Portugal: What to do in Guimarães – 1 day itinerary

Last updated: 07/27/2022

Learn all about Guimarães, known as the “cradle of the Portuguese nation”, Portugal's first capital is full of history, culture and art.

THE CITY OF GUIMARÃES

Guimarães is a city with about 160 thousand inhabitants which was founded, approximately, in 1096, when Portugal was still a Portucalense County. Formerly called Vimaranes, the city played a key role in the formation of Portugal as a national state. Breathing history, the Historic Center of Guimaraes is listed as UNESCO World Heritage since 2001, which has a rich architecture built mainly between the 15th and 19th centuries, using traditional techniques and materials.

Portugal: What to do in Guimarães - 1 day itinerary — The charming Rua Santa Maria

One of the most prominent attractions of the “Cradle of the Portuguese Nation” is the Guimarães Castle, considered one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal, whose history is related to the independence struggles, being an important structure linked to the cradle of nationality. It is believed that D. Afonso Henriques, the first King of Portugal, was born in the castle.

During the Middle Ages, the enclosure was partially surrounded by a wall, which was mostly torn down to open streets and avenues later. With the intention of protecting the southern territories, the decision-making center of the Portuguese state moved from Guimarães to Coimbra in 1129.

PRESENT DAY GUIMARÃES

Currently, the city's main economic activities involve spinning and weaving cotton and linen, cutlery, tanneries and handicrafts, involving goldsmithing, ceramics and embroidery.

The city is also home to the football team victory SC, known as Vitória de Guimarães, which hosts its games at the Dom Afonso Henrique Stadium, located less than 10 minutes' walk from the historic center of the city. We have to confess that we were surprised by Guimarães. The city enchanted us for its medieval alleys, architecture and super cozy atmosphere. We hope to be able to return to the city soon!

WHEN TO VISIT GUIMARÃES

With a Mediterranean climate, Guimarães is located between valleys and hills, which makes its winters are cold and rainy and hot and dry summers. You hottest months are july and august and the colder december, january and february. The average annual temperature is 14ºC. You months more rainy ones are concentrated in winter (from November to February). We were there at the beginning of May and the temperature was very pleasant. It even had a light breeze that allowed us to wear a warm blouse. In addition to the temperature, consider the most important commemorative dates celebrated in the city to organize your trip.

ROMARIA GRANDE DE SÃO TORCATO (July): Considered the biggest pilgrimage in Minho, it takes place annually in the village of São Torcato and lasts for four days.
GUALTERIAN FESTIVALS (1st weekend in August): In honor of São Gualter, they are marked by the Cortejo do Linho, the Batalha das Flores and Marcha Gualteriana.
NICOLINA FESTIVAL (11/29 to 12/07): Organized by students from Guimarães in honor of São Nicolau de Mira. They include various traditions, dances, balls, novenas, among others.
FESTIVAL OF SANTA LUZIA (12/13): It takes place every year near the Capela de Santa Luzia, where the sale of cakes, made with rye flour and sugar in the shapes of Sardãos and Passarinhas, representing sexual connotations takes place.

HOW TO GET THERE AND GET AROUND GUIMARÃES

Being in Guimarães, the best way to get around is on foot. The historic center of the city is relatively small and super pleasant to walk around. Check below which are the main options to get to the city of Guimarães.

CAR: A good option is to take a trip with a rented car to Guimarães, so you can stay as long as you want.
TRAIN: Another option is to take the train (train in Portugal) and get off at Guimarães Railway Station (Av. Dom João IV, 4800-039 Guimarães, Portugal), located about a 15-minute walk from the historic centre. The journey from Porto to São Bento takes about 1h15 minutes and the ticket costs €3.25. See information about timetables and prices at official site Trains from Portugal.

