Pedro DominguesGuimarães is a city rich in history, the birthplace of Portugal, and its historic center is classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
On a trip to the north of Portugal, it is unacceptable not to visit Guimarães. It has one of the 7 wonders of the country, its castle, and it is exciting to stroll through its main squares and alleys, such as Rua de Santa Maria, and Squares of Toural, São Tiago or Oliveira.
In my opinion, Guimarães has the most beautiful historic center in Portugal. You will need at least 1 day to get to know it well and in detail, also going up by cable car to the Sanctuary of Penha. 2 or 3 days will be ideal for the entire region.
In this article I will show you the best things to do in Guimarães. Are you ready to know a little more about my country?
Where is Guimarães located?
Guimarães is located in the district of Braga, in the Minho region. Not far from it are places like Vila Nova de Famalicão, Vizela, Fafe, Póvoa de Lanhoso, Santo Tirso and Felgueiras. See the map below where you will find it pointed out.
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How to Get to Guimarães?
Guimarães is a Portuguese city with many transport infrastructures, being easy to get there by train or bus. However, consider having a car for easy access to all the sights I’m going to recommend in this article, some of which are in the vicinity but just as unmissable! 😉 If you don’t have your own car, rent one with Discover Cars.
Note that it is possible to get to Guimarães via an excursion from Porto that also passes through Braga. 😉
When to visit Guimarães?
The Historic Center of Guimarães can be visited at any time of the year, without exception. But, of course, you can coincide your visit with its main festivities, and that way you will have an even richer cultural experience.
- St. Nicholas Festival is related to the students of Guimarães, in honor of their patron saint. It is quite old, dating back to 1664, and take place every year in late November and early December.
- St. Gualter Festival dates from 1906 and happens always on 1st weekend of August.
Although the previous two are the main events in Guimarães, don’t forget the Christmas season, to see the historic center lit up, as is tradition at the time.
What to eat in Guimarães + Restaurants
In Guimarães you will find excellent food, as in any other city or town in Minho. As for the more traditional dishes of the region, be sure to try sarrabulho with rojões, the famous portuguese “bacalhau” (codfish), veal or lamb meat.
For dessert, choose the typical pies from Guimarães or the delicious Toucinho do Céu. Have you heard about Abade de Priscos pudding? For restaurants, you won’t be disappointed with the following recommendations:
- Taberna Trovador
- Casa Amarela
- Restaurante Buxa
- Monte dos Leitões
- Solar do Arco
Accommodation tips / Hotels in Guimarães
| Accommodation | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Pousada de Guimarães | 9.0 | Penha |
| Hotel Toural | 8.9 | Guimarães Center |
| Hotel da Oliveira | 9.0 | Guimarães Center |
| Trovador City GuestHouse | 8.8 | Guimarães Center |
| Vale de S. Torcato Houses | 9.5 | São Torcato |
| Polery Apartments | 9.3 | Guimarães Center |
| Villa Margaridi | 9.8 | Guimarães Surroundings |
| Apartamentos com História | 9.7 | Guimarães Center |
| Hotel de Guimarães | 8.7 | Guimarães Center |
| Hotel Mestre de Avis | 8.6 | Guimarães Center |
| Casa do Juncal | 9.3 | Guimarães Center |
| Vila Baixa | 9.2 | Guimarães Center |
| L&C Studio | 9.2 | Guimarães Center |
Things to do in Guimarães | Portugal
I decided to divide this article into 5 main sections: historic center of Guimarães, Penha Sanctuary and Mountain, Caldas das Taipas, São Torcato and Citânia de Briteiros. On the map below you will find all the sights I will mention below.
Map with things to see in Guimarães
Visit the Historic Center of Guimarães
When arriving at the historic center of Guimarães, it is easy to park next to Campo de São Mamede, at the back of the castle. It is from there that I recommend that you start getting to know the city, considering the sequence presented as a possible itinerary.
1. Church of São Dâmaso and Campo de São Mamede
On one side of Campo de São Mamede is the Church of São Dâmaso and on the other, the Castle of Guimarães. The church itself was built between the 17th and 18th centuries.
2. Ducal Palace of Guimarães
It is at the Ducal Palace that you can purchase the entrance ticket to the Castle of Guimarães. For times and prices, check the official website. There are combo tickets that you should know about.
The Ducal Palace of Guimarães was built in the 15th century by D. Afonso, 8th Count of Barcelos and later 1st Duke of Bragança. It served as his residence until he and his wife passed away, being abandoned and falling into ruin in the following decades.
