Is Coimbra expensive to visit?
In Coimbra, budget travelers spend $67 (€59) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $157 (€138) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $331 (€291) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Coimbra.
Coimbra is a smaller place that appeals to a wide spectrum of travelers, featuring different styles, expenditure habits, and budget ranges. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.
You may find Coimbra to be expensive in some places, but there are ways to keep your budget in check, like looking for discounts and coupons.
Within Europe, which is known to be an expensive region, Coimbra is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Nafplio or Puerto de la Cruz.
For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Coimbra Expensive?
How much money do I need for a trip to Coimbra?
The average Coimbra trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Coimbra travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Coimbra cost?
Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget
Having realistic expectations for your travel expenses is important. While many assume they can visit Coimbra on a tight budget, the truth is that most people don't enjoy traveling that way. Think about what you prioritize on vacation. Do you prefer staying in resorts or hostels? Do you love exploring sights and attractions, or dining out? Your preferences will directly impact your budget and travel plans.
What Defines a Budget Traveler?
You might think you're a budget traveler, but unless you're willing to sacrifice many comforts, expect to spend a lot more than the average of $67 per day that backpackers typically manage.
Younger budget travelers sometimes stick to a shoestring budget, which usually means staying in hostel dorms, eating at budget restaurants or fast food, relying on public transportation or walking, and limiting activities to free attractions.
Coimbra has plenty of hostels available, like HI Coimbra – Pousada de Juventude and Serenata Hostel. Here, you can enjoy low-cost dorm lodging and a vibrant social environment, though amenities might be minimal.
So, are you average?
If you're a family or couple enjoying a vacation, you'll probably want to stay in a mid-range hotel, eat at well-liked restaurants, and check out significant museums and attractions that charge entry fees. Many who visit Coimbra will seek to enjoy the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. Most activities aren't free. So, you should realistically expect your daily budget to be around $157 per person, per day.
In Coimbra, you can find a variety of hotels and vacation rentals. If you're traveling with others, you can share the costs of your hotel with a partner, friend, or children, which can help you save money. Families will want to seek out hotels and restaurants that are kid-friendly. Hotel Botanico de Coimbra is a great choice for families, and Hotel Vitoria Coimbra is another great option. To discover more family- and couple-oriented hotels, visit our hotel guide for Coimbra.
Looking to Travel in Luxury?
If your ideal trip includes every luxury and top-tier service, be ready to budget around $331 per day. A stay at nicer hotels, meals at prestigious restaurants, fancy excursions, and getting around the destination with taxis or private drivers will cost you more. Many luxury travelers also enjoy unique experiences such as Lousa Mountain Private Tour - offered by Viator.
Accommodation Budget in Coimbra
Hotel rates in Coimbra vary a lot, especially between budget and luxury options. Peak season () brings higher prices, with rates rising from an off-season averages of $75 to $140. Expect prices to range from $46 for budget hotels to $246 for luxury. Hostels, particularly dorms, are cheaper. To save money, travel off-season or book early.
Calculated from travelers like you
The average price paid in Coimbra for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $102 (€87). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $51 (€44) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.
Looking for a hotel in Coimbra? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.
The most affordable highest rated hotels in Coimbra include:
- Sapientia Boutique Hotel starting at $130
- Casa de Sao Bento starting at $70
- Hotel Dona Ines Coimbra starting at $87
- Hotel Oslo starting at $81
- Hotel Botanico de Coimbra starting at $79
Traveling during the shoulder or low season, instead of , can save you money on accommodations and spare you the heavy tourist crowds.
Transportation Budget in Coimbra
Calculated from travelers like you
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On average, past travelers have spent $13 (€11) per person, per day, on local transportation in Coimbra. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Coimbra is significantly more than public transportation.
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Transportation1
Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
$13
€11
As a tourist, you'll find that most of the city's sights and attractions, as well as most of the restaurants and hotels, are within a reasonable walking distance. There is a large system of buses that is operated by SMTUC as well as the Coimbra trolleybus system. The city also serves as a hub for the interregional bus services that go around the country and abroad. There are several rail stations with the main station being Coimbra-B on the main line between Porto and Lisbon. Coimbra-A is a small spur that runs from the main station into the city center. Coimbra also has a regional airfield in Cernache about 8 kilometers southwest of the downtown area. It serves private flights.
