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Before you go
Your trip to Guimarães.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Guimarães – Braga Destination Braga and Guimarães about 25 km from Braga
How to get there
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Aeroporto Francisco Sá Carneiro (OPO) Maia · 50 km
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Estação de Guimarães 1 km
Approximate road distances. Check flights and bus schedules before you travel.
From Porto, suburban trains reach Estação de Guimarães in just over an hour, and buses in about 50 minutes. From Porto airport (OPO) to Guimarães is about 50 km. Confirm before booking.
How many days
One day is enough for the historic center, the castle, the Paço dos Duques and the Penha.
When to go
From April to October. The Festas Gualterianas, in early August, fill the city. Winter is cold and rainy.
The seasons shown are the most usual ones; nature doesn't always follow the calendar.
Do you need a car?
No. The historic center is explored on foot, and the station is about 1 km away. To reach the Penha: cable car, car or taxi.
Suggested itinerary
An order that works
Built with the places on this page. No rush: it's paced so you have time to see them.
One day in Guimarães
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Morning
Castelo and Paço dos Duques
Start with the Castelo de Guimarães and the Paço dos Duques de Bragança, side by side.
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Afternoon
Historic centre
Walk down Rua de Santa Maria to Largo da Oliveira and Praça de Santiago.
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Late afternoon
Penha
Go up to the Montanha da Penha to see the city from above.
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Evening
Dinner in the squares
Dine on a terrace at Largo da Oliveira or Praça de Santiago.
Check before you go. Opening hours and days change, and places may close for renovations, holidays or events. This itinerary is a suggestion from Cidade Turismo, not a commitment: plan yours by checking directly with each place you intend to visit.
Before you go
Frequently asked questions
Why is Guimarães considered the birthplace of Portugal?
Because D. Afonso Henriques, the first king, lived there, and nearby, in 1128, the Battle of São Mamede paved the way to independence.
Where is 'Aqui nasceu Portugal' written?
On an old tower of the city wall, at Largo do Toural, in the center.
What is the distance between Guimarães and Braga?
About 25 km.
Is the historic center a World Heritage Site?
Yes, since 2001.