Coimbra Green Guide | Sustainable Tourism
By locals, for visitors and tourists!
Discover the soul of Coimbra, preserving it!
"NY Times falls in love with the city of Coimbra." How could it not?
In 2025, the New York Times highlighted Coimbra as an unmissable destination. A city full of soul, history, and charm, now widely recognized. But with "fame" comes a challenge: to preserve local life and minimize the effects of overtourism, such as gentrification and negative impacts on residents, small businesses, local shops and traditions, the urban landscape, and even flora and fauna.
A guide for tourists on combating touristification might seem contradictory. However, we start from the premise that, in a globalized context, the flow of people is natural and inevitable, as are curiosity and the desire to explore. Unlike other guides, this one does not aim to attract more people but rather to allow those who visit Coimbra to do so with awareness of the impact of their choices and with the possibility of opting for alternatives.
1. How to travel?
Ensuring a more sustainable trip starts with good planning and the transport itself!
Public transport: opt for buses, trains or carpooling: Coimbra is well connected by inter- and intra-city public transport networks, within Portugal and to the rest of Continental Europe.
→ A new mobility is emerging in Coimbra through the implementation of a new public transport system - the Metrobus (find out more at www.metromondego.pt
2. When to Visit?
Avoid the tourist high season to preserve the city and have a closer and more intimate experience.
Spring and autumn are ideal times to visit, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. The city is particularly beautiful, with spring flowers and the warm hues of autumn.
→ While it may be tempting to take advantage of last-minute promotions, these unexpected visits, with a large influx of people seeking an opportunity, often result in negative impacts on the visited locations. Plan your trip in advance so you can explore various places at your leisure, giving more meaning to the experience and the resources it consumes.
3. Where to Sleep?
Avoid Airbnb and "Alojamento Local" (local accommodation), especially in central, historic, and gentrified areas. Although they may seem like convenient options, the growing tourist demand has led to the conversion of residential housing into tourist accommodation, contributing to the expulsion of residents, businesses, and other local entities.
If the people of Coimbra cannot live in the city and spaces for cultural and heritage expression have no place - what will be left of it?
If you have the possibility to travel further, consider options outside the urban center!
4. What to Visit?
Escape mainstream thinking: explore Coimbra beyond the usual tourist spots, opting for outdoor experiences instead:
5. Cultural Scene
Discover and support cultural initiatives throughout the city: music, theatre, dance, exhibitions, activities for all ages and preferences, from the more traditional to the contemporary, through websites such as:
coimbracoolectiva.pt/agenda-cultural
viralagenda.com/pt/coimbra
agenda.coimbra.pt
Would you like our suggestions?
6. Where to Eat?
We recommend places aligned with sustainability values and/or respect for other living beings.
O Burrito: 100% plant-based cuisine with burritos, quesadillas, nachos, and other offerings, all made from scratch!
A Cozinha Consciente: plant-based food from organic farming, based on the Macrobiotic philosophy.
GreenSide: vegetarian and vegan options that vary daily, at an affordable price!
Coisas da Lena: a small and cozy place with attentive and personalized service! Ask for the vegan suggestion of the day!
Taj Indian Punjabi: a friendly restaurant with various vegan options marked on the menu.
Oak: if you want to try the famous francesinha, but in a healthier and 100% plant-based version! Also explore the other menu options.
Nau Coffee: the specialty is coffee! Ideal for breakfast or a snack, with vegan options.
Epicura: local, craft beer and company! Order hummus to go with it.
Pet&Tea: a place for teas, smoothies, coffee, and also daily meals! But the best part? It shelters homeless cats that are available for adoption and lots of affection.
7. Groceries
Avoid large supermarkets, prioritise small businesses!
D. Pedro V Municipal Market: here you can buy fresh and locally produced food, especially on Saturdays, and take the opportunity to explore the renovated restaurant area.
Calhabé Market: with a strong commitment to sustainability, here you will find organic and locally produced vegetables.
Small grocery stores: you can find them all over the city! These are small, traditional businesses full of personality, providing fresh produce and other basic products.
Green2You Grocery Store and Sustento Grocery Store: these are two bulk grocery stores with organic, local, and sustainably committed products. The invitation is for you to buy only what you really need, reducing food waste. In these grocery stores you will find bulk groceries, vegan frozen meals, sourdough bread, coffee, zero-waste accessories, solid cosmetics, and bulk detergents.
8. "Souvenirs"
Local Crafts: Maripôsa, Bel-Mira, Terracota
Patio Shop: Ceramics, knitting, crochet, illustrations, etc.
Carlos Tomás Coimbra Ceramics: tableware, ceramics and other pieces meticulously hand-painted with motifs reminiscent of Portuguese daily life and Coimbra.
Illustrations to the Wind: unique illustration pieces, made with “much love and much wind.” An ideal souvenir to symbolise the constant change that runs through our lives (including through the journeys we make).
At Green2You and SUSTENTO: Locally produced natural well-being and solid cosmetic products, suitable to accompany you on a more conscious journey and a more sustainable daily life.
Periodic Fairs and Markets: Feira Sem Regras, Feira de Velharias, Feira de Artesanato Urbano, Mercadinhos da Margem Esquerda, Coimbra Vegan Market, Coimbra Hype Market… for unique surprises!
Super Tips
Participate and give back: get involved in activities such as local volunteering, support city associations, or simply try to better understand the challenges it (and those who live in it) faces.
Interact positively! Respect local people and avoid behaviours that might cause discomfort — such as taking photos without consent or making noise in residential areas.
Absorb, let yourself be involved — without fetishising customs or ways of life. Engage honestly with locals (those who wish to, of course!). You might discover places and stories that will never appear in guidebooks.
Adapt your visit to you. Experience the city in your unique way! "Mainstream" tourism tends to homogenise cultural experiences... Do you really want to experience exactly what everyone else experiences?
Take something, but also leave something (without leaving rubbish!): sometimes the most beautiful thing we take is what we help to cultivate — a conversation, a gesture, an attentive presence.
And by the way: don't limit yourself by guidebooks! Guide yourself instinctively, organically — our spontaneous and uncertain steps guarantee truly remarkable and unrepeatable experiences.
See you around!
If you have any suggestions for this sustainable guide, please contact us!