In the 19th century it was adapted to Military Barracks. It was later restored and became the residence of the President of the Republic on his trips to the north of the country. Today it is one of the most visited museum spaces in Portugal.
3. Castle of Guimarães
The Castle of Guimarães is one of the 7 wonders of Portugal, as I already mentioned. Its history is inevitably linked to the origins of the country, dating back to the second half of the 10th century to probably protect the Monastery of Guimarães, founded at the time by Countess Mumadona Dias of Portucalense County.
It is known that in the following centuries it was the scene of serious battles with Leon and Castile. It acquired its current form only in the second half of the 13th century, with the construction of its Keep and 8 turrets.
The castle only lost its strategic and military importance in the 15th century, as it was far from the borders. It underwent the same type of restoration as the Ducal Palace during the 20th century.
4. Church of São Miguel and Statue of D. Afonso Henriques
The Church of São Miguel is located between the Ducal Palace and Castle of Guimarães. It is believed that the 1st King of Portugal was baptized here: D. Afonso Henriques.
Mount Latito is the name given to the surroundings of Guimarães Castle, Ducal Palace and Church of São Miguel. It consists of gardens with grassed fields and several trees, being one of the main leisure areas in the city. One of its highlights is the Statue of D. Afonso Henriques, which dates from 1887.
5. Convent of Santo António dos Capuchos
Very close to the previous attractions of Guimarães is the Convent of Santo António dos Capuchos, which dates back to the 17th century. It is possible to visit its cloisters, the church and the sacristy.
6. Garden and Church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo
Also from the 17th century is the Church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo, initially dedicated to Saint Teresa. The building was used for military purposes after the extinction of religious orders in Portugal, and since 1862 it houses the elderly home of Santa Estefânia.
Next to this church is a Via Sacra Chapel similar to others that are scattered around the city, for example in Rua de Santa Maria and in Misericórdia Square.
7. Rua de Santa Maria
I recommend that you then head to Rua de Santa Maria, which you will probably consider the most beautiful in the city. This street ends only at Oliveira Square, and was one of the first to be opened in Guimarães, with references to it dating back to the 12th century. It was created with the purpose of connecting the old Monastery of Guimarães to the Castle, that is, the lower part of the city to the upper part.
8. Santa Clara Convent and Arch House
Along Rua de Santa Maria several buildings stand out at an architectural level. In addition to Arch House, halfway to Oliveira Square, there is also the Convent of Santa Clara, today the seat of the Guimarães City Hall. It was built in the 16th century.
9. Squares of São Tiago and Oliveira
The squares of São Tiago and Oliveira are the most spectacular and pleasant areas of the historic center, in my opinion. They are the most sought after by the people of Guimarães, still retaining a medieval appearance, with a truly memorable combination of colors in the buildings.
It is in Oliveira Square that 3 of the most important monuments of the city are located: the old Town Hall, the Salado Monument and the Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira. Consider also the hidden Chapel of St. Nicholas, responsible for the Nicoline Festivities for the students of Guimarães.
10. Old Town Hall of Guimarães
The passage from São Tiago to Oliveira Square is possible through the archway of the Old Town Hall of Guimarães (14th century), or through Viela dos Açoitados. On the main façade of the building, the statue at the top undoubtedly stands out, a symbol of the contribution of the people of Guimarães to the conquests in Africa.
11. Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira and St. Nicholas Chapel
The Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira dates back to the 10th century, when the aforementioned Monastery of Guimarães was built. Like the castle, it only acquired the appearance it has today in the following centuries. Noteworthy, for example, is the major renovation at the end of the 14th century and the construction of the tower only in the 16th century.
The Chapel of St. Nicholas dates from 1663. It was over 300 years old when it was dismantled in 1970, having been rebuilt by the Nicolinos in 1998, with original elements that were preserved.
12. Salado Monument
The Salado Monument is in front of the church, having been built in the 14th century to commemorate Portugal’s victory in the battle of Salado. The two-sided cross stands out, one with the crucified Christ, and the other with the image of Our Lady.
13. Alberto Sampaio Museum
If you want to see the cloister of the old Monastery of Guimarães (of which the Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira was part), the ideal is to visit the Museum of Alberto Sampaio, although it is possible to admire it from an outer gate.