Bus: For those who want to go by public transport there is also the option of bus (bus in Portugal). Guimarães Bus Station (Alameda Dr. Mariano Felgueiras 257 4805, 4835-010 Guimarães, Portugal) is a 10-minute walk from the historic center, super easy to access from Guimarães Shopping. For those who are in Porto, you can take the bus at Porto Campo 24 de Agosto. The ticket costs from €6 and the trip takes 50 minutes to 1 hour. do a simulation in this link.
EXCURSIONS: One of the most popular ways to get to the city is by joining a tour from the city of Porto, which also includes the city of Braga. It is an excellent option for those who want to explore several places in one day without having to worry about public transport or renting a car. Check out some options below and click for more information.

WHAT TO DO IN GUIMARÃES

To facilitate the organization of your trip to Guimarães, all attractions have been placed on the interactive map below. At main attractions are in green, restaurants and shops in red and in black several other points of interest in black (parking lots, train station, bus station, accommodation tips, among others).

1. SÃO MAMEDE CAMP AND SÃO DÂMASO CHURCH

Built between the beginning of the 17th century and the beginning of the following century, the Church of São Dâmaso has a chancel with a beautiful altarpiece made of gilded carving (wood painted with gold). The nave is also decorated with altarpieces in the dominant style in Portugal in the late 17th and early 18th centuries. There is also a collection of tiles that decorate the interior of the church. Between the Church of São Dâmaso and the Castle of Guimarães, the main attraction of the city, is the Campo de São Mamede, the place where the history of Portugal began, on June 24, 1128, in the Battle of S. Mamede, when D. Afonso Henriques fought against his mother, D. Teresa.

Address: R. de Dona Mafalda 37, 4800 Guimarães, Portugal
Schedules: daily from 9 am to 9 pm
Entrance: free

2. GUIMARÃES CASTLE

Considered one of the 7 Wonders of Portugal, the Castle of Guimarães is a Military fortification built from the 10th century on the foundations of an ancient Roman structure. Countess Mumadona Dias ordered the construction of a monastery located on land now occupied by the Collegiate Church and Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira. To defend the parish priest, she ordered the construction of the castle (initially called Castelo de São Mamede). At the end of the 11th century, the castle was heavily expanded and remodeled, under the direction of Count Henrique, to function as his residence. Its area is delimited by walls forming a pentagram, similar to a shield, which includes eight rectangular towers, military square and central keep.

Guimarães Castle: The beginning of Portugal's history — Guimarães Castle

The castle became the official residence of royalty from 1139, when Portugal became independent from the Kingdom of León, until around 1200. It was in this residence that D. Afonso Henriques (which became the first king of Portugal) was born in 1111, living his life in the castle, which became the residence of the Counts of Portucale. After years of family rivalries, in 1128, the Battle of São Mamede gave rise to Portucale's independence and the formation of the nucleus of what would become Portugal. The castle includes several Gothic features, due to its remodeling at the end of the 13th century by D. Dinis, when the keep and residences were built.

FROM THE 19TH CENTURY

In 1836, after years of neglect, it was considered to demolish the castle, which had already been used as a political prison, but this suggestion was never accepted. The first attempts at restoration took place in 1936 and, in 1952, a special protection zone was established that included the castle, the Church of São Miguel and the Paço dos Duques de Bragança. In 1992, the building became the property of the Portuguese Institute of Architectural Heritage (IPPA).

The castle is located on the northern edge of the urban area of Guimarães, isolated on a small hill formed in granite and surrounded by a small forest park. Next to the south tower is a bronze medallion by D. Afonso Henriques, on a large rock. In the surroundings, there are the church of São Miguel do Castelo and the Paço dos Duques de Bragança, as well as some parts of the walls that surrounded the city and that were originally integrated into the castle. Currently, the three buildings can be visited.

