Experience in Guimarães, Portugal by Tiago

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

It's intense to live in the place of birth of Portugal, in a ancient and medieval but modern city, full of history and asking to be explored.
The bar zone is one of the coolest I've ever seen, and there's bars and music for all tastes, also surrounded by hostels.
There's 2 or 3 areas in the city to avoid, but they're not in the center, so is peacefull.
People here are also very friendly and helpfull.

What is the student lifestyle like in Guimarães?

That's a good question. I like it better in other cities I've been, because they're not my native town, but I know lots of students from other places that live this city like the world was going to end tomorrow.
Mainly, there's 3 days to go out in Guimarães (Wednesday - 4ª feira, Friday - 6ª feira and Saturday - Sábado), being the wednesday the day reserved to students with even lower prices than usual.
There's also libraries open till late and quiet places to have a glass of whatever you want and being able to study at the same time.

How much does it cost to live in Guimarães?

Cup of Coffee - € 0,60
Student Big McMenu - € 4,95
Cigarretes - ± € 4,00
Beer - ± € 1,00
Kebab - ± € 3,00
Disco Entrance - ± € 10,00 (1 vodka or whisky + 1 beer) - On wednesday is cheaper
Public Transport - ± € 1,20 each trip, but there's free bus that travels the city one point to another and stops in the 2nd city shoppingcenter
Shots - ± € 1,00
Mobile Phone - 10€ with internet and free calls to Vodafone (almost everyone in the North of Portugal is Vodafone)
WiFi - Tons of wifi spots and coffee houses, bars, libraries and also in the street withe free internet (although its not very fast)
Accommodation - from € 100 to € 200 with expenses

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

Super easy, it only depends of time of year, location, quality and expenses.
Several hostels to stay until you find a good room or apartment.
If possible, stay in the city center (bar zone) or in the university surrounding apartments.
Native students will also help you to find accommodation.

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

Very good actually, but heavy.
Memorize these ones:
- Cozido à Portuguesa
- Francesinha Especial
- Rojões
- Tripas
- Prego (it means nail)
- Sangria or Mature Wine (to drink)

What places would you recommend visiting in Guimarães?

Castle, Palace, Churches, Penha Mountain, Couros Area, City Park, Vitória de Guimarães Stadium, C.A.R. (Art & Playground Circle) in which all styles of people meets there - art, music, language, games

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

Very, although the expensive prices of some restaurants:
- Nora do Zé da Curva - Traditional and Gourmet Dishes
- Tio Júlio (open all night) - Prego / Kebab / Pizza
- Vira bar - Francesinha
- Manifestis Probatum and Casa dos Vinhos (wine house) - Tapas & Gourmet
- Adega dos Caquinhos ( a must go, with portuguese people to translate D.Augusta curses and bad words)

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

It's good but there's not much offer after 2 A.M.
The bar zone (OLIVEIRA) is obligatory, but there's more spaces
- Património - 6 A.M.
- Pulse Social Club - 6 A.M.
- Cuba Livre - 4 / 6 A.M.
- S.Mamede - 2 / 4 / 8 A.M. (depends on the kind of party)
- B.A. - Academic Bar - 6 A.M.
- Double, Espaço B, C.U. and Diploma - Academic Bars - 2 A.M.
- Angell's Bar - everyday - 2 A.M.

What advice would you give future students heading to Guimarães?

Don't think twice.
The city and its inhabitants are nice, good living conditions, not much expensive, historical, great and recognized university.
50 bus or 30 suburban train minutes to Porto or Vila do Conde / Póvoa de Varzim (beach)