From this museum, in my opinion, the Treasure Room stands out, with several National Treasures from the 12th to 19th centuries. But there are several others, such as the room dedicated to the Battle of Aljubarrota, the Chapter Room, or Santa Clara gallery.
14. Squares of Misericórdia and Condessa do Juncal
Misericórdia Square has a more modern look, with an imposing church built in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Also don’t forget the modern statue of D. Afonso Henriques, the monument to João Franco and the Via Sacra Chapel.
To get to the Square of Condessa do Juncal, you have to go through the narrow Viela da Arrouchela and cross its several arches.
15. Largo do Toural
Toural is undoubtedly the heart of the city, and in my opinion the most elegant square in Guimarães, which is surprising given that in the 17th century it was a place used for animal fairs, outside the walled enclosure. Its main highlights are the Fountain and St. Peter’s Basilica.
16. St. Peter’s Basilica
This church was the first in the Archdiocese of Braga to receive the title of Basilica. It dates back to the 18th century, but was never completed, as only one of the 2 towers planned in the initial project was built.
17. Martins Sarmento Museum and Convent of São Domingos
On one side of Toural Square, you can access the facilities of Martins Sarmento Museum, housed in the 13th-century Convent of São Domingos. The cloisters can only be accessed by those visiting the museum, but the Church is accessible from Rua Dom João I, another of the most fascinating streets in Guimarães.
With regard to the museum itself, it is important to note that it has a mostly archaeological content. After all, Francisco Martins Sarmento was an important and recognized Portuguese archaeologist, responsible for excavations carried out, for example, in Citânia de Briteiros in Guimarães during the 19th century.
18. José de Guimarães International Arts Center
I dare say that José de Guimarães International Arts Center was my favorite museum in the city, not all of it, but the exhibitions of African, pre-Columbian and Chinese art, for example, composed of sculptures and masks. The rest of the museum isn’t as much fun, to be honest. Personal opinion!
19. Guimarães Memory House
Guimarães Memory House is already a little far from the historic center, but it is a must visit for anyone who wants to know more about the region’s past. Here you will find a timeline that will take you back to prehistory, covering the main events that transformed Guimarães into the city it is today.
It also has exhibitions more focused on the territory and the population, giving some information about its traditions. Note that there is a combined ticket for the last two museums in Guimarães.
20. Rua D. João I and Dominicas Convent
Rua Dom João I is, as I mentioned, one of the streets you cannot miss when visiting Guimarães. Close to it is Rua Dr. Bento Cardoso, which will take you to the former Convent of Dominicas, with its Church of São Sebastião.
21. “Aqui Nasceu Portugal”, Guimarães
You will return to the historic center through Toural Square. Don’t miss the sign that indicates that Portugal was born in the city of Guimarães: “Aqui Nasceu Portugal”. In fact, pay attention to the following historical events associated with this city, some of which I have already mentioned:
- In Guimarães, the first King of Portugal, D. Afonso Henriques, was born and baptized.
- Guimarães was the most important city in the Portucalense County, before the formation of the country.
- It was in Guimarães that the Battle of São Mamede took place, from which D. Afonso Henriques emerged victorious, guaranteeing the independence of the Portucalense County from the Kingdom of León.
Later in this article I will recommend going to Campo de São Mamede, or Campo da Ataca, where this last battle took place.
22. Palace of Vila Flor
Before heading to Guimarães Public Garden, go through Dom Afonso Henriques Avenue to the 18th-century Palace of Vila Flor. I leave you the following curiosities about it:
- It was here that the accession to the throne of King José I in 1750 was celebrated.
- D. Maria II stayed at the palace in 1853, the year in which Guimarães was elevated to the status of city.
- The Palace was chosen to host the first Nucleus of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Minho.
Today it is a cultural center, promoting temporary exhibitions. My suggestion is that you don’t miss visiting the beautiful gardens of the Palace, which are free of charge.
23. Leather Tanks and Town Square
You should also visit the Town Square, where the Leather Tanks are located. These tanks belonged to the former tannery Mirandas, Ferreira & Carvalho, which ceased to function during the 20th century. There, the hides were immersed during the leather manufacturing process, using the waters of the river.
24. Alameda Public Garden and São Francisco Church
The Alameda Public Garden is yet another pleasant space in the city, despite being in a very busy place. It has a beautiful bandstand, many trees that shade the Alameda, and also some statues, fountains and benches.
It is the Church of São Francisco that deserves all the attention, being one of the most beautiful when visiting Guimarães, especially in the interior, full of tiles that narrate the life of Saint António. It dates from the early 15th century, although there are references to an earlier 13th century temple.
