Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Coimbra

Accommodation

$12-30 per night

Dormitory beds in hostels, basic guesthouses, or budget hotels with shared facilities

Food & Dining

$15-35 per day

Local cafés, student hangouts, markets, self-catering, and traditional Portuguese tascas

Transportation

$3-12 per day

Public buses, walking, occasional regional trains for day trips

Activities

$5-20 per day

Free university campus tours, self-guided walking, occasional museum entries, free cultural sites

Eat lunch at student-frequented areas near the university for typically 40-60% less than tourist zones

Use the public bus system instead of taxis for 70-85% savings on transportation costs

Visit museums on free admission days or buy combination tickets for 20-30% savings

Shop at local markets like Mercado Municipal for groceries and snacks at 50-70% less than convenience stores

Book accommodation outside peak academic periods when student housing creates competition

Take advantage of free university campus tours instead of paid guided tours

Drink coffee standing at the Montenegro like locals rather than sitting for table service to save 30-50%

Eating only in the historic center tourist areas typically costs 100-150% more than local neighborhoods

Taking taxis for short distances instead of walking in this compact city wastes 300-500% more money

Booking last-minute accommodation during university events or graduation periods when prices surge 200-400%

Buying drinks and snacks at tourist attractions instead of local shops typically costs 150-200% more