Guimarães Day Trip: A Perfect 1-Day Itinerary

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Planning a Guimarães day trip from Porto? You’re in the right place. Only 45 minutes away from Porto by car, Guimarães is the perfect way to spend a day trip!

After spending a long weekend here, I realized the best highlights can easily be explored in a day—especially if you’re traveling without kids (with their self-proclaimed tiny legs!). 😅

In this guide, I’ll show you how to make the most of your Guimarães day trip. From the historic castle to the serene Penha Park, we give practical tips to help your visit go smoothly. Let’s dive into the best of Guimarães.

Morning: Explore the Historic Center

A stone-paved courtyard with empty tables and chairs faces a historic stone church with Gothic architecture under a sunset sky.

Start with Largo da Oliveira

Begin your day in the heart of Guimarães’ historic center at Largo da Oliveira, a charming square that offers a glimpse into the city’s medieval past. Don’t miss the Padrão do Salado, a Gothic monument that’s one of the most iconic sights in the area.

Visit Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira

Just steps away, you’ll find Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, a church steeped in history and an important symbol of Portugal’s founding.

A tall, stone castle tower with crenellations stands under a clear blue sky, adjacent to a rocky hillside and surrounded by grass.

Head to Guimarães Castle

Make your way to Castelo de Guimarães, where Portugal’s first king, Afonso I, was born. This castle is a must-see, offering panoramic views and a deep dive into the country’s history.

A woman stands in the courtyard of a historic stone building featuring arched doorways and multiple tall chimneys, under a clear blue sky.

Tour the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza

Just a short walk from the castle is the Paço dos Duques de Bragança. Wander through this grand palace and admire its stunning architecture and exhibits on the noble Braganza family.

Visit Igreja de São Miguel

On your way out of the castle area, stop by Igreja de São Miguel. This is a small but historically significant church that adds to the medieval atmosphere of the town. Despite its modest size, this unassuming Romanesque chapel holds great importance in Portuguese history. Legend has it that Afonso I, the first King of Portugal, was baptized here, making it a symbolic site for the nation’s foundation.

A narrow cobblestone street flanked by white buildings with balconies. The buildings form an archway overhead, leading to a distant point. It appears to be a quiet, historic European street.

Stroll down Rua de Santa Maria

Take a leisurely walk along Rua de Santa Maria, the oldest street in Guimarães, lined with beautiful old buildings and quaint shops.

Outdoor café with tables and chairs arranged on a cobblestone plaza under white umbrellas, surrounded by multi-story buildings on a sunny day.

Lunch at Praça de São Tiago

End your morning at Praça de São Tiago for a well-deserved break. This square has several excellent options for lunch, where you can sample local dishes and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

We ate at Restaurante Virtudes and enjoyed our traditional Portuguese meal. We loved sitting and people-watching in the square.

Or voting on the best ice cream spot in Guimarães. 😅

Afternoon: Exploring Penha Mountain

A historical church with twin spires under a blue sky, viewed from across a crosswalk. Several people are near the entrance, and trees and outdoor seating are visible on the right.

Stop at Igreja e Oratórios de Nossa Senhora da Consolação e Santos Passos

On your way to the Penha Cable Car, make a quick stop at the Igreja e Oratórios de Nossa Senhora da Consolação e Santos Passos, located at Lago da República do Brasil. This beautiful church has a baroque facade and a serene garden. It is a peaceful spot for a brief visit and some photos before heading up the mountain.

View from inside a cable car, showing another cable car ahead, trees below, and a cityscape in the background under a clear blue sky.

Ride the Teleférico de Guimarães

After your stop, hop on the Teleférico de Guimarães for a scenic ride up to Serra da Penha. The cable car ride offers stunning views of the city and the lush green surroundings.

Fun fact: The Teleférico de Guimarães is considered to be the first cable car in Portugal!

A child stands on a stone pathway surrounded by large rocks and trees, smiling and pointing upwards with one arm.

Explore Penha Park

Take some time to explore Penha Park, with its unique rock formations, quiet walking paths, and tranquil natural setting. It’s the perfect way to relax and enjoy the afternoon.

