Hotel Botânico de Coimbra
Botanical Garden area
A hotel near the Botanical Garden and the University.
Bairro de São José 15
Planning your visit
Practical Information
Travel, accommodation and suggestions for your stay in Coimbra.
You can fly to Porto Airport (OPO) or Lisbon Airport (LIS) and continue to Coimbra by train, coach or a pre-booked airport transfer. To travel by train, first take the Metro or a taxi to the railway station. There are also direct coaches from both airports.
The train times below do not include the transfer from the airport. Allow time after your flight for this connection, and check departures and fares for your travel date.
By train
For long-distance trains, book a ticket to Coimbra-B. CP operates Alfa Pendular and Intercidades services from Porto-Campanhã and Lisboa-Oriente, with reserved seats. From Coimbra-B, take local transport or a taxi to your hotel or the Department.
From Porto Airport
OPO airport → Porto-Campanhã → Coimbra-B
- Airport to Campanhã. Take Metro line E (purple) towards central Porto. If your train terminates at Trindade, change there for Campanhã. On arrival, follow the signs to the CP railway station. You can also take a taxi or use a ride-hailing service from the airport.
- Campanhã to Coimbra-B. Take an Alfa Pendular or Intercidades train. The journey takes approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes, depending on the service.
From Lisbon Airport
LIS airport → Lisboa-Oriente → Coimbra-B
- Airport to Oriente. Take the Metro red line from Aeroporto towards São Sebastião and get off at Oriente. The journey takes approximately 10 minutes. Follow the signs to the railway station. You can also take a taxi or use a ride-hailing service from the airport.
- Oriente to Coimbra-B. Take an Alfa Pendular or Intercidades train. The journey takes approximately 1 hour 35 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the service.
By coachIntercity buses
FlixBus and Rede Expressos run coaches to Coimbra. When booking, check the departure and arrival stops: some services leave from the airport, others from a city terminal.
From Porto
Directly from the airport. FlixBus runs from Porto Airport to Coimbra, departing from P8 bus parking. Check the timetable for your date and the boarding location on your ticket.
From the city. Coaches also leave from Porto’s Campanhã coach terminal. From the airport, take the Metro to Campanhã as described above, then follow signs to the coach terminal, which is separate from the CP railway station.
From Lisbon
Directly from the airport. FlixBus runs from Lisbon Airport to Coimbra, departing from the BUS PARK on Alameda das Comunidades Portuguesas. Check the timetable for your date and the boarding location on your ticket.
From the city. Take the airport Metro red line to Oriente for coaches departing from Lisboa Oriente. Services from Sete Rios leave from a different terminal and require a different connection from the airport.
Airport transfers
Coimbra Airport Shuttle offers pre-booked transfers between Coimbra and both Porto and Lisbon airports, avoiding the change from the airport to a train or coach terminal.
When booking, confirm the departure time, pickup and drop-off addresses, and fare. Your hotel may also be able to arrange a private transfer.
Reaching the venue
The seminar takes place at the Department of Mathematics, home to the Centre for Mathematics of the University of Coimbra (CMUC), on the Alta / Pólo I campus.
Departamento de Matemática, FCTUCLargo D. Dinis
3000-143 Coimbra, Portugal
Find the Department of Mathematics on the map ↗ · CMUC address
From Coimbra-B or your coach stop
If travelling with luggage, a taxi, Uber or Bolt is the simplest option. Give the destination as “Departamento de Matemática, Largo D. Dinis”: the University has several campuses.
From Coimbra-B by public transport. Take a Metrobus displaying República to Praça da República. From there, take SMTUC bus 103 towards Universidade and walk to Largo D. Dinis, or walk uphill directly from Praça da República. Some 103 services start or finish at Praça da República; check the destination and timetable before boarding.
