Guimarães, Portugal: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2025

Guimarães offers several appealing areas to stay, each with its own character and advantages depending on the type of trip you’re planning. The Historic Centre is the most atmospheric choice, placing you among narrow lanes, lively plazas, and beautifully preserved medieval architecture. It’s ideal for travellers who want to be close to cafés, restaurants, and major landmarks. Here, you’ll find charming boutique options such as Hotel da Oliveira and the refined Pousada Mosteiro de Guimarães, which sits just above the old town in a converted monastery with peaceful views.

A short stroll from the centre, the Costa e Silva and Toural areas provide a slightly quieter environment while still keeping you within easy reach of the main sights. These neighbourhoods offer a mix of modern amenities and traditional architecture, giving you a balanced base for exploring both the historic core and newer parts of Guimarães. Hotels here often appeal to travellers seeking comfort and convenience without the higher foot traffic of the old town. Good options include Hotel do Paço and EMAJ Boutique Hotel, both well placed for walking into the centre.

For visitors looking for more space, greenery, or a relaxed environment, the areas surrounding Penha Hill and the southern outskