Guimarães is fondly regarded by the Portuguese as the birthplace of their country, as it was here that the first king, Afonso Henriques, was born in 1109.

The city is a beautiful mix of medieval buildings and charming Portuguese plazas, which makes for a perfect day trip from Porto

This guide will provide three tourism-focused maps to help you get the most from your time in Guimarães. The first map details the main historic sights of the city, and is ideal if you are planning a day trip. The second map shows sights of the Guimarães region, and will provide ideas for an extended stay in Guimarães (if you have a car). The third map details hotel and accommodation options within Guimarães.
Related articles: Introduction to Guimarães

This interactive map highlights all major tourist attractions that should not be missed during your visit to Guimarães. (Note: Zoom out to view all of the markers for Penha hill.)

Legend: 1) Castelo de Guimarães 2) Paço dos Duques de Bragança 3) Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira 4) Igreja de São Miguel do Castelo 5) Santuário da Penha e Monte da Penha 6) Praça de São Tiago 7) Igreja de São Francisco 8) Convento de Santa Marinha da Costa 9) Igreja do Carmo 10) Padrão do Salado 11) Casa da Memória de Guimarães 12) Igreja dos Santos Passos 13) Antiga Câmara Municipal 14) Câmara Municipal de Guimarães 15) Teleférico da Penha 16) Convento de Santo António dos Capuchos 17) Basílica de São Pedro 18) Aqui Nasceu Portugal 19) Papa Pio IX Viewpoint

 

 

The major sights of Guimarães
Castelo de Guimarães
An imposing 10th-century castle that was the birthplace of Afonso Henriques and later the seat of power of the newly established Portuguese kingdom. The castle was significantly restored in the 1940s but is still one of Portugal's finest examples of medieval military architecture.

Paço dos Duques de Bragança
A grand 15th-century palace was constructed following northern European architectural influences rarely seen in Portugal. Inside, its opulent rooms offer a fascinating glimpse into the lifestyle of medieval Portuguese nobility, complete with period furniture, rare tapestries, and one of Portugal's finest collections of medieval weapons.

Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira
A Gothic church, originally founded in the 10th century by Countess Mumadona Dias, features a beautiful 14th-century shrine and its front square holds the historic Padrão do Salado monument. The church's museum houses one of Portugal's most important religious collections, including the 14th-century silver altarpiece and the legendary olive tree that gave the church its name.

Santuário da Penha e Monte da Penha
Perched atop Penha Mountain at 613 meters above sea level, this striking 20th-century sanctuary combines dramatic granite formations with modernist architecture. Visitors can reach the summit by cable car for panoramic views over Guimarães and the surrounding Minho region, while the surrounding park offers peaceful walking trails between massive granite boulders.

Igreja de São Miguel do Castelo
This small Romanesque chapel, dating from the 12th century, holds profound historical significance as the reported baptism site of Portugal's first king, Afonso Henriques. Its simple stone architecture and original baptismal font make it one of the most authentic medieval religious sites in Portugal.
For a full guide to the sights of Guimarães please see this article – Guimarães sights

Guimarães 's surrounding region boasts a diverse selection of cultural, natural and historical attractions.

From the Iron Age ruins of Citânia de Briteiros to the majestic Basílica de São Torcato, you will find many compelling reasons to explore beyond Guimarães itself. The map also includes river beaches, ideal for the hot summer months and the best wineries of the region. (Note: Zoom in or out to view all markers)

Legend: 1) Santuário Basílica de São Torcato 2) Monastery of Santa Maria de Pombeiro 3) Mosteiro de Santa Marinha da Costa 4) Citânia de Briteiros 5) Castelo de Arnóia 6) Castro de Sabroso 7) Praia Fluvial de Esperança 8) Caldas das Taipas 9) Parque Aquático de Fafe 10) Piscinas Scorpio 11) Aldeia Miniatura de Pedro Lemos
Wine tourism: 12) Quinta da Lixa 13) Quinta de Santa Cristina 14) Casa de Sezim 15) Casa da Tojeira - Vinhos Verdes

Details of each of these sights is given at the end of the guide.

Small group tours are an enjoyable and informative way to discover Guimarães, along with providing a chance to meet fellow travellers. Since the introduction of rating and reviews, the standard of group tours in Portugal has dramatically improved. Now tours are led by enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides, and cater for modern and worldly tourists.
We have worked with GetYourGuide.com for the previous seven years and some of their best tours they offer for Guimarães include:

Although many visit Guimarães as a day trip, the city serves as an excellent base for exploring the region. Beyond its sightseeing appeal, the city offers a wide selection of restaurants, shops, and abundance of Portuguese charm – ideal for a longer stay.

Guimarães offers accommodation to suit every preference, from luxurious hotels to budget-friendly apartments.

The historic Pousada Mosteiro de Guimarães, set in a 12th-century monastery, stands as the city's premier luxury choice, featuring elegant cloisters and a spectacular outdoor pool with views of the city.

