Guimarães

Written by Celine Fournier, Finn Weber
31/08/2025
Charming colorful houses in the historic town of Guimarães, Braga, Portugal.
Sonny Vermeer, Pexels

Guimarães offers a captivating journey through Portugal's origins, featuring a well-preserved medieval historic center and significant landmarks, while also providing panoramic views from Penha Mountain.

The main social areas are the historic plazas like Largo da Oliveira, Largo República do Brasil, and Praça de São Tiago, which are filled with cafes and restaurants, creating a lively atmosphere for both locals and visitors.

Top 7 Things to do in Guimarães

The activities primarily involve exploring historical landmarks, wandering through a well-preserved medieval center, and enjoying panoramic natural viewpoints.

1. Explore Guimarães Castle (Castelo de Guimarães)

Step back in time at this formidable 10th-century medieval fortress, widely recognized as the birthplace of Portugal. Visitors can walk along its ancient walls and ascend the central keep for sweeping panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes. It holds immense historical significance as the presumed birthplace of Afonso Henriques, the nation's first king.

Cost: Access to the castle's interior and tower costs €2 per person. The external grounds and walls can often be explored for free. Combined tickets including the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza are available for €6.

Transport: The castle is located within walking distance from the city center, adjacent to the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza.

2. Visit the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza (Paço dos Duques de Bragança)

Discover the opulent lifestyle of Portuguese nobility at this grand 15th-century palace. Its architecture showcases a blend of medieval and French seigneurial styles, offering meticulously restored rooms filled with period tapestries, porcelain, paintings, furniture, and weaponry. While some areas might be undergoing renovation, the experience provides a rich glimpse into Portugal's past.

Cost: Entry costs €5 for adults. Combined tickets with Guimarães Castle are available for €6. Children up to 12 years old can enter for free, and discounts are offered for seniors and students.

Transport: The palace is situated next to Guimarães Castle, easily reachable on foot from the city center.

3. Wander through the Historic Centre of Guimarães

Immerse yourself in a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized for its exceptional preservation of medieval urban development. The historic center features charming cobblestone streets, traditional granite buildings, and lively plazas. Key areas include Largo da Oliveira, known for its ancient olive tree and the Gothic Padrão do Salado monument, and Praça de São Tiago, a sister square bustling with cafes and traditional houses. Strolling along Rua de Santa Maria provides a picturesque journey through the heart of the old town.

Cost: Exploring the historic center is free of charge. Costs for food and drinks at the numerous cafes and restaurants vary.

Transport: The historic center is the heart of Guimarães and is entirely walkable.

4. Ascend Monte da Penha and visit the Sanctuary of Penha

Experience breathtaking panoramic views of Guimarães and the surrounding Minho region from Monte da Penha. A cable car provides a scenic ascent, offering vistas of the city's landmarks. At the summit, explore the Sanctuary of Penha, wander through extensive parkland, discover natural caves, and admire unique boulder formations and various viewpoints.

Cost: A round trip on the Teleférico de Guimarães (cable car) typically costs between €7.50 and €10 for adults, while a one-way ticket is around €4.

Transport: The cable car's lower station, Estação das Hortas, is located near the city center. Local TUG buses (such as the 51/52 Circular) can transport visitors to the lower station. Alternatively, a taxi ride to the sanctuary takes approximately 8 minutes and costs between €11 and €14. Walking up the mountain is possible but involves a steep 3.8 km journey.

5. Visit the Church of São Miguel do Castelo (Igreja de São Miguel do Castelo)

This small, unadorned Romanesque chapel is historically significant, nestled between Guimarães Castle and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza. It is widely believed to be the baptism site of Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal, and served as the burial ground for many noble warriors integral to the nation's foundation.

Cost: Entry to the chapel is free.

Transport: The church is easily accessible on foot, located directly between the castle and the palace.

6. Discover the Alberto Sampaio Museum (Museu de Alberto Sampaio)

Located in the historic center, this museum showcases a remarkable collection of religious art and artifacts. It features treasures from the Collegiate Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, with exhibits spanning from the 12th to the 18th centuries, including ecclesiastical items, intricate silverware, sculptures, and paintings. It offers a deeper insight into the region's artistic and religious heritage.

Cost: Admission is approximately €3 per person. A combined ticket that includes entry to the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza and Guimarães Castle is available for €8.

Transport: The museum is conveniently located in the historic city center, near Largo da Oliveira, making it easily accessible on foot.

7. Explore the Former Tanneries (Zona de Couros)

Recently designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2023, the Zona de Couros provides a unique glimpse into Guimarães' industrial past. Situated near the Couros River, this area was historically central to the medieval leather-working industry. Although the industry declined in the 1960s, the preserved tanneries serve as a poignant reminder of this once-thriving trade and its cultural impact on the city.

Cost: Exploring the area is free.

Transport: The Former Tanneries are a short walk from Largo de Toural, located behind the Church of São Francisco.

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