Guimarães

Portugal, Europe

Guimarães, often hailed as the birthplace of Portugal, boasts a rich tapestry of history and culture. Its medieval Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring cobblestone streets, the stunning Guimarães Castle, and the impressive Palace of the Dukes. The blend of ancient architecture and vibrant local life makes Guimarães a charming destination for travelers seeking both history and authenticity. Don't miss the lively markets and the chance to explore nearby lush landscapes, perfect for a weekend getaway.

Quick facts

Target stay

2-3 days

Type

City

Vibe

History

Airport

Porto

Known for

Beach

Hiking

Leisure

Wildlife

Best time to visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

8 Best Things to Do in Guimarães

1

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Explore Guimarães Castle

Visit this historic castle, a symbol of Portugal's foundation.

No booking required
2

Est. < 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Stroll through Praça de São Tiago

Relax in this picturesque square filled with charm.

No booking required
3

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza

Explore the grandiose palace and its museum exhibits.

No booking required
4

Est. < 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Discover the Church of São Miguel do Castelo

Admire this ancient church with stunning views.

No booking required
5

Est. 2 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Wander around the Historic Centre

Explore UNESCO-listed streets filled with history.

No booking required
6

Est. 1 hr

Year round

Family-friendly

Visit the Alberto Sampaio Museum

Discover local art and history in this museum.

No booking required
7

Est. 1.5 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Enjoy a meal at Restaurante Tia Isabel

Savor traditional Portuguese dishes in a cozy setting.

No booking required
8

Est. 3 hrs

Year round

Family-friendly

Take in views from the Penha Mountain

Hike up for breathtaking panoramic views of Guimarães.

No booking required

Need to know, before you go

Country info

Tipping

Expected (~10%)

Tapwater

Generally safe to drink

Safety

1 2 3 4 5

Very High

LGBTQ+ safety score

12 (#1 globally)

Cost

Standard

Currency

Euro

Majority religion

Christian

Language

Portuguese

(20-50% speak English)

Best dishes to try

Fish and Seafood

Variety of fresh fish and shellfish. (National dish)

Bacalhau à Brás

Codfish dish with potatoes and eggs.

Pastel de Nata

V

Custard tart with flaky pastry.

Francesinha

Hearty sandwich with meats and sauce.

Caldo Verde

VE

Kale soup with potatoes and onions.

Phrases to learn

English

Portuguese

Hello

Olá

(Oh-lah)

Yes/No

Sim / Nao

(Seem / Nowm)

Thank you

Obrigado

(Oh-bree-gah-doh)

Excuse me

Desculpe

(Deh-skul-peh)

How much?

Quanto?

(Kwan-too)