A wall in Guimarães reads Aqui nasceu Portugal, “Portugal was born here”. Afonso Henriques, the first king, is closely tied to the town, and the Battle of São Mamede fought nearby in 1128 is often seen as a founding moment of the nation.
The historic centre, on the UNESCO list since 2001, is one of the best preserved in the country. At the top stand the 10th-century castle and the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, a 15th-century palace with a forest of brick chimneys. Below, the arcaded Largo da Oliveira and Praça de Santiago fill with tables at dusk.
Top things to do: Guimarães
Walk up to the castle
Walk the battlements for views of the town.
Tour the palace
Large halls with tapestries and period furniture.
Eat on the squares
Largo da Oliveira and Praça de Santiago are at their best in the evening.
Ride up to Penha
A cable car climbs to the wooded hilltop above the town.
How to get to Guimarães
- Guimarães is about 25 km southeast of Braga. Frequent buses take 30 to 40 minutes, and you can also reach it directly by train from Porto.
- Many day tours from Porto combine it with Braga.
Insider tips
- Buy a combined ticket if you plan to visit several monuments, if one is on offer.
- Stay for dinner: the town is magical when the day trippers leave.
- The Iron Age site of Citânia de Briteiros is on the road between Braga and Guimarães, if you have a car.
Best tours for Guimarães
These experiences are the easiest way to see Guimarães:
Small group from €55 From Porto: Braga & Guimarães Historic Day Tour for Up to 8
A compact day in a small vehicle, with the time to walk both historic centres.
- A maximum of eight people
- Braga and Guimarães
- A top-rated guide team
Ticket from €5 Guimarães: Palace of the Dukes of Bragança Entry Ticket
A simple entry ticket to the great palace of Guimarães.
- Entry to the palace
- Medieval halls
- Close to the castle
Food tour from €49 Guimarães Traditional Food Tour
A walking food tour through the old town of Guimarães.
- Traditional tastings
- The historic centre
- Local stories
