Coimbra Guide: What It’s Like to Live in Coimbra

Renting & Buying Property

The property market in Coimbra offers a diverse range of options, from historic buildings in the old town to modern apartments in newer neighbourhoods. The city’s real estate has been growing steadily, attracting both local and international interest, yet remains more affordable than Portugal’s larger cities.

Buying

Property prices in Coimbra are generally more reasonable compared to Lisbon or Porto. In the city centre, cheap properties start from around €100,000 to €150,000, while renovated houses in good locations may range from €200,000 to €400,000.

Luxury properties or larger houses with gardens in desirable areas can exceed €500,000. For those interested in renovation projects, older properties in need of work can be found for as low as €70,000 to €100,000.

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Renting

Rental prices in Coimbra are quite reasonable, especially considering its status as a university city. A one-bedroom apartment in the city centre typically ranges from €400 to €600 per month, while larger apartments or houses can cost between €600 and €1,000. Areas popular with students tend to have higher rental demand and slightly higher prices. Living in nearby towns or rural areas can offer even more affordable options.

For more information about renting in Portugal, including tips and legal considerations, check out this comprehensive guide to renting in Portugal.

Cost Of Living

The cost of living in Coimbra is generally lower than in Portugal’s major cities, making it an appealing destination for expats and retirees. Housing costs, whether renting or buying, are the most significant expense but are still quite reasonable compared to other European university cities.

Daily living expenses such as groceries, dining out, and entertainment are affordable. A couple can live comfortably in Coimbra on a budget of €1,500 to €2,000 per month, including rent. Utilities are relatively inexpensive, and public transportation is affordable and efficient.

Can I move to Coimbra?

Moving to Coimbra, like any city in Portugal, is possible for many international residents. Portugal offers various visas and residency permits to accommodate different situations:

• EU/EEA/Swiss nationals can move to Portugal fairly easily without needing a visa. This also applies to their spouses/partners and some qualifying family members.
• The D7 Visa is ideal for those with regular passive income, such as pensions, social security, rental income, dividends, or royalties.
• The D8 Visa, or Digital Nomad Visa, is perfect for freelancers and remote workers.
• The Golden Visa is aimed at those with significant savings who want to invest in Portugal. It requires minimal physical presence in the country.
• The D2 Visa is designed for entrepreneurs or those wanting to start a business in Portugal.

Each visa has specific requirements and application processes. It’s advisable to consult with an immigration lawyer or visa specialist for personalised advice.

Can I Move to Portugal?

Attractions

• University of Coimbra: Founded in 1290, it’s one of Europe’s oldest universities. The campus, particularly the Baroque Library and the Royal Palace, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can explore its historic buildings, museums, and botanical gardens.
• Old Cathedral of Coimbra: This 12th-century Romanesque cathedral is one of Portugal’s finest examples of the style. Its fortress-like exterior and ornate interior make it a must-visit historical landmark.
• Monastery of Santa Clara-a-Velha: This 14th-century Gothic monastery, once submerged by the Mondego River, has been beautifully restored. It offers a unique glimpse into medieval monastic life.
• Portugal dos Pequenitos: A miniature park featuring replicas of Portuguese monuments and traditional houses from different regions. It’s an entertaining way to learn about Portugal’s diverse architecture and culture.
• Quinta das Lágrimas: This historic estate is famous for its connection to the tragic love story of Pedro and Inês. Its beautiful gardens and palace are open to visitors.

Expat Life

While Coimbra has a smaller expat community compared to larger Portuguese cities, it’s diverse and growing. The university attracts a significant international population, including students, researchers, and academics from around the world. You’ll find a mix of nationalities, with a notable presence of European, Brazilian, and English-speaking expats.

The expat community in Coimbra is well-integrated with the local population, partly due to the city’s academic nature which fosters an open and inclusive atmosphere. Many expats find it easier to build connections here compared to larger cities, thanks to the smaller scale and the numerous cultural and academic events that bring people together.

Retiring Here

Coimbra offers an attractive option for retirees seeking a blend of cultural richness, historical charm, and modern amenities. The city’s compact size makes it easy to navigate, although the historic centre is hilly, which might be challenging for some. The cost of living is lower than in larger Portuguese cities, allowing retirees to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle on a modest pension.

Healthcare in Coimbra is excellent, with the city being home to one of Portugal’s best university hospitals. There are both public and private healthcare options available. The climate is generally mild, with warm summers and cool, rainy winters, which many retirees find agreeable.

There’s no shortage of activities for retirees in Coimbra. The city’s rich cultural scene offers numerous museums, concerts, and festivals throughout the year. The surrounding region provides opportunities for day trips, wine tasting, and outdoor activities. While the expat community is smaller than in some other Portuguese cities, many retirees find it easier to integrate into local life, often through language exchange groups, cultural associations, or university-linked activities.

Food

Regional dishes in Coimbra include:

• Chanfana: A traditional stew made with goat or lamb, red wine, and aromatic herbs.
• Leitão à Bairrada: Suckling pig roasted in a wood-fired oven, a specialty of the nearby Bairrada region.
• Arroz de Lampreia: A rice dish prepared with lamprey, a seasonal delicacy.
• Pastéis de Tentúgal: Delicate pastries filled with egg custard, originating from a nearby convent.
• Queijo do Rabaçal: A local cheese made from a mixture of goat’s and sheep’s milk.

You’ll also find national Portuguese dishes like caldo verde (kale soup), grilled fish, grilled meat dishes, and cozido à portuguesa (a Portuguese stew) on most traditional Portuguese menus. These are found throughout Portugal, along with the ubiquitous pastel de nata.