25. Garden Square of the Republic of Brazil and Church of Nossa Senhora da Consolação
There are many flowerbeds along the avenue, in Garden Square of the Republic of Brazil. In the distance you will see an imposing church dedicated to Nossa Senhora da Consolação: its origins go back to a small hermitage from the 16th century.
26. Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Guia
At the top of the previous square, be sure to check out the small Chapel of Nossa Senhora da Guia and another one related to the Via Sacra.
27. Guimarães Wall Pedestrian Trail
Finally, you have to return to the Castle of Guimarães area, walking along the top of the old city wall that starts next to the chapel of Nossa Senhora da Guia. It is a relatively recent route, ending next to the square of Condessa Mumadona Dias.
My itinerary through the historic center of Guimarães ends here, but of course you should also go up to Penha Sanctuary, on the outskirts.
Visit the Sanctuary and Park of Penha in Guimarães
Mount Penha has a park of significant size, full of granite boulders and caves. There is much more to discover there than the Sanctuary of Penha and its fabulous viewpoint over the city of Guimarães.
1. Guimarães Cable Car
I recommend going up to Penha Park via the Guimarães Cable Car, especially if this is your first time visiting the city. On the TuriPenha website I found a fabulous video on the subject, which I share the link to. It is believed to be the oldest cable car in Portugal, as it started operating in 1995. In total, it offers a journey of 1700 meters in length and 400 meters in height.
2. Guimarães City Park and Convent of Santa Marinha da Costa
You can also go up to Penha Sanctuary and Park by car, and if you decide to do so, consider stopping at the next 2 places on the way up. The first one is the Guimarães city park, which is completely optional, with just a small lake and a farm with animals as attractions and points of interest.
The second is the Convent of Santa Marinha da Costa, today a small hotel, and one of the recommendations I left in this article for sleeping when visiting Guimarães. Even if you’re not staying here to sleep, you can visit the cloister and the back gardens for free. It is believed that it was founded by Queen Dona Mafalda, wife of D. Afonso Henriques, in the 12th century.
3. Chapels and Caves of Penha Park
In Penha Park, you can find several chapels and caves. The following stand out:
- The Chapel of Saint Christopher.
- The Cave of Santo Elias, with a small chapel of Nossa Senhora do Carmo inside.
- The Cave of Adega do Ermitão, a very original tavern nestled on boulders of Mount Penha.
- The Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes.
- And the Chapel of Santa Catarina.
Of course, it’s not enough to just go to these sites as if they were a checklist. It’s important to go exploring, as there are many other “secret” caves and passages between the rocks, absolutely incredible!
Chapel of Saint Christopher
Cave of Santo Elias and Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Carmo
Adega do Ermitão
Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes
Chapel of Santa Catarina
Other images of Penha Park
4. Penha Sanctuary and Viewpoint
The Sanctuary of Penha has a very modern appearance, being from the mid-twentieth century. It is undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary places in Guimarães, with the best view over the city that can be found. It is a place of pilgrimage on the second Sunday in September.
5. Monument to Pope Pius IX
The Monument to Pope Pius IX dates from the 19th century, being older than the aforementioned sanctuary. It consists of a marble statue at the highest point of the mountain, with yet another awesome viewpoint over Guimarães.
Visit São Torcato and Campo da Ataca
São Torcato and Campo da Ataca are the next stops on this Guimarães Itinerary. Campo da Ataca, in particular, doesn’t have much to see, but it is a very important place for the History of Portugal. An inscription there states the following:
"In this yard, suggestively called Campo da Ataca by the population, the beginning of the Battle of São Mamede took place according to tradition, from which D. Afonso Henriques, our first king, emerged victorious on June 24, 1128. This date is considered, by many historians, as the 1st day of Portugal".
As for São Torcato, there you will find an extraordinary church. It is, in my opinion, the most imposing church in Guimarães, with a main façade full of details and two tall towers. It began to be built in the 19th century, and was elevated to the category of Minor Basilica in 2015, by Pope Francis himself.
The pilgrimage to the basilica of São Torcato takes place in July, on the 1st Sunday of the month. As a curiosity, São Torcato is considered the first martyr of Iberian Christianity. Be sure to stroll through the parks surrounding the Basilica.