Address: R. Conde Dom Henrique, 4800-412 Guimarães, Portugal
Schedules: daily from 10 am to 6 pm
Entrance: 2€ | The Ticket Office is located in Paço dos Duques
- Joint Tickets:
  - Guimarães Castle + Palace of the Dukes of Bragança: €6
  - Castle + Palace of the Dukes + Museu de Alberto Sampaio: 8€

3. CHURCH OF SÃO MIGUEL DO CASTELO

Located between the Castle of Guimarães and the Paço dos Duques de Bragança, the Church of São Miguel do Castelo is where it is believed to have been baptized the first king of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques, although there are controversies due to the fact that the church dates from the 13th century and the king was born in 1111. But even so, the church houses a baptismal font that was supposedly used in the ceremony. Over time, the church was abandoned and was in ruins in the mid-19th century, when it began to be restored. It is relatively small, built in a Romanesque style with some Gothic aspects.

Address: R. Conde Dom Henrique 3, 4800-412 Guimarães, Portugal
Schedules: daily from 10 am to 6 pm
Entrance: free

4. PAÇO DOS DUQUES DE BRAGANÇA

The Palace of the Dukes of Bragança was built in the 15th century by D. Afonso I, 1st Duke of Bragança, on account of his second marriage to D. Constança de Noronha. However, the Burgundian-style palace was abandoned in the following centuries. Between 1807 and 1935 it was used as a military barracks. It then underwent an extensive and lengthy renovation that was completed in 1959.

In addition to housing a museum on the first floor with several pieces of decorative art (ceramics, tapestry, paintings and furniture), it also serves as the office of the Regional Directorate of Culture of the North. On the second floor, there is an area destined to the official residence of the Presidency of the Republic. And on the ground floor, there is a space for cultural events. In front of the Palace, there is a bronze statue of Dom Afonso Henriques with a sword in his right hand and a shield in his left hand, which was inaugurated in 1887.

Address: R. Conde Dom Henrique 3, 4800-412 Guimarães, Portugal
Schedules: daily from 10 am to 6 pm
Entrance: 5€ | The ticket office is located in Paço dos Duques
- Joint Tickets:
  - Guimarães Castle + Palace of the Dukes of Bragança: €6
  - Paço dos Duques + Museu de Alberto Sampaio: 6€
  - Castle + Palace of the Dukes + Museu de Alberto Sampaio: 8€

5. CONVENT OF SANTO ANTÓNIO DOS CAPUCHOS

The Convento de Santo António dos Capuchos is a 17th century convent that was acquired in 1842 by Santa Casa da Misericórdia do Porto, which was founded in 1498 by D. Manuel I and Queen Leonor. Most of the original building still functions as a hospital. The interior underwent extensive restoration before being opened to the public and today it can be visited through the Museum Route at the Convent of Santo António dos Capuchos, created in 2008. The sacristy contains impressive paintings on the walls and a decorated ceiling, along with statues of Christ crucified. The chapel has an Iberian pipe organ, a high choir and exquisite, decorative, gilded, gilded carvings.

Address: R. Dr. Joaquim de Meira, 4800-412 Guimarães, Portugal
Schedules: Tuesday to Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 5 pm | closed on sundays and mondays
Entrance: 2€

6. OUR LADY OF CARMO CHURCH

The construction of the Carmo church and convent began in 1685 in the Baroque style. Although the convent is dedicated to Saint Teresa, the main altar was occupied by the image of Nossa Senhora do Carmo, the name of the Virgin Mary as patroness of the Carmelite Order. The body of this small baroque church is separated from the chancel by a stone arch.

In the old choir reached by a staircase there is still another altar, dedicated to the Crucified Christ. With the official extinction of the religious orders, the Church and the Convent became part of the State and were used as a military hospital. From 1862, the building became the current Lar de Santa Estefânia. The church is within the historic center listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Address: Largo Martins Sarmento, 4810 Guimarães, Portugal
Schedules: Monday to Saturday from 10 am to 12.30 pm and from 2 pm to 5 pm
Entrance: free

7. GUIMARÃES CITY HALL & FORMER SANTA CLARA CONVENT

Created in the 16th century, the Santa Clara Convent was one of the most important convents in Guimarães. Located in a building with a Baroque façade, it has a two-story cloister. Its chapel was dismantled in the 19th century and its gilded carvings can be seen in the Alberto Sampaio Museum. Currently, in this building is installed the Guimaraes City Council (Largo Cónego José Maria Gomes 4, 4804-534 Guimarães, Portugal).

