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Guimaraes Tour

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Guimaraes Tour - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Guimaraes Tour

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Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Guimaraes Tour - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Passeios e excursões em Minas Gerais

Conheça nossos produtos e descubra a história, a cultura e a multidiversidade dos atrativos turísticos de Minas Gerais. A Guimarães Tour preparou vários roteiros, passeios e excursões em Minas Gerais para você conhecer um pouco mais do nosso turismo. Aqui você pode escolher o roteiro ideal para o seu passeio.

Roteiros Belo Horizonte

As curvas desenham a paisagem. Estão nas ondas da Serra do Curral; no contorno de uma das maiores vias da cidade; nas linhas sinuosas do edifício modernista no conjunto da Liberdade; no movimento da Lagoa da Pampulha, em suas edificações. Esta é mais uma forma de se ver Belo Horizonte. Cidade de circulações. Aberta a idéias e desbravadores de todos os tempos, a antiga fazenda tornou-se ponto de comercio para os aventureiros que atravessavam Minas em  busca de ouro; consagrou-se símbolo do Brasil República e expressão maior da arte modernista, até se firmar como importante pólo econômico e industrial do país. Eclética em sua arquitetura e em seu modo de ser, Belo Horizonte é, ao mesmo tempo, conservadora e cosmopolita. Flexível, ambígua, contraditória, a cidade continua em construção.

City tour de 1/2 dia em Belo Horizonte

By night tour em belo horizonte, roteiros cidades históricas.

É a arte revelando ao mundo o barroco. São cidades históricas, patrimônios da humanidade, apresentando aos turistas casarões coloniais, monumentos, igrejas trabalhadas em ouro. Arquitetura única, magnífica. Minas são muitas. Mais de 1400 km que cortam as Gerais passando por cidades cheias de barroco, arte e história para contar. Uma imensidão pronta para ser conhecida e apreciada por todos.

Tour de dia inteiro a Ouro Preto e Mariana

Tour de dia inteiro a ouro preto e congonhas, tour de dia inteiro a tiradentes e são joão del rei com maria fumaça sem ingresso, tour de 1/2 dia em sabará, city tour de dia inteiro a congonhas e sabará, tour de 1/2 dia em congonhas, roteiros das grutas.

Visitar uma gruta mineira é experimentar o prazer indescritível de desvendar os segredos do subsolo deste Estado, que nos revela rios, cachoeiras, magníficas formações de estalactites e estalagmites, ossadas humanas e de grandes animais extintos, materiais líticos trabalhados com artes ancestrais, raridades de formações calcárias, inscrições rupestres, entre tantas outras surpresas que aguardam os turistas. Essas riquezas espeleológicas e as pinturas  rupestres, com marcas dos primeiros habitantes, levam o visitante a proveitosas reflexões.

Tour de dia inteiro a Gruta do Maquiné e Gruta Rei do Mato

Tour de 1/2 dia na gruta da lapinha, roteiros das serras, parques, cachoeiras e outros, tour de dia inteiro a inhotim, tour de dia inteiro na serra do cipó, tour de dia inteiro em capitólio, tour de 1/2 dia na serra da piedade, tour de dia inteiro ao santuário do caraça, tour cachoeiras de acuruí, entre serras de minas - da piedade ao caraça de trem sem ingresso, sabe porque possuímos o melhor e mais diferenciado serviço de turismo de belo horizonte, nossa empresa não vende preço, vendemos valor nosso objetivo é realizar sonhos e não transformá-los em pesadelos.

“Minas, são muitas. Porém, poucos são aqueles que conhecem as mil faces das Gerais”. João Guimarães Rosa

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Self-Guided Tour of Guimarães, Portugal – The Perfect Itinerary with Map, Practical Tips, and Travel Details

By Author Rossi Thomson

Posted on Last updated: 4th September 2022

Categories Portugal

Here is a one-day self-guided tour of Guimarães in Portugal.

This small city in the north of the country is lovingly known as the cradle of the nation for this is where the portuguese state and identity were born in the first half of the 12th century..

With a beautifully preserved medieval historic centre which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Guimarães is an ever more popular destination to take a day trip or a weekend break in Portugal. About an hour away from the second-largest Portuguese city, Porto , Guimarães is easy to reach by road and railway.

So, in this blog post today, I want to share with you an easy to follow self-guided tour of Guimarães. It includes the city’s most well-known sights and landmarks – from the 10th-century castle which played a central role in the foundation of Portugal to the cool cable car which takes you to the top of the nearby Monte da Penha thus affording you fabulous panoramic views over the lush Portuguese countryside.

To make your travel planning an easy and enjoyable experience, at the end of this blog post I have also included lots of practical tips and a detailed map of the suggested itinerary. You can easily personalise it according to your needs and interests. There is also a short section about getting to Guimarães by train or car from anywhere in Portugal.

It’s all based on my personal experience of travelling to and exploring this beautiful Portuguese city. My last visit there was right before Easter in April of this year. This is the itinerary that I followed together with my family. It was my husband’s and my daughter’s first visit to Guimarães. I wanted to show them the best places there as I had gotten to know the city several years ago when I spent a couple of months there interning at a local radio station.

The itinerary covers a bit of history, some sightseeing, a number of hidden corners, many lovely views, delicious local specialities, and lots of walking interspersed with long moments of rest. So, there is something for everyone and for all types of interests – from history and art to good food and even a bit of hiking in the bosom of lush nature. Guimarães really delivers on all fronts.

To find out more about this exciting city in Northern Portugal, have a look also at this blog post:

• Visual Travel Guide to Guimarães – 17 Photos That Will Make You Want to Visit the City That Birthed Portugal

Otherwise, let’s start!

Self-guided tour of guimarães, portugal – the perfect itinerary with map, practical tips, and travel details.

This one-day self-guided walking tour of Guimarães in Portugal starts from the city’s train station.

In case you are arriving by car, you can park for the whole day at the paid parking lot of Centro Cultural Vila Flor . It is just a few steps away from the train station, so you can join the itinerary without missing out on any sights.

Currently, it costs six euros to park there for the whole day (from 8 am to 8 pm). Click here to see the exact location of this parking lot on Google Maps. For alternative places to park in Guimarães, have a look at the website of the local provider Vitrus Ambiente . It’s in Portuguese, so you can use Google Translate to get an idea of the information.

If you don’t want to walk from the train station to the main cluster of sights on Colina Sagrada , then you can catch the bus. Line 004 will take you from bus stop Estação CP Guimarães (next to the train station) to Jardim do Carmo . You will miss out on the first few sights on the itinerary but you can still try to see them at a later stage.

The bus runs every 20 mins. The journey takes about 10-11 mins. You can download the most up-to-date bus timetable from this official link .

To make full use of this self-guided tour, aim to reach Guimarães around 9 am. Although small and compact, the city has many beautiful corners and you will want to see as much as possible for a truly memorable experience.

I haven’t assigned specific times of arrival and departure for each of the sights on this itinerary for Guimarães. It is up to you to decide how much time you want to spend at each and if you want to see them all or just a few.

You may even decide to spend the night in town and enjoy this self-guided walking tour of Guimarães over two days.

One final note. Bear in mind that Penha Cable Car has seasonal opening hours. During the low season, it remains closed for most of the week. If it doesn’t run on the day that you are in Guimarães then you can spend longer in each museum and other sights around the historic centre.

Otherwise, if you want to see it all and do it all, then you will need to be very strict in terms of organisation and time spent at each place around town.

From the Train Station to the Historic Centre of Guimarães

Guimarães’ train station is small and very easy to orientate yourself in. It stands on the long Avenida D. João IV and it’s about 10 mins away on foot from the city’s historic centre.

When you arrive, walk out of the train station and turn left (west). Follow Avenida D. João IV for about 120 m to the corner with Avenida D. Afonso Henriques (it will be on your right). Cross the street and continue down (north) Avenida D. Afonso Henriques for about 180 m.

At this point, you will reach Centro Cultural Vila Flor . This is a sprawling villa with a lovely garden that functions as a cultural centre in Guimarães. Theatrical performances, musical events, and other happenings regularly take place here.

If you have arrived by car and have parked at Vila Flor, then you can begin this self-guided walking tour of Guimarães from this point onwards.

As this is an already packed one-day tour of Guimarães, Vila Flor is simply a walk-past point on the itinerary. You can see its garden through the fence as you pass by. If you have decided to spend the night in town, though, you can always check the current listings and return to Vila Flor for an evening performance.

Continue straight down Avenida D. Afonso Henriques . This is a residential area of Guimarães with lots of large blocks of flats. There is not much to see here but it’s a nice and slow way to ease yourself into the calm and relaxing atmosphere of the city.

After about 350 m, you will reach Largo Bernardo Moreira de Sá . On the right, stands a small garden – Jardim Público da Alameda . Instead, turn to the left, walk up the street for about 50 m or so, cross the street, and on your left-hand side, there will be a large square – Largo do Toural .

Largo do Toural and Archaeological Museum

This is Largo do Toural – a central square in Guimarães that serves as a gateway to the city’s medieval historic centre. It has a large fountain at its heart and it’s flanked by the Church of São Pedro on one side and by a long wall of tall buildings on the other.

Their facades seem to be composed of endless lines of elongated windows. The narrow strips of wall between and underneath the windows are covered with the traditional Portuguese tiles, called azulejos . All this gives Largo do Toural a very elegant look and feel.

It is at this square that you will see the emblematic sign Aqui nasceu Portugal (in English, Portugal Was Born Here). It is affixed to a portion of the medieval defensive wall and proudly proclaims the fact that indeed in the first half of the 12th century it was precisely in the city of Guimarães that the County of Portucale became the independent Kingdom of Portugal.

Small eateries and traditional shops stand around Largo do Toural . It’s a good place to stop and get breakfast or a snack, coffee and water. There are also several pharmacies here in case you need something last-minute like hand gel or tissues.

Once these practicalities of travel have been sorted, head to the Museum of the Martins Sarmento Society . This is the oldest archaeological museum in Portugal. You will find it on Rua Paio Galvão, 2 which is 120 m down the road from the north end of Largo do Toural .

The museum is housed in a beautiful neoclassical building and it also incorporates the Gothic cloister of the former Monastery of São Domingos . Expect a rich collection of thousands of Celtic and Roman artefacts. The focus is on the findings made during the excavations of Citânia de Briteiros . This is a Celtic hill-fort that was occupied by different cultures up to the Middle Ages. It’s about 15 km away by car from Guimarães.

After visiting the museum, it’s time to enter the historic centre. Retrace your steps to the north end of Largo do Toural . Once there, follow Rua de Santo António . This long street is flanked by fancy boutiques and azulejo -covered facades.

Now, that you are entering the historic centre of Guimarães, you will notice houses and buildings in many different styles. They beautifully reflect the passage of the centuries and the architectural changes that each one of them brought.

It’s quite enjoyable to walk slowly just taking it all in. The small balconies with wrought-iron railings, the blooming potted plants, the cobbled lanes. It is quite magical!

Walk north-east on the Rua de Santo António for about 110 m. Then turn right onto Rua Val de Donas and after 30 m turn left to stay on the same street. Continue for about 130 m and you will reach one of the prettiest hidden gems of Guimarães – Largo dos Laranjais .

Largo dos Laranjais and Jardim do Carmo

Largo dos Laranjais or the Square of the Orange Trees is a small rectangular piazza overlooked by a tall medieval tower. At its heart, stand a few orange trees covered with exuberant blossoms and dripping with ripe fruit.

It’s a very pretty scene! The fragrant blossoms fill the air with their heady scent attracting a bunch of buzzing bees. Take a moment to take it all in and then head up to the nearby Jardim do Carmo . It’s only about two minutes away.

So, from the top end of Largo dos Laranjais turn left onto Rua João Lopes de Faria and after 13 metres or so continue on Rua das Trinas for 80 m. Then turn right onto Rua Agostinho Barbosa for seven metres and just across the street you will see a pretty green space – Jardim do Carmo . It has steps leading up to a circular fountain at its top end.

The Igreja of Nossa Senhora do Carmo (in English, Church of Our Lady of Carmel) stands on the right-hand side of this delightful garden.

Small and with a white facade decorated with a lovely azulejo panel, the church dates back to the end of the 17th century. Built in the Baroque style, it has a beautifully frescoed choir and a striking main altar decorated with the typical for Portugal gilded wooden carvings in an elaborate, florid style.

Stopping for a short moment either in the garden or the church is a lovely thing to do and gives you a moment of respite before beginning the ascent to Portugal’s Sacred Hill.

Colina Sagrada

Starting from the Church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo, walk in a straight line uphill for about 200 m. You will reach the base of the small hill Monte Latito which is also widely known as Colina Sagrada – the Sacred Hill of Portugal.

Here, within a few steps from one another, you can visit four iconic for the country landmarks:

Statue of D. Afonso Henriques – this is the imposing statue of the founder of Portugal. Cast in bronze in 1887, it’s the work of the renowned Portuguese sculptor Antonio Soares dos Reis.

Church of São Miguel do Castelo – a tiny Romanesque church where D. Afonso Henriques, allegedly, was baptised in his infancy. The original baptismal font is preserved inside the otherwise bare church.

Castle of Guimarães – a proud medieval fortification first erected in the 10th century. It played a prominent role in the establishment of Portugal as an independent country in the first half of the 12th century. Many historians state that D. Afonso Henriques was born here as his parents – the Counts of Portucale – used the castle and Guimarães as their base.

Nowadays, the Castle of Guimarães is recognised as one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal . In other words, it’s one of the country’s most important cultural and historic monuments.

Paço dos Duques de Bragança – a heavily restored 15th-century palace first built by Afonso de Barcelos. He was an illegitimate son of King João I of Portugal and founder of the Bragança dynasty of emperors, kings, princes, and dukes.

These are the most important historic sights to see in Guimarães. Even if you don’t have time for anything else in this beautiful Portuguese city, a visit to the Colina Sagrada should top all travel wish lists for it.

Ideally, explore the four sights in the order I have listed them. However, it’s best to decide in situ depending on the number of tourists and the weather. You can buy a combined ticket for the castle and the palace or the castle, the palace, and the Alberto Sampaio Museum in town. Click to check the current prices .

The Colina Sagrada is a lush, green place with many different types of trees and shrubs. You can relax in their shadows or go for a short walk around if you can spare a few moments here before heading back downtown.

Rua de Santa Maria

Once you have ticked off the sights on Colina Sagrada , head back downtown. For this, start from the Paço dos Duques de Bragança and walk about 200 m downhill past the Church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo . At the bottom of Jardim do Carmo , cross Rua Serpa Pinto and start walking down Rua de Santa Maria .

Dedicated to St. Mary, this long street is hundreds of years old. When it was first laid out in the Middle Ages, it connected the Castle of Guimarães to an important convent which stood in the heart of what nowadays is the city’s historic centre.

Along the length of Rua de Santa Maria , you will see several beautiful historic buildings and quirky shops selling handmade souvenirs.

Keep an eye out for the Town Hall of Guimarães. Formerly a rich convent dedicated to Santa Clara, you will recognise it by its ornated Baroque facade.

It’s also on this street that you can taste the famous pastries and sweets of Guimarães: toucinho-do-céu , tortas de Guimarães , and  douradinhas de Guimarães . They are handmade following centuries-old convent recipes. Pop into Divina Gula right next to the historic Casa do Arco and take your pick.

A few steps further downhill, Rua da Santa Maria will take you to one of the most picturesque historic squares in Guimarães. Praça de São Tiago is a dream of colourful facades surrounding a cobbled square peppered with the tables of the local restaurants.

You can stop here for lunch if you want. My suggestion is to hold on for just a little bit longer and walk across to Largo da Oliveira – easily, the most beautiful place in Guimarães.

Largo Da Oliveira

Largo da Oliveira or the Square of the Olive Tree is a small stone-paved square that seems plucked out of a medieval fairytale. It’s here that you will see many of the city’s most historic buildings and yet the square has a young and exciting vibe to it.

Dotted with the tables of many local eateries, you can sit for a bite to eat while taking in the beautiful surroundings and feeling lucky for simply being here.

Here is a shortlist of the most important sights to see on Largo da Oliveira:

Antigos Paços do Concelho – standing above the vaulted arcade that separates Praça de São Tiago from Largo da Oliveira , this is the city’s medieval town hall. It was built between the 14th and the 15th centuries and it’s crowned by the statue of a warrior.

Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira – with a history that stretches back to the 10th century, this is one of the oldest churches in Guimarães. During the Middle Ages, it was an important place of prayer and religious pilgrimage.

Padrão do Salado – a 14th-century arched monument covering a raised cross. It was erected in commemoration of the Battle of Rio Salado in 1340 when the armies of Spain and Portugal stopped the invasion of the Iberian peninsula by the then sultan of Morocco.

Alberto Sampaio Museum – founded in 1928, it’s housed in three spaces – Chapter House, Cloister, and Priory – that once belonged to the adjacent Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira . Inside, the museum has eight rooms and several thematic clusters with objects dating from the 12th to the 19th centuries. Bear in mind that the entrance of the museum is on Rua Alfredo Guimarães just around the corner from the Padrão do Salado .

Between having a relaxed lunch and taking in the sights and facades around Largo da Oliveira , you can easily spend a couple of hours in this enchanted corner of Guimarães. However, this small Portuguese city has even more surprises up its sleeve, so it’s time to continue our tour and head to Jardim do Largo da República do Brasil .

Jardim do Largo da República do Brasil

Leave Largo da Oliveira behind by walking down Rua Alfredo Guimarães for about 100 m. This small street is flanked by imposing buildings and opens onto a large boulevard.

Right across the boulevard, you will see one of the most imposing views in Guimarães – that of the perfectly landscaped garden of Largo da República do Brasil . With an eruption of seasonal blooms contained between geometrical lines formed by beautifully trimmed shrubs, the garden leads the eye down to a thin tall church dating back to the 18th century.

Its full name is the Igreja e Oratórios da Nossa Senhora da Consolação e Santos Passos (in English, Church and Oratories of Our Lady of Consolation and Sacred Chapels). Walk the 250 m from the fountain of the garden of Largo da República do Brasil to the church.

Along the way, you will pass by a small square – Largo Conde de Arnoso – with the large water fountain known as Fonte do Campo da Feira . Behind it, you can see the city’s 19th-century lavoir or communal wash-house. Nowadays, it looks quite abandoned but it’s a curious spot to glimpse as you walk past.

If the church is open, you can pop in for a quick visit. If time is pressing, however, head straight to Penha Cable Car – the next stop on this one-day self-guided tour of the city of Guimarães in Portugal.

Penha Cable Car

The distance from the Igreja e Oratórios da Nossa Senhora da Consolação e Santos Passos to Penha Cable Car (also known as Teleférico de Guimarães ) is about 450 m. From Largo de São Brás turn right onto  Rua Dr. Ricardo Marques . After 74 m, turn right onto  Rua do Rei Pegu . Walk straight for 190 m. Take a slight left across Jardim do Lugar das Hortas and after about 100 m or so you will see the station of Penha Cable Car.

They say that this is the oldest cable car in Portugal. It’s been in use since 1995. Its cabins are quite small and the entrance door is rather narrow. You board while the cabins continue slowly moving forward. So, be mindful of loose clothing and keep your bag in front of you to make it easier to walk in.

As mentioned above, Penha Cable Car has seasonal opening hours. While it operates every day during the high season, during the low season it remains closed for most of the week. Check its Facebook page for up to date information.

If you are taking a day trip to Guimarães from Porto , you can buy a combined ticket for the train and the cable car from Porto’s São Bento railway station. This will save you a few euros compared to buying the tickets individually.

Penha Cable Car will take you to the top of Monte da Penha at 617 m in height. The journey stretches over 1,500 m and takes a few minutes.

As you are nearing the top station of the cable car, you will spot the Sanctuary of Penha . Built between the 1930s and the 1940s, it’s quite modernist in style but well worth a visit.

Around the sanctuary, there is a lovely nature park with hiking paths, picnic areas, panoramic viewpoints, grottoes, monuments, and even a camping area. The most impressive thing here are the enormous mossy boulders that are dotted all over the place as if thrown by the hand of a giant.

The hilltop park of Monte da Penha is a great place to visit on a day trip to Guimarães. On a hot day and after all the sightseeing around the historic centre, you can escape to the park and relax in the shadow of the trees while taking in the splendid views.

You can then head back down to the city via a return journey on Penha Cable Car.

Church of São Francisco and Tanques dos Couros

It’s time to tackle the last two stops on this self-guided tour of the city of Guimarães in Portugal. It’s been a very long and exciting day. So, if you are really tired you can skip this portion of the itinerary and walk straight back to the train station or the parking lot at Centro Cultural Vila Flor. It’s about 20 mins on foot (1.3 km) from Penha Cable Car to the train station.

In fact, this is exactly what we did on our visit to Guimarães as a family. All three of us were tired and replete with impressions after a wonderful day spent in this lovely Portuguese city. So, after a nice hike and a relaxing picnic on Monte da Penha, we decided to take the train back to Porto in the very late afternoon instead of waiting until it got dark in the evening.

So, this final step on the itinerary is based on my previous stay in Guimarães several years ago. If you still have some energy left and have been quick in ticking off all the other sights on this one-day itinerary, head to the Church of São Francisco .

It stands about 650 m or eight minutes away from the lower station of Penha Cable Car. First, walk back to the Igreja e Oratórios da Nossa Senhora da Consolação e Santos Passos . This should take around five minutes.

Once in front of the church, continue straight onto Largo da República do Brasil for about 70 m. Then turn left onto Rua Padre Gaspar Roriz and walk for 120 m.

Now, you should see the vast building of the Church of São Francisco . Inside you can admire splendid azulejos in blue and white as well as intricate wood carvings painstakingly covered with gold leaf.

Just bear in mind that the Church of São Francisco usually closes at 5 pm. If you want to see its beautiful interiors, you’ll need to be very expedient in visiting the other sights on this one-day itinerary of Guimarães.

There is one last sight to tick off – the historic tanneries or Tanques dos Couros as they are known in Portuguese. These are large granite tanks that for many centuries were used to tan animal hides. This was a very profitable business for the city and it led to the development of the local footwear factories. To this day, the shoes produced in Guimarães are considered some of the best in Portugal.

The historic tanneries are about 350 m or four minutes away from the Church of São Francisco . To reach them, walk west on Largo de São Francisco  towards Alameda de São Dâmaso for about 40 m. Then, turn left onto  Alameda de São Dâmaso and follow this large boulevard for about 140 m.

Take a sharp left onto Largo do Trovador and walk for 60 m. Largo do Trovador  turns right and becomes Rua de São Francisco . Walk on it for 100 m. Turn right onto  Largo do Cidade and you will see the tannery tanks.

Back to the Train Station of Guimarães

That’s it! You’ve done it!

You’ve seen Guimarães and its most splendid historic, cultural, and natural sights in one busy day. Now, you just need to walk from the historic tanneries back to the parking lot or the train station. The walk is almost one kilometre long and should take you about 15 mins.

Start by walking west on  Largo do Cidade  towards  Rua de Couros . Largo do Cidade  turns slightly right and becomes  Tv. do Rio de Couros . Stay on it for 140 m. Then, turn right onto  Rua de Vila Flor . Turn right again to stay on the same street and follow it for 110 m. Turn left onto  Avenida D. Afonso Henriques and follow it for 350 m.

At this point, you will reach Centro Cultural Vila Flor . If you have parked here, this brings to an end your one-day trip to Guimarães.

Otherwise, continue walking on Avenida D. Afonso Henriques for 190 m. Then, turn left onto  Avenida D. João IV . After 120 m, you’ll see the train station on the right.

There is not much to do at the train station itself. However, the trains to Porto are heavily used by locals and tourists. So, try to arrive at least a few minutes before departure in order to get a good seat. Otherwise and depending on the day and the season, you may need to travel standing up for part of the journey.

Map of This One-Day Self-Guided Tour of Guimarães, Portugal

Here is the map of Guimarães pinpointing all the major sights and places of interest to discover in this beautiful city in Portugal!

I made it with Google Maps. So, you can use it just like any other Google map: you can zoom in and out, click to open the map in a separate tab, click on the different pins to see their coordinates and exact address, and calculate distances and directions from wherever you are in Portugal (or abroad) to Guimarães. You can also share this map on social media.

I hope that it will come in very handy during the planning stages of your trip to Guimarães.

1. Guimarães Train Station 2. Centro Cultural Vila Flor 3. Largo do Toural 4. Museum of the Martins Sarmento Society 5. Rua de Santo António 6. Largo dos Laranjais 7. Jardim do Carmo 8. Church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo 9. Statue of D. Afonso Henriques 10. Church of São Miguel do Castelo 11. Castle of Guimarães 12. Palace of the Duques of Bragança 13. Rua de Santa Maria 14. Town Hall of Guimarães (formerly Convent of Santa Clara) 15. Divina Gula 16. Praça de São Tiago 17. Largo da Oliveira 18. Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira 19. Padrão do Salado 20. Alberto Sampaio Museum 21. Jardim do Largo da República do Brasil 22. Largo Conde de Arnoso 23. Fonte do Campo da Feira 24. Igreja e Oratórios de Nossa Senhora da Consolação e Santos Passos 25. Penha Cable Car 26. Sanctuary of Penha 27. Church of São Francisco 28. Tanques de couros

Practical Tips about Visiting Guimarães in Portugal on a Self-Guided Tour

Guimarães is a truly lovely city to visit in the north of Portugal. Small, compact and with a beautiful historic centre, it’s easy to walk everywhere and see it all or almost all in a day.

To make your day trip to Guimarães as exciting and smooth as possible, keep in mind the following practical tips:

Order of sightseeing – feel free to adapt this one-day self-guided walking tour of Guimarães in Portugal to your specific needs. For example, you may decide to add more stops along the way, change the sequence of sights visited or even omit certain landmarks which may not be of interest to you.

Plus, you can easily split this self-guided walking tour of Guimarães over two days. This way you can spend the night in this beautiful Portuguese city, eat a relaxed dinner of local specialities, and enjoy its vibe in the evenings when the locals come out for a walk, meet up with friends, and relax after a long day.

Distances and walking times – Guimarães is a small city and everything is either right next to one another or just around the corner. The two longest stretches of walking are from the train station into the historic centre and then back. Both are about 10-15 minutes each.

Otherwise, the distances between the different sights on this self-guided tour of Guimarães are on average around five minutes. In the historic centre, there is something to see and do at every step, so walking doesn’t feel tedious and time flies quickly.

Elevation – while the historic centre of Guimarães feels rather flat and it’s very easy to navigate on foot, there is a gradual elevation. The most pronounced slope is from the Largo dos Laranjais up to the Castle of Guimarães on top of the Colina Sagrada – the Sacred Hill.

Walking up there won’t leave you exhausted but on a hot sunny day, you may find it more taxing to navigate. Take it as easy as you need. Plus, a bottle of water and a sun hat will come in very useful.

Avenida D. Afonso Henriques – the long residential street which connects the train station to the historic centre – also has a somewhat steepish dip. This is mostly felt on the way back to the station when you are rushing to catch your train after a day of sightseeing.

Historic surfaces – many streets in town are either cobbled or covered with thick stone slabs. Ideally, wear appropriate shoes that support the ankles, have a good grip, and when it’s hot, don’t allow your feet to slide inside them.

Energy levels and skincare – keep hydrated and sated at all times, especially on a hot sunny day. Guimarães’ small sunlit squares as well as the Colina Sagrada are easy spots to get a sunburn. Bring a water bottle (or get one from the many small shops in town), feast on the local delicacies, and stay out of the sun during the hottest hours of the day.

Respect and awareness – Guimarães and its main sights are emblematic for the whole of Portugal. The historic centre of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the whole city plays a seminal role in the country’s and nation’s creation myth. The Colina Sagrada with the hilltop Castle of Guimarães is a very special place for all Portuguese people.

In addition, this is still a very traditional society with strong religious traditions. Showing respect and certain decorum when sightseeing and especially, when visiting the churches in town is really appreciated by the locals.

Visiting with kids – Guimarães is easy to navigate with kids in tow. The historic centre is mostly pedestrian and the whole city has a nice and relaxed vibe to it. While there are no specific kids’ attractions here, sightseeing is not cumbersome.

The main sights and museums can be explored as slowly or as quickly as you want. Then you can head to the cable car and enjoy a nice walk on top of Monte da Penha. Or you can stay in town and relax in the sunlit squares flanked by restaurants and cafes with outside tables.

Opening times – always check current opening times before your visit. Where possible, I have provided links to the official websites of the different sights in Guimarães.

For example, while the Castle of Guimarães and the Paço dos Duques de Bragança are, in principle, open every day (with some limited exceptions), the Alberto Sampaio Museum and the Museum of the Martins Sarmento Society are closed on Mondays.

Penha Cable Car has seasonal opening times. During the low season, it remains closed for most of the week. To avoid disappointment, check its current times before making plans to visit.

Train times – if you are visiting Guimarães on a day trip from Porto, bear in mind that in the afternoon there may be a wait of two hours between return trains. Plan your exploration of the city around train times as it’s not fun arriving back at the station with too much time to spare before the next train.

Organised tours – if you don’t feel like travelling on your own and doing it all by yourself, then you can book a guided tour to take you to Guimarães. Further below I have referenced some of the best tours from Porto. Otherwise, you can click to see the full list .

How to Reach Guimarães from Anywhere in Portugal

It is very straightforward to reach the city of Guimarães from anywhere in Portugal either by car or public transport.

Here is how to proceed:

Use Google Maps or an alternative GPS app to get specific directions from your point of departure to the city of Guimarães.

Here are some average travelling times to give you an idea of how long it will take you to drive to Guimarães from some of the most important Portuguese cities:

from  Braga  – 20-35 mins, 24 km away; from  Porto  – 35-55 mins, 54 km away; from  Coimbra  – 1 h 30 mins – 2 h 20 mins, 171 km away; and from  Lisbon  – 3 h 10 mins – 4 h 30 mins, 363 km.

While the historic centre of Guimarães is mostly pedestrian and vehicle traffic in it is strictly restricted, there are many car parks around the city.

I suggest using the car park at Centro Cultural Vila Flor in order to follow from the very beginning the one-day self-guided tour of Guimarães described in this blog post.

However, there are many other car parks in the city, so make your choice depending on your specific travel plans. For specific information, have a look at the website of the local provider Vitrus Ambiente . It’s in Portuguese, so you can use Google Translate to get an idea of what it says.

By Train / Bus:

Portugal has a well-organised railway system operated by the national train company  Comboios de Portugal . Trains running at regular intervals throughout the day connect Guimarães to the country’s largest cities.

Porto to Guimarães  – trains leave from Porto’s São Bento station and also stop at Porto’s Campanhã station. The journey lasts about 1 h 12 mins or slightly longer depending on the time of the day. It’s quite tedious as the train stops at over 20 small towns along the way. Yet, the tickets are very inexpensive and it’s a very easy day trip to make. You can check the timetable at  this link .

There is also a shuttle bus connecting Porto Airport directly to the city of Guimarães. This way, you can head to Guimarães as soon as you land instead of first having to take a taxi or the underground to Porto. You can check the current timetable of the airport shuttle bus at this link .

Lisbon / Coimbra to Guimarães  – trains leave from Lisboa Santa Apolónia and Lisboa Oriente train stations and on average take about 4 h to 4 h 20 mins to Guimarães. Coimbra is a stop on the same railway line. You can check the timetable at  this link . You’ll notice that there is a limited number of direct trains per day, so instead, you may want to travel first to Porto or Braga and then take a train (from Porto and Braga) or bus (from Braga) to Guimarães.

Braga to Guimarães  – you can reach Guimarães from Braga either by train or by bus. By train, you will need to take the train headed to Porto and then change at Lousado where the train arriving from Porto and headed to Guimarães also stops. Alternatively, you can take a bus connecting Braga directly to Guimarães. Travel time by bus is about 45-50 mins. You can check the timetable at  this link .

By Organised Tour:

If you are short on time and want to see the maximum within a day or if you enjoy having it all organised for you, then there are many guided tours you can choose from. Usually, in addition to Guimarães, they also take in the nearby city of Braga and the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte .

A knowledgeable and friendly guide will escort you from nearby Porto to these two iconic Portuguese cities and the famous sanctuary giving you in-depth information about this corner of Portugal, its history, and traditions.

Here is a selection of the best day trips from Porto to Guimarães, Braga, and the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte. Click on the photos for more details and to book now:

In Conclusion

Here you have it – a one-day self-guided tour of Guimarães in Portugal. Known as the cradle of the nation, this small city in the north of the country has a beautifully preserved medieval centre, a handful of must-see landmarks of national value, a cable car to the top of a small mountain, and some of the tastiest desserts this side of the Iberian Peninsula. Plus, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As such, Guimarães has all the requisites for a wonderful day trip in Northern Portugal – history, nature, and good food.

So, in case this sounds like a place you would like to experience for yourself, I hope that this blog post will come in very handy. The detailed self-guided tour I share with you was personally tried and tested on location by me and my family in the run-up to Easter this year. It covers Guimarães’ main sights and includes a nice walk throughout the historic centre as well as a ride on the city’s cable car.

Plus, to make your travel planning even easier, I have also included a list of practical tips as well as helpful information on how to get to Guimarães by public transport and by car from the largest Portuguese cities.

I hope that all these details will come in very handy and that you will have a great time visiting the north of Portugal!

Enjoy guimarães.

Now, get ready quick for your visit to Guimarães in Portugal!

• Consult these guidebooks .
• Buy plane tickets .
• Book train tickets, bus tickets or rent a car .
• Research accommodation .
• Select local tours and activities .

More Helpful Travel Info for You

Best of Portugal: Photos of Guimarães , One Day in Porto , Photos of Porto , One Day in Aveiro , Photos of Aveiro , Photos of Braga , Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte , Best Portuguese Desserts and Pastries Best of Italy: Venice , Lake Garda , Veneto , Lombardy , Emilia-Romagna , Marche , Friuli Venezia Giulia , Trentino , Italy with Kids , Italy for Foodies , Day Trips in Italy , Hiking in Italy , Christmas in Italy Best of England: London , Kent , Dorset , East Sussex , Days Out in England Travel: Travel Resources , The Joy of Travel , Safety Tips

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Thursday 15th of December 2022

Thank you for this your other main sites in Guimaraes. I was here briefly on a tour but came back to visit further. This was very helpful.

Sunday 1st of January 2023

Thank you very much for your kind words! I hope you had a lovely time in this beautiful Portuguese city! Best wishes,

Christine Witton

Sunday 8th of May 2022

Thanks once again Rossi for a great travel guide to Guimares. I had your earlier guide and this helped to fill in the blanks. A question I have is do you think it better to go from Porto to Braga first and then travel ton to Guimares or to do the reverse given that trains in the afternoon from Guimares are limited. We would spend at least three days in each city. Also do you have any information on the sighseeing road train you showed in the pictures?

Monday 9th of May 2022

Thank you for your kind words, Christine! We went to Braga first, on a Thursday, and then to Guimaraes on Saturday. Both times we travelled directly from and then back to Porto. If I understand your question correctly, you are considering travelling to Guimaraes from Braga or to Braga from Guimaraes(?!). If I didn't get it right, just let me know. If you are worried about trains and timetables, have you considered travelling between the two cities by bus? This way you won't have to change trains in Lousado but travel directly from one to the other. In reply to your question: we saw this little train around the historic centre but we didn't have the time to get on it. As far as I understood it's operated by the Brotherhood of Penha (Irmandade da Penha) - the Sanctuary on top of Monte da Penha that overlooks Guimaraes. I found these links about the train online: https://www.penhaguimaraes.com/pt/artigo/118 and https://www.allaboutportugal.pt/en/guimaraes/outdoor-activities/mini-trem-turistico-da-penha. The information is very sparse but my understanding is that the train connects the historic centre to the sanctuary. There are many lovely places to see in this part of Portugal, especially if one has the time to explore. Our original plan was to visit Peneda-Geres - a beautiful natural park with lots of hikes, waterfalls, and ponds. Unfortunately, the only way to reach it was to hire a car and we didn't want to deal with a rental car for one day only (as everything else we wanted to see was reachable by train). Otherwise, near Porto and Braga you also have Barcelos, Viana de Castelo, Aveiro, Lamego, the River Douro with its vineyards, etc. Really, so much to see. Have a wonderful time in Portugal! :)

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One Day In Guimaraes Itinerary, The Perfect Day Trip From Porto

Dating from the 9th century, the UNESCO-listed Guimaraes is a surefire charmer with no end to the embarrassment of riches. It’s one of the easiest and best day trips from Porto.

Guimaraes is known as the birthplace of Portugal’s founder-king Afonso Henriques. It boasts a brooding 10th century castle, a Gothic-Renaissance palace, and a 15th century Town Hall.

Guimaraes has an astonishingly well-preserved medieval core, giving the town a genuine timeless quality. The town is a warren of quiet cobbled lands, colorful facades, and azulejo-clad Baroque churches.

In 2001, the town became a designated UNESCO site. In 2012, it was named a European Capital of Culture.

To help you have the best visit, I’ve written a step by step one day in Guimaraes itinerary.

A Short History Of Guimaraes

Guimaraes has been intertwined with the history of Portugal for eight centuries.

In the 10th century, the town was held by the Counts of Portucale. After the death of Henry of Burgundy, his wife Teresa of León proclaimed herself ruler of Guimaraes.

But she wasn’t a strong ruler. She was more preoccupied with her lover than actually governing. In 1139, her son, Alfonso Henriques, rebelled against her in the Battle of São Mamede and won.

He declared himself king of Portugal and chose Guimaraes, his birthplace, as his capital. Guimaraes is thus known as the cradle of Portugal.

After establishing himself, Afonso rode out to claw back the rest of Portugal from the hands of the Moors.

Throughout his life, he expanded his kingdom, liberated lands, fought against enemy armies, and shaped Portugal into what it is today.

In the Middle Ages, Guimaraes began to expand, fortified by the maritime trade. The medieval town remained largely unchanged for centuries, with the exception that its walls were demolished.

There’s still a tiny scrap of old wall left near the entrance to the town. On it, in white letters, is the phrase Aqui Nasceu Portugal , meaning Portugal was born here.

Overview Of One Day In Guimaraes Itinerary

Here’a a quick snapshot of what you’ll see with this one day in Guimaraes itinerary:

• Ducal Palace
• Guimaraes Castle
• Church of San Miguel do Castelo
• Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo
• Guimaraes Town Hall
• Largo da Oliveira
• Igreja de Nossa Senhora Oliveira
• Sampaio Museum
• Largo de Sao Tiago
• Igreja de Sao Francisco
• Largo da Republica do Brasil
• Teleférico de Guimarães

One Day In Guimaraes Itinerary

1. palace of the dukes of braganza.

The first stop on your Guimaraes itinerary is the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza.

It’s a striking building bristling with brick chimney pots. It was built by Dom Alfonso, the 1st Duke of Braganza.

He was the illegitimate son of King Joao I. But, at that time, he was one of the wealthiest men in Portugal. His family and descendants would occupy the palace for 200 years.

The palace is more Renaissance than Gothic and, technically, is known as “Burgundian” architecture. The king had been traveling in Europe and was influenced by what he saw particularly in France.

The court decamped for good in the 16th century and the palace fell into ruin. In the 1930s, it was fully restored to its original appearance.

The palace was also refurnished at the time. The furniture you see inside is from the 18th and 19th centuries.

You’ll find huge fireplaces, Aubusson and Brussels tapestries, Persian rugs, porcelains, faience, and coffered ceilings.

The palace’s chapel also has stunning stained glass windows depicting saints and other distinguished Portuguese royals.

The palace is now classified as a National Monument. Outside stands a statue of Afonso Henrique, just to remind you who founded the Portuguese nation.

The palace is mostly a museum for artifacts and 17th century furniture. But I thought it was still worth a visit. 

When you visit, you should buy a combination ticket for the palace and Guimaraes Castle, which are just minutes away from each other. The palace is open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.

2. Guimaraes Castle

Guimaraes Castle is famous as the birthplace of Afonso Henriques.

The craggy castle is part of the town’s UNESCO designation. It’s one of the seven wonders of Portugal, sitting at the top of a hill overlooking the town.

The foundations of the current castle date back to the late 10th century. It was built to protect a nearby monastery from attacks by the Normans and Moors.

The castle is exactly how you imagine a medieval castle would look. Its jagged crenellations may even conjure images of crusaders on horseback.

The medieval castle has a large central keep encircled by 8 towers. But when you climb up its ramparts and towers … wow. You have beautiful views of the countryside.

There’s a muscular statue of King Afonso brandishing a sword outside the fortress. It was cast in bronze in 1887 by renowned Portuguese sculptor Antonio Soares dos Reis.

There’s no ticket office at the castle. You need to buy a combination ticket at the ducal palace. There’s an animated movie about Afonso Henriques onsite to get you started.

3. Church of San Miguel do Castelo

The Church of San Miguel do Castelo de Guimarães is a simple unadorned chapel dating from the 12th century.

But the citizens of Guimaraes nonetheless attach great importance to it. It was here that King Alfonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, was baptized.

You can even see his baptismal font. You can also see the tombs of Portugal’s first warriors etched into the floor.

Like the castle, the chapel fell into ruins and was neglected until the 19th century. Thanks to public funding, it was restored and is listed as a National Monument in 1910.

It’s definitely worth a quick visit. Admission is free of charge.

4. Igreja de Nossa Senhora do Carmo

The Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel is a 17th century church dedicated to Saint Theresa, a Carmelite nun. It’s also just a few minutes from the castle.

The exterior of the church is austerely white. But there are some lovely blue and white azulejo panels on the facade.

Inside, it’s an oasis of calm. The main altar, a rather gaudy Baroque affair, is an homage to the Virgin Mary, Our Lady of Carmo.

There’s a beautiful wooden choir you reach via a staircase to the right of the entrance. It’s decorated with portraits of saints. Above it are pastel colored frescos.

5. Guimaraes Town Hall

Guimaraes Town Hall is housed in the 15th century convent of Santa Clara. It has a beautiful Baroque facade on the outside and a classical style on the inside.

In the central niche above the entry, you can see a statue of St. Clare. She was one of the first followers of St. Francis of Assisi .

The convent was disbanded in 1834 after Portugal dissolved the religious orders.

The building has a beautiful banquet hall with wooden ceilings and an extensive collection of portraits and furnishings from its convent days.

6. Largo da Oliveira

Named after a centuries old olive tree, the social square of  Largo da Oliveira  is one of the city’s cultural focal points.

The square is separated form the adjoining square by an arcaded walkway.

This small largo is flanked with important historic buildings. In the middle is a spectacular arched Gothic shrine, the Padrão do Salado.

The square was built in the reign of Alfonso IV to commemorate the battle of Salado, where Portuguese and Castilian forces drove back the Moorish army in 1339.

You should admire the old town hall. It’s a vibrant red crenelated building held up by massive arches. It’s crowned by a statue representing the town of Guimaraes itself.

In the summer months, much of the square is invaded by sidewalk cafes. It’s the perfect place to stop and have lunch. It’s a bit quieter than the main square, Largo do Toural.

Admire the architecture. Preferably while sipping Portuguese coffee or, better yet, a glass of  vinho verde  wine.

And try one of Guimaraes’ traditional sweets. Many shops sell the egg-rich pastries that are based on recipes originally developed by the nuns.

7. Nossa Senhora da Oliveira + Sampaio Museum

The Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira dates from around the 13th or 14th century. It’s undergone many architectural revisions.

The church was founded by Afonso Henrique and restored by Joao I. All that remains of its Romanesque bits are a chapter house and cloister. Naturally, there are some azulejos to admire.

Parts of the church are home to the  Museu de Alberto Sampaio . Founded in 1928, it’s a great little museum stuffed with religious and medieval art.

It’s housed in a former monastery, whose peaceful lush cloisters you can still visit. In July and August, the museum is open at night.

The collection includes sculptures, sarcophaguses, azulejos, gold and silver wares, paintings, holy relics, weaponry, and altarpieces. One of the highlights is the chain mail tunic of Jõao I from the battle of Aljubarrota in 1395.

8. Stroll The Old Town

Be sure to stroll down the main pedestrianized drag, Rua de Santa Maria. You’ll have seen it on your way to the castle.

It’s Guimaraes’ most picturesque street and possibly 1,000 years old.

It’s lined with granite townhouses embellished with statuary and quirky local shops and boutiques.

This might be the time to do some shopping. Guimaraes is known for its pottery, textiles, silver, and embroidery.

I even found an utterly adorable baby store. And you should pop into Meia Tiger and Verde Inveja to check out the local Portuguese products.

9. Largo do Toural

This is a bustling commercial square in the south of Guimaraes adjacent to the historic old town. It once served as a cattle market in the 18th century and its name translates to “bull square.”

It has a magnificent fountain and is surrounded with grand architecture, including the Neo-Classical Church of San Pedro.

This is where you can take a photo of the Aui Nasceue Portugal inscription on the old city wall. You can also sit down and admire the views or go on a mini shopping spree.

10. Largo de Sao Tiago

The Largo de Sao Tigo is an absolutely charming square in Guimaraes.

According to the legend, the Apostle James brought an image of the Virgin Mary and placed it in the square, which is why it is called St. Tiago’s Square.

The square is surrounded by stone houses with colorful facades and flowers tumbling down from balconies.

This is yet another great spot to plop down in an outdoor cafe. You’ll immersed in the beauty and history of Guimaraes.

11. Igreja de São Francisco

Just one more church before you end your one day in Guimaraes, the Igreja de São Francisco.

The Convent and Church of Sao Francisco is a major architectural and historic piece of Portuguese identity. It stands as a lasting relic of the Franciscan order in Guimaraes, which dates to the 12th century.

The church is a splendid example of architectural blends. These include Gothic, Mannerist, and Baroque styles.

It’s been reworked over many centuries, creating the beautiful amalgamation you see today.

When you walk through the Manueline entry, you’ll be wowed. It’s definitely the most stunning interior in Guimaraes.

There are gilded cravings, traditional blue and white azulejo tiles, and an altar with a polychrome tree of life.

The sacristy rests under a beautiful coffered ceiling decorated with grotesques and a stunning Arrabida marble table.

12. Largo da Republica do Brasil

This large square has a lovely manicured garden just a short walk from the historic center. You’ll likely pass the square on the way to the castle or cable car.

It’s an impressive square for a small town. And it’s full of traffic, so take care when visiting the garden.

The square honors and commemorates Brazil’s proclamation of a republican form of government. It was Portugal that founded Brazil as a colony back in 1500.

There are cafes on the square and you can plop down for a drink. There are also bakeries and ice cream shops.

At one end is the 18th century Church of Our Lady of Consolation, listed as a National Monument. It’s a tall skinny Baroque church flanked by bell towers.

The arresting church looks almost defiantly vertical, as if it might take off in flight or be weaponized. It reminded me of the Church of St. Idlefonso in Porto.

During the Christmas season, every inch of the facade is covered with sparkling lights.

The interior is Neo-Classical and, frankly, didn’t do much for me. There are white walls, stone and bronze ornamentation, and a very plain ceiling.

13. Other Museums In Guimaraes

If you’re an art lover or history buff, there are a couple museums besides the Sampaio you may want to squeeze into your one day in Guimaraes.

The Museu Arquelogico Martins Sarmento is located in the former convent of  São Domingos Church. This is a museum for archaeology buffs, specializing in finds from excavated sites.

It houses artifacts from the nearby archaeological site of Citania de Briteiros (which I discuss below). In the cloister you’ll see stone objects Roman columns, Roman artifacts, and even a Celtic sarcophagus. 

The Centro Internacional das Artes José de Guimarães is dedicated to contemporary art. It’s housed in an award winning modernist building.

The museums displays modern art by José Guimarães and other Portuguese artists. It also features the personal collection of José Guimarães with African Tribal Art, Pre-Columbian Art, and Ancient Chinese Art.

14. Teleférico de Guimarães

Want a bird eye view of Guimaraes? If so, end your one day in Guimaraes with a cable car ride on the Teleférico de Guimaraes.

It’s considered to be the first cable car in Portugal. It’s a must do for aficionados of heights and views.

Head to Parques das Hortas. For 5 euros, you can secure a round trip. In 10 minutes, the cable car rises over 1,300 meters up to the summit of Mount Penha.

At the top, you’re in a huge area of giant mossy boulders that create a fairytale-like landscape.

You can also visit the stunning mid-20th century Sanctuary of Penha. It’s a granite church built in an Art Deco style in the 1930s. It seems to grow straight from the rocks.

The viewpoint behind the sanctuary offers stunning panoramic views back over the city and the plains to the north.

The cable car only operates between Friday and Sunday, so factor that into your one day in Guimaraes itinerary. You can also drive up to the Penha sanctuary to visit if you have a car.

If you have time to stay for dinner, Guimaraes has some good restaurants.

Adega dos Caquinhos Histórico is located in a 17th century palace. You can drink Douro Valley wine and dine on bacalhau (cod).

A Cozinha is a Michelin restaurant with inventive Portuguese and Mediterranean food.

Just a 15 minute drive outside town is Sao Giao . It’s refined take on Portuguese cuisine has earned it a reputation as one of the best restaurants in northern Portugal.

If you want to sample some of Guimaraes famed sweets, pop into Casa Torta .

16. Vila Flor

Fancy a performance in the evening of your one day in Guimaraes? The 18th century Vila Flor has been transformed into a sprawling theater and exhibition venue in Guimaraes.

The venue hosts everything from open air Shakespeare festivals to the annual Guimaraes Jazz Festival.

Vila Flor is housed in a beautiful 18th century Baroque palace. The facade is adorned with sculptures of Portugal kings. In 2005, it was restored and transformed into the current cultural centre.

In the modern wing, there are two auditoriums, one seating 800 spectators and the other 200. You can attend talks, conferences, and music performances from classical to rock.

There’s also a futuristic exhibition space for temporary art shows.

Tips For Visiting Guimaraes

1. how to get to guimaraes.

Guimares is a 45 minute drive from Porto, which is only 30 miles away. That’s how I got there. You can park at the train station or in a lot near Guimaraes Castle gardens.

Guimaraes is less than an hour by train from Porto’s Campanhã Station. When you arrive in Guimaraes, it’s a 10 minute walk to the historic center.

By Guided Tour:

You can visit Guimarares on a half day guided day tour from Porto . You can also book a full day tour from Porto that includes skip the line tickets and a cable car ride.

You can also visit both Guimaraes and Braga on a full day tour from Porto .

2. How To Get Around Guimaraes

Guimaraes is a small town and completely walkable. You can do it by yourself using the one day in Guimaraes itinerary.

Alternatively, you can also book a  guided walking tour in Guimaraes  that includes food tastings.

You can also get around on Guimaraes sightseeing bus.

3. Where To Stay In Guimaraes

If you decide to stay overnight after one day in Guimaraes, the town haș a nice collection of historic small hotels and guest houses.

On a hillside overlooking the city is the luxurious Pousada Moister de Guimarae s . It’s housed in a 12th century monastery and is one of Portugal’s top pousadas.

Hotel da Oliveira is a nice 4 star hotel smack in the middle of the historic center.

The lovely Casa de Sezim is a medieval manor know for its wall decorations.

4. Can You Visit Guimaraes And Braga In One Day?

You can visit both Guimaraes and Braga in one day. They’re only 20+ minutes apart.

But it will be a hectic and jam packed day. You may want to book a guided tour from Porto that includes both Braga and Guimaraes to make the travel logistics easier.

Braga’s historic center is also UNESCO-listed. It’s full of pretty 18th century homes, elegant churches, and lovely gardens.

Braga Cathedral is the oldest in Portugal, dating from the 11th century. It’s a Romanesque building that houses a museum of sacred art. It has a cloister, courtyard, gilt wood organs, and several chapels.

Braga’s biggest attraction is the  Dom Jesus do Monte basilica . To reach it, you’ve got to climb up 630 zig zagging steps.  At the top, you’ll find a beautiful Neo-Classical church.

I hope you’ve enjoyed my one day in Guimaraes itinerary. You may enjoy these other Portugal travel guides and resources:

• 10 day itinerary for Portugal
• 10 day itinerary for Portugal and Spain
• Historic landmarks in Portugal
• 4 day itinerary for Lisbon
• Guide to Lisbon’s Alfama neighborhood
• Guide to Lisbon’s Belem neighborhood
• Day trips from Lisbon
• Tips for Visiting Sintra
• 2 days in Porto itinerary

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Last Updated on January 6, 2024 by Leslie Livingston

• Destinations

Guide to Guimaraes: Portugal’s Underrated Northern Town

• April 10, 2022

Often described as a “day trip” from the popular nearby city of Porto, you would be FAR more likely to see us day tripping to Porto from this delightful medieval village.

Guimaraes has an almost Venice-like quality that is hard to put your finger on.

How long do you need to see it?

Technically only a few hours if you power through all the streets, but that’s not what travel is about!

Where is Guimaraes?

Guimaraes is in Northern Portugal, and unfortunately, nowhere near the seaside . It is 60 kms Northeast of the large city of Porto.

Getting To Guimaraes

You can get to Guimaraes in around an hour. A bus takes about 50 minutes, and a train takes a little longer, about 1 hr 15 minutes. Very manageable for a day trip!

Is Guimaraes Worth Visiting?

Guimaraes is absolutely worth visiting if you like the idea of spending some time strolling the narrow streets of a medieval town.

There are no cars in most of the historical center, so you are free to roam. Walking through the Old Quarter is really the best part of the visit!

Basically, if you like the idea of spending time in a little village, just strolling around and eating, then Guimaraes is perfect!

If you want an all-day campaign to see some blockbuster sites, Guimaraes isn’t it.

There are plenty of other things to do in the town (I’ll cover that in a minute), but there isn’t anything in Guimaraes that is bigger and better than what’s on offer in other parts of Portugal.

Things to See and Do in Guimaraes

Here are a few of the famous sights that Guimaraes does have to offer!

Guimaraes Castle

Guimaraes Castle was built in the 10th century, on foundations dating back to Roman times.

The original purpose of the castle was not to house royals, but protection for the local monastery: Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira.

In fact the castle wasn’t even built by a king or queen, it was constructed by a countess who owned all the land that Guimaraes sits on.

The structure that stands today was largely built in the 1300’s which is when many Gothic elements were added. By that time it did house the royal family, and continued to do so for a hundred years or so.

In the 1800’s the town council wanted to demolish the now ruined castle and re-use the bricks for roadworks .

Fairly happy that didn’t happen.

Restorations finally began in 1937.

The castle is less than a kilometre from the old town, and only takes about 10 – 15 minutes to reach on foot. It is mostly up hill though, nothing crazy, but not a nice flat stroll.

Inside is large but sparsely decorated. You can see some interesting items from medieval times on display.

Palace Duques de Bragança

Also known in English as “the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza,” Palace Duques de Braganca is on the way up to Guimaraes Castle and you can comfortably visit both on the same day.

This medieval estate was built in the 1400’s but fell into ruin between the 16th and 19th century. During the 1800’s the ruins were being used as “a personal quarry” for the locals.

Again with the recycling of castles!

I admire the effort to be sustainable, but maybe restore would be more appropriate.

The Palace of the Dukes is a little more interesting than Guimaraes Castle. There is more to explore and it’s a little more luxurious.

Of course there is no reason not to see both! They are only a couple hundred meters from each other at most.

Museu Alberto Sampaio

Back in the Old Quarter, Alberto Sampaio Museum is located inside the first monastery that was ever built in Guimaraes.

It’s a surprisingly plain building, three floors with simple windows and a flat white front.

Inside there is another surprise: The courtyard and garden .

I’m not sure what the style of the courtyard is, but it is more in line with what you expect from a monastery in Portugal. Many rows of arched columns looking out into the garden.

It’s not quite the Manueline monastery that you can find in other parts of Portugal, but well worth the visit if you are in Guimaraes.

Last but not least, the collections at the museum are great quality, and there are lots of interesting things to see. They usually have a rotating exhibit too, like most museums.

Largo da Oliveira

The main square in the old town. You will pass this sight many times during your stay, and it is *chef’s kiss.*

There are lots of little restaurants here, with idyllic patio dining.

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira

The Gothic church adjoining Largo do Oliveira is the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira , which is also where the square gets its name.

It’s not the biggest and fanciest church that you will see in Portugal, especially from the outside, but this 15th century antique features tall ceilings with Baroque artwork.

I will say that after a while, you do stop being impressed by the inside of most churches in Portugal.

They are all VERY heavily decorated – usually with red and gold – and eventually they all become one in your memory. (Sorry!)

The medieval arch out in front of Igreja de Nossa Snhora da Oliveira is a popular spot to take photos, particularly with the cute old buildings in the square behind it.

Jardim do Largo da República do Brasil

You are very likely to pass this garden on your way into Guimaraes.

This sweeping flower garden is a dramatic meridian for two major roads, and one of the most photographed spots in Guimaraes.

There’s not much to do here, except marvel at the flowers, but still well worth a stop.

Igreja e Oratórios de Nossa Senhora da Consolação e Santos Passos

Wow! Could a church have a longer name? I haven’t seen one!

Simply put, this church is the one at the end of the “Jardim,” the grande finale of that garden.

It’s a very nice church, especially posed in the back of your photos.

Guimaraes City

Of course the Guimaraes we are talking about is just a tiny part of what is now a fairly large center. The new part of Guimaraes combined with the Old Quarter is now home to some 150,000 people.

There are modern shopping malls in the city, and other amenities of a larger city.

Guimaraes: European Capital of Culture 2012

Guimaraes was named the European Capital of Culture in 2012 because it is known as “the birthplace of Portugal.”

( Plovdiv was the European Capital of Culture in 2019.)

A little about the purpose of the EU Capital of Culture project:

“…to bring Europeans closer together by highlighting the richness and diversity of European cultures and raising awareness of their common history and values.” – wikipedia.com

Why is Guimaraes Called the Birthplace of Portugal?

Guimaraes is known as the birthplace of Portugal for a few reasons!

• Guimaraes was the first capital of Portugal
• Afonso Henriques – Portugal’s first king – is thought to have been born here
• Guimaraes has been the site of many important battles
• Guimaraes is one of Portugal’s oldest cities. It was founded in the 4th century!

Why is Guimaraes a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

The whole old town of Guimaraes has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to it’s “outstanding universal value.”

Guimaraes’ historical center is extremely well preserved (which is why it’s so fun to visit) and there are great examples of architecture from the 15th to 19th centuries.

There are even some remnants dating back to the 9th century!

It is also a World Heritage Site because of it’s importance to the country of Portugal.

The UNESCO boundaries reach from the walled area of the old town, and up the hill as far as Guimaraes Castle. This region also encompasses the Palace of the Dukes.

Where to Stay in Guimaraes

If you can find a place in the Old Quarter, that will be the best spot to immerse yourself into Guimaraes. It’s such a unique historical setting!

You will want to beat the sand out of a rug from your Juliette balcony like an old Portuguese granny.

Thankfully there are a lot of options right in the middle of the old town!

Apartments in Guimaraes

Apartment accommodation is much easier to find in the old town than hotels are.

This is by no means an exhaustive list, just a few reasonably priced options that have very happy visitors:

Casa da Cera da Porta da Villa

Light and bright in the old town! This spacious apartment is roomier than most in these old buildings.

The kitchen has everything you need for a longer stay. The apartment has two double beds in separate bedrooms and a living room.

Sleeps 4 Approx $120+ USD (Before any discounts or special offers)

Molarinho Heritage

Also in the heart of the old town, Molarinho Heritage has a ground floor apartment that is perfect for young families or seniors. (No stairs!)

This one even has a dishwasher!

They also have a larger option with 4 bedrooms, but you may have to contact them to book.

Sleeps 4 – 8 Approx $90+ USD (Before any discounts or special offers)

Aparthotel Largo da Oliveira

Featuring landmark views over Old Town Guimaraes, Aparthotel Largo da Oliveira offers several apartment options from studio, to luxurious.

You can’t beat this location in the main square, and the units are very stylish and updated.

Sleeps 4 Approx $125+ USD (Before any discounts or special offers)

Posh Residences

Need another family option?

Posh Residences offers a few two bedroom apartments that are cozy, but well equipped.

They also have free off-site parking available, and free breakfast! Both of which are rare in apartments in Guimaraes.

Sleeps 6 Approx $85+ USD (Before any discounts or special offers)

Hotels in Guimaraes

If you are only in Guimaraes for one or two nights, you might want the convenience and simplicity of a hotel.

Hotels are also a better choice if you need accessible units or parking.

Hotel Toural

Hotel Toural is one of the only hotels in the old town with parking.

Happy guests rave about the breakfast, and the beautiful on-site garden.

The rooms are clean and simple, and there is a 24 hour front desk. Hotel Toural also offers a laundry service, which can be quite nice on a long trip.

(Nothing against washing clothes in the sink, but getting them all cleaned at once is pretty awesome.)

Sleeps 4 Approx $90+ USD (Before any discounts or special offers)

Santa Luzia ArtHotel

A little further away from the Old Quarter, but still accessible by foot, is Santa Luzia ArtHotel.

This modern hotel has beautifully designed rooms, an onsite restaurant, free parking, pool, and spa. Everything you need for a comfortable stay, in a unique setting.

If you are someone who prefers a more luxurious experience, you will like Santa Luzia.

Sleeps 4 Approx $130+ USD (Before any discounts or special offers) Accessible rooms available.

Where to Eat in Old Town Guimaraes

We did not have nearly enough time in Guimaraes, and at that time most restaurants were closed in the winter, so I really only remember two that made a good impression.

Historico is my favorite restaurant in all of Portugal, not least because our waiter was very nervous and accidentally lit his sleeve on fire.

Historico is in the west side of the Old Quarter about halfway to the castle. They serve a great range of slightly bougier food.

They are open from 10 am to 11:30 pm.

Rolhas e Rótulos

In Largo do Oliveira is the tiny restaurant Rolhas e Rotulos. This spot is an all-day eatery with an adorable patio, right next to the big church.

They are open all the way from 10 am to 2 am and they serve breakfast!

When is the Best Time to Visit Guimaraes?

Best time of year to visit guimaraes.

The best time of year to visit Guimaraes is probably May/June or September/October.

It’s a popular tourist destination, so in the summer it will be very busy (and hot!). The north of Portugal gets a lot of rain in the winter, so stick to the shoulder season to be safe.

We went at the beginning of November and it rained the whole time. It was still worth visiting though!

Do note that in the off season more things are likely to be closed in terms of restaurants and shops. The major stuff will all be open.

Best Time of Week to Visit Guimaraes

Try to head to Guimaraes on a weekday, it is a popular spot for day trips, so the weekends are much much busier than during the week.

Best Time of Day to Visit Guimaraes

The best time to be in Guimaraes is in the morning or later in the day, after the day trippers have gone home.

You really should stay for a few nights, so you can enjoy walking around the Old Quarter at night when it’s quiet.

By November it will be decorated for Christmas, and it is so charming with all of the twinkly lights.

When we visited we were surprised that most shops took a siesta for a few hours in the afternoon. I’m not totally sure if that was because it was winter and slow season, or if it happens year round.

Is Guimaraes Safe?

Guimaraes is absolutely safe. I actually visited with my Mom, and we were never once nervous as two women, even walking around at night.

What Else is Near Guimaraes?

Sanctuary of penha.

About 15 minutes of winding drive from Guimaraes is the Sanctuary of Penha. This is a more modern church, but what makes it special is the hilltop views of Guimaraes!

There is a cable car here that you can ride to the top of the hill. (And we love a cable car!)

Braga is one of Portugal’s rising stars!

This northern town is just 20 minutes by highway from Guimaraes. It is bigger and closer to the beach, but still has all the charms of historical Portugal.

This isn’t all I have from beautiful Portugal! Check out these other posts:

Guimaraes Tour

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Self-guided tour of Guimarães (with photos & map!)

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Guimarães, a small city in the northern part of the country, is affectionately referred to as the birthplace of Portuguese state and identity as it was here that they originated in the first half of the 12th century. Its medieval historic centre, which has been well-preserved and is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, makes Guimarães an increasingly popular destination for day trips and weekend getaways in Portugal. The city is located just an hour away from Porto, the second-largest city in Portugal, making it easily accessible by both road and railway.

In this blog post, I will provide you with a simple self-guided tour of Guimarães. The tour will take you to the city’s most well-known attractions, including the 10th-century castle that played a significant role in the establishment of Portugal, as well as the cable car that will transport you to the top of Monte da Penha, where you can enjoy breath-taking panoramic views of the lush Portuguese countryside.

Centro Cultural Vila Flor

Arriving by Car: If you are arriving by car, the Centro Cultural Vila Flor is great for parking. You can park for the whole day at the paid parking lot of Centro Cultural Vila Flor. If you are coming off season then you can park by the castle. Arriving by Train: The train station is also just a few steps away. Leaver the train station, turn left, along Av. Dom João IV, and first right along Av. Dom Afonso Henriques to get to the Centro Cultural Vila Flor.

Enjoy strolling around the gardens of this historic house with their flower beds bordered by boxwood with a wide variety of shrubs and ornamental herbaceous species. Look for the ponds and fountains in the centre, which are surrounded by garden terraces.

Largo do Toural

Head back to Av. Dom Afonso Henriques and turn right to walk along it until you reach Largo do Toural.

Largo do Toural is a central square located in Guimarães, which serves as a gateway to the city’s medieval historic center. A large fountain sits at the heart of the square, while the Church of São Pedro stands on one side, and a long wall of tall buildings on the other. These buildings have facades composed of seemingly endless rows of elongated windows with narrow strips of wall covered in traditional Portuguese tiles, known as azulejos. This gives Largo do Toural an elegant look and feel.

Here, you will see the iconic sign “Aqui nasceu Portugal” (meaning “Portugal Was Born Here”) affixed to a portion of the medieval defensive wall. This proudly proclaims the fact that the County of Portucale became the independent Kingdom of Portugal in the first half of the 12th century, right here in the city of Guimarães.

Several small eateries and traditional shops can be found around Largo do Toural, making it a great place to stop and get breakfast, a snack, coffee, or water. Additionally, there are several pharmacies in the area where you can find last-minute essentials such as hand sanitizer or tissues.

Martins Sarmento Society

120 meters from the north end of Largo do Toural, the Museum of the Martins Sarmento Society.

The Museum of the Martins Sarmento Society holds the distinction of being the oldest archaeological museum in Portugal. Housed in an exquisite neoclassical edifice, the museum features the Gothic cloister of the former Monastery of São Domingos. Visitors can look forward to an extensive collection of thousands of Celtic and Roman artefacts, with a particular focus on the excavations of Citânia de Briteiros , a Celtic hill-fort that saw occupation by various cultures through the Middle Ages. Located approximately 15 kilometers from Guimarães, the museum is a must-visit destination for history buffs.

Squares of Guimarães 

Starting at the north end of Largo do Toural, retrace your steps and head northward towards Rua de Santo António. This long street is lined with fancy boutiques and boasts facades covered in beautiful azulejos. From Rua de Santo António, walk northeast for approximately 110 meters, then turn right onto Rua Val de Donas.

As you enter the historic centre of Guimarães, you’ll notice an array of houses and buildings in various styles. Each structure reflects the passage of time and the architectural changes that have taken place throughout the centuries. Taking a leisurely stroll down the street, you’ll come across charming small balconies with wrought-iron railings, blooming potted plants, and cobbled lanes. The ambiance is nothing short of magical, and it’s quite enjoyable to take your time soaking it all in.

The first square you will come to is the Fonte do Largo Dr. João da Mota Prego , with a couple of olive trees, fountain and an aromatic lavender plantation. As you enter the square you pass the Casa das Rótulas, possibly built in the first half of the 19th century. Its use of wooden railings placed on the upper balcony is typical of houses in the north of Portugul built from the end of the sixteenth century.

Continuing along Rua Val de Donas you to get to the Largo dos Laranjais or the Square of the Orange Trees. Again this is a small rectangular square, this time with orange trees at its centre and overlooked by a tall medieval tower – Casa dos Laranjais.

Igreja de São Miguel do Castelo

Leave the square along the Rua das Trinas and you will come to Jardim do Carmo or Gardens of Carmo. At the start of the gardens is a bust to Martins Sarmento, the archaeologist from Guimarães who lived in the square. It was a group of his admirers, who created the Sociedade Martins Sarmento in 1882 (see above).

On the right is the Church and Convent of Nossa Senhora do Carmo, built in the 17th century in Baroque style, deserves a visit inside. On the left a chain of palatial houses. Look for the houses with some with coats of arms on the front, of the nobles who once lived there.

You are now climbing onto the small hill of Monte Latito which is also widely known as Colina Sagrada – the Sacred Hill of Portugal. The hill holds three monuments to the founding of Portugul: Castle of Guimarães, Church of São Miguel and the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança.

At the top of the hill you sill see the Statue of D. Afonso Henriques the founder of Portugal. The statue shows the Conqueror King is depicted in a warlike stance, holding a sword and shield with both hands on a bronze statue raised on a granite pedestal. This is an iconic statue in the country and one of the most well-known images of the founder of Portuguese nationality.

Behind the statue is the Church of São Miguel and to your left the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança.

Palace Duques de Bragança

Head back to the Palace of the Dukes and purchase a ticket to see the Palace and the Castle (€6.00).

Construction of the estate around 1420 was initiated by Dom Afonso, the first Duke of Braganca. However, the family eventually moved to a different location, and the palace was left to deteriorate until it fell into ruins by the mid-17th century. In 1910, the palace was declared a National Monument and extensive restoration work was carried out, drawing inspiration from other medieval palaces of the period.

One of the palace wings currently serves as an official residence for the Presidency, and visitors can admire the palace’s stunning private chapel, banquet hall with a chestnut ceiling modeled after the upturned hull of a Portuguese caravel, and an impressive collection of tapestries, rugs, paintings, furniture, ceramics, and weapons. The palace’s official website provides detailed information about the collection.

Visitors can choose to explore the palace on their own or as part of a guided tour, with a recommended hour for the visit. It is advisable to purchase a joint ticket that includes both the castle and the palace.

Guimarães Castle

Guimaraes Castle, located on the hill of Monte Largo, is widely regarded as the birthplace of Portugal as it was where the first king of Portugal, Afonso I the Great, was born in 1109. 19 years later, he won a crucial victory near Guimaraes over the troops of his mother, Teresa, thereby freeing Portugal from its dependence on Leon and Castile.

Interestingly, the fortress on this site has been in existence since the seventh century during the Visigoth era. It was built on the orders of the Countess of Portugal Mumadona Dias in the tenth century to protect against threats from the Moors to the south and Vikings from the sea. This order, dated December 958, still exists today. The castle was originally composed of a single donjon surrounded by a defensive wall.

In the 14th century, the entire village was surrounded by a 2 km defensive wall, and access to the castle was controlled by eight 28-meter towers with gates. However, today, only the eastern 1-km section with four towers and several gates of the old city wall remains. A suspended wooden bridge connects the western wall and the central gate.

Muralhas de Guimaraes

Head behind the castle towards the carpark and follow the road along the outside of the ramparts. You come to a large open area infront of the courthouse. There is a statue to the Countess Mumadona Dias, who jointly governed the County with her husband from the year 920. After the death of her husband around 950, she ruled alone until his death in 968. To the rights of the courthouse is the area of the city walls that you can walk along.

You can see one of the of city gates and walk along the top of the old walls for a short distance, and it is a pleasant way to survey a part of the town.

Rua de Santa Maria

Head along Rua de Nuno Álvares until you reach a small square and the Rua de Santa Maria. On the one side of the square is the intricate Baroque facade of the Convento de Santa Clara , which is now the Town Hall – if you can have a look around the cloisters.

Dating back hundreds of years, Rua de Santa Maria is a long street named after St. Mary that served as a crucial connection between the Castle of Guimarães and a wealthy convent dedicated to Santa Clara.

As you stroll down Rua de Santa Maria, you’ll come across numerous exquisite historic buildings and charming shops selling locally made souvenirs.

Additionally, this street is where you can sample some of Guimarães’ famous pastries and sweets, including toucinho-do-céu, tortas de Guimarães, and douradinhas de Guimarães. These delicious treats are made by hand using recipes passed down from centuries-old convents.

Further down Rua de Santa Maria, you’ll discover one of the most picturesque historic squares in Guimarães – Praça de São Tiago. This idyllic square is adorned with colourful facades and cobblestones, and it’s dotted with local restaurants where you can savour delicious food while enjoying the charming surroundings.

Praça de São Tiago

If you continue walking down Rua de Santa Maria, you will soon reach one of the most charming and historic squares in Guimarães, known as Praça de São Tiago. This picturesque square is a vision of vibrant facades that encircle a cobbled expanse, dotted with tables from the nearby restaurants.

According to tradition, an image of the Virgin Mary was brought to Guimarães by the apostle S. Tiago, and placed in a pagan Temple in a square that came to be called Praça de S. Tiago. Quite an old square, referred to over time in various documents, still retains its medieval features.

It was in its vicinity that the Franks who came to Portugal in the company of Count D. Henrique settled. There was a small porched chapel from the 17th century. XVII dedicated to Santiago that was demolished at the end of the century. XIX.

Largo da Oliveira

Either continue down the Rua de Santa Maria or head south from Praça de São Tiago, under the vaulted arcade to reach another exquisite square, Largo da Oliveira.

A really lovely old square in the centre of Guimaraes with the most beautiful buildings surrounding it, with the eponymous olive tree and a small open Gothic chapel in the centre.

Antigos Paços do Concelho: The medieval town hall, Antigos Paços do Concelho, stands above the vaulted arcade that separates Praça de São Tiago from Largo da Oliveira. Built between the 14th and 15th centuries, this historic building is crowned with the statue of a warrior.

 Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira: One of the oldest churches in Guimarães, the Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, has a history dating back to the 10th century. It was an important site of prayer and religious pilgrimage during the Middle Ages.

Padrão do Salado: The Padrão do Salado is a 14th-century arched monument that covers a raised cross. It was erected in commemoration of the Battle of Rio Salado in 1340, when the armies of Spain and Portugal stopped the invasion of the Iberian peninsula by the sultan of Morocco.

Alberto Sampaio Museum

Head past Arches of Padrão do Salado south along Rua Alfredo Guimarães, keeping the Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira on your left.

The Alberto Sampaio Museum, founded in 1928, is housed in three spaces – Chapter House, Cloister, and Priory – that once belonged to the adjacent Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira. The museum features eight rooms and several thematic clusters with objects from the 12th to the 19th centuries.

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Consolação (Guimarães)

Head south from the Alberto Sampaio Museum and you will see the stunning view of the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Consolação.

You can see the iconic landscaped garden of Largo da República do Brasil . With an eruption of seasonal blooms contained between geometrical lines formed by beautifully trimmed shrubs, the garden leads the eye down to a thin tall church dating back to the 18th century, the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Consolação.

Monte da Penha

To get from the Igreja e Oratórios da Nossa Senhora da Consolação e Santos Passos to Penha Cable Car, also known as Teleférico de Guimarães, it’s a short walk of about 450 m. From Largo de São Brás, turn right onto Rua Dr. Ricardo Marques, then after 74 m, turn right onto Rua do Rei Pegu. Continue straight for 190 m, take a slight left across Jardim do Lugar das Hortas, and after about 100 m, you will arrive at the station of Penha Cable Car.

This cable car is said to be the oldest in Portugal and has been operating since 1995. Its cabins are small, and the entrance door is narrow, so be careful with loose clothing and keep your bag in front of you as you board the cabins, which move slowly forward.

Penha Cable Car has seasonal opening hours and is closed for most of the week during the low season (click on the button below for more details).

The cable car will take you to the top of Monte da Penha, which is 617 m high. The journey spans over 1,500 m and takes a few minutes. As you approach the top station of the cable car, you’ll see the Sanctuary of Penha, a modernist-style structure built between the 1930s and the 1940s that is well worth a visit.

Around the sanctuary, there is a beautiful nature park with hiking trails, picnic areas, panoramic viewpoints, grottoes, monuments, and even a camping area. The park is dotted with enormous mossy boulders that give it a surreal and magical feel. It’s a great place to escape on a hot day and relax in the shade of the trees while taking in the splendid views.

When you’re ready to head back down to the city, you can take a return journey on Penha Cable Car.

Igreja de São Francisco Guimarães

From the bottom of the cable car, return to the Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Consolação and walk halfway down the Largo da República do Brasil, and turn left onto Rua Padre Gaspar Roriz.

Next, you’ll come across the grand edifice of the Church of São Francisco. Its stunning interiors boast magnificent blue and white azulejos, and meticulously crafted wood carvings embellished with delicate gold leaf.

However, it’s important to note that the Church of São Francisco typically closes its doors at 5 pm. If you wish to marvel at its beauty, you’ll need to efficiently manage your time while exploring the other attractions on this one-day tour of Guimarães.

Finally head back to the Train Station or car park. Hope you enjoyed our self guided walking tour of  Guimarães!

Tours and Activities from Guimarães

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Braga and Guimarães Tour - Full Day

Introduction

Surprise yourself on this wonderful full day trip to the gems of Minho Region: Braga and Guimarães , two imperative cities full of history.

Braga is one of the most important Portuguese cities and one of the oldest Christian cities in the world (with more than 2.000 years of history !).  Guimarães  is  known as “ The Cradle of Portugal ” ,   famous for its unique historic center –   UNESCO World Heritage .

Book now your Minho tour!

You can also book this tour in private  

On this tour, for each traveller we carry, Living Tours donates a meal. Know more at our Social Causes.

Explore Braga one of the oldest Christian cities of the world visiting the Cathedral , and the  Bom Jesus do Monte

Get to know amazing landscapes, peaceful and beautiful places, king’s histories and Portuguese culture and devotion

Visit the Guimarães Castle , a building full of history and the "birthplace of Portugal"

Appreciate, on a walking tour, the medieval city of Guimarães . With small modern details, it is considered a World Heritage Site  by UNESCO

Portuguese, English, Spanish or French. 

9 Hours 

Daily, at 8.45am

PICK UP AND DROP OFF

Starting at Living Tours Agency: Rua de Mouzinho da Silveira 352 4050-418 Porto - In Front of Train Station São Bento

Full description

This exciting journey has its first stop will be Braga , the Capital of Minho, and then we will discover the historic city of Guimarães . Prepare your cameras and come with us to explore two of the most important cities for the History of Portugal!

Our tour starts in the direction of Braga . Along the way, enjoy the lush green landscape of mountains, valleys and rivers. Braga is a deeply religious city and this guided tour allows you to visit: the oldest Cathedral of Portugal , and the Bom Jesus Sanctuary (UNESCO). Exciting, right?

Later, we will find the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte , one of the greatest highlights of this tour. Famous for its endless stairs and Baroque details, this place will definitely impress you! Not only a religious monument but also a truly romantic and relaxing place , with stunning views of the city.  Here, Nature is privileged and protected with the utmost affection .

It's now time to visit the magnificent Cathedral of Braga (also known as Sé de Braga ), a monument that combines three different styles : Romanesque, Manueline and Baroque. It is the oldest Cathedral in Portugal - it was even built several decades before the founding of the country! Undoubtedly, this imposing Cathedral is the greatest landmark of Braga .

We will walk through the historic centre of Braga and discover some of the most important streets and gardens of the city, such as the Santa Barbára Garden , considered by many to be one of the most beautiful in Portugal.

We will take a break in the historic centre of Braga to enjoy a tasty traditional lunch (optional).  Relax and appreciate this time.

After lunch, we will drive to Guimarães ,  the  birthplace of Portugal  and a  World Heritage Site , since 2001. This was the city where the first King of Portugal,  D. Afonso Henriques , was born. The history of Guimarães is related to the  foundation of the national identity and the Portuguese language .

We will have the opportunity to enter and explore the  Castle of Guimarães , the 10th-century national symbol. From the outside, its medieval structure looks impressive; on the inside, you can have stunning views over the city. Then, we  will continue passing through  the Palace of the Bragança Dukes and the São Miguel Church. 

Observe the imposing statue of D. Afonso Henriques and walk through the Martins Sarmento Square . To end this short walking tour, you will discover the Santa Maria Street, the City Hall, the Santiago Square, and the Senhora da Oliveira Church . 

Guimarães is an authentic example of the evolution of a medieval city throughout History!

• Expert guide
• Transportation in a comfortable small-group minibus
• Entrance to Bom Jesus Sanctuary.
• Entrance to Sé/Cathedral of Braga: the oldest in Portugal.
• Complete lunch in a traditional restaurant - only when selected.
• Entrance to Guimarães Castle: medieval castle.
• Walking tour in Guimarães: UNESCO World Heritage since 2001.
• 1 Bottle of Water per person

Hotel pick up and drop off

• Other meals and drinks.
• Entrance to other monuments not mentioned
• Personal expenses.
• Gratuities (optional).

Cancelation rules

No cancellation fee if you cancel until 24 hours prior to the activity date.

Cancellations less than 24 hours or no show, a fee of 100% will be charge.

Additional info

• Meeting Point 10 minutes before the departure schedule (Living Tours Tourist Service - at Rua Mouzinho da Silveira 352 4050-418 Porto in front of Train Station São Bento).
• Usually, tours run in one language but there are cases where one extra language or more can be used
• Tours are available in Portuguese, English, Spanish and French
• The tour duration is an estimation, subject to local traffic and visit schedules
• Children and minors are totally at the parent’s responsibility
• Mobile and Paper vouchers are accepted for this activity.
• All the activities run, even if it rains. If is not possible, alternatives will be checked on the day. Subject to availability.
• You can reconfirm your booking by phone +351 228 320 992 or email: [email protected]

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Guimaraes Tour

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Guimaraes Tour (Belo Horizonte) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Romantic Guimaraes: Things To Do, See, And How To Travel In Guimaraes, Portugal

Guimaraes, portugal: slowing down & relaxing.

If you’re looking for a bit of a breather after visiting the bigger… and busier. .. city of Porto , then make sure you spend a couple of days and travel to Guimaraes. In Guimaraes, the city’s charming “old town” centerpiece is  nearly  traffic-free. It’s mostly accessible by alleys and walkways from the busier streets of the city outside. You won’t find a free travel guide tour like in the bigger cities of Porto or Lisbon…but you won’t need it in Guimaraes.

A day trip to Guimaraes from Porto or Braga is easy, but honestly, you  have to  experience Guimaraes after dark to truly appreciate the ambiance of its quaint old town center.

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The alleyways empty and the street lamps come on. Their reflections in the fountains and the shop windows change at night. Wandering through the historic stone walls of the city while reading the inscriptions on the monuments scattered throughout takes on a different tone. 

Guimaraes has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2001. It’s often considered the birthplace of Portugal because the country’s first king is believed to have been born there. From the churches and castles in and around old town Guimaraes to the unexpected footpaths surrounding the mountaintop Penha Sanctuary, you could easily spend 2-3 days… and nights …slowing down and taking it all in. 

Explore Portugal Travel Guides

Porto Travel Guide | Sintra Travel Guide | Guimaraes Travel Guide | Aveiro Travel Guide

The Best Things To Do In Guimaraes, Portugal – My Top 5 Recommendations

Spend a couple hours walking the streets of old town guimaraes at night.

I know, I know. This seems obvious… but it’s different here. Guimaraes is so charming and unique with something of a “self-contained” old town area. It feels quite different than others in Portugal and even throughout Europe. The narrow cobblestone alleyways, warm street lamps, echos from the church bells, and simplicity of the setting really do lend to just having a glass of wine and then wandering. 

Sometimes we get too caught up in what we’re planning next to just wander aimlessly. Don’t make that mistake when you travel to Guimaraes.

Lonely Planet Portugal Travel Guide—2021 Up-to-date information –  All businesses were rechecked before publication to ensure they are still open after the 2020’s COVID-19 outbreak… check price

Visit Guimaraes Castle And Palace Duquesne De Branganca Museum 

Perched on a hill overlooking the old town are the Guimaraes Castle remains and the contrasting, well-maintained Palace Duquesne De Branganca Museum. Exploring the castle remains might have you feeling like you’ve been transported to one of your favorite scenes in Braveheart or Game of Thrones. And the views of the city during golden hours are beautiful. 

Stepping inside the museum you’re greeted with epic wooden ceilings and structural components that are simply amazing. I know, you’re probably all like “umm… really?  Wood ceilings and structural components? WTF Jason!?” But trust me, when you imagine sitting at a giant wooden table made for 20-30 under that grand ceiling 30-40ft above you, you’re transported. 

I suggest buying the €8 combined ticket for these two and the Museu de Alberto Sampaio in old town. Or get a full “skip the line” tour with pickup and a guide!

Ride The Penha Cable Car To The Penha Monastery And Walk The  Unexpected  Labyrinth Of Trails In The Parque Campismo Da Penha 

This was a surprise. I had seen images of the modest monastery on the top of the hill, but it’s what surrounds it that I wasn’t expecting. Surrounding the monastery is a huge, meandering network of trails, picnic tables, and roads called the Parque Campismo Da Penha. 

Green moss covers towering boulders hiding path after path for you to guide yourself through.

This is another place to take your time to enjoy. Work your way up to the top of the trails for the most epic view of Guimareas. The cost for the Penha cable car is €7 round-trip, but make sure you check the hours so you don’t get stuck up top!

Take In The Beautiful Blue Azulejo Tiles Of The Capela De Sao Francisco 

The building next to the church has one of the most beautiful blue azulejo exteriors I’ve seen in Portugal, and that’s a high bar. But stepping through the gothic gateway into the church introduces you to a beautiful mixture of wood and gold balanced by blue and white azulejo tiles. Intricate is too simple of a word to use. It’s overwhelmingly complex in appearance, which seems to elevate the emotion of taking it all in. 

The Capela De Sao Francisco wasn’t even on my radar, and I stumbled upon it one night while simply wandering. You don’t want to miss this one. 

Photograph The Jardim Do Largo Nissan Sephora Do Brazil And Igreja E Oratorios De Nossa Senhora Da Consolacao E Santos Passos 

If you visit in the summer or warmer shoulder seasons, you’ll be treated to the beautiful gardens in front of the church. Take a moment at the top of the gardens near the fountains and then walk down to see the church up close. 

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It’s all gorgeous whether day or night, but if you don’t like dodging cars, you must visit in the evening. After 7/8pm, traffic dies and the lights pop on the church. Bonus points… and epic pics … if you travel to Guimaraes during a full moon cycle like I did!

Guimaraes Travel Guide – Other Things To Do In Guimaraes, Portugal

Walk underneath padrao do salado and glance inside of igreja de nossa senhora da oliveira .

Don’t worry, it’s impossible to miss this if you’re in old town Guimaraes. It’s literally in the center of old town where loads of  (touristy)  restaurants flood the square with outdoor seating. But it’s pretty rad to be able to be so close to a piece of history—built to commemorate battle victories—that seems just randomly dropped in the middle of daily life. 

Glance inside the church, and if you bought the combined ticket for Guimaraes Castle and the Palace Museum, you can visit the Museu de Alberto Sampaio just around the corner. That’s where you can see this small courtyard behind a beautiful Art Nouveau inspired iron gate:

Explore Behind  The Palace Duquesne De Branganca Museum 

This is another one of those stumble-upon moments you aren’t going to find in any old Guimaraes travel guide. As usual, I was searching for the magic spots. Banking on forgiveness instead of permission if I took an errant turn. But where I ended up was completely open to the public, but just  off the beaten path  enough to not have a soul in sight. If you’re facing the entry to the Palace, simply walk around the back and start exploring.

Grape vines covering entire stretches of covered walkways and mossy stairwells enveloped by trees. And at the bottom of it all, some benches completely shaded by sculpted trees inches from your head. Bring a bottle of wine. 

Search For The Five Remaining Chapels Of The Steps Of The Passion Of Christ Oratories In Guimaraes

Up for a bit of a religious scavenger hunt? Tucked into five small cabinet-styled oratories throughout Guimaraes are devotions to the Passion Of The Christ. If you’re not looking for them, you might miss them. But they’re quite unique to spend a few minutes appreciating, regardless of your religious beliefs. 

Go Shopping In Old Town Guimaraes

Just like most old town tourist centers throughout Europe, there is some serious shopping to be done in Guimaraes. If that’s your jam, you won’t be disappointed. Even if you’re not looking to spend, there are some great places to window-shop or just peruse the goods.  Do  make it a point to patronize the small bakeries while you’re making your rounds though. 

Check Out A Bad-Ass T-Shirt / Pop Culture Shop

If you need a nerd fix comprised of wookies, Scranton references, legos, or wizard’s wands, check out  Tee Legend  – “T-Shirts for Geeks, Nerds & Jedis.” They also have a shop in Porto. If I didn’t travel carry-on only, I would have bought all the things…

Getting Around Guimaraes And Traveling Around Portugal

Guimaraes is extremely walkable, and the old town is small and flat. Outside of old town it gets a little hillier. And there are cobblestones galore, so I suggest leaving your stilettos at home. Ubers are available, as are taxis and even scooter sharing from companies like Bird and Circ. The buses are also very clean, safe, and cheap. Countrywide, the Comboios De Portugal trains are simple between big cities, and everything else is connected by multiple bus routes. All are usually very inexpensive for standard fairs.

Typical Spending Costs, Travel Styles and Budgets for Guimaraes

I’m a budget travel nerd and tend to target traveling internationally for an average of about $30-60 a day, all in. Of course, you can travel cheaper than that, or the sky’s the limit. I was able to average about $50-60 a day in Portugal, and Guimaraes was no different. Actually, things were definitely slightly cheaper in Guimaraes than Porto , in my opinion.

A bed in a 4-6 bed hostel dorm runs about €15-25.  (Never stayed in a hostel? Read this!)   Fantastic  sit-down meals at most non-bougie restaurants run €7-15+. And a glass of good port, table wine, or draft beer at those restaurants usually starts at about €2. Credit cards are widely accepted, but carry some cash for the smaller joints, especially in Guimaraes. ATMs are readily available, but make sure they’re attached to a reputable bank and  not  a Euronet ATM. 

The Hostels In Guimaraes

The hostel offerings in Guimaraes are slim compared to many of the bigger cities in Portugal. I stayed at the Santiago 31 Hostel, a small, quaint spot right in the center of old town Guimaraes. While it’s a fairly basic hostel, they have a well-equipped kitchen, clean and spacious bathrooms, a relaxing common area, and they supply a simple continental breakfast. Santiago 31 Hostel also has many private rooms available beyond the dorm options. And the folks that run the hostel are  truly  kind and helpful. 

There are hundreds of hostels throughout Portugal. You can filter by rating, location, amenities, cost, etc., here .

RELATED: The Best Hostels I’ve Stayed At…& Why They Make The List

Travel To And In Guimaraes, Portugal: Travel Basics & Important Logistics

Most of these topics are covered in depth later in this travel guide. But here are the nitty-gritty details you need to know before you plan your trip and travel to Guimaraes, Portugal. 

Where Is Guimaraes, Portugal?  The country of Portugal is located on the western coast of Europe. Well, more specifically it’s kind of tucked into the western coast of Spain. It’s one of the closest European countries to the US while only a couple hundred miles from Africa. Guimaraes, Portugal is 30+ miles from both the Atlantic coast and Porto, which is likely your starting point to get to Guimaraes.

Weather, Altitude & Relativity To The Equator:  Guimaraes is only about 30+ miles from the Atlantic coast at around 550-650ft above sea level, on a similar longitude line as the US. But Guimaraes is actually located in a valley, so temps can swing cooler. Average highs and lows throughout the year are between 40-80°F.

Portugal Travel Seasons:  Peak travel months in Portugal are generally June-September. The travel shoulder seasons are considered April-May and October-November. January-March are considered the low/slow season for travel to Portugal, but it’s still sunny, just a bit chilly for the beach or a dip in the ocean.

International Airports In Portugal:  Lisbon, Porto, and Faro are the most frequently used, but there are also international airports on the islands of Madeira and Ponta Delgada. 

Travel To And Around Guimaraes:  The closest main city to Guimaraes is Porto, a simple and cheap train ride away. Guimaraes itself is extremely walkable, but there are also public buses, taxis, and ride shares available.

Plugging In, Spending Money, And Personal Concerns

Electrical Outlet/Plug Type:  Type F “Schuko,” so get an international adapter like this one. Currency:  The Euro is used throughout Portugal, and most businesses are happy to take credit cards for anything over €5. But carry cash just in case, especially in smaller cities like Guimaraes. Some of the best places are small, off-the-radar mom and pop spots, and they’ll sometimes need to take cash to avoid the excessive fees of accepting cards. (You might want to ask before ordering!)

RELATED: UPDATED: 18 Safe Traveling Tips For Newbies

Tipping:  Tipping at restaurants is not  expected  throughout Portugal. But as usual, if you receive kind, great service, you should give a little extra.

Personally, as a digital nomad exploring places where the USD goes further, I think it’s a great reason to give a little more regardless of what’s expected!

Budget Allowance For Different Traveler Types:  Portugal is the  least expensive  country in western Europe. Budget travelers (like me) can live it up in hostels for €50-60/day, which includes food, tours, etc. Obviously the budgets can go up from there depending on your style, and if you plan to drop mad coin hitting up bars and clubs at night.  US Passport Holder Entry Time Limits:  Portugal is part of the Schengen Zone, a group of European countries that allow most US passport holders to visit the country for 90 days every rolling 180 days. If you want to stay longer, you’ll need to look into long-term visas. Vaccinations:  You can find out  more here,  but there aren’t any out of the ordinary for US citizens.  Can I Drink The Tap Water In Portugal?  Yes. It may not be the absolute tastiest, but it’s definitely safe to drink.  LGBTQ+ Concerns:  Portugal is considered medium/high on the equality index. I can happily say that free love and expression were obvious with both locals and tourists as I traveled throughout Portugal. (rating by  https://www.equaldex.com/ ) 

Staying Safe While Traveling In Guimaraes…Or Portugal In General

Honestly, there wasn’t a moment when I was wandering around Guimaraes when I felt unsafe, whether day or night. That said, you should always take some necessary precautions when you’re traveling. Explore with a friend or two if possible, and consider staying out of the dark corridors at night if you’re solo. Yes, they’re kind of magical at night, but just be cautious.

Essentially, use common sense and go with your gut if you feel unsafe or concerned. I also suggest wearing clothing that allows you to zip or button up your wallet, phone, etc., as most of the time the biggest concern in bigger, tourist-heavy cities is pickpockets in dense areas. If someone else is an easier target than you, then your odds of trouble are reduced! (You don’t have to run faster than the bear…)

Share This Guimaraes Travel Guide With A Friend!

If you’re wanderlusting about travel to Guimaraes, Porto, or anywhere in Portugal, please share this article on social and with your travel ride-or-dies. Then connect with me over on Instagram or subscribe on YouTube, since I talk about a lot of these logistics and how things are going along the way!

Happy Travels. Cheers! —Jason

About Jason Robinson

Jason is the author of “The Beginner Traveler’s Guide To Going Nomad,” as well as the voice behind the words and the eye behind the lens for The Nomad Experiment. “Planning to travel at some point” wasn’t actually getting the job done, so nearing 40 he decided to make it a priority, nomatter how scary that was. A few years later— through the pandemic and a type 1 diabetes diagnosis at age 42 —now living a life of nomadic travel, he’s speaking out to encourage others of any age, or with any serious medical diagnosis, to live an unconventional life.

Travel Planning Tips

Figure out where you are going & how are you getting there… I suggest using at least 2 to 3 different travel search sites. Start with Skyscanner or Orbitz or Booking  … or whatever aggregator site you prefer. Then when you see what airlines to use, check their respective sites for better deals or rewards flights.

Figure out where you’re going to stay… If you’re interested in hostels, search Hostelworld or Hostelling International. For longer-term or more private digs, look at Airbnb , VRBO, or you can look for hotel rooms in the links from the search engines listed above. 

Get comprehensive travel insurance, or in the least, travel medical insurance if internationally… Especially with Covid not going anywhere, get covered. Start with an insurance aggregator like Insure My Trip, or with SafetyWing,   World Nomads , or another. Then decide what is important to you; trip cancellation, baggage coverage, medical, or all of the above. And get a yearly evacuation plan, since you’ll have to get home after your emergency! 

Need more resources? Click here!

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Guimaraes Tour

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

GUIMARAES TOUR (Belo Horizonte) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go