9 Amazing Things to Do on a Day Trip to Guimaraes

After exploring Northern Portugal, Guimarães was easily my favorite day trip from Porto! This sleepy Medieval village is tucked away in the Minho region of Portugal, known for its delicious wines, particularly Vinho Verde. 

You’ll often hear Guimarães referred to as the birthplace of Portugal. That’s because the country’s first king, Alfonso Henriques, was born here. Stroll through the city’s UNESCO core, taste the town’s signature confections, and explore Portugal’s Medieval history.

From how to get there to the perfect one-day itinerary and things to do, this guide will cover everything there is to know about taking a day trip to Guimarães.

Getting to Guimaraes

By Train: Getting to Guimarães by train is one of the best ways! The scenery is stunning, and you’ll get to sit back and enjoy it. Trains leave from São Bento station in the heart of Porto and Campanha (the city’s larger station) on an hourly basis. You’ll reach Guimarães in just 1 hour and 15 minutes, and it takes about 15 minutes to walk from the train station into the historic city center. 

Nearby towns like Coimbra, Aveiro, and Braga also have trains that leave hourly to Guimarães.

By Car: If you’re planning to explore Northern Portugal extensively (including Guimarães), renting a car can be a good option. Car rentals are available both in the heart of Porto and at the airport. The drive takes about 45 minutes, depending on traffic. 

By Bus: While I’m always a huge proponent of taking the train, you can also reach Guimarães by bus. Flixbus runs between the two cities, taking just 45 minutes. The bus picks up in Porto at the Campanha train station and drops off at the Guimarães bus station, about a 15-minute walk from the historic center. 

The Perfect Day Trip Itinerary in Guimaraes

• (9:00 AM) Arrive in Guimarães by train from Porto
• (9:15 AM) Pop into Emilia Brunch to grab a bite to eat and a delicious cup of coffee
• (10:30 AM) Head to tour the Guimarães Castle and Palace of the Duques
• (12:30 PM) Grab lunch at Cor de Tangerine
• (2:00 PM) Head back to Guimarães’ UNESCO center to shop and admire the architecture
  • Don’t forget to stop at a local pastelaria for tortas de Guimarães
• (4:00 PM) Stroll through the Largo Republica da Brasil on your way to…
• (4:15 PM) Take the Penha Cable Car up Penha Mountain for panoramic views
• (6:00 PM) Have dinner at Taberna Trovador, which specializes in petiscos, Portugal’s answer to tapas.
• (8:00 PM) Head back to the train station (or spend the night!)

Is Guimaraes worth visiting?

Yes! Guimarães is absolutely worth visiting for history buffs, lovers of architecture, and foodies. It ended up being my favorite day trip from Porto because it was easily walkable, charming, and had lots of history to uncover.

How much time should you spend in Guimaraes?

I think a day trip to Guimarães is the perfect amount of time to get a feel for the city. If you want to get a sense for what life is like in a small Portuguese town, spend the night!

Things to do in Guimaraes

Seek out Portugal’s history at the Guimaraes Castle

One of Guimarães’ major draws is its Medieval castle. The first king of Portugal, Alfonso I, was actually born inside these castle walls, which only adds to its air of mystery.

The first vestiges of Guimaraes Castle were built sometime in the 10th century and added to for hundreds of years, which explains its mix of architectural styles. 

While the castle is your typical Medieval chateau and fairly bare bones, it’s worth a visit just to say you stood where the first king of Portugal was born!

Both the castle and the Palace of the Duques are open from 10:00 AM–5:00 PM every day, although the last entrance is at 4:30 PM. 

Visit the Palace of the Dukes

Situated right across from the Guimarães Castle, the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza (Palace Duques de Bragança) was first built by Afonso — not the king, but the future Duke of Braganza, confusingly. 

The palace was constructed beginning in 1420 and served as a home for the duke and his second wife. Eventually, the structure fell into disrepair and materials from it were used to create other nearby structures. 

Since then, the palace has been completely restored, and visitors are free to stroll the grand halls, discover the Romanesque portico, and peek inside the chambers where the dukes once slept and held court. 

Overall, it’s an interesting look at Medieval Portugal. I loved the architecture and that the entrance fee was just €5!

Try tortas de Guimaraes at Casa Costinhas

You can’t visit Guimarães without tasting the town’s famous pastries! 

Tortas de Guimarães were originally created by the nuns of Convento de Santa Clara, which still stands in the center of town today. 

I tried the tortas at Casa Costinhas, a tiny pasteleria tucked in the historic city center. 

While this concoction might sound a bit strange, it’s actually delicious! Flaky pastry is filled with a sweet and cinnamon combination of egg yolks, ground almonds, sugar, and —surprise!— chila squash before being dipped in a sugary syrup. 

I grabbed mine to go and enjoyed it on a bench in the courtyard of the Palace of the Dukes. It was such a memorable moment in Guimarães!

