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Guimarães, located about 350 km north of Lisbon, is often called the “Cradle of Portugal,” as it’s the birthplace of the nation’s first king, Afonso Henriques. This charming city is a must-visit for anyone interested in Portugal’s rich cultural heritage. The UNESCO-listed historic centre is a delight to explore, with its narrow medieval streets, bustling squares, and well-preserved landmarks like the Guimarães Castle and the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança. A two-day visit is ideal for fully experiencing the city’s historical treasures, enjoying the local atmosphere, and even taking the cable car up to Penha Mountain for breathtaking views. Guimarães offers the perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it an essential stop when exploring northern Portugal.
Day Trip from Lisbon to Guimarães: Castles, History & Travel Tips
If you’re planning to travel from Lisbon to Guimarães, there are several convenient options to suit different preferences and budgets. Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the best one.
Traveling from Lisbon to Guimarães is easy, with several convenient options. The most popular is by train, with regular departures from Lisbon’s Santa Apolónia or Oriente stations. Although there’s no direct train to Guimarães, you can take a train to Porto (around 2.5 to 3 hours) and then connect to a regional train to Guimarães, which takes about 1 hour.
Buses are another good option, with services departing from Lisbon’s Sete Rios or Oriente bus stations. The bus ride takes approximately 4.5 to 5 hours and offers a comfortable journey.
For more flexibility, renting a car allows you to drive at your own pace, with the trip taking around 3.5 to 4 hours depending on traffic.
Alternatively, you can fly from Lisbon to Porto (around 1 hour) and then take a bus or train from Porto to Guimarães.
If you prefer a more tailored experience, booking a private tour from Lisbon to Guimarães is a great option, allowing you to explore at your own pace with a personalized itinerary.
Best Things to Do and See in Guimarães
Explore the historic Guimarães Castle
Guimarães Castle is a must for any visitor exploring this historic city. Built in the 10th century, it’s often called the birthplace of Portugal, as it played a key role in the country’s early history. While the interior is mostly ruins, you can walk along the medieval walls and enjoy stunning views of the city. The iconic bronze statue of Afonso Henriques, Portugal’s first king, greets you at the entrance, and the nearby St. Michael’s Chapel adds to the charm. It’s a great spot to absorb history and take in the scenery of Guimarães.
Discover the noble palace of the Dukes of Bragança
The Ducal Palace of Guimarães, built in the 15th century for the Duke of Bragança, is a delight for history enthusiasts. This medieval palace, once abandoned and later restored, now functions as a museum displaying a remarkable collection of tapestries, paintings, and antique furniture. While exploring its grand chambers, be sure not to miss the impressive wooden ceilings and the distinctive red-brick chimneys that characterize its architecture. The palace provides an insight into the lifestyle of Portuguese nobility, making it a fascinating stop for anyone visiting Guimarães.
Wander through the historic centre of Guimarães
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The historic centre of Guimarães is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. As you wander through its charming streets, you’ll discover stunning landmarks such as Guimarães Castle and the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança. The city’s picturesque squares, colourful medieval buildings, and hidden alleyways are perfect for exploring on foot. Don’t miss Largo da Oliveira, the lively main square, where locals and visitors gather to enjoy the cafés and beautiful surroundings. A walk through Guimarães feels like stepping back in time!
Take in the views from the Penha Park
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Penha Park, just 7 km outside Guimarães, is a beautiful forested hilltop perfect for nature lovers. You can reach it by cable car or a short drive, and once there, you’ll find walking trails, stunning viewpoints, and the peaceful Penha Sanctuary. The park offers breathtaking views over Guimarães and is a great spot for a relaxing walk or picnic. For the best experience, take the cable car for a scenic ride and enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to escape into nature while in Guimarães.
Walk along the medieval walls
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One of the hidden gems of Guimarães is the opportunity to walk along the old city walls. This short and scenic walk offers spectacular views of the city and surrounding hills from above, as well as insights into landmarks such as the Ducal Palace and São Gualter Church. The trail is free and can be accessed from Largo Condessa Mumadona Dias or behind the Alberto Sampaio Museum. It’s a quick, fun activity that takes about 5 minutes and allows you to experience the city’s medieval history in a unique way.
Explore the treasures of the Alberto Sampaio Museum
Located in the heart of Guimarães, the Alberto Sampaio Museum offers a fascinating insight into the religious art and history of the Minho region. Housed in a former 10th-century convent, this National Monument displays an impressive collection of sculptures, paintings, textiles and goldsmith’s work from the 13th to 19th centuries. The museum’s historic setting, including its beautiful medieval cloister, enhance the experience. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00.
Taste the best of Guimarães
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Guimarães offers a rich culinary experience, combining traditional flavours from both land and sea. Must-try dishes include Arroz de Sarrabulho, a hearty rice dish with pork, and the famous Papas de Sarrabulho. For seafood lovers, codfish and octopus are local specialities, while desserts like Toucinho do Céu and Pão-de-Ló satisfy any sweet tooth. To sample the best of Guimarães, head to Cozinha da Maria in the historic centre or try Ferrugem for a unique dining experience in a rustic setting. Don’t forget to pair your meal with the local Vinho Verde wine!
Discover the ancient ruins of Citânia de Briteiros
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Just 20 minutes drive from Guimarães, Citânia de Briteiros is one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in northern Portugal. Dating back over 2,000 years to the Iron Age, it offers an insight into the ancient Castro culture, a Celtic tribe that once lived in the region. As you explore the well-preserved ruins, you’ll see the remains of old stone houses and streets that tell the story of this ancient settlement. It’s a must for history lovers and a unique stop when exploring the area around Guimarães.
Where to Stay in Guimarães
We have curated a diverse range of accommodation options that cater to every budget and preference, from charming hotels to cozy apartments and enchanting guest houses. Our selection process involved considering the location of the accommodations, reliable reviews from our partner Booking.com, and the opinions of the members of our Facebook group, Lisbon Travel, which has 40 thousand enthusiastic members. These options have been selected carefully to make sure that your stay in Guimarães is truly memorable.
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Transportation in Guimarães
Guimarães has a simple and easy to use transport system, perfect for visitors. The main train station connects Guimarães to Porto and other cities, making it a great option if you’re coming from Lisbon. Within the city, buses are the main way to get around, with routes taking you to popular spots like the Guimarães Castle and the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança.
Taxis and ride-sharing services are also available if you prefer more flexibility.
The city centre is small and easy to explore on foot, with plenty of pedestrian-friendly streets that lead to historical sites, shops, and cafés.
Best Restaurants in Guimarães
We have curated a list of the best restaurants in Guimarães, inspired by the region’s rich culinary and cultural traditions. To create this list, we used trusted TripAdvisor reviews and insider tips from our amazing Lisbon Friends Facebook group, where over 40,000 members share their favourite recommendations.
Best Tours in Guimarães
We have selected a diverse range of tour options to suit all budgets and preferences. Our selection was based on the reliable reviews of our partner GetYourGuide and the opinions of the members of our Facebook group, Lisbon Travel, with 40,000 passionate members. These options have been carefully selected to ensure that your stay in Guimarães is truly memorable.
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