Guimarães is perhaps the most underrated city in Portugal. While most people visit Guimaraes on a day trip from Porto, you’re really missing out if you don’t give this historic city in northern Portugal at least a few days on your Portugal itinerary. Often called the cradle of Portugal, this ancient city was the first capital of Portugal. Walking along the cobbled streets, it is easy to understand why it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Each stone tells a story of battles, kingdoms born, and cultures merged.
Guimaraes-The Birthplace Of Portugal
We spent a week in Guimarães and two full days with a guided tour of the old town and the wine region of Vino Verde. We fell in love with this remarkable city and show you why it should be added to your itinerary in Portugal.
Guimaraes, known as Cradle City, is located in the north-west of Portugal, not far from Porto. We flew to Porto, then took a private transfer to the city. However, Guimarães is well served by train. On our return to Porto, we boarded the public train for only a few euros, and we stayed there in less than an hour.
For those arriving by plane, Porto’s Francisco Sá Carneiro Airport is the nearest international gateway, located about 50 kilometers away. From the airport, visitors can take a direct train from the São Bento or Campanh stations in Porto.
Another good option is to drive to Guimarães. We rented a car in Portugal, and we loved the flexibility of moving around. Rental cars are cheap in Portugal, and the highways are well maintained and easy to drive.
The best things to do in Guimarães
While Guimarães is often overlooked for Lisbon, the Gulf Valley, or Porto, you will be surprised at the number of things to do in Guimarães. It is the starting point to explore the wine region of Vino Verde. There is a fascinating old town and many bars and restaurants as in the other best-known cities, but it is much less crowded, which makes it one of our favorite places in Portugal. So let’s explore the many reasons to visit Guimarães in Portugal.
Explore the Castle of Guimarães (Castelo de Guimarães)
The Castle of Guimarães (Castelo de Guimarães) is a symbol of Portuguese identity and independence and is designated a National Monument. Guimaraes was the birthplace of the first king of Portugal, King Afonso Henriques, and at the Castle of Guimaraes he held court. It was originally built as a fortress in the 10th century and expanded over time. This fortress is the first place to visit in Guimarães to learn more about the history of the city and admire its well-preserved interior.