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If you’re wondering what to do in Guimaraes, Portugal’s very birthplace, you’ve come to the right place.
During our extended stay in Porto a while ago, we spent a whole day in Guimaraes, getting to know its charms and secrets, and we can safely say it’s one of the best places to visit from Porto.
Knowing what to do in Guimaraes will help you plan the perfect day trip from Porto or convince you to even spend a couple of days in this picturesque town in Portugal’s north.
Where Is Guimaraes
Located in northern Portugal, Guimaraes is a small city near Braga and Porto. It’s a 45-minute drive from Porto, making it the ideal destination for a day trip.
Is One Day in Guimaraes Enough?
We love slow travel and we always recommend spending more than a day in a destination. Guimaraes is no exception to this rule.
If you plan to spend several days in the north of Portugal, you should definitely allocate a few days to Guimaraes. However, if time isn’t on your side, make sure you plan at least a day trip to Guimaraes.
We spent a full day in Guimaraes during our one-and-a-half-month stay in Porto and we can guarantee that a day is enough to see everything mentioned in this article about what to do in Guimaraes at a relaxed pace.
That said, even though we took our time checking out the city’s highlights and exploring its unique historic centre, we would have loved to have spent a couple of days experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of the city.
How To Get To Guimaraes From Porto
If you plan to add a day trip to Guimaraes to your Porto itinerary, there are plenty of ways to get there within an hour.
By Car
If you decide to rent a car from Porto to explore the nearby regions, Guimaraes is only a 45-minute drive away.
While many people plan a trip to Guimaraes and Braga on the same day, we think you should visit Braga on a different day as there are plenty of things to do in this city as well.
By Bus
If you’re not driving, the fastest way to get to Guimaraes is by bus. Flixbus operates rides of different durations from Porto. So, to make the most of your day trip, pick the fastest bus ride that takes 45 minutes. That’s what we did.
We recommend buying your tickets in advance as they tend to sell out fast. Buses depart from Campanha Bus Station in Porto.
By Train
Another convenient way to get from Porto to Guimaraes is by urban train. Direct trains to Guimaraes depart frequently from Porto’s beautiful Sao Bento Train Station, which is located in the heart of the city.
If your hotel in Porto is closer to Porto Campanha Station, you can catch the train from there as well.
The journey to Guimaraes takes between one hour and one hour and twenty minutes.
Therefore, if time is of the essence, we recommend taking the bus, as it’s a quicker option. You can take the train on your way back though, like we did.
Guimaraes is in Zone 8, so make sure you purchase a ticket for this zone. You can buy tickets from the vending machines at the station and top them up as needed.
For more information on train zones and prices, please check here.
On a Guided Tour
The most hassle-free way to visit Guimaraes on an easy day trip from Porto is on a guided tour.
However, most tours combine Braga and Guimaraes on the same day trip, which we recommend only if you’re seriously short on time.
Watch our YouTube video about what to do in Guimaraes in a day
What To Do in Guimaraes – One Day Itinerary
One-Day Guimaraes Itinerary Map
Aqui Nasceu Portugal Inscription
Whether you get to Guimaraes by train or bus, on your way to the city centre, you’ll make your first stop at Largo de Toural, a large square.
On this busy main square at the edge of the Old Town, you can read a big inscription on the only surviving tower of the medieval fortification: Aqui Nasceu Portugal.
Translating into Portugal Was Born Here, this inscription sets the tone for the journey into history that awaits you in Guimaraes.
The inscription is a reminder of Guimaraes’ historical significance as the city is considered the Birthplace of Portugal. That’s because the first King of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, was born in Guimaraes in the 12th century.
Afonso Henriques established Portugal’s first kingdom. After defeating his mother, Theresa of Leon, in the Battle of Sao Mamede near Guimaraes, King Afonso secured Portugal’s independence from the Kingdom of Galicia.
Former Tanneries of Guimaraes
A short walk from Largo de Toural is the imposing church of Sao Francisco. Behind the church, you’ll discover the city’s former tanneries, which were listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023.
The so-called Couros Zone was developed near the Couros River in the Middle Ages.
Leather tanning in Guimaraes thrived in the 19th and 20th centuries but declined in the 1960s. Nowadays, the hollow tanning complex is just a reminder of the city’s industrial past.
