Experience in Coimbra, Portugal by Romeu

How did you find living in Coimbra? Would you recommend it? How is the city?

It's an average-sized city with a bit of everything. There's a lot of history and many traditions. Coimbra is located between Lisbon and Porto, which means it's close to many things to visit.

Source

What is the student lifestyle like in Coimbra?

Coimbra is THE city of students. It's the best place to go on Erasmus in all of Europe.

On average, how much did you spend to live in Coimbra?

I think 600 euros is enough to pay rent, food, go to nightclubs and travel.

Is it hard to find accommodation in Coimbra? Do you have any advice?

Coimbra has many places for students to live in, particularly Erasmus students. There are the mythical houses in Coimbra where 12 people can live together, all of them from different nationalities. My advice is: stay at a hostel for 3 or 4 days. Meanwhile, go to Casa da Lusofonia (location of the International Relations Office of the University of Coimbra) where you'll find members of Coimbra's Erasmus Student Network who will guide you in order to find a place to live.

What is the food like? What are some of your favorite dishes?

The food is amazing. If traditional Portuguese food is what you want, Coimbra has many places where you can find it. But the best of all? The pastry. Everyone falls in love with "pastéis de nata", "pastéis de Tentúgal" or "queijadas".

Source

What places would you recommend visiting in Coimbra?

The historical center, considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, but also the area surrounding Coimbra.

How is the quality of restaurants in Coimbra? Can you tell us which are the best restaurants?

Fish dishes are always good in Coimbra considering its proximity to the sea. I'd suggest "O Telheiro", "Dona Elvira" and "Piscinas do Mondego".

How is the nightlife like in Coimbra? What are the best places to go to?

Nightlife is extremely busy in Coimbra. There are parties everyday. The best places are the bars in Alta, which are small but the drinks are cheap and people are very nice. In Praça da República I recommend "Whats Up Doc" (Coimbra's ESN Meeting Point), "Tropical", "Café Académico" and "Café Moçambique".

Source

What advice would you give to future students going to Coimbra?

Don't hold your drink with your right hand!