1. Campo da Ataca in Guimarães
2. Basilica of São Torcato
Visit Citânia de Briteiros and Castro Culture Museum
More important than São Torcato is Citânia de Briteiros, located on Mount of São Romão, considered one of the largest and most significant proto-historic settlements on the Iberian Peninsula.
Before going to the Citânia itself, I recommend a visit to the Museum of Castro Culture, owned by Martins Sarmento Society, and located in an old manor house nearby. It will be an excellent introduction to what awaits you in the archaeological ruins.
Citânia de Briteiros is really huge, and you can walk through its alleys freely, accompanied by a map given to you at the entrance. It also has excellent viewpoints over the surroundings, especially next to what is thought to have been the Town Hall of the settlement. Mount of São Romão began to be inhabited at the beginning of the 1st millennium BC.
1. Museum of Castro Culture
2. Citânia de Briteiros
Visit Caldas das Taipas
The fifth and final step of this Guimarães Itinerary is the town of Caldas das Taipas, close to a Portuguese river called Ave (bird, in English). It is precisely next to the river that I start, highlighting the pleasant Taipas Park, and the riverside pedestrian path that leads from there to Praia Seca. Some people bathe in these waters during the summer.
In the center of Taipas, the Public Garden and the Thermal Zone stand out. There used to be an old spa nearby dating back to Roman times. Not to forget the main church and the Monument Ara de Trajano, with an inscription dating from the year 104 AD.
1. Taipas Park and Praia Seca
2. Public Garden of Caldas das Taipas
3. Church of Caldas das Taipas and Ara de Trajano
4. Thermal Spa of Caldas das Taipas
5. Old Thermal Spa of Caldas das Taipas
Things to do on Day Trips from Guimarães?
My Itinerary ends here. Above I hope I have shared all the necessary tips to plan your trip and what to do in Guimarães. If you are thinking about staying longer in the region, I want you to know that I have other articles on this blog that are very complete about neighboring locations.
1. Visit Braga
Braga is clearly the most important city that you should visit nearby, if you haven’t already. Go up to its sanctuaries of Bom Jesus and Sameiro, and also visit the Monastery of Tibães, or enjoy the best river beaches in Braga on the Cávado River.
2. Visit Esposende
If you are looking for sea beaches not far from Guimarães, you can go to Esposende, still belonging to the district of Braga. 😉 How about visiting the place where Cávado river meets the sea, while practicing some water sports there?
3. Visit Barcelos
You can also opt for Barcelos, to discover the region where one of the greatest symbols of Portugal and Portuguese craftsmanship emerged: the Barcelos rooster.
4. Visit Peneda-Gerês National Park
If you are a nature lover, then you will really find interesting some of the best mountain walks in Gerês, in search of its most fascinating waterfalls and lagoons. 😉 This is Portugal’s only national park, and has some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.
5. Visit Vizela
Next to Guimarães, there is also the beautiful city of Vizela. It’s an unusual destination that I’m sure will surprise you, and even has one of the 7 Sweet Wonders of Portugal: the delicious Bolinhol de Vizela.
6. Visit Fafe
You can also visit Fafe, in particular the Queimadela Dam, with an excellent pedestrian path around it, and pleasant wooden walkways.
Other Itineraries and Travel Guides in Portugal
- N2 Portugal Road Trip Itinerary
- Madeira Itinerary and Travel Guide
- São Miguel Itinerary and Travel Guide (Azores)
- Terceira Itinerary and Travel Guide (Azores)
- Pico Itinerary in Azores
- Faial Itinerary in Azores
- Minho | Northern Portugal Itinerary
- Porto Itinerary and Travel Guide
- Things to do In Braga (Minho)
- Things to do in Viana do Castelo (Minho)
- Peneda Gerês National Park Itinerary
- Douro Valley Itinerary
- Trás-os-Montes Itinerary
- Things to do in Bragança
- Montesinho Natural Park Itinerary
- Douro International Natural Park Itinerary
- Things to do in Aveiro
- Things to do in Coimbra
- Things to do in Leiria
- Things to do in Fatima
- Things to do in Nazaré
- Things to do in Peniche
- Things to do in Évora (Alentejo)
- Things to do in Beja (Alentejo)
- Algarve Road Trip Itinerary
- Things to do in Lagos (Algarve)
- Things to do in Portimão (Algarve)
- Things to do in Faro (Algarve)
- Things to do in Tavira (Algarve)
I hope enjoy visiting this city of my country. 😉 If this article with Things to do in Guimarães was useful for you, please send me your feedback below, in the comment section.