Grab lunch at Cor de Tangerina

I discovered Cor de Tangerina while looking for a lunch spot near the castle. Housed inside a beautiful old mansion, the real star of the show is the stunning courtyard where you can dine with views of the Palace of the Dukes.

They actually specialize in vegan and vegetarian cuisine, and while that wasn’t why I went, it was a nice surprise! I highly recommend getting their prato do dia as it comes with multiple courses, including soup and bread, an entree, and dessert with a glass of vinho verde (or other beverage). 

Peruse the shops and UNESCO historic center of Guimaraes

I loved simply strolling through the alleys and praças of Guimaraes’ UNESCO World Heritage historic center. Think sun-soaked, cobbled plazas, building facades bedecked in colorful azulejos, and plenty of boutique shops to peruse. 

If you do pop into a store or two, look for products with the famous Bordado de Guimaraes, a distinctive style of embroidery. I bought a beautiful scarf to match Portugal’s famous blue azulejos, too!

There are also a few sights to see, including the Largo de Toural (Toural Square) and the Gothic architectural beauty Padrão de Salado in Largo da Oliveira (Oliveira Square).

See azulejos at the Igreja de Sao Francisco

Tucked right on the outskirts of the historic center of Guimarães, Igreja de São Francisco is one of the city’s centuries-old chapels decorated in stunning Portuguese tilework. 

While the facade is a beauty in and of itself, with brilliant azulejos and Baroque architecture, the inside is a glittering, gilded wonder with even more intricate tiles. Originally finished in 1461, several modifications have been made to the chapel over time.

Stroll through the Largo Republica do Brasil

A sprawling garden crowned by the Igreja Santos Passos, the Largo Republica do Brasil is a pretty corner of the city to take a stroll. 

Walk past the burbling fountain and perfectly manicured flower beds on your way to the Penha Cable Car. The Baroque church makes for nice pictures as well!

Ride the Penha Cable Car

Also known as the Teleferico de Guimarães, the Penha Cable Car offers a fun way to see the city and surrounding countryside from a birds eye view. 

You’ll hop on just a 10-minute walk from the historic center, near the Jardim do Lugar, and hop off once you reach the top of Penha Mountain. At the top, take the time to look out at the scenery and pop into the Sanctuary of Penha. There are also several grottos, statues, and other religious sights.

Penha Mountain has a few spots to grab a drink or a bite to eat like Chalé do Carmo, Restaurante Hotel de Penha, and Adega Amigos da Penha.

Tour the Alberto Sampaio Museum

Named for the Portuguese historian of the same name, the Alberto Sampaio Museum is a must-visit for those who appreciate the past. 

Visitors will find artifacts collected from local churches and convents, including 13th century statues, a tunic worn in battle by King John I, and stunning frescoes. The museum is housed inside the former Igreja Nossa Senhora da Oliveira and you’ll also be able to explore its beautiful cloisters.

Best Tours of Guimaraes

Guimarães can be easily explored on your own, but sometimes it’s nice to sit back and have someone else do all the planning! 

Here are a few of the best options for organized tours to Guimarães…

See the Highlights of Braga & Guimaraes on the Cheap

• Best for: Budget travelers who don’t want to DIY the trip
• Book here!

A guided tour of both Guimarães and nearby Braga, this full-day tour option is a wonderful way to check off two-day trips in one. You’ll have a guide to show you around both of these gorgeous cities that are tucked away in the Minho Region, with plenty of time to explore both. This tour is a great option if you don’t want to break the bank but are also feeling unsure about figuring out transportation to and from these cities.

Private Tour to Guimaraes & Braga

• Best for: Special occasions
• Book here!

A wonderful option for those who are looking to splash out a bit, this private tour visits both Guimarães and Braga. You’ll have a more personalized experience with plenty of time to ask questions and get an insider’s perspective from your local guide. A delicious Portuguese lunch and admission to sights in both cities are included in the price, which makes it well worth the splurge.

You can click here to book this tour and get started exploring Guimarães with a private guide!

Tour Two Vinho Verde Wineries & Guimaraes

• Highlights:
• Best for: 
• Book here! 

Wine lovers can’t skip the chance to tour both beautiful Guimarães and two Vinho Verde wineries. This private excursion option pays a visit to the XVIII Century Manor House and Pousada, both wineries in the Minho region. Water, appetizers to pair with wine, air-conditioned vehicles, and hotel pick up are all included.

This is absolutely the tour option I would go for!

Final Thoughts

Guimarães is a magical, Medieval village and something that everyone should add to their list of places to visit in Portugal! After spending over fives weeks in Porto, I can say without a doubt that this was my favorite day trip.

From discovering well-preserved castles to going on the hunt for unique sweet treats, I know you won’t be disappointed visiting Guimarães for a day.

Save this post for your day trip to Guimarães!