Coimbra Travel Tips. Money, Safety, Culture

Communication

Staying connected and communicating effectively during your trip.

Connectivity & Language:

Local SIM cards from Vodafone, MEO, NOS at stores or newsagents. Consider Airalo or Solis Wi-Fi for connectivity.
Free Wi-Fi common in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and some public spaces.
Portuguese is the official language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas and among younger generations. Learn basic phrases. Consider Rosetta Stone for language learning.

Business Hours & Schedules

General operating hours for various establishments and impacts of holidays.

Typical Operating Hours:

Shops: Mon-Sat, 9 AM/10 AM to 7 PM/8 PM. Smaller shops may close for lunch (1 PM-3 PM). Shopping centers have longer hours, often open Sundays.
Restaurants: Lunch: 12:30 PM-2:30 PM/3 PM. Dinner: 7:30 PM-10 PM/11 PM. Many close between services.
Museums/Attractions: Typically 9:30 AM/10 AM to 5 PM/6 PM. Many closed Mondays. Verify specific timings for holidays.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms

Social Customs:

Greetings: Handshake for introductions. Close friends may exchange two kisses on the cheek. Use "Olá," "Obrigado/a," "Por favor."
Attire: Relaxed for daily wear. Smart casual for dining. Modest dress (shoulders and knees covered) for religious sites.
Dining & Tipping: Wait to be seated. Decline "couvert" if not wanted. Tipping (5-10%) appreciated, often cash on table.

Accessibility Information

Details for travelers with mobility or other accessibility needs in Coimbra.

Navigating Coimbra:

Mobility Challenges: Historic center has steep hills, narrow, cobbled streets. Many old buildings lack ramps/elevators.
Accessible Transport: Newer SMTUC buses may offer wheelchair access. Taxis and ride-sharing simplify hill navigation.
Sensory Impairments: Limited specific services. Contact attractions directly for audio guides or other facilities.

Traditional Portuguese azulejo tiles, a common sight in Coimbra.

Important Phrases & Airport Services

Basic Portuguese Phrases:

Olá (OH-lah) - Hello
Obrigado/Obrigada (oh-bree-GAH-doo/oh-bree-GAH-dah) - Thank you (male/female speaker)
Por favor (poor fah-VOR) - Please
Desculpe (dish-KOOL-peh) - Excuse me/Sorry

Airport Support:

Priority Pass: Access airport lounges globally.
Compensair: Service for flight delay, cancellation, or denied boarding compensation.
Fala inglês? (FAH-lah een-GLESH?) - Do you speak English?
Quanto custa? (KWAN-too KOOS-tah?) - How much does it cost?

Note on Accessibility:

If you have mobility concerns, plan your itinerary to focus on the flatter Baixa district, the Parque Verde do Mondego, and attractions with known accessibility features. Utilize taxis or ride-sharing for navigating the hills.

Coimbra Travel Tips