Metro Mondego routes & timetables · Bus 103 timetable
On foot
The Department is near the top of the Escadas Monumentais (Monumental Stairs). You can walk up from Praça da República or the historic centre, although the routes are steep and may include long flights of steps. A taxi or local bus may be more suitable if you have luggage or find steep climbs difficult.
For step-free access to the seminar, please contact us in advance. Room details will appear in the programme.
Local transport
By city bus · SMTUC
SMTUC operates Coimbra’s city buses. Line 103 connects Praça da República with Universidade, but some services finish at Praça da República. Check the destination before boarding.
Use the weekday timetable on Thursday and Friday, and the Saturday timetable on the final day of the seminar. Tickets can be bought from the driver. If using a travel card, validate it each time you board; see SMTUC’s ticket information.
By Metrobus · Metro Mondego
Metro Mondego runs the Metrobus service between Coimbra-B and República. Services have different destinations, so check the display before boarding.
At República, change to the university bus or walk uphill to Largo D. Dinis. Buy or load a ticket at the station machines and validate your card on the platform before boarding; there are no validators on the vehicles. See the timetable and ticket information.
By taxi
Use a taxi rank, ask your hotel to book, or call Politáxis Coimbra on +351 239 499 090. For the seminar, give the destination “Departamento de Matemática, Largo D. Dinis”.
By Uber or Bolt
Uber and Bolt operate in Coimbra. Check the pickup point in the app, especially near stations and pedestrian streets. For the seminar, enter the Department of Mathematics at Largo D. Dinis as your destination.
On foot
The Alta, the Botanical Garden and the riverfront can be explored on foot. Allow time for the climb back to the University and expect steps on some routes. We recommend comfortable shoes and a waterproof jacket in November.
Accommodation
The hotels below are in different parts of Coimbra. The Alta and Botanical Garden areas are convenient for the seminar; from the Baixa and the riverfront, the journey to the Department is uphill.
Hotel suggestions
Sapientia Boutique Hotel
Historic university quarter
Rooms and apartments in restored buildings in the university quarter, with a rooftop terrace. Close to the Alta campus.
Rua José Falcão 4
Hotel Oslo Coimbra
Baixa / downtown
A locally owned, family-run hotel with a rooftop terrace overlooking Coimbra, near restaurants and the riverfront. The walk to the University is uphill.
Av. Fernão de Magalhães 25
Hotel Mondego
Baixa / downtown
A historic hotel in the Baixa, with contemporary interiors and a rooftop bar. Close to the riverfront, with an uphill journey to the Department.
Largo das Ameias 3–4
Hotel Astória
Historic riverside
An Art Nouveau and Art Deco hotel beside the Mondego, with historic interiors.
Av. Emídio Navarro 21
Quinta das Lágrimas
Santa Clara
A five-star hotel with a historic palace, gardens and spa. Allow for a taxi or ride-hailing trip to the Department.
Rua António Augusto Gonçalves
Vila Galé Coimbra
Mondego / larger hotel
A four-star hotel overlooking the Mondego, with restaurants, indoor and outdoor pools, and a spa.
Rua Abel Dias Urbano 20
Please arrange your booking directly with the hotel and check availability, cancellation terms and any accessibility requirements.
Apartments & rooms on Airbnb
Apartments and private rooms are also available through Airbnb. Check the location and the route to Largo D. Dinis, as some Coimbra listings are outside the historic centre.
Before booking, check the total price, cancellation terms and check-in arrangements. If you need to avoid stairs or steep slopes, ask the host about access to the property and the route to the University.
Friday lunch13 November 2026
Participants make their own arrangements for lunch on Thursday and Friday. Below are some suggestions within walking distance of the Department of Mathematics at Largo D. Dinis. There will also be an optional lunch on Saturday, paid for by participants.
