Coimbra is Portugal’s third largest city behind Lisbon and Porto with a population of around 200,000 people. In the 12 century it was the capital of Portugal and houses the oldest University in any Portuguese speaking country and one of the oldest in Europe.

Coimbra contains some very important Archaeological structures, dating back to Roman times when it was known as Aeminium. Among the Portuguese, it is famed for its monuments, churches, libraries, museums, parks, nightlife, healthcare and shopping facilities. Being a University town, its’ cultural life is very diverse with students and residents from around the world, living in its’ mixture of modern and historical buildings.

Situated on a hill adjacent to the river Mondego, Coimbra took its’ name from the nearby Roman town of Conimbriga (well worth a visit if you have the time).

Coimbra has numerous events throughout the year. The city holiday is on the 4^th July in honour of Queen Saint Elizabeth, a religious celebration takes place on even numbered years with a huge firework display at night. Student festivals take place twice yearly, once at the beginning of the school year (similar to fresher’s week) with as much noise as possible and baptisms in the river and the second taking place in May and lasts for eight days; one day for each of the University’s faculties.

There’s so much to see and do here and it is difficult to do justice to Coimbra’s diversity in one page. Here is a brief outline of the important bits:

The Botanical Garden of Coimbra University thought to be the fifth oldest in the world, it was founded in 1772. It was incorporated into the Natural History Museum and occupies and incredible 130,000m2. The higher part of the garden contains the most formal area with ordered beds and greenhouses; the lower valley area contains much denser and natural vegetation.

Other green areas in the city include the Mata Nacional do Chapal, Penedo da Saudade and Quinta das Ligramas (which also houses a 9 hole pitch and putt and driving range).

If you have the energy, follow the winding stairs of the Rua Quebra Costa towards the high point of the city. When you are there admire the ancient university buildings and also visit the Science Museum housed in an old monastery featuring state-of-the-art interactive science displays. Also visit the old cathedral or Sé Velha for some stunning architecture.

If you need a rest after all this walking, then why not take a boat trip on the river Mondego. A boat trip on the pleasure cruiser Basófias passes the Santa Clara Bridge, Açude Bridge, Praça da Canção (Concert Park), Lapa dos Esteios, Rainha Santa Isabel Bridge, Quinta das Varandas and Bentos Island. You can get to the boat by going down to the river on the south of the Ponte de Santa Clara Bridge. Another easy way to view the city is by open top bus also available from the boat trip moorings.

One way to see more of Portuguese culture is to visit their small world exhibition, aptly named O Pequeno Mundo where many of Portugal's famous buildings have been rebuilt in miniature and there is a huge exhibit explaining about the spice route. There are small buildings around the site for each of the Portuguese speaking countries and containing may items from these countries that made up the Portuguese empire. This can be found on the other side of Mondego away from the old town.

If you like wandering through markets then there is a big street market in Coimbra on the last Saturday each month and after all that walking how about lunch in one of the many restaurants; Chinese, Brazilian, Italian and of course Portuguese.

There is so much more to see in Coimbra but a single day cannot give you enough time to see everything so why not go with only a few plans and soak up the atmosphere and culture, then plan for your next trip.