Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The college town of Coimbra—just two to three hours north of Lisbon by train, bus, or
car—is Portugal's Oxford, and the country's easiest-to-enjoy city.
Don't be fooled by the drab suburbs. Portugal's center for 200 years, Coimbra (koh-
EEM-brah) remains second only to Lisbon culturally and historically. It served as Por-
tugal's leading city while the Moors controlled Lisbon. The ports of Lisbon and Porto
only surpassed landlocked Coimbra when Portugal's maritime fortunes rose. Today,
Coimbra is Portugal's third-largest city (pop. 168,000) and home to its oldest and most
prestigious university (founded 1290). When school is in session, Coimbra bustles. Dur-
ing school holidays, it's sleepy. But any time of year, you can explore the great Arab-
flavored old town—a maze of people, narrow streets, and tiny
tascas
(restaurants with
just a few tables).