For vegans, vegetarians, and those requiring gluten-free options, Coimbra offers a good range of choices, especially in the city centre and areas popular with students. While traditional Portuguese cuisine is heavy on meat and fish, and bread is a staple, the city’s international student population has led to increased awareness and availability of diverse dietary options. You’ll find several restaurants and cafes catering to these diets, though options may still be more limited compared to larger cities like Lisbon or Porto.

Upsides & Downsides Of Living Here

Pros:

• Rich cultural and academic heritage
• Lower cost of living compared to major Portuguese cities like Lisbon and Porto
• Excellent healthcare facilities
• Central location for exploring Portugal
• Beautiful historic architecture and green spaces

Cons:

• Limited job market outside of academia and healthcare
• Hilly terrain in the historic centre can be challenging for some
• Fewer English speakers compared to more tourist-oriented areas
• Smaller expat community compared to larger cities
• Can be quite crowded during university term time
• Very student-focused
• Although the coast is close by (and you can easily get a bus or train there), it isn’t directly on the coast

Climate

Coimbra has a Mediterranean climate with some continental influence. Summers are warm and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 16°C to 29°C (61°F to 84°F). Winters are cooler, with temperatures typically between 7°C and 15°C (45°F to 59°F). Spring and autumn are generally mild and pleasant.

While Coimbra isn’t a coastal city, it’s not far from beautiful beaches along the Silver Coast. The coastal resort town of Figueira da Foz is around 50-60 minutes by train. For summer cooling, locals often head to praias fluviais (river beaches) along the Mondego River or in nearby areas, which offer refreshing spots to escape the heat.

Will I Need To Learn Portuguese?

While English is widely spoken in major Portuguese cities, in Coimbra, knowing Portuguese becomes more important. Many locals, especially older generations, may not speak English fluently. However, due to the university’s international nature, you’re likely to find more English speakers here than in other cities of similar size.

Learning Portuguese is crucial for daily life, from shopping to dealing with local authorities. It’s also key to fully integrating into the community and appreciating the local culture. Portuguese people are generally helpful and enjoy speaking other languages, but they truly appreciate when you make an effort to speak their language.

Moreover, if you’re considering applying for Portuguese citizenship in the future, you’ll need to pass an A2 level Portuguese language exam. Learning Portuguese will greatly enhance your experience living in Coimbra. It opens doors to deeper connections with locals, better understanding of the culture, and smoother navigation of daily life.

For resources and tips on learning Portuguese, check out this helpful guide to learning European Portuguese. Coimbra University also offers programs teaching Portuguese to foreigners. Studying here could be a good opportunity to meet other people living in Coimbra and nearby.

Schools

Coimbra offers a range of educational options. The public school system is well-regarded, with several top-performing schools in the area. There are also private schools that offer alternative curricula.

For higher education, the University of Coimbra is the city’s crown jewel, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. The university’s presence contributes significantly to the city’s international atmosphere and cultural life.

For more detailed information about the Portuguese school system, including public, private, and international options, check out this comprehensive guide to schools in Portugal.

Getting Around

Coimbra is a relatively compact city, with many areas easily walkable. However, the historic centre is built on a hill, which can make some journeys challenging on foot. The lower town is flatter and easier to navigate.

• Train: Coimbra has two main train stations – Coimbra and Coimbra-B. These offer connections to major Portuguese cities, with Lisbon about 2 hours away and Porto about 1.5 hours.
• Bus: The city has an extensive bus network covering most areas of Coimbra and its surroundings. This is often the most convenient way to get around, especially to areas outside the city centre.
• Car: While not absolutely necessary for daily life in the city centre, having a car can be beneficial for exploring the surrounding region. Parking in the city centre can be challenging, but there are several public parking lots available.
• Ride-sharing: Uber and other ride-sharing services are available in Coimbra, providing a convenient alternative to traditional taxis. Of course, taxis are also available.
• Flying: The nearest airport is in Porto, about 130 km away. It offers flights to many European destinations, including to the UK, and international flights to the US and Canada. For a wider range of international flights, Lisbon airport is about 200 km away.

Day trips from Coimbra are diverse and rewarding. You can easily visit the beautiful beaches of Figueira da Foz, explore the Roman ruins of Conimbriga, or enjoy the charming town of Tomar with its UNESCO-listed Convent of Christ. Nature lovers can head to Serra da Estrela, Portugal’s highest mountain range, for hiking and winter sports. The Bairrada wine region is nearby, offering opportunities for wine tasting.

Historic cities like Aveiro, known as the “Venice of Portugal,” and the religious centre of Fátima are also within easy reach.

Similar locations

When comparing Coimbra to other Portuguese cities for living, it shares some similarities with Braga and Évora. All three are historic cities with prestigious universities and rich cultural heritage. However, Coimbra is larger than Évora and has a more central location in the country. It also doesn’t get quite as hot as Évora does in the summer.

Coimbra offers a more affordable and less touristy alternative to Lisbon or Porto, while still providing a vibrant urban lifestyle. It’s less cosmopolitan than these larger cities but offers a strong sense of community and tradition, along with the added benefit of a significant international student population. However, younger people may find it hard to integrate into the student population if they’re not also students.

Compared to coastal cities like Aveiro or Figueira da Foz, Coimbra offers more urban amenities and a richer cultural scene, though at the cost of being further from the beach. Its central location in Portugal makes it an excellent base for exploring both the coast and the interior of the country.