Guimarães, Portugal: Things To Do
Welcome to Guimarães! Whether you’re here to explore ancient landmarks, wander hidden trails, or just eat your way through the local pastry scene, this city proves that small places can still pack a punch.
Discover Portugal’s
Historic City
If cities had resumes, Guimarães would have a pretty stacked one. Birthplace of Portugal? Check. UNESCO World Heritage status? Check. Cobbled streets, medieval castles, and a cable car that takes you straight into the clouds? Check, check, and check. But what makes Guimarães special isn’t just its history— This city knows how to blend old and new, making it a perfect weekend getaway from Porto.
Where Is Guimarães, Portugal?
Guimarães is a small but mighty city in northern Portugal, about 55 km from Porto. It’s often called the “birthplace of Portugal” because this is where the first king, Afonso Henriques, set up shop in the 12th century. Walk around long enough, and you’ll see the famous phrase Aqui nasceu Portugal (“Portugal was born here”) etched into the city’s fabric—literally.
DID YOU KNOW: “Portugal Was Born Here” Isn’t Just a Slogan – It’s said that Afonso Henriques declared independence from the Kingdom of León here in the 12th century, making Guimarães Portugal’s first capital.
How to Get to Guimarães from Porto
Getting here is straightforward, and you’ve got a few options:
🚂 By Train – The best mix of convenience and budget. Direct trains run from São Bento and Campanhã stations in Porto every hour or so, and the journey takes about an hour and 15 minutes. Tickets cost around €3.50 one way.
🚌 By Bus – A good alternative if the train schedule doesn’t suit you. Rede Expressos and other local operators offer direct routes, and the trip takes about an hour.
🚙 By Car – If you’re driving, it’s a smooth 45-minute ride via the A7 motorway. Parking in the historic centre can be a pain, so aim for one of the parking lots just outside.
Now, onto the fun part—what to actually do in Guimarães.
Read Next… What To Do In Porto: The Best Things To Do In The City or check out my Ultimate Guide To Matosinhos Beach
The Best Things To Do In Guimarães
If you’ve only got a day (or two), these 5 stops will give you the best mix of history, scenery, and local flavour.
1) Visit Guimarães Castle & Palace of the Dukes of Braganza Museum
Start your day where Portugal itself started—Guimarães Castle. This 10th-century fortress looks straight out of a medieval movie, and if you climb the tower, you’ll get sweeping views of the city. It’s said to be where Afonso Henriques was born, though historians debate that. Either way, it’s an unmissable piece of Portuguese history.
A short walk away, the Palácio dos Duques de Bragança is another must see. Built in the 15th century, this palace-turned-museum is filled with medieval tapestries, grand halls, and a ridiculous number of fireplaces (39, if you’re counting). Even if you’re not a history buff, the sheer grandeur is worth checking out.
Entry Fees: Castle: ~€2 | Palace: ~€5
DID YOU KNOW: Guimarães is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – The historic centre has been a UNESCO site since 2001, thanks to its perfectly preserved medieval architecture.
2) Ride the Penha Cable Car to the Penha Monastery & Explore the Parque Campismo da Penha
If you love a good view, the Teleférico de Guimarães (cable car) is a no-brainer. For €5 round-trip, it takes you up Monte da Penha, where you’ll find the Penha Monastery, rock formations, hidden chapels, and some of the most peaceful trails in the region.
At the Parque Campismo da Penha, you’ll stumble upon labyrinth-like pathways winding through boulders and forested areas. It’s a spot locals love but tourists rarely talk about, which makes it all the better.
3) See the Blue Azulejo Tiles at Capela de São Francisco
Portugal’s love affair with azulejo tiles is no secret, and Guimarães has its fair share of beauties. One of the best is the Capela de São Francisco, with its striking blue-tiled façade that tells religious stories in intricate detail. It’s a quiet, underrated stop—perfect for those who love discovering little architectural gems.
4) Eat a Torta de Guimarães
You can’t visit Guimarães without trying its most famous pastry—the Torta de Guimarães. Imagine a crispy, flaky shell filled with a sweet mix of almonds and squash. It’s simple, local, and absolutely addictive.
Where to try it? Clarinha or Rosa Chá are two great spots known for serving up a solid Torta de Guimarães.
5) Check out Mercado Guimarães
End your day at the Mercado Municipal de Guimarães, the city’s lively market. It’s where locals go for fresh produce, cheeses, meats, and regional specialties. Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, wandering through the stalls gives you a real feel for the city’s daily rhythm.
Guimarães is small but packed with personality. Whether you’re a history nerd, a casual explorer, or just someone who enjoys discovering places that aren’t drowning in tourists, this city delivers.
So, should you make the trip from Porto? 100% yes. Just don’t forget to grab a Torta de Guimarães before you leave!
Written By
Ysabelle is the voice behind Oh My Porto, a blog that peels back the glossy pages of travel brochures to reveal the heartbeat of the city. Through Oh My Porto, Ysabelle shares everything you need to make your time in Portugal unforgettable, from cultural deep dives to travel tips you won’t get anywhere else.