A family of four, including two young children, poses and smiles in front of a stone church with large steps and a cross at the top.

Visit the Sanctuary of Penha

At the top, visit the Santuário da Penha, a peaceful sanctuary known for its architecture and panoramic views.

Wide-angle view of an old stone structure with rectangular pits in front of historic buildings under a clear blue sky. — The old tanneries in Guimarães

Other Places to Consider If You Have Extra Time

Alberto Sampaio Museum: If it’s reopened during your visit, this museum is worth exploring for its fascinating collection of religious art and artifacts. It’s located in the heart of the historic center and offers a deeper dive into Guimarães’ cultural heritage.
Igreja de São Francisco: Architecture lovers will appreciate a quick visit to Igreja de São Francisco. This beautiful church blends Gothic and Baroque styles, with intricate interiors that showcase centuries of craftsmanship.
Old Tanneries: For a glimpse into Guimarães’ industrial past, visit the old tanneries. These historic sites show how leather production played a role in the city’s economy and provide a unique contrast to the medieval landmarks.
Shopping and Souvenirs: End your day by picking up some local crafts as souvenirs. From pottery to textiles, Guimarães offers a variety of handmade items that reflect its artistic traditions and make for great keepsakes.

What to Know Before Visiting Guimarães

A bronze statue of a historical figure stands atop a stone pedestal surrounded by trees and foliage, with a set of stone steps leading up to it.

Why Guimarães is a Must-See

Guimarães is often called the birthplace of Portugal, making it worth a visit for history lovers. The city is home to some of the country’s most iconic landmarks, like Guimarães Castle, where the first King of Portugal, Afonso I, was born. Wandering through its medieval streets feels like stepping back in time, offering a glimpse into the country’s origins.

Plus, Guimarães’ city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site!

Narrow, empty cobblestone street lined with old, multi-story buildings featuring balconies and overhanging roofs under a blue sky.

Best Time to Visit Guimarães

You can visit Guimarães any day of the week, but it’s best to avoid Mondays since some attractions, like museums, are closed. To make the most of your visit, plan to arrive no later than 9:00-9:30 AM, so you have plenty of time to explore. The best months to visit are during the spring and fall when the weather is pleasant and the crowds are smaller.

Is a Day Trip Enough to see Guimarães?

Guimarães is one of the nearby day trips you can take from Porto. A day trip gives you ample time to see the key highlights, including the historic center, Guimarães Castle, and Penha Mountain. Start early, wear comfortable shoes, and be prepared for a lot of walking, especially if you explore Penha Mountain.

A man and two children stand on a train platform next to a stationary yellow and gray train at Guimarães station. The platform is covered and other passengers are visible in the background.

How to Get to Guimarães

Guimarães is easily accessible from nearby cities like Porto. And there are several convenient ways to get there.

Train: The train from Porto to Guimarães is a popular choice, offering a comfortable and scenic journey. It’s affordable and takes about an hour and 15 minutes.
Bus: Buses also run regularly from Porto to Guimarães. They are slightly cheaper than the train but can take a bit longer depending on traffic.
Car: Driving is the fastest option, taking around 45 minutes from Porto. It offers flexibility, especially if you plan to explore other towns nearby.

Each mode of transport has its pros and cons, but no matter how you choose to travel, getting to Guimarães is straightforward and convenient. We decided to take the train for our long weekend getaway in Guimarães. It cost less than €20 for our family of 4 for round-trip train tickets from Porto!

For a detailed guide on the best ways to get from Porto to Guimarães, check out this blog post.

A young boy stands on a narrow metal walkway flanked by railings, with trees and stone structures visible in the background. He wears a blue shirt, dark shorts, and tennis shoes.

Make the Most of Your Guimarães Day Trip

A day trip to Guimarães offers a fantastic opportunity to explore Portugal’s past and enjoy its scenic beauty. From visiting Guimarães Castle, where the nation was born, to taking in the panoramic views from Penha Mountain, you’ll have a full day of memorable experiences. Whether you focus on the historic center or spend time in Penha Park, you’ll find plenty to fill your itinerary.

Want to explore even more? Check out my full guide on the best things to do in Guimarães to plan your ideal visit!