• Private Tour
• Carbon Neutral

Discover the rich Jewish heritage in Coimbra! Explore centuries-old cultural, historical, and scientific remnants of national and international significance. Uncover fascinating curiosities and embark on a journey into the past, delving into the vibrant Jewish history of Portugal.

Destination

Coimbra, Portugal

Category

Art Culture Tours

Duration

2 hours

Transport mode

Walking tour

Available languages

English, Português

Included

• Private guide

What you can expect

This is the plan

Check out the plan below to see what you'll get up to with your local host. Feel free to personalize this offer with João .

1. Meeting point

   Meet at Praça 8 de Maio - Coimbra to start your journey

   View on Maps

2. Itinerary

   This is what our experience could look like, but it’s not set in stone! Once you book, you can chat directly with your host to make small tweaks to suit your preferences.

3. May 8th square

   May 8th Square. This square is linked to important moments in Jewish history. Very sad events took place in this area. We will also highlight the famous Christian Monastery of Santa Cruz, which had some curious connections with the Jewish community.

4. Old Jewish Quarter

   We will visit the old Jewish quarter, which became extinct in the 14th century.

5. Commerce Square

   As far as the Jewish past is concerned, it is also closely associated with heavy moments.

6. Jewish Fountain

   Although there have been renovations over the years, Coimbra still has a Jewish historical source that is several centuries old.

7. New Jewish Quarter

   Founded in the 14th century for the Jewish community, let's take a look at some of the main streets that were part of this neighborhood. The result of several profound changes over time, it is now a neighborhood with no visible Jewish heritage, but it is essential to visit.

8. Inquisition Courtyard

   The last inquisition court still in existence in the country is in Coimbra. In office between the 16th and 19th centuries, the Coimbra court was extremely violent. It persecuted thousands of people (specially Jews) and had control over part of Portugal. Depending on the time of our visit, (if it takes place between 1pm and 6pm, Tuesday to Saturday, we have the possibility to visit the exhibition).

9. Mikveh

   Jewish baths were found a few years ago. It is the only very well preserved medieval mikveh in the country, and one of the few in Europe. Outside visit

10. Aristides House

    Casa Aristides Sousa Mendes - The house where the great World War II hero, who saved thousands of lives, lived as a student.

11. Make it yours

    Want to tweak the itinerary? Book directly & chat afterwards with your host to adjust highlights, skip stops, or make small changes to fit your preferences.

    Book risk-free: Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.

    Need something special? Personalize your experience for more time, alternative locations or a completely tailored plan.

I can personalize this tour for you

• Tell me your preferred date and group size
• Tell me your preferences and wishes so I can customize the tour for you
• Wait for my personal offer in your inbox!

Contact me

Flexible cancellation policy

• Feel confident booking

  Cancel within 24 hours for a full refund. Even up to 7 days before your experience, you’ll receive a refund, minus the service fee.

• Change of plans?

  Reschedule your experience to a date and time that works best for you.

• Loved by travelers worldwide

  Simple and flexible – your plans, your way.

Reviews from guests

Yael

17 February 2025

Joao was very knowledgeable about both Jewish history and the general history of Coimbra. He patiently answered all my questions and made the history of the Jewish community of Coimbra come alive.

Lisa🇺🇸 United States

28 February 2025

Our walking tour around Coimbra with João was exactly what we hoped it would be. He gave us a great foundation from which we could (and did) explore on our own. Coimbra is a fascinating place but the terrain, with its many hills and winding narrow streets, requires an expert to decipher. We really enjoyed learning the secrets of Coimbra from João, then we were most appreciative of his knowledge when we struck out on our own. Thank you, João for a wonderful memory of Coimbra! Wow João

Georgia

5 February 2025

Joao was a terrific guide and very informative. We had ventured out on our own the day before but we experienced so much more on our tour with Joao. We also took him up on his recommendations for dining and Fado, both of which were excellent. Highly recommend! Excellent Tour of Coimbra

Kathie 🇺🇸 United States

10 November 2024

Jaoa is extremely knowledgeable about Coimbra and enjoyed sharing its stories and sights with us. We let him know at the last minute that we would be 30 minutes late and he was very flexible and gracious. Would highly recommend himJaoa is very knowledgeable and flexible

Christine🇺🇸 United States

1 October 2024

We had a lovely 2 hours with João. We learned a lot about the history of Portugal and Coimbra. He went to University there so was able to give his perspective too. Coimbra

Karen🇺🇸 United States

30 September 2024

We took the Highlights and Hidden Gems tour in Coimbra with João yesterday. He was extremely knowledgeable, spoke perfect English, and was able to answer every question we threw at him - including many that were far afield from the sights of Coimbra. We chose João because we are a group of senior Jews, and we noticed that he also had a tour of Jewish Coimbra. When we asked him to show us a few places of Jewish interest, he cheerfully modified our tour according to our interests. He also checked frequently to make sure we were feeling up to another three flights of steps before proceeding (note to those new to Portugal - expect hills *everywhere*.) I can’t speak highly enough about both João and the tour itself. Highly recommended!A++++ Exceptional tour with João

Irvin🇺🇸 United States

16 September 2024

We had a delightful tour with João in Coimbra. He was indeed a local, having spent his entire life in the city, and his family has lived there for generations. He arrived promptly for the six-hour walking tour (we requested the longer tour) with a big smile and speaking perfect English. Since we knew little about the city other than from our guidebook, he was eager to share the history, lore and unique customs of this ancient university town. We asked many questions, and he answered them flawlessly. He was sensitive to the pacing of the tour, following our lead in terms of taking photos, bathroom breaks, and providing good cheer during climbs of the town’s steep cobblestone streets (mostly downhill!). He also selected a good place for lunch. A small side note: He mentioned in passing that he sometimes gave Jewish tours of the city. The Jewish population is long gone, and almost no vestiges remain since the Jews of Portugal were either expelled or murdered in the Inquisition centuries ago. We told him that we were Jewish, and he responded in a respectful and sensitive manner, which we deeply appreciated, particularly now. We recommend João without hesitation. Fascinating history from a true local!

Roz🇦🇺 Australia

11 September 2024

We had a wonderful 2 hours with John walking the streets of Coimbra. Very informative and easy to listen to.Great guide John

Christy

21 August 2024

Seeing the university was incredible. It was a great way to learn about the city and places we wanted to explore. He was incredibly knowledgeable. Great introduction to Coimbra

Anne🇧🇪 Belgium

26 July 2024

João is a great guide. Reacting very fast to our last minute request. Very knowledgeable and nice storytelling! Perfect Quick Start

ALISHA🇺🇸 United States

18 July 2024

Highly recommend Joao. He was very friendly and knowledgeable as well as easy to work with. We enjoyed all that he had to share about Coimbra and the University. We had originally tried to book with Tiago who did not respond until several weeks after the inquiry with a decline the day before the tour date. Joao was empathic with my frustration and reassuring to make it a positive experience. Great experience

Marina

13 July 2024

We had a fantastic three-hour tour of Coimbra with João! The tour was well tailored so that we could see the main sights. We've learned a lot about Coimbra and fell in love with this beautiful city! João is very knowledgeable and easy to communicate with. Highly recommend him!Tour in Coimbra with João