Praça da República offers several places to eat about 10 minutes from the Department. The direct route descends the Escadas Monumentais and continues along Rua Oliveira Matos. Allow extra time for the uphill return, particularly if taking the stairs. Walking times below are approximate, one way, from the Department.
| Restaurant | Menu |
|---|---|
| Cafetaria do Museu da CiênciaAsk ahead | A nearby lunch buffet, with takeaway available. Ask about the day’s vegetarian or vegan dishes. |
| O BurritoFully vegan | Entirely vegan, serving burritos, quesadillas and nachos. |
| Académico | Meat burgers and toasties, alongside vegetarian and vegan options. The vegan burger is made with black beans and oats; the vegetarian chickpea burger contains egg. |
| Fangas Veg | Entirely vegetarian, with some dishes containing eggs, dairy or honey. For a vegan meal, ask the staff which dishes to choose. |
| Justiça e PazAsk ahead | Self-service lunch with a daily menu. Ask about vegetarian or vegan dishes when checking the day’s menu. |
| PapaAsk ahead | Grilled meat and fish, pasta and risotto. Vegetarian pasta dishes include cheese; ask about a vegan meal when booking. |
| Café Couraça | Meat and fish dishes, francesinhas and vegetarian options. For a vegan meal, ask about the grilled vegan burger and suitable accompaniments. |
| TriboAsk ahead | Grilled meat, fish and seafood, as well as vegetarian options. For a vegan meal, ask the staff what they can prepare. |
| Mr.PizzaAsk ahead | Meat, seafood and vegetarian pizzas. The vegetarian pizzas come with mozzarella; ask the restaurant if it can prepare a vegan pizza. |
| 100 MontaditosAsk ahead | Small sandwiches with meat, fish, potato omelette or cheese, plus sharing snacks. Vegetarian fillings can contain eggs or dairy; ask about vegan choices and sauces. |
| Kaju | Brunch plates, burgers, chicken and prawn dishes, alongside a vegan chickpea and vegetable curry. |
| Solar do BacalhauAsk ahead | Portuguese salt-cod specialities, other fish, seafood and meat, alongside vegetarian burgers and rice dishes. Ask about vegan preparation when booking. |
| No TachoAsk ahead | Portuguese fish and meat dishes, including cod rice and chanfana, alongside vegetarian rice. Ask about vegan preparation when booking. |
Alta · Nearby buffet and takeaway
Cafetaria do Museu da Ciência
Ask aheadLaboratório Chimico, Largo Marquês de Pombal · About 5 minutes on foot
A university cafeteria close to the Department, serving a lunch buffet with takeaway also available. A convenient choice when you would like to stay nearby. Ask the staff about the day’s vegetarian or vegan dishes.
Thursday and Friday lunch: usually 12:00–15:00. The cafeteria normally closes on Saturday.
Alta · Fully vegan
O Burrito
Fully veganLargo de São Salvador, beside Rua do Loureiro · About 5–10 minutes on foot
O Burrito serves vegan burritos, quesadillas and nachos. It is a short walk from the Department, via Sé Nova.
Friday lunch: aim to arrive before 14:00, and check the restaurant’s current serving times before setting out.
Restaurant updates · Vegan listing · Location & opening hours · Walking directions ↗
Couraça de Lisboa · Self-service lunch
Justiça e Paz — Caffé Trovador
Ask aheadCouraça de Lisboa 30 · A short walk from the Department
Caffé Trovador, inside the Instituto Universitário Justiça e Paz, serves self-service lunches and is open to everyone. There are views over the Botanical Garden and the Mondego.
Friday lunch: check the day’s menu and serving times with the café, and mention any vegetarian or vegan requirements when enquiring.
About the institute & café · Restaurant contact & location · Walking directions ↗
Arcos do Jardim · Meat, fish and vegetarian options
Papa
Ask aheadRua Alexandre Herculano 37 · About 5–10 minutes on foot
A restaurant beside the Arcos do Jardim serving grilled meat and fish, pasta and risotto. Vegetarian choices include mushroom pasta with stracciatella and spinach and mushroom gnocchi with Roquefort. These dishes contain dairy; for a vegan meal, ask the restaurant what it can prepare when booking.
