Free walking tours in Guimarães and what to see

Must-sees

Guimarães is considered the cradle of Portugal: according to tradition, the first king, Afonso Henriques, was born here, and one of its walls reads «Aqui nasceu Portugal» («Portugal was born here»). Its historic centre, a World Heritage Site, is one of the best-preserved medieval ensembles in the country, with granite streets, wooden balconies and squares such as Santiago and Largo da Oliveira.

At the top of the sacred hill are the castle, with its keep, the small Romanesque Church of São Miguel and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, with brick-chimneyed roofs and rooms hung with tapestries. A cable car goes up to Monte da Penha, with a sanctuary and views over the whole region.

Free tours and guided visits

The Guimarães free walking tour covers the historic centre and explains the birth of Portugal and medieval life in the town. The old town is compact and the walk is relaxed.

Among the paid visits there are guided tours of the town and its castle, tours with tickets and vinho verde tastings, and private trips. Many day trips from Porto combine Guimarães and Braga on the same day.

How long to spend

One day is enough for the historic centre, the castle and the Palace of the Dukes, with time to take the cable car up to Penha. If you sleep here, evenings in the old town's squares are very pleasant. Braga is half an hour away and Porto an hour by train or car.

Where to stay

It is best to sleep inside or next to the historic centre, where there are hotels in manor houses and a former convent. Everything is on foot and at night the squares have a calm atmosphere. Outside the old town, towards the station and the newer avenues, hotels are more modern and parking is easier; on Penha there are places to stay among the woods.