Top 10 Best Things To Do In Guimarães, Portugal

1. Guimaraes Castle: Guimarães' most iconic place

Visiting Guimarães without visiting its castle is like going to London and not seeing Big Ben. It’s one of the main attractions of the city and although it dates all the way back to the 10th century, it still stands proud and tall. The castle is associated with the ‘birth’ of Portugal, because it became the official royal residence after the country won its independence from Spain, in 1139. It is one of the most important historical remnants of the country and it is one of the places you shouldn’t miss when you visit Guimarães.

Guimaraes Castle

Address: Rua Conde Dom Henrique, Guimarães, Portugal

Price: from 2 USD

Opening times: 10am - 6pm (Monday - Sunday)

Website: Guimaraes Castle

2. Paço dos Duques de Bragança: A place built for love

Paço dos Duques de Bragança dates back to the 15th century and was built for Afonso I’s mistress, at his command. The Burgundian architectural style of the palace reflects the Duke’s tastes acquired from his trips through Europe, although the palace does not look the same today as it did in the 15th century. Some of its rooms are used as a museum, with original Persian tapestries and paintings exhibited. It’s very close to the castle, so if you’re visiting one, you should really visit the other! This place will surely surprise you with its glamorous architecture and give you an insight of how the Portuguese kings used to live.

Paço dos Duques de Bragança

Address: Rua Conde Dom Henrique, 4810-245 Guimarães, Portugal

Price: from 6 USD (free on the 1st Sundays of every month)

Opening times: 10am - 6pm (Monday - Sunday)

Website: Paço dos Duques de Bragança

3. Sao Francisco Convent and Church: Gold over blue

Although this convent has suffered many alterations and has been rebuilt over the centuries, it is still an architectural gem worth visiting. From its painted ceiling to the white and blue tiles of its walls, this place will surely impress you with its unique beauty. The complex gold carvings decorating the arches of the church will amaze you with their intricate details. It is a stunning place that reflects Portuguese culture in a very original way.

Sao Francisco Convent and Church

Address: Rua da Cruz 34, Guimarães, Portugal

Opening times: 9.30am - 12pm / 3pm - 5pm (Tuesday - Saturday). 9.30am - 1pm (Sunday). Closed on Monday.

Website: Sao Francisco Convent and Church

4. Alberto Sampaio Museum: Beautiful architecture, amazing art

Built in 1928, due to the need to exhibit the possessions of religious institutions that were extinguished in the region, this museum is a must-see for history lovers. The exhibitions are mainly composed of religious art pieces, from jewellery to paintings, sculptures to textiles and ceramics. You’ll also find very important artefacts from the history of Guimarães, itself.

Alberto Sampaio Museum

Address: Rua Alfredo Guimarães 39, 4810-250 Guimarães, Portugal

Price: from 3 USD

Opening Time: 10am - 6pm (Tuesday - Saturday). Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Website: Alberto Sampaio Museum

5. Centre for Art and Architecture: Guimarães’ cool side

This is a surprising place amongst the medieval buildings in the city. The Centre for Art and Architecture offers very original exhibitions and workshops for art lovers but also theatrical and musical performances. It has an impressive architecture and stands out for its modernity. It’s the perfect place to visit if you love modern art.

Guimarães Centre for Art and Architecture

Address: Rua Padre Augusto Borges de Sá, 4810-225 Guimarães, Portugal

Opening time: 2.30pm - 7pm (Monday - Saturday). Closed on Sundays.

Website: Centre for Art and Architecture

6. Largo da Oliveira: The locals’ meeting point

This is where the local people, both young and old, meet after work to have a drink and relax with friends and family. It’s a beautiful place, surrounded by restaurants and bars, where you can enjoy traditional Portuguese food and have a great time out. The nightlife at Largo da Oliveira is very bright and entertaining, so if you’re visiting Guimarães with your friends, this is the perfect place to have some fun.

Largo da Oliveira

Website: Largo da Oliveira

7. Rua de Santa Maria: Go for a charming stroll

This beautiful medieval street in the centre of Guimarães is where you can get some of the most delicious Portuguese cakes and pastries. It also has some restaurants and cafés where you can relax and have a meal with your friends. Rua de Santa Maria is a great place to go for a walk at night, where you’ll find both locals and visitor,s enjoying their time. Why not join them and do the same?

Rua de Santa Maria

Website: Rua de Santa Maria

8. Citania de Briteiros and Martins Sarmento Museum: Where Guimarães’ stories are told

Citania de Briteiros is an archaeological site important for its size, “urban” form and developed architecture. It is one of the most excavated sites on the Iberian Peninsula, dating back to the Iron Age. Its archaeological finds are exhibited in Martins Sarmento Museum, one of the oldest archaeological museums in Portugal. Both are very interesting places to visit if you appreciate architecture and historical sites.

Citania de Briteiros

Address: Monte de São Romão, 4800 Guimarães

Website: Citania de Briteiros

Martins Sarmento Museum

Address: Rua Paio Galvão, 4814-509, Guimarães, Portugal

Prices: from 3 USD

Opening times: 9.30am - 12.30pm / 2.30pm - 5.30pm (Tuesday - Saturday); 10am - 12.30pm / 2.30pm - 5.30pm (Sunday). Closed on Mondays.

Website: Martins Sarmento Museum

9. Jardins do Palácio de Vila Flor: The most romantic place in Guimarães

The Vila Flor Palace is surrounded by wonderful gardens, overlooking Guimarães. It is a stunning place, where you can go for a walk with your other half or just sit back and read a book, whilst enjoying the sun on your face. It is very romantic with its beautiful flowers and many statues and the perfect place to rest after a morning of exploring.

Jardins do Palácio de Vila Flor

Address: Av. Dom Afonso Henriques 701, 4810-431 Guimarães, Portugal

Opening times: 10am - 1pm / 2pm - 7pm (Tuesday - Saturday); 8pm - 12am (Sunday). Closed on Monday.

Website: Jardins do Palácio de Vila Flor

10. Largo República do Brasil: Bursting colours around you

A post shared by Adlan Belkada (@abelkada) on Oct 26, 2016 at 7:48am PDT

This colourful avenue is one of the main landscapes you’ll find in the postcards of the city. The church at the end only adds to its charm, making it one of the best places for a group picture. It’s like the introduction to the historic centre of Guimarães: a beautiful starting point to your walk to the castle and Paço dos Duques and to the beginning of a great holiday in this charming city.

Largo República do Brasil

Address: Largo República do Brasil, Guimarães, Norte, 4820-142, Portugal

Guimarães: Where historical heritage joins modern culture

Guimarães is beloved for many, many reasons by many, many people. It can’t simply be explained: there is something enchanting about it that will spark your imagination and make you want to go back in time and live a different life. If there’s one thing we know for sure, it is that Guimarães will steal your heart and keep it in its ancient hands until you decide to return and retrieve it. And even when you do return, the city will argue and fight and you’ll have no choice but to leave some piece of it behind. Want to know a secret? You won’t be the first.