8. SÃO TIAGO SQUARE

Following the charming Santa Maria Street, one of the first to be built in Guimarães in the 12th century, turn right passing the Guimarães Tourist Office (Largo Cónego José Maria Gomes, 4800-419 Guimarães, Portugal) which offers tourist materials and information on attractions about Guimarães, then reach the friendly Praça de São Tiago.

Its name is due to an image of the Virgin Mary taken to Guimarães by the apostle S. Tiago and placed in a pagan temple in the square that became known as Praça de São Tiago. The 17th century chapel that existed in the square was demolished in the 19th century.

We have to confess that it was one of the best surprises of the trip for us! It is old and super friendly, full of graceful old buildings, in addition to several tables placed to serve the restaurants that surround the square. Just a charm!

9. LARGO DA OLIVEIRA

Largo da Oliveira owes its name to the presence of a century-old olive tree planted on the site. The square is surrounded by houses with typical architecture from the north of Portugal and many tables are served by several restaurants that are located around it.

In this square you can find the following attractions:

Our Lady of Olive Church: The church's origins date back to a Benedictine monastery founded on the site in 949 by Countess Mumadona Dias. In the twelfth century, the building underwent a Romanesque remodeling, but little remains of this period, except for a chancel. It was again renovated in the 14th century, this time in a Gothic style, in honor of the Portuguese victory over Castile at the Battle of Aljubarrota in 1342.

Chapel of Saint Nicholas: Built in 1664, in honor of São Nicolau, this chapel is responsible for the Nicolinas Festivities of the male students of the Liceu de Guimarães. They take place annually from the 29th of November to the 7th of December and have several activities.

Salad pattern: Gothic sanctuary, built in the reign of King Afonso IV to commemorate the Battle of Salado (1340), where Portuguese and Castilian forces together defeated the Moorish army of Granada. The cross has two faces, one with Christ crucified and the other with an image of Our Lady.

10. LARGO DO TOURAL & BASILICA DE SÃO PEDRO

Largo do Toural represents the center of Guimarães, being one of its main squares. Even though it was outside the walled area of the city, it housed commercial areas and cattle fairs in the 17th century. Currently, Largo is decorated with a beautiful Renaissance fountain, the Toural fountain.

In Largo is the beautiful St. Peter's Basilica (Address: Largo do Toural 105, 4810-445 Guimarães, Portugal | Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 am to 12 pm and from 2 pm to 5:30 pm | Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 12 pm). It is a neoclassical church with origins in the early 17th century, but its works were only completed at the end of the 19th century. In 1751, it was elevated to the rank of basilica. In December 1942, the excess of people in the side aisle of the church caused the floor to give way, causing an accident that left many injured and 10 dead.

11. SIGN “AQUI NASCEU PORTUGAL”

Very close to Largo do Toural is the “Here was born Portugal” sign (R. do Anjo 15, 4810-225 Guimarães, Portugal) in one of the towers of the old wall. The city is proud to talk about its important past which includes being the place where the first king of Portugal was born, for being the most important village as Condado Portucalanse (before Portugal was formed as a nation) and for having been in Guimarães that D Afonso Henriques won the Battle of São Mamede which guaranteed the independence of the Condado Portucalense against the onslaughts of the Kingdom of León.

12. CHURCH OF SÃO FRANCISCO

The Igreja de São Francisco, which was part of the Convento de São Francisco, was built along the medieval wall. However, in 1325, D. Dinis authorized it to be destroyed. Only 75 years old, D. João I ordered its reconstruction, becoming one of the most beautiful churches in Guimarães. Its baroque interior has a rich decoration in carvings and tiles. The church houses many works of art including sculptures, paintings and religious art.