Old City Walls
After this small detour, head towards the historical centre, where a long segment of the city walls has survived. The defensive walls date back to the 13th century.
The stairs to climb the wall are next to the Alberto Sampaio Museum in the eastern part of the Old Town.
Walk along the remaining part of the wall for great views of the historic centre and descend from the other end to continue your walk towards your next stop.
Palace of The Dukes of Braganza
After a short uphill walk, you will reach Latito Hill, where you can visit some of the top attractions in Guimaraes. One of the best places to visit in Guimaraes is the Palace of The Dukes of Braganza.
Dating back to the 15th century, the Palace was the residence of Afonso, the first Duke of Braganza, who isn’t the same person as Afonso, the first King of Portugal, we mentioned above.
His statue stands in front of the Ducal Palace. In the following centuries, the medieval Palace was abandoned and only used by the French invaders in the 19th century.
Today, it’s one of the most visited museums in the city. Its interior is worth visiting for its impressive courtyard, medieval decoration and splendid Banquet Hall.
Church of Sao Miguel
A few steps from the Palace of The Dukes of Braganza, still on the same hill, is the small Church of Sao Miguel.
This beautiful church, built in Romanesque style, was consecrated in the 13th century. It’s believed that Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal, was baptised there.
You can step inside the chapel to admire its simple interior made of granite. The floor is paved with granite slabs that feature inscriptions. There is also a baptismal font located in the corner near the entrance.
Castle of Guimaraes
Located at the top of the hill, the 10th-century Guimaraes Castle is the next impressive attraction on your itinerary. The Castle of Guimaraes was constructed to safeguard Santa Maria Monastery, which was located in the lower town.
The medieval Castle played a significant role in the city’s rich history, notably during the Siege of Guimaraes and the Battle of Sao Mamede in the 12th century.
While there isn’t much to see inside the Castle, walking along its walls is worthwhile. However, during our visit, access to the castle walls was closed due to restoration works.
Chapels of The Steps (Passos) of The Passion of Christ
It’s time to head to the lower town. A short walk from Latito Hill will bring you to Rua de Santa Maria.
Along this street, you’ll notice one of the five surviving chapels in the city, known as the Steps or the Stations of The Way of The Cross.
Originally, seven chapels were constructed to demonstrate devotion to the Passion of Christ.
UNESCO Historic Centre
If you’re wondering what to do in Guimaraes, you can’t skip a stroll through its Old Town. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001, the city’s historic centre is the highlight of your Guimaraes itinerary.
The two quaint squares of the city, Largo da Oliveira and Praca de Sao Tiago, are ideal spots to unwind after sightseeing and enjoy a meal or a drink.
The city’s unique architecture beautifully showcases its evolution from a medieval settlement to a modern town. Throughout Guimaraes, you will find several well-preserved buildings from the Middle Ages.
Walk along Egaz Moniz Street to admire Casa da Rua Nova, a stunning example of medieval architecture. This authentic 17th-century residence was beautifully renovated in the 1980s.
Penha Sanctuary
End your Guimaraes day trip with panoramic views of this wonderful Portuguese city. Just a short walk from the city centre, you’ll arrive at the lower cable car station, where you can take a cable car up to Monte da Penha.
Mount Penha is home to the 20th-century Penha Sanctuary and features a park that is ideal for a sunset stroll, offering breathtaking views over the city.
FAQs About Visiting Guimaraes
Is Guimaraes a walkable city?
Guimaraes is a compact and flat city with easy access to the main tourist attractions. However, the cobblestone streets in the historic centre can make access more difficult for wheelchair users.
Is there a combined ticket for Guimaraes attractions?
There are two types of combined tickets available. The first ticket grants you access to the Palace of The Dukes of Braganza and the Castle of Guimaraes.
The second ticket includes access to the Alberto Sampaio Museum along with the Palace and the Castle. For more information, visit the official ticketing website.
Now that you know what to do in Guimaraes, you’re ready to plan the perfect day trip from Porto.
Speaking of day trips, another easy day trip from Porto we’d definitely recommend is to Aveiro, the so-called Venice of Portugal.
Of course, if you have more time to spare, why not plan a longer trip to Guimaraes instead? We’re sure its gorgeous Old Town is all the more enchanting when it gets dark and day trippers are long gone.
WORDS & IMAGES: Katerina
EDITING: Maria