Menu
As soon as you step into the charming city of Guimaraes in Portugal, you’ll be transported back to medieval times. With its cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and stunning views of the surrounding hills, Guimaraes is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Portugal. From exploring the impressive Guimaraes Castle to wandering through the picturesque streets of the old town, there’s so much to see and do in this beautiful city. In this article, we’ll guide you through the top attractions in Guimaraes, so you can make the most of your visit and create unforgettable memories.
Table of Contents
Guimarães Historical Center
Guimarães Historical Center is a great place to explore! You can take part in guided tours or do a self-guided exploration. There are plenty of exciting sights, including the Castle of Guimarães, Historic Houses, and the Santa Maria Church.
Plus, there are lots of traditional Portuguese cafes and restaurants where you can taste the local cuisine. For something truly unique, don’t miss the ‘Largo da Oliveira’ square (More on this later) – it’s said to be one of Europe’s oldest public squares!
So no matter whether you’re an avid history buff or just looking for some fun while sightseeing – Guimarães historic town centre has something for everyone. Enjoy!
Church of San Miguel do Castelo de Guimarães
Guimarães Castle is the perfect place for all you history-buffs out there, and number 7 in our list of the top 30 castles in Portugal! This medieval fortress was built in the 10th century, so it’s sure to give you a trip back in time. The Castelo de Guimarães offers plenty of unique experiences that will make your visit unforgettable.
From exploring its impressive towers to participating in re-enactments of battles from centuries ago, this castle has something for everyone. And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not take on the challenge of finding all 24 secret doors? Who knows what mysteries they might hold?
Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira (Our Lady of Oliveira)
The Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira is a fantastic place to visit and experience the beauty of religious architecture. The church has many activities for everyone, ranging from live music performances to art exhibitions. You can also take a guided tour or sit back and relax as you admire its beautiful interior.
And if that wasn’t enough, you could join in some religious events such as praying with the priests and worshipping God inside the church! No matter your beliefs, the Church of Our Lady of Oliveira will give you an unforgettable spiritual experience.
Guimarães Paço dos Duques de Bragança (Braganza Palace)
You can taste royal life at the palace of dos Duques de Bragança in Guimaraes! Take a tour to learn more about the history and architecture of this impressive palace. Afterward, head to the gardens for some fresh air and great photo ops! You won’t want to miss out on seeing the incredible views from the top-floor terraces – so make sure to bring your camera!
For those looking for an adventure, explore the dungeons below and see if you can find any hidden treasures or skeletons in the closet (not literally speaking!). And don’t forget to visit their magnificent cafe, where you can sip on some refreshing beverages while admiring all that beauty around you.
Alberto Sampaio Museum
Visiting the museum in Guimarães is a great way to get an in-depth look into Portuguese culture. Nestled away in the historic city of Guimarães, this museum showcases thousands of artifacts relating to the country’s history and art.
Not only will you be able to admire some incredible works of art, but there are also plenty of unique activities to partake in too! Guests can explore the museum’s interactive exhibits, build their own models and try out some traditional crafts. And if that isn’t enough fun for one day, guests can even take part in workshops on regional cuisine or learn about Portugal’s traditional music.
Hiking and Mountain Biking in Guimarães
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or an adrenaline-filled bike ride through the mountains, this Portuguese city has something for everyone. You can explore the ancient cobbled streets of the historic centre or take on one of the challenging hiking trails and mountain biking routes scattered across the stunning landscape.
Be warned, though – you may be so captivated by the spectacular views that you get lost amongst them! With its impressive mountain ranges and lush forests, Guimarães is sure to provide an adventure like no other. So strap on your hiking boots and grab your mountain bike – it’s time to conquer those trails!
P.S.: Penha Mountain is the perfect place to start. Offering a variety of trails and routes, it’s sure to make any outdoor enthusiast feel like they’ve conquered the world.
Visit Oliveira Square (Largo da Oliveira)
Largo da Oliveira in Guimarães is a fantastic place! It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy the historic atmosphere– you can even find medieval ruins here. There are plenty of things to do, like visiting Largo de São Tiago, watching traditional Portuguese dances, or exploring the beautiful gardens.
If you’re feeling adventurous, check out some bars and restaurants for delicious local food. Largo da Oliveira is definitely worth a visit! So come on and experience all this unique area has to offer.
Guimarães Monument Church Of St Francis
The Monument Church of St Francis in Guimarães is an impressive sight! It’s like a time-traveling portal that takes you back to the Middle Ages, with its stunning Gothic architecture and intricate carvings.
The church is also home to some astonishing legends. They say that when the morning sun hits the altar, it brings good luck! So if you’re ever feeling down, take a pilgrimage to this beautiful monument—you never know what kind of luck awaits you there.
Just make sure to avoid getting stuck in a time warp; they don’t always have great cell reception in Medieval times. 😉
Guimarães Teleférico de Guimarães - Guimarães Cable Car
Guimarães Cable Car in Guimarães, Portugal, is the perfect tourist attraction for the daring and adventurous! Get ready to take a leap of faith on this thrilling ride that takes you high up into the sky. Just be sure to keep your eyes open, as the views are absolutely breathtaking!
From the top, you can see Guimarães Castle and surrounding landscapes—a sight you won’t soon forget. Ready to get your adrenaline pumping? Guimarães Cable Car is just what you need! Grab your tickets now and prepare for an adventure of a lifetime!
Don’t miss out on this unique experience—you won’t regret it! Make some fantastic memories as you zoom over Guimarães.
Citania de Briteiros
Citania de Briteiros, a series of ancient ruins located near Guimarães, is an exciting place to visit. It’s like taking a step back in time! What’s even more impressive is that you’ll be exploring the remains of a settlement dating back to around 400 BC, making it one of the oldest archeological sites in Portugal.
So why not take a trip and experience some natural history? Who knows – maybe you’ll discover something new about this fascinating piece of Portugal’s past! And don’t worry, no matter how hard you look, you won’t find any dragons or knights here – just lots of stone walls, ramparts, and terraces waiting for your exploration!
Santo Antonio dos Capuchos Convent
Santo Antonio dos Capuchos Convent in Guimarães has been a must-see tourist destination for centuries. From the striking 18th-century Baroque architecture to its rich history, there’s plenty to explore here.
But it’s not just its impressive facade that will keep you fascinated; the quirky convent also has plenty of exciting stories. From monks who used to hide in the walls during wartime to their legendary cheese-making prowess, this place has some wild tales that will make your visit memorable!
So if you’re looking for something off the beaten path, come and experience life at Santo Antonio dos Capuchos Convent – you won’t regret it!
Q&A
Is Guimarães worth visiting?
Absolutely! Guimarães is full of narrow streets, cobblestone alleys, and Gothic architecture. It’s like walking through a beautiful fairytale. If you’re looking for an inspirational and breathtaking experience, then Guimarães should be your next destination! And the best part is that you can easily explore this charming city in just a few days.
How long do you need in Guimarães?
2 days should be enough, but if you want to take your time and discover more of the city’s hidden gems, you might need a few days (or even weeks!) to truly experience all that Guimarães has to offer.
How far is Braga from Guimarães?
According to Google Maps, it’s only a short drive between these two cities—just 27 kilometers! So it shouldn’t take more than a 30-40 minutes ride by car.