Address: R. Padre Gaspar Roriz 124, 4810-225 Guimarães, Portugal
Schedules: Tuesday to Saturday from 9:30 am to 12 pm and from 3 pm to 5 pm | Sunday from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm | closed on sundays

13. CHURCH AND ORATORIES OF OUR LADY OF CONSOLATION AND SANTOS PASSOS

Passing through Largo da República do Brasil, with its beautiful beds of colorful flowers, you arrive at the Church and Oratories of Nossa Senhora da Consolação and Santos Passos (Address: Largo de São Brás 42, 4810-225 Guimarães, Portugal). Dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Consolação, this church began to be built in 1576. The new version of the church, in Baroque style, was completed in 1785. During the 19th century, the Dispatch House and the Chapel of Senhor dos Passos (Address: R. Alfredo Guimarães 9, 4810-446 Guimarães, Portugal), attached to the church.

14. MARTINS SARMENTO MUSEUM

Sociedade Martins Sarmento is a cultural institution founded in 1881 that has a diverse heritage, highlighting the Martins Sarmento Archaeological Museum, the main reference of pre-Roman cultures in Portugal and one of the most important museums of this theme in Europe. The museum is housed in the 14th century Gothic cloister of the Santo Domingo church and has collections of archeology, epigraphy, coins and banknotes, as well as contemporary art.

Address: R. Paio Galvão 2, 4810 Guimarães, Portugal
Schedules: Tuesday to Friday from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm and from 2:30 pm to 5:30 pm | Saturday and Sunday from 10 am to 12.30 pm and from 2.30 pm to 5.30 pm | closed on mondays
Entrance: 3€

15. ALBERTO SAMPAIO MUSEUM

Founded in 1928, the Museu de Alberto Sampaio has sacred art collection with around 2 thousand items of jewellery, painting, sculpture, textiles and ceramics. The museum is housed in several buildings near Nossa Senhora da Oliveira Church, forming the complex of the former Collegiate Church of Guimarães, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The museum's buildings include the old chapter house from the end of the 18th century, the cloister and the chapter room, both from the 13th century, the funerary chapel of São Brás from 1419 and the priory house from the 15th century.

Address: R. Alfredo Guimarães, 4800-407 Guimarães, Portugal
Schedules: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm | closed on mondays
Entrance:
- Joint Tickets:
  - Paço dos Duques + Museu de Alberto Sampaio: 6€
  - Castle + Palace of the Dukes + Museu de Alberto Sampaio: 8€

16. GUIMARÃES WALL: PEDESTRIAN ROUTE IN ADARVE-OLIVEIRA DO CASTELO

The Wall of Guimarães was built in the 13th century and surrounded both the castle and the area of the Collegiate Church of Santa Maria. There were eight doors, three of them with a tower. Inaugurated in 2019, the Pedestrian Route in Adarve-Oliveira do Castelo is a restored stretch where visitors can walk on the walls of Guimarães, ranging from the Chapel of Our Lady of Guia to Largo da Condessa Mumadona Dias, where the Guimarães Court and the Porta do Burgo.

The entrance must be made on the right side of the façade of the Museu de Alberto Sampaio, traveling, in one direction, the distance to the top of Avenida Alberto Sampaio, next to the Largo Condessa Mumadona, leaving through the side door of the Muralha, at the Municipality of Guimarães.

