Mejores hoteles en Coimbra

Coimbra is the largest city in the Centro region of Portugal, and it sits on the banks of the Mondego River a half hour drive from the coast. Its university dates from the 13th century and is one of the oldest in the world. It’s therefore a popular destination for international students and business travellers. This accounts for much of the city’s economic focus, and the IT, pharmaceuticals and traditional manufacturing industries remain prominent. Booking a hotel in Coimbra grants the business traveller access to one of Portugal’s most active city economies.

Which points of interest will I find in the city?

Coimbra’s compact city centre is where you’ll find the university, CoimbraShopping and Alma malls, many hotels and the core of the city’s businesses. The university, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is open to the public. Its visitors’ circuit includes a climb up the tower and tours of its three-storey Joanina Library and the on-site ancient prison. Coimbra is also home to the British Council and Alliance Française, reflecting its status as a global centre of learning. Simply exploring its ancient streets are an excellent way to spend the afternoon after meetings.

Where can I do business in Coimbra?

A number of hotels offer meeting facilities in town and have excellent views of the river. The town centre itself is a mixture of contemporary businesses and traditional shops. Ceramics, textiles and wine remain the staples of the region’s industrial output. Active Space Technologies, Bluepharma and Intelligent Sensing Anywhere are among the modern companies headquartered in the city.

What other sights and activities can I take advantage of from my Coimbra hotel?

A hotel in Coimbra is an excellent place to get a taste of traditional Portuguese culture. Fado, the traditional melancholy music style that’s native to Portugal, has a specific sub-branch that originates in Coimbra. Many local bars offer refreshments along with live music shows. Bairrida and Dão are two wines native to the region and are excellent enjoyed with local delicacies such as fish and seafood dishes. The eccentrically named Quinta das Lágrimas (Farm of Tears) hotel has one of Coimbra’s best restaurants. Restaurante Zé Manel Dos Ossos and A Taberna are more traditional establishments serving the best of the region’s speciality foods.