Recommended
Dominated by the tall tower of the old university, Coimbra clings to a hillside nourished by the Mondego. This place has undeniable charms, and these have been praised by poets many times. At the end of the day, students go down to the lovely squares in the centre and take to the café terraces, especially on Praça da República. When the summer heat bears down, residents seek refuge by the river or in the shade of the rare tree species in the botanical garden.