Address: R. Alfredo Guimarães 9, 4810-446 Guimarães, Portugal
Schedules: daily from 10 am to 10 pm
Entrance: free

17. THE WORKSHOP

The Workshop was created in 1989, embracing several activities. It is a Museum, a Territory and Community House, a Cultural Centre, a Creation Centre, a Theater Company, an Education and Cultural Mediation Service and a Heritage and Handicraft Store. In addition, it organizes 5 international festivals and continues to be the Center for Traditional Arts and Masters of Guimarães. There are three main cultural and artistic places of interest:

JOSÉ DE GUIMARÃES INTERNATIONAL ARTS CENTER (CIAJG): houses a vast collection that includes exhibitions of African art, pre-Columbian art, ancient Chinese art
- Address: Av. Conde de Margaride 175, 4810-535 Guimarães, Portugal
- Schedules: Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 5 pm | Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm | closed on mondays
- Entrance: 4€

GUIMARÃES MEMORY HOUSE (CDMG): shows a timeline that takes the visitor from prehistory, going through a series of events that took Guimarães to the present day
- Address: Av. Conde de Margaride 536, 4835-073 Guimaraes, Portugal
- Schedules: Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 5 pm | Saturday and Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm | closed on mondays
- Entrance: 3€

VILA FLOR CULTURAL CENTER (CCVF): cultural center with beautiful gardens that has temporary exhibitions and is housed in a historic 18th century palace, where King José I was crowned (1750) and where D. Maria II stayed and determined the elevation of Guimarães from a village to city (1853)
- Address: Av. Dom Afonso Henriques 701, 4810-431 Guimarães, Portugal

18. GUIMARÃES CABLE CAR

5 minutes from the Historic Center of Guimarães, next to Jardim do Lugar das Hortas, is the Cable Car of Guimarães or Cable Car of Penha. Opened in 1995, it is probably the first cable car in Portugal, and the only cable car north of the Douro River. It consists of 40 cabins (32 for passenger transport and 8 for passenger + bicycle transport). The cable car offers a ride of 1,700 meters from Guimarães to the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora do Carmo da Penha, a natural sanctuary that offers incredible views of the surroundings to the sea, which is 400 meters above sea level. At the top, there are restaurants and bars, a hotel, mini golf, trails and a Camping Park.

Address: Rua Consul Aristides Sousa Mendes 37, 4810-025 Guimarães, Portugal
Schedules: daily from 10 am to 6:15 pm
Entrance:
- round trip: €7.50 adults | €3.50 children from 6 to 11 years old
- one way: €4.00 adults | €2.00 children from 6 to 11 years old

WHERE TO EAT IN GUIMARÃES

Guimarães has many restaurant options and you can be sure that you will have several interesting options, especially in Praça de São Tiago and Largo da Oliveira. Below are some suggestions:

tangerine color: located near Paço dos Duques, it serves vegetarian food in a very friendly grassy patio
cheese: varied menu of pasta, meat, salads, vegetarian options
loofah: located in Largo da Oliveira, many pasta, meat, fish, pasta, vegetarian options – read about our experience here!
Donna Veggie: vegan restaurant every day with a different dish

WHERE TO STAY IN GUIMARÃES

Below, you will find some well located and highly rated hotels in Guimarães that are divided by stars:

2 STARS

Hotel Mestre de Avis

3 STARS

Posh Residences (Apartment hotel)
Local Accommodation F&B (guest house)
Troubadour City Guest House (guest house)

4 STARS

GUIMARÃES PASS: ECONOMY TIP IN GUIMARÃES

Guimarães Pass is a pass that offers access to 11 attractions in the city of Guimarães with discount up to 47%. After the first use, the card has validity of 4 days. see more information in this link.

PRICES:

GuimarãesPASS (€15) + Cable car (€18) – over 12 years old
GuimarãesPASS (€10) + Cable car (€11.5) – seniors, students
Up to 12 years old (free)

ATTRACTIONS INCLUDED

HISTORIC CENTER: Guimarães Castle, Paço dos Duques de Bragança, Museum Route of the Convent of Santo António dos Capuchos, Alberto Sampaio Museum, Vila Flor Palace, Archaeological Museum of the Martins Sarmento Society, José de Guimarães International Arts Center, Casa da Memória , Living Science Center
FAR AWAY FROM THE CENTER: Castreja Culture Museum, Citânia de Britadeiros, Cable car

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