What to do in Guimarães

Activities, attractions and tours

Aerial view of guimaraes city, portugal
Aerial view of guimaraes city, portugal
Sao Tiago Square
Guimaraes, Portugal - April 15, 2018 : gray day next to the castle of Guimaraes, Portugal
#Castelo #castle #Guimaraes #Portugal #History O Castelo de Guimarães começou por um mosteiro mandado construir por Mumadona Dias no século X, antes, portanto, da formação de Portugal. Como os ataques dos mouros eram frequentes decidiram construir uma muralha para proteger a comunidade e os monges que viviam no seu interior. Foi esta fortaleza que deu origem ao Castelo de Guimarães. Mais tarde, no século XII, foi neste castelo que nasceu Dom Afonso Henriques que viria a ser o primeiro rei de Portugal. Com a falta de uso o castelo foi-se degradando. Recentemente foi recuperado e classificado como Monumento Nacional. É também considerado Patrimônio Mundial pela UNESCO. Um lugar cheio de história e que foi berço de Portugal. Não é à toa que em um pedaço da muralha original tem os dizeres “Aqui nasceu Portugal”. The Castle of Guimarães began with a monastery built by Mumadona Dias in the 10th century, before, therefore, the formation of Portugal. As the attacks of the Moors were frequent they decided to build a wall to protect the community and the monks that lived inside. It was this fort that gave origin to the Castle of Guimarães. Later, in the twelfth century, it was in this castle that Dom Afonso Henriques was born. Some years after he would become the first king of Portugal. With the lack of use the castle was degrading. Recently it was recovered and classified as National Monument. It is also considered World Heritage by UNESCO. A place full of history and that was cradle of Portugal. It is no wonder that in a piece of the original wall has the words "Here was born Portugal".

Guimarães Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Guimarães has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Guimarães, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Guimarães with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Guimarães

Guimarães is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Guimarães, and make it a breeze to explore Guimarães and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Guimarães to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Guimarães, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Guimarães.

Guimarães attractions

Guimarães has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Guimarães to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Guimarães.

Looking for things to do in Guimarães can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Guimarães or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Guimarães attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Recommended things to do in Guimarães

Number of things to do
49
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Medieval Guimarães and Legends Exploration Game and Tour: £7
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Guimarães

Popular places to visit

#Castelo #castle #Guimaraes #Portugal #History O Castelo de Guimarães começou por um mosteiro mandado construir por Mumadona Dias no século X, antes, portanto, da formação de Portugal. Como os ataques dos mouros eram frequentes decidiram construir uma muralha para proteger a comunidade e os monges que viviam no seu interior. Foi esta fortaleza que deu origem ao Castelo de Guimarães. Mais tarde, no século XII, foi neste castelo que nasceu Dom Afonso Henriques que viria a ser o primeiro rei de Portugal. Com a falta de uso o castelo foi-se degradando. Recentemente foi recuperado e classificado como Monumento Nacional. É também considerado Patrimônio Mundial pela UNESCO. Um lugar cheio de história e que foi berço de Portugal. Não é à toa que em um pedaço da muralha original tem os dizeres “Aqui nasceu Portugal”. The Castle of Guimarães began with a monastery built by Mumadona Dias in the 10th century, before, therefore, the formation of Portugal. As the attacks of the Moors were frequent they decided to build a wall to protect the community and the monks that lived inside. It was this fort that gave origin to the Castle of Guimarães. Later, in the twelfth century, it was in this castle that Dom Afonso Henriques was born. Some years after he would become the first king of Portugal. With the lack of use the castle was degrading. Recently it was recovered and classified as National Monument. It is also considered World Heritage by UNESCO. A place full of history and that was cradle of Portugal. It is no wonder that in a piece of the original wall has the words "Here was born Portugal".

Guimaraes Castle

Guimaraes Castle is just one of the places to see in Oliveira do Castelo, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Amble around the area's gardens or visit its cathedral.

Guimaraes Castle
Citânia de Briteiros, a large compound of archaeological ruins of an important proto-historic settlement, which was first inhabited more than 2000 years ago, in the Iron Age. You can read more of the history here: http://imoutoftheoffice.com/citania-de-briteiros-the-proto-historic-settlement/

Citania de Briteiros

You can find out about the history of Briteiros São Salvador e Briteiros Santa Leocádia when you stop by Citania de Briteiros. Visit the area's cathedral and spas.