The contemporary Hotel da Oliveira, located in the heart of the historic center, charms guests with its boutique atmosphere and excellent restaurant serving regional cuisine. For magnificent views of the castle, the Hotel de Guimarães provides comfortable rooms and a well-equipped spa facility.

In the mid-range category, the Santa Luzia ArtHotel and Hotel Fundador offer reliable comfort and authentic Portuguese hospitality, both within walking distance of the main attractions.

Through our partnership with Booking.com, we provide an up-to-date map of Guimarãe's accommodation options. Simply adjust your dates to view current prices and availability for your intended stay.

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Santuário Basílica de São Torcato
The Santuário Basílica de São Torcato is an magnificent example of neo-Romanesque religious architecture. Construction began in 1825 and took over 150 years to complete, opening in 1974. The basilica is dedicated to Saint Torcato, a 7th-century Christian martyr whose uncorrupted body is preserved in a crystal and silver tomb within the church. The basilica's rose window is particularly noteworthy, measuring 5 metres in diameter.

Monastery of Santa Maria de Pombeiro
The Monastery of Santa Maria de Pombeiro was one of the most influential Benedictine monasteries in the region between the Douro and Minho rivers during the Middle Ages. Founded in 1059, the complex underwent significant modifications in the 17th and 18th centuries, though it retains its original Romanesque structure. The church features a wonderful Romanesque portal with intricate sculptural decoration, including carved capitals depicting biblical scenes and fantastical creatures. Inside the main chapel stand impressive 18th-century baroque altarpieces, while unique painted wooden panels grace the ceiling.

Citânia de Briteiros
The Citânia de Briteiros is an exceptionally well-preserved Iron Age settlement. The site spreads across 24 hectares and was occupied from the 2nd century BC to the 2nd century AD. Across the settlement, 150 circular stone houses form distinct compounds, linked by paved streets in a grid pattern. Three rings of walls and deep ditches make up its defensive system. On site, a reconstructed roundhouse demonstrates ancient living conditions. Nearby, a museum displays archaeological finds including pottery, jewellery and tools, offering glimpses into daily Celtic life.

Mosteiro de Santa Marinha da Costa
The Mosteiro de Santa Marinha da Costa is a historic monastery located on the slopes of Monte da Penha in Guimarães. Originally founded in the 12th century by Augustinian canons, it later became a significant Hieronymite monastery in the 16th century. Notable features include its impressive main staircase, ornate tile panels depicting scenes from the life of São Jerónimo, and a church with elaborate Baroque decoration. In the 20th century, it was carefully restored and converted into a luxury Pousada hotel, becoming one of Portugal's first examples of adapting historic religious buildings for modern hospitality use.

The Castelo de Arnóia
The Castelo de Arnóia is a medieval castle that stands on a granite hilltop offering strategic views over the surrounding valleys. Built around the 13th century during the reign of King Afonso III, it played a significant role in the defense of the region between the Tâmega and Ave rivers. The castle's architecture is typical of Portuguese military construction of the medieval period, featuring a high keep tower and thick granite walls. Though partially in ruins today, it retains its impressive keep, sections of the defensive walls, and remnants of its medieval entrance.

Caldas das Taipas
Caldas das Taipas is a charming spa town 6 kilometres north of Guimarães. The Romans first discovered these therapeutic springs, but the modern spa facilities date from the 19th century. The town centres around its peaceful riverside park and thermal complex, where visitors can still enjoy the healing properties of the mineral-rich waters. The area is popular for its walking trails and traditional restaurants serving regional cuisine.

Praia Fluvial de Esperança
The Praia Fluvial de Esperança is a scenic river beach located near Esperança. Set along the Rio Ave, it offers visitors a natural swimming area in a peaceful riverside setting. The beach features a designated swimming zone, grassy areas for sunbathing, and shade from surrounding trees.

Quinta da Lixa
Quinta da Lixa is a modern winery in Portugal's Vinho Verde region, blending contemporary facilities with traditional winemaking expertise. The estate produces distinctive Vinho Verde wines from local grape varieties like Alvarinho, Trajadura, and Loureiro. Visitors can experience guided winery tours, wine tastings, and vineyard visits to learn about the region's unique viticultural practices. The winery combines both traditional methods and modern wine production techniques, offering guests an authentic glimpse into Vinho Verde winemaking. www.quintadalixa.pt

Quinta de Santa Cristina
The Quinta de Santa Cristina combines an 18th-century manor house with modern winemaking facilities. The estate, operated by Garantia das Quintas, produces acclaimed wines from prime vineyard locations, specializing in whites like their Santa Cristina White and Alvarinho. The hill side property offers views across the Tâmega Valley, and welcomes visitors for tours and tastings. www.garantiadasquintas.com

Aldeia Miniatura de Pedro Lemos
The Aldeia Miniatura de Pedro Lemos is a charming miniature village in Celorico de Basto, Portugal, created by local resident Pedro Lemos who started building it at age 10 using stones, clay, and sticks. Located on a hillside in Agilde, this handcrafted attraction features over 50 miniature buildings including churches, houses, and a castle, all meticulously built to recreate a traditional Portuguese village.