Thursday–Saturday lunch: usually 12:00–14:30. We recommend booking ahead.
Restaurant information & reservations · Walking directions ↗
Couraça de Lisboa · Meat, fish and vegetarian options
Café Couraça
Couraça de Lisboa 30 · A short walk from the Department
A café-restaurant overlooking the Mondego, serving meat and fish dishes, francesinhas and vegetarian options. For a vegan meal, ask about the grilled vegan burger and suitable sauces and accompaniments.
Usual opening days: Monday–Saturday, covering all three days of the seminar. Ask about lunch serving times when booking.
Praça da República · Meat, vegetarian and vegan options
Académico Restaurante Bar
Praça da República 33 · About 10 minutes on foot
A café-restaurant serving meat burgers and toasties, alongside vegetarian and vegan options. The vegan burger is made with black beans and oats. The separate vegetarian chickpea burger contains egg, so ask for the vegan burger when ordering.
Friday lunch: opens at 11:00. Check kitchen hours if you are planning an early or late lunch.
Praça da República · Meat, fish and vegetarian options
Tribo Coimbra
Ask aheadPraça da República, S/N · About 10 minutes on foot
A restaurant on Praça da República serving grilled meat, fish and seafood, as well as vegetarian options. For a vegan meal, ask the restaurant what it can prepare when booking.
Friday lunch: opens at 12:00.
Restaurant information & reservations · Walking directions ↗
Praça da República · Meat, seafood and vegetarian pizzas
Mr.Pizza
Ask aheadPraça da República 38 · About 10 minutes on foot
Pizza to eat in or take away, with meat, seafood and vegetarian toppings. The Vegetariana and Margherita pizzas come with mozzarella. If you would like a vegan pizza, ask the restaurant about the dough, toppings and possible substitutions before ordering.
Friday hours: 12:00–23:00.
Sá da Bandeira · Small sandwiches and snacks
100 Montaditos
Ask aheadAvenida Sá da Bandeira 114 · About 10–15 minutes on foot
An informal, inexpensive option near Praça da República, serving small sandwiches and snacks to share. Fillings include ham, chicken, tuna, potato omelette and cheese. The vegetarian choices often contain eggs or dairy; for a vegan meal, ask the staff about suitable fillings, bread and sauces.
Thursday–Saturday lunch: normally opens at 12:00.
Menu & allergens · Coimbra branch & hours · Walking directions ↗
Historic centre · Vegetarian restaurant
Fangas Veg
Rua de Fernandes Tomás 45–49 · About 10–15 minutes on foot
An entirely vegetarian restaurant serving small plates, salads and hot dishes, including shiitake bean stew and a chickpea–avocado salad. Some dishes contain eggs, dairy or honey; for a vegan meal, ask the staff which dishes to choose. The walk descends towards the Quebra-Costas area, so leave time for the climb back.
Friday lunch: 12:30–16:00. The booking form offers lunch arrivals at 12:30, 13:00 and 14:00.
Menu & reservations · Address & lunch hours · Walking directions ↗
Baixa · Brunch and Asian-inspired dishes
Kaju
Rua Visconde da Luz 81 · About 15–20 minutes on foot
A brunch restaurant serving burgers, toast, eggs and Asian-inspired lunch dishes, including chicken and prawn curries. The vegan curry combines chickpeas and vegetables with basmati rice and almonds. The walk takes you downhill through the historic centre; allow extra time for the climb back to the Department.
Thursday–Saturday: normally opens at 09:00 and serves brunch and lunch.
Restaurant menu & reservations · Lunch dishes · Walking directions ↗
Baixa · Portuguese cooking
Solar do Bacalhau
Ask aheadRua da Sota 10 · About 15–20 minutes on foot
A spacious restaurant specialising in Portuguese salt-cod dishes, with other fish, seafood and grilled meats also on the menu. Vegetarian choices include a vegetable burger, vegetable rice and mushroom rice. For a vegan meal, ask which dishes can be prepared without animal stock, dairy or eggs. This is an option for a more leisurely lunch; leave time for the uphill walk back to the Department.
