Top Things to do in Guimaraes
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What to do and see in Guimaraes, Portugal: The Best Places and Tips
Discover the best top things to do in Guimaraes, Portugal including Centro Historico de Guimaraes, Largo da Oliveira, Igreja de Sao Francisco, Montanha- Parque da Penha, Citania de Briteiros, Praca de S. Tiago, Paco dos Duques de Braganca, Santuario da Penha, Serra Penha, Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira.
Restaurants in Guimaraes
1. Centro Historico de Guimaraes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
2. Largo da Oliveira
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 682 reviews
Reviewed By WaegemakersChin - The Netherlands
This is a square for people watching and to chill for a meal or simply to have a drink. There is a square tower and an arch which makes it pretty and special.
3. Igreja de Sao Francisco
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 146 reviews
Reviewed By backpacker31 - Boynton Beach, Florida
Located just outside the walled old city lies this massive church and adjoining convent. The interior is quite ornate and is covered in blue and white tiles and a gold gilded altar. The interior ceiling is a massive stone/concrete arch, also highly stylized. The exterior of the convent is also covered in blue and white tiles. Combine a visit to this church with the neighboring Zona de Couros (Leather Area).
4. Montanha- Parque da Penha
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 407 reviews
Reviewed By RobertJE - London, United Kingdom
We took the cable car up to the Serra Penha and really enjoyed the ride. The Santuario stands majestically at the top and the views over the town are spectacular. I had also been looking forward to a quiet and leisurely walk in the park after a day exploring Guimaraes. However, I had not realised that people from miles around would drive up to the Parque to Penha and there were cars everywhere - the traffic free historic centre of Guimaraes was more fun to walk around than the Parque!!!!!! We found some quite interesting places with boulders covered in moss and there were a number of cafes but overall I was far from impressed by the parque and was happy to enjoy the cable car ride down again after less than an hour.
5. Citania de Briteiros
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 205 reviews
Reviewed By chickandbeast - Durham, Canada
Citania de Briteiros is the remnants of an ancient villege consisting of many interdependant circular huts. The stone bases of which have been excavated and are clearly visible, the former wooden walls and roofs long ago gone.
It does give you a clear understanding of the interdependencies of village life.
There are similar remains of towns just inside the border of Spain also.
It was fascinating. I have been to Pompeii which was a much larger grander ruin and also rather costly to visit with entrance fees and tour guides, it was also very crowded with huge busloads of people arriving constantly. So many different languages of tour groups around you, confusing.
This was quiet, peaceful and you can explore at leisure for free.
6. Praca de S. Tiago
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 229 reviews
Reviewed By backpacker31 - Boynton Beach, Florida
This square is adjacent to Largo da Olveira. It is separated by a covered stone colonnaded walkway. There are several restaurants and cafes/bars in the square and the traditional buildings lining the square make for some excellent photo ops. There is a helpful tourist office located in the northeast corner of the square.
7. Paco dos Duques de Braganca
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By Aussie7leagueboots - Australia
I was very impressed by the quality of the restoration of this palace, especially the impressive wooden ceilings. There is a collection of historical photos of the building near the bathrooms which shows how much work was required.
Also impressive was the sheer size of the place.
This was another example of the high quality of Portuguese museums generally. Each room had a set of explanation cards in various languages as well as signs in Portuguese and English.
This is a must see if you’re visiting the town.
8. Santuario da Penha
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
Reviewed By templar79 - Warwick
Reached by cable car (reviewed separately) this church is definitely worth a visit, on its elevated setting on the expansive square that sits atop the plateau. Great views of Guimaraes below, and some nice woodland walks, dotted with giant boulders. One or two cafes and restaurants dotted around too.
9. Serra Penha
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 109 reviews
Reviewed By L C - Bath, United Kingdom
You can get to the Serra Penha by road (approx. 4 miles steep and windy) or by Cable car (probably by bus but not sure). We took the cable car - if you do not like heights then this could be a bit scary!!! It takes about 7 to 8 minutes and opens at 10.00am - cost about 10 euros for 2 adults return. You can take your dog....I returned by car!!!
The Church itself appears modernish but the views from the top are pretty good all over Guimarares and the surrounding countryside.
The park is well kept and nice to wander about and the huge rocks are impressive!
There are cafes and souvenirs available.
10. Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 189 reviews
Reviewed By Bernard B - Paris, France
14th c. Gothic church with vey simple lines, inside and outside. The spareness of the interior enhances the few Baroque elements: great altar, nice side chapels and a beautiful Baroque organ that stands out in the austere decor.
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