Citania de Briteiros
#Guimaraes #Portugal #church A Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira localiza-se no Centro Histórico de Guimarães em Portugal. A sua conservação externa não é das melhores. Tem uma arquitetura predominantemente gótica. É Monumento Nacional desde 1910. No seu entorno há uma série de atrações que também merecem uma visita. Saliento o Padrão do Salado, o museu de arte sacra Alberto Sampaio e a Torre dos Almadas. The Nossa Senhora da Oliveira Church is located in the Historic Center of Guimarães in Portugal. Its external conservation is not the best. It has a predominantly Gothic architecture and has been a National Monument since 1910. In its surroundings there are a number of attractions that are also worth visiting: the Salado Pattern, the Alberto Sampaio Sacred Art Museum and the Almadas Tower.

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira

You can find out about the history of Oliveira do Castelo with a trip to Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira. While in the area, you can find time to visit its cathedral.

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira

Penha

Explore the great outdoors at Penha, a lovely green space in Costa. Visit the area's spas or simply enjoy its wineries.

Penha

Guimaraes Shopping Mall

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Guimaraes Shopping Mall during your trip to Creixomil. Amble around the area's gardens or visit its cathedral.

Guimaraes Shopping Mall

Estadio D. Alfonso Henriques

Catch an event at Estadio D. Alfonso Henriques during your trip to Oliveira, São Paio e São Sebastião. Amble around the area's gardens or visit its cathedral.

Estadio D. Alfonso Henriques

Palace Duques de Bragança

After visiting Palace Duques de Bragança, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Oliveira do Castelo. Amble around the area's gardens or visit its cathedral.

Palace Duques de Bragança

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Consolacao e Santos Passos

After visiting Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Consolacao e Santos Passos, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Oliveira, São Paio e São Sebastião. Amble around the area's gardens or visit its cathedral.

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Consolacao e Santos Passos

Largo da Oliveira

You can find out about the history of Oliveira do Castelo with a trip to Largo da Oliveira. While in the area, you can find time to visit its cathedral.

Largo da Oliveira

Explore areas of Guimarães

Portugal - built under the orders of Mumadona Dias in the 10th century to defend the monastery from attacks by Moors and Norsemen

Old Town Guimarães

5/5(4 area reviews)

Unique features of Old Town Guimarães include the historical sites and restaurants. Make a stop by Largo da Oliveira or Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira while you're exploring the area.

Old Town Guimarães

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Guimarães

Casa do Penedo Pereira - Fafe Portugal

Fafe

Bom Jesus do Monte featuring heritage elements and a castle

Braga

Rio Ave, queda de água localizada no Rio Ave na sua passagem por Santo Tirso, Portugal.

Santo Tirso

Panorama of the City Hall building (left) and Tribunal (right) of Vila Nova de Famalicao city. Braga, Portugal.

Vila Nova de Famalicao

A really amazing place

Felgueiras

The "Lanhoso" Castle in "Pilar" Mountain, Povoa de Lanhoso, Portugal.

Povoa de Lanhoso

Frequently asked questions

Is Guimarães worth visiting?
Providing a mix of walking trails and views, there's no shortage of things to do in Guimarães. When you're here, head to Sanctuary of Penha, a must-see attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Guimarães?
Kick your day off with a visit to Antigos Paços do Concelho and Centro Internacional das Artes Jose Guimaraes. Then, check out different areas of Guimarães for tasty eats and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Guimarães?
Sanctuary of Penha is one of the top tourist attractions in Guimarães and should be high on every sightseeing itinerary of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Guimarães?
Three days in Guimarães is plenty of time to visit the city's major highlights. Many travellers spend three days on average. Sanctuary of Penha, Centro Internacional das Artes Jose Guimaraes and Museu de Arte Primitiva Moderna are highly rated sights. Want to experience more? Stick around a while longer to visit nearby hotspots like Porto.
Is Guimarães a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and major attractions within walking distance of the city centre, Guimarães is a great place to tour on foot. Have fun wandering between Sanctuary of Penha and Centro Internacional das Artes Jose Guimaraes. Then take a stroll through Oliveira, São Paio e São Sebastião, located 0.32 kms (0.20 miles) from downtown, and Costa, which is about 2 kms (1 mile) away.
What are some activities to do in Guimarães with kids?
Deciding what to do in Guimarães with kids has never been so easy. Whether you're getting away with teenagers or toddlers, there are loads of family-friendly tours and attractions to keep them happy here.

What to do in Guimarães for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or fan of Mother Nature, there are plenty of things to do in Guimarães for adults including Museu de Alberto Sampaio.
Are there free things to do in Guimarães?
One of the top ways to find free things to do in Guimarães is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other top attractions you can enjoy without opening your wallet. Sanctuary of Penha is one spot that doesn't charge an entrance fee.