Digital Nomad in Coimbra, Portugal: The full guide

Introduction

Welcome to The Journey Seeker! Find out all about Digital nomad in Coimbra, Portugal!

Why choose Coimbra, Portugal as your digital nomad destination? Well, have you heard the one about the Portuguese man who tried to teach his pet octopus how to play fado music on the ukulele? It was a total calamari disaster.

Atmosphere/Vibes

Orange sand in Coimbra, Portugal.
Photo by Artūras Kokorevas
But seriously, Coimbra is a charming city with a rich history and a vibrant student population. Located in central Portugal, it’s known for its stunning medieval architecture and the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Europe. The city has a lively atmosphere, with a mix of traditional and modern culture. Whether you’re strolling through the narrow streets of the historic center, or sipping a cappuccino at a trendy cafe, you’ll feel the energy of this lively city.

Weather throughout the year

Cliff and a lighthouse in Coimbra, Portugal.
Photo by Artūras Kokorevas
The weather in Coimbra is mild and pleasant throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for digital nomads. In the summer, temperatures range from the low 70s to mid 80s, while in the winter, they hover around the low 50s. Rain is common throughout the year, but it usually doesn’t last long and is interspersed with sunny spells. So pack a rain jacket, but don’t let a little drizzle dampen your spirits!

8 reasons why this is the best place for Digital Nomads

Night is coming to Cabo da Roca in Coimbra, Portugal.
Photo by Artūras Kokorevas
  1. Affordable cost of living: Coimbra is much more affordable than other European cities, with a lower cost of living and lower rent prices. This means you can stretch your budget further and have more money to enjoy the city’s many delights.
  2. Fast internet: Coimbra has fast, reliable internet, making it easy to stay connected and get work done.
  3. Friendly locals: The Portuguese are known for their warm and friendly nature, and Coimbra is no exception. You’ll find the locals to be welcoming and helpful, always ready to lend a hand or offer a suggestion.
  4. Plenty of coworking spaces: Coimbra has a growing number of coworking spaces, offering a place to work and connect with other digital nomads and entrepreneurs.
  5. Abundant natural beauty: Located in the heart of Portugal, Coimbra is surrounded by stunning natural beauty. From the rolling hills of the Serra da Estrela to the sandy beaches of the Atlantic coast, there’s no shortage of breathtaking landscapes to explore.
  6. Rich culture and history: Coimbra is a city with a rich history and culture, with a mix of medieval and modern influences. From its historic university to its vibrant music and arts scene, there’s always something new to discover.
  7. Delicious food: Portuguese cuisine is known for its delicious seafood and hearty stews. Coimbra is no exception, with a range of local specialties and international options to choose from.
  8. Easily accessible: Coimbra is located in central Portugal and is easily accessible by train, bus, or car. It’s also just a short flight from major European cities like Lisbon and Porto.

Top 8 Things to do

Porto during the Day in Coimbra, Portugal.
Photo by Michael Giugliano
  1. Explore the historic center: Coimbra’s historic center is a maze of narrow streets, lined with charming houses and buildings dating back to medieval times. It’s a great place to wander and get lost, discovering hidden squares, churches, and monuments along the way. Don’t miss the Sé Velha (Old Cathedral), a stunning Romanesque cathedral dating back to the 12th century, and the University of Coimbra, one of the oldest universities in Europe.
  2. Visit the botanical garden: The University of Coimbra’s botanical garden is a tranquil oasis in the heart of the city, with a wide variety of plants and flowers from around the world. It’s a great place to relax and take a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
  3. Go wine tasting: Portugal is known for its delicious wine, and Coimbra is no exception. There are several wineries in the region, offering tastings and tours. It’s a great way to learn about local wine and taste some of the best vintages the region has to offer.
  4. Take a trip to the beach: Coimbra may not be on the coast, but it’s just a short drive to the beautiful beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. Take a day trip to one of the nearby beaches, like Figueira da Foz or Costa Nova, and soak up the sun and sea.
  5. Go hiking in the Serra da Estrela: The Serra da Estrela is a mountain range in central Portugal, offering a range of hiking and outdoor activities. Take a day trip to the mountains and enjoy the fresh air and stunning views.
  6. Try traditional Portuguese cuisine: Portuguese cuisine is known for its delicious seafood and hearty stews. Don’t miss the chance to try some local specialties, like caldo verde (kale soup), bacalhau (cod), or francesinha (a sandwich with meat, cheese, and egg).
  7. Experience the nightlife: Coimbra has a lively nightlife, with a range of bars, clubs, and live music venues. Whether you’re into jazz, rock, or electronic music, you’ll find something to suit your tastes.
  8. Shop at the local markets: Coimbra has a range of markets, selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts. It’s a great way to support local businesses and find unique souvenirs.

Conclusion

Cityscape of Porto and Church Tower in Portugal Under White Sky
Photo by Vadym Alyekseyenko
Coimbra may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of digital nomad destinations, but it has a lot to offer. With its affordable cost of living, fast internet, and friendly locals, it’s an ideal place to set up camp and get some work done. And with its rich culture, history, and natural beauty, there’s no shortage of things to do and see in your downtime. So why not give Coimbra a try and see for yourself why it’s one of the best places for digital nomads?


Wanna find out more about Coimbra than just digital nomads? Here is another blog post about the top 14 things to do in Coimbra

Did you like this post? Have a look at our other blog posts about living in Portugal, such as Albufeira, Porto or Lagos.