Esperienza a Coimbra, Portogallo da Beatriz

What is it like to live in Coimbra? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

It's the city of students! A lot of tradition involved. Food ir very good and everyday you have parties, mostly for students and specially on tuesday and thursday. City is very pretty and comfy, feels like home. People very friendly and kind. You have the beautiful Mondego river and the old University. We have a tradicional "costume", o "Traje" that is worn by university students. We have also Tunas Académicas that are groups os students that sing traditional songs of Coimbra and play a special guitar, the guitar of Coimbra. Definitely the best place to do Erasmus!

What is the student lifestyle like in Coimbra?

Very good. Most people in Coimbra are students. Lots of places to study and to party. Very good and fun environment.

How much does it cost to live in Coimbra?

Rooms a little expensive. Food and party not so much. Turistic zones are more expensive.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Coimbra? Is there any advice you can give?

Not difficult but some places are very expensive. I think the best way is to search on facebook groups. Not so many rooms and apartments so you should look in advance.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Very good food! Portugal has a very good gastronomy with tradicional and tasty dishes. In Coimbra you have some conventual sweets and desserts, very good pastry and cakes. You can also eat a lot of "tapas", like appetizers. Very good cheese, bread, wine, meat, snails, beer, lupines...

What places would you recommend visiting in Coimbra?

The old University. Botanical garden. River. Donwtown. Penedo da Saudade and other viewpoints.

Is it good to eat out in Coimbra? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Tapas nas Costas. Hamburgueria maneirista. Casa das Caldeiras. Zé Manel dos Ossos. Passaporte. La Vara. Dona Taska. Azucar

Is the nightlife good in Coimbra? Where is good to go?

Yes! In the middle square (Praça da República) you have a lot of bars and nightclubs. Very fun nights in Coimbra and with a lot of students!

What advice would you give future students heading to Coimbra?

Have fun and try to embrace Coimbra's academic spirit. In the end, you will learn how it is to feel "Saudade", like in the Portuguese Fado that you can also hear in Coimbra.