There are three major bridges that cross the Mondego River in Coimbra; the Ponte do Acude, the Ponte de Santa Clara, and the Ponte Rainha Santa. The Ponte Pedonal de Pedro e Ines is the only footbridge in the city.
Check that your hotel has accessible parking if you're planning on driving.
A few of the typical hotel transfers and transportation services include:
- Fátima Private Transfer to/from Lisbon for $161 details
- Private transfer in Coimbra City for $80 details
- Private Transfer Coimbra to Take Christ's Convent for $175 details
How much does it cost to go to Coimbra? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.
The price of renting a car in Coimbra will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.
Food Budget in Coimbra
Tasting the local cuisine is a key reason for travel, so be sure to sample the unique dishes offered in the area.
Calculated from travelers like you
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While restaurant and meal prices in Coimbra can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Coimbra is $97 (€83) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.
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Food2
Meals for one day
$97
€83
When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Coimbra is around $94 (€83) per person, with previous travelers spending from $39 to $208. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.
Typical meal prices in Coimbra are as follows:
- Breakfast: $9 to $28
- Lunch: $14 to $38
- Dinner: $28 to $66
- Coffee: $8
- Fast Food or Street Food: $14
There are plenty in interesting restaurants in Coimbra and many of them are located in the old city. Prices near tourist attractions can be slightly elevated so it is often a good idea to find a place that is slightly off the beaten track. There are three larger shopping centers where you can find food options if you're on a particularly tight budget. They have a variety of fast food options and are close to public transit, although somewhat inconvenient when you're sightseeing. International restaurants range from Italian to Asian. There are also plenty of restaurants that serve delicious, traditional Portuguese food. They range in price from affordable to very expensive and each has its own atmosphere. Make sure you try a traditional Portuguese meal while you're in town.
Wine is also good in Coimbra. In particular, make sure you try some Bairrada wine. Also try licor beirao, which is the national sweet liquor drink that is made in the area.
Countless hotels provide breakfast as part of your stay, but some will add it as an additional fee. The price and quality can change based on the hotel. Being informed ahead of time can aid in deciding whether to budget extra funds. You might enjoy the delightful buffet offered at the hotel, or perhaps a more economical option would be a nearby bakery or cafe.
Stay hydrated with a water bottle instead of purchasing drinks everywhere. It's also great for the environment.
When planning your tour, don't forget to check what meals are included. You might have to pay for some of your own food, which could add to your expenses.
If you want to experience the culture in Coimbra, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:
- Tomar Cooking Class & Garden-to-Table Meal with Lake Views for $115 details
- Erotic Cabaret Show and Dinner for $63 details
Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Coimbra
Calculated from travelers like you
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Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Coimbra typically cost an average of $21 (€18) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.
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Entertainment1
Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
$21
€18
There are many interesting sights around Coimbra. Make sure you check out the University of Coimbra. Get there before 7 pm when the famous old library closes. Other sights around town include the Botanical Garden, Machado de Castro National Museum, the Old Cathedral, the New Cathedral of Coimbra, Igreja de Santa Cruz, the Medieval Downtown, Jardim da Sereia, Penedo da Saudade, and the Sister Lusia of Jesus Memorial, among others.
Activities around town include taking a walk up to the top of University Hill for the view of the city. Student life also plays an important role in the atmosphere around town. There are many student festivals throughout the year. Some favorites are Festa das Latas and Queima das Fitas. Festa das Latas is a homecoming parade that takes place at the beginning of the academic year in November. It dates back to the 19th century and the highlight is the Latada parade. After the parade, new students are "baptized" in the Mondego River as a sign of joining the Coimbra academic fraternity. Queima das Fitas takes place at the end of the second semester, which usually happens at the beginning of May. It is one of the biggest student parties in all of Europe and lasts for just over a week.
Shopping is also a popular activity around town. You can go to the medieval center where you'll find plenty of independent bookshops, boutiques, toyshops, galleries, and more.
A nice way to explore destinations in Coimbra is with local tours that last just a few hours. This way you can see as much as possible in an efficient way with knowledgable guides. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- A tour between Cascades and Schist Villages, Piodão for $155 details
- Schist Villages and Medieval Castles Tour for $119 details
- Coimbra City Tour for $24 details
Coimbra, Portugal
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.