their route according to how much walking folks want to do. Very important if you have kids or others with less mobility.

The passes normally cost somewhere between €20 and €30, usually covering a 2-to-3-hour walking trip. To be sure, booking early is useful, seeing how popular the tours tend to get, particularly during the busier visitor times of the year. All things considered, having a tour pass definitely means you will get deeper into the culture and sights of Coimbra, which you would otherwise skip!

Read our full review: Coimbra Walking Tour Pass Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Walking Tour Passes)

4. Coimbra Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour: See Coimbra Comfortably

If you wish to explore Coimbra without lots of walking, a hop-on hop-off bus tour might just be the answer! This offers a simple means of seeing major attractions with something fun and relaxed, providing useful information without tiring yourself out. A lot of bus tours will stop close to the University, the Portugal dos Pequenitos (a park which displays small-size versions of Portuguese landmarks), and the Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha.

One of the most lovely things you could get out of it is being able to jump off at whichever stop strikes your fancy. You have complete control! Bus tours often supply audio guides in quite a few languages. In other words, learning about Coimbra’s history turns out to be accessible to every person. It typically tends to be fairly convenient for everyone to get from point A to B.

Tickets typically range from around €15 to €20 and are often valid for either one or two days. Typically you will find it makes a great introduction to Coimbra! Also, you get to make plans about seeing certain sights better at some other point. Do keep in mind to check the schedule, because bus times may vary based on what season it happens to be!

Read our full review: Coimbra Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Hop-On Hop-Off Tickets)

5. Museu Nacional Machado de Castro Ticket: Encountering Art and History

For art and history lovers, spending a visit to the Museu Nacional Machado de Castro is really important! Situated in the old Bishop’s Palace, this place displays a wide variety of Portuguese art. I would have to say, seeing it spanning from the Middle Ages all the way up to the 20th century makes for quite a tour!

Arguably, one of the best parts is the collection of sculptures. If you didn’t know, they are works from one of Portugal’s most famed sculptors, Machado de Castro himself. Plus, they have interesting archaeological finds that are underneath the museum. Very exciting if you would like a peek into what the Romans did there.

Tickets often will run you somewhere around €5 to €8. By the way, this spot gives you a calming break away from the city. It is quiet to be sure, as well as filled with some rather stimulating insights. You are sure to gain greater thanks for the country’s artistic inheritance! When you show up, see what kind of seasonal displays they have!

Read our full review: Museu Nacional Machado de Castro Tickets Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Museu Nacional Tickets)