Experience in Guimarães, Portugal by Sandra

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

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Live in Guimarães is great, is a calm city in the north of Portugal with great weather, friendly people, tasty gastronomy and with beautiful views and spaces to spend your time. You can go for a walk in the city center, drink a coffee in the Praça de S. Tiago or Oliveira. Go the mountain of Penha, that as a great view of the city. In the summer there are many outdoor parties, to dance and meet new people. In the city center you have everything you need, so don´t need to go far away to buy something or see. To an hour on the highway, you go to Porto, a big city, and the beach. You have the train too, a way of traveling very comfortable. The airport is one hour from Guimarães too.

What is the student lifestyle like in Guimarães?

The University of Minho in Guimarães is in the city center. The historic center is 5 minutes' walking and you have a lot of apartments or rooms to rent. There is many bars and discos close too. The people are very friendly and always ready to help you.

How much does it cost to live in Guimarães?

Live in Guimarães is cheaper compared to big capitals of the world. The accommodation is what costs the most, but there are many offers of all types of persons. The food is cheaper too, for 4/5 euros you can lunch in restaurants close to the university. And for 10 euros you can have dinner in the city center. The grocery is cheaper too.

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

No, in Guimarães, close to University there are many apartments to rent, but if you came just in time to the beginning of classes, you will have difficulties to find a home. So do online research to find rooms and apartments un guimarães and try to reserve one. Or come a day earlier to find accommodation, you can find information at university.

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

The food is very good. We have diversification gastronomy, and our food is very healthy, we eat meat and fish, potatoes, vegetables, rice, pasta, fruits, and have delicious deserves. My favorite dishes are Arroz de Marisco, Bacalhau com Natas, Bacalhau á Brás, et.

What places would you recommend visiting in Guimarães?

I recommend the city center, the mountain of Penha, the City Park, the Stadium of Vitória Sport Clube, the Castle of Guimarães, the Paço dos Duques, and numerous monuments.

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Is it good to eat out in Guimarães? Can you tell us your favorite spots?

There are a lot of places to eat in Guimarães. All of the restaurants in the city center serves great food, since traditional food to more alternative, like a vegetarian. My favorite ones is Oriental in Toural, Tangerina that is next to the castle and all the restaurants in the Oliveira.

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

The nightlife in Guimarães is very good, there any many parties in Praça de S. Tiago like sunsets and white parties. In Oliveira and Praça de S. Tiago, there are may bare great to have a drink and meet new people. Next, the university has some bars and a disco.

What advice would you give future students heading to Guimarães?

Enjoy every moment you spend here, and travel, visit all the country, Guimarães is a beautiful city but is not the only one.