Thursday–Saturday lunch: normally opens at 12:00. We recommend booking ahead.
Baixa · Seasonal Portuguese cooking
No Tacho
Ask aheadRua da Moeda 20 · About 15–20 minutes on foot
Portuguese cooking with seasonal ingredients, including cod rice, octopus, chanfana and other meat dishes. There is also a vegetarian rice dish; for a vegan meal, ask about its preparation when booking. A good choice for a more leisurely lunch, with an uphill walk back to the Department.
Thursday–Saturday lunch: usually 12:30–15:00. Book ahead; the kitchen may close at 14:45.
Please mention any dietary requirements or allergies when booking or ordering. In Portuguese, vegano means vegan and vegetariano means vegetarian.
Beyond the seminar
Explore Coimbra
The University, the old town and the riverfront are all within walking distance of the Department. Here are a few suggestions for your free time in Coimbra.
At the Paço das Escolas
The Joanina Library
The Biblioteca Joanina, at the Paço das Escolas, is a Baroque library completed in 1728. It houses around 60,000 volumes, with gilded bookshelves and painted ceilings.
- Tickets. The library is included in some of the University’s visiting programmes, such as Joanina Library + University + Science Museum.
- Timed entry. Book in advance and arrive at the time printed on your ticket. Entry to the library is through the Academic Prison. The other spaces can be visited according to the conditions of your ticket.
- Photography and filming are prohibited on the Noble Floor. Wheelchair access is limited to this floor; please contact the tourism staff in advance.
About the Joanina Library · Tickets & programmes · Opening hours, access & visitor rules
Near the venue
The Botanical Garden
The University’s Botanical Garden is close to the Department, with paths through its trees and terraces. From the University, enter by the Arcos do Jardim.
Winter opening hours are 09:00–17:30, from October to March. Entry is free for individual visitors. Access to some areas is restricted during restoration; see the visitor information for details.
The University & the Alta
The Paço das Escolas is a short walk from the Department and overlooks the city. To visit the Royal Palace or Saint Michael’s Chapel, see the University’s tickets and visiting programmes.
The Mondego riverfront
The paths beside the Mondego offer a flatter walk than those in the Alta. From the Santa Clara bank, there are views back towards the University and the old town.
More ideas from VisitPortugal · Nature walks & valleys ↓ · Coast & other excursions ↓
Gardens, woodland & river valleys
Nature walks in and around Coimbra
Penedo da Saudade and the Mondego riverfront are within Coimbra. For a walk outside the city, consider Vale de Canas, Buçaco or the valleys of the Mondego and Ribeira de Alge. The outings below can be arranged independently before or after the seminar.
Within Coimbra · A short garden walk
Penedo da Saudade
Penedo da Saudade is a garden and viewpoint overlooking eastern Coimbra, with poems inscribed on stone plaques. It is within the city and suitable for a short walk.
From the Department. Walk towards Arcos do Jardim and continue to the garden entrance on Avenida Marnoco e Sousa. Allow for slopes along the approach and steps within the garden. For a flatter walk, choose the Mondego riverfront.
Coimbra’s outskirts · A short woodland outing
Mata Nacional de Vale de Canas
PR1 CBR · 1.1 km circuit · About 45 minutes · 29 m ascent
The interpretive trail passes native and exotic trees, an aromatic garden and a viewpoint over the forest. The route has a low effort rating, but the ground is uneven, so wear shoes with a good grip.
Getting there. The forest is on the outskirts of Coimbra. You can take a taxi to the entrance and arrange a time for the return journey. See the route map below and check access notices before setting out.
