Joanina Library & Coimbra University | Expert Guide since 2012
Overview
Available languages
1 hour 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
Step into the heart of Portugal’s most prestigious university with VIP access, guided by an official and passionate local expert guide who's also a former student of this centenary institution.
GO! Walks Portugal has been working as certified guides and travel consultants since 2012... and we are proud graduates of the University of Coimbra! We offer an insider’s perspective of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, fully adapting the visit to your pace and interests. No rushed group tours here.
This exclusive experience gives you direct access to the Royal Palace, the stunning St. Michael’s Chapel, and the breathtaking Joanina Library - one of the most beautiful libraries in the world.
More than just facts and dates, we share the legends, student traditions, and hidden stories that bring centuries of Portuguese history to life. Whether you're a curious traveler, a history lover, or simply looking to be amazed, this is your moment to discover Coimbra as few ever do.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Universita Di Coimbra
we will visit the campus and all its monuments, classified as UNESCO World Heritage in 2012
Biblioteca Joanina
we will visit this famous library and you'll learn everything about it!
Options
Joanina Library Tour
What‘s Included
All Fees and Taxes
Coffee and/or Tea
Snacks
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
160 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Short but amazing visit to coimbra
kevinmI4595AD,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I visited this university and found the fascinating. It was very interesting and unique and unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. I wish I had moretime to spend at this place because I did not have the opportunity to enjoy everything I could. I will certainly come back!
Not recommended
Yvonne V,Jun 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
2.00No valuable historic information was shared. We could've done this by ourselves. The tickets for monuments were shared for us to do this ourselves.
Magical place
Carolyn P,Jun 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Sara is a highly experienced tour guide who is passionate about Coimbra. We felt so lucky to have booked a tour to the Joanina Library with her. Magical place.
Entries are timed....
Randal B,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Entries are timed. Library was impressive. I had hoped to see a lecture hall, but we did not. The history was interesting.
Coimbra university
William V,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide was very knowledgeable and personable. She answered our questions expertly about the university and library. We highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in the library, palace, and university.
A must do!
nikkimU2053IM,Jun 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Sara was very personable and clued up on the history, plus she has inside knowledge as she studied at the university. The library is awesome … a must see!
Fascinating Insights from University of Coimbra alumna
kelliw795,May 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and interesting. She shared fascinating details about both the University of Coimbra and the Joanina Library that we couldn't have learned otherwise. We later met up with other travelers who had toured Coimbra but NOT taken a tour such as this, and found ourselves sharing insights from the tour with them. Because we were with a guide, we experienced perks such as being the last of our group to exit the library while hearing a fascinating story about the library ecosystem. I would absolutely take a tour with this guide again--she was fabulous and shared details about Portuguese history and culture that one might only hear from a native and Coimbra graduate.
Eva’s Outstanding Tour
Peggi P,May 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Eva did an outstanding job sharing her love of her Alma mater. The library actually brought tears to my eyes. Such a unique campus. Eva has extensive knowledge of both the university and Portugal in general. She knows all the people who work on the campus and they clearly have respect for her. We moved through the sites efficiently but never felt rushed. Eva had answers to all our questions. I highly recommend her tour
Informative and enjoyable.
104marianner,May 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A delightful and informative guide , Joanina was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the history of the Library and the University, It was very a enjoyable experience.
Knowledgeable guide of the University and Library of Coimbra, it has been a good visit
Marisa N,May 22, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The guide has been very kind and knowledgeable about the city of Coimbra. She has answered all our questions. The visit has been in English and Spanish, lasting 1 hour. The program stated 1.5 hours
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Operated by GO! Walks Portugal