Guimaraes will captivate you with its beautiful medieval buildings and a 1,000-year-old hilltop castle. The city is a bastion for art and culture, with several excellent museums, galleries and cultural institutions to visit. Explore the historic centre, discover the city’s royal roots and enjoy delicious Portuguese cuisine. Students from the University of Minho give the city an upbeat and youthful vibe.
Things to do in Guimarães
Guimaraes Castle is perched on a hilltop and stands guard over the city. It dates back to the 10th century and features eight rectangular-shaped towers and a heavily fortified keep. Walk along the ramparts and enjoy dizzying views over the city. Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, was born in the castle in the 12th century.
Get lost in the lanes and alleys that criss-cross the UNESCO-listed medieval centre. They’ll spit you out in sun-drenched plazas framed by handsome historic buildings. Browse independent boutiques and enjoy lunch at an al fresco café.
Ride the cable car to Penha, a hilltop park with beautiful views over the city. Trails wind through the forest and take you past enormous moss-covered boulders and hidden rock caves. Walk down the hill to Mosteiro de Santa Marinha da Costa, a 12th-century monastery reimagined as a luxury hotel. Pack a picnic lunch or enjoy a fine-dining meal at the restaurant.
From Michelin star restaurants to family-run taverns, breezy courtyard cafes and casual street stalls, there are options for every palate in Guimaraes. Feast on Portuguese classics like grilled octopus, “porco preto” Iberian black pork and “arroz de pato” boiled duck served on a bed of rice. Bakery windows overflow with “pasteis de nata” custard tarts encased in flaky pastry shells.
Getting around Guimarães
Guimaraes is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot. The city is a 45-minute drive from Porto and 25 minutes from Braga. Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport in Porto is a one-hour drive away.