Penacova · A half-day outing
Livraria do Mondego
Interpretive trail · 0.8 km one way · About 30 minutes · Easy
The trail follows the Mondego’s left bank beside upright quartzite formations. Their resemblance to books on a shelf gives this place its name, Livraria do Mondego.
Plan the return. Allow time to walk back along the same path. Follow the short interpretive route on the map below. Travel to the trailhead by car or arrange a taxi for both journeys; you can combine the walk with a visit to Penacova.
Figueiró dos Vinhos · A half-day outing
Fragas de São Simão & Casal de São Simão
Waymarked route · About 1.7 km one way · About 45 minutes · Moderate
The route links the viewpoint above the Fragas with the village of Casal de São Simão. It descends through the wooded gorge to the Ribeira de Alge and its river beach, then climbs towards the village.
Plan the return. Allow additional time for the return walk and stops. The route is short but includes descents and climbs. Travel by car or arrange a taxi for both journeys. Bring water and something to eat, as facilities by the river are seasonal.
A little further afield
Short excursions from Coimbra
If you have half a day or a full day before or after the seminar, you could visit the coast at Figueira da Foz, the Roman ruins of Conímbriga, Buçaco forest or Aveiro. These are suggestions for outings to arrange independently.
Atlantic coast · Half-day or full day
Figueira da Foz & Buarcos
Figueira da Foz has a broad sandy beach and a long seafront. You can walk along the coast towards Buarcos and stop there for lunch. In November, this is mainly an outing for a walk by the sea and a visit to the town.
Getting there. CP runs trains from Coimbra-B to Figueira da Foz. Allow for the journey from the station to the seafront, and check the return train before setting off. A car gives more flexibility if you want to explore further along the coast.
Buarcos beach & seafront · CP journey planner · Coimbra–Figueira timetable
Roman archaeology · Half-day
Conímbriga
The remains of the Roman town include mosaic floors, baths and the House of Fountains. Allow time for the museum as well as the archaeological site; much of the visit is outdoors.
Getting there. You can travel by SIT-RC bus from Coimbra, or by car or taxi via Condeixa-a-Nova. The museum’s visitor page below gives transport information. Check the bus stop and both outward and return services for your chosen day; if taking a taxi, arrange the return journey in advance.
Woodland & gardens · Half-day or full day
Buçaco forest & Luso
In the Mata Nacional do Buçaco, you can walk among mature trees, visit the Fern Valley and Fonte Fria, and see the exterior of the Palace Hotel. The nearby spa town of Luso can be visited on the same trip.
Choose your walk. For a shorter visit, follow the forest map to Vale dos Fetos (Fern Valley) and Fonte Fria. The longer Trilho das Árvores Notáveis is a 6.7 km circuit, taking about 2 hours 25 minutes without stops. It passes notable trees, Fern Valley and historic features, and includes some climbs.
Getting there. A car or a taxi booked in advance is convenient for visiting both the forest and Luso. By train, look for services to Luso-Buçaco and plan the journey from the station to the forest. The station is not at the Palace Hotel. Check the forest foundation’s access information before travelling.
November hours. The gate and toll service operates from 09:00 to 17:00 from November to February. Plan to visit in daylight and check the current hours and route notices before setting out.
Trees Trail & route map · Forest walks · Official hours · CP journey planner
Canals & coast · Full day
Aveiro & Costa Nova
Aveiro has canals and Art Nouveau buildings; while there, you can try the local ovos moles. With a full day, you can also visit Costa Nova, known for its striped houses between the lagoon and the Atlantic beach. For a shorter trip, stay in Aveiro itself.
Getting there. Take a CP train from Coimbra-B to Aveiro. Costa Nova requires a separate onward journey: check BusWay route 36, Aveiro–Costa Nova, or take a taxi. Plan the return bus and train together, using the timetable for your travel date.
Explore Aveiro · Costa Nova · CP trains · BusWay routes & timetables
Last updated: . Please check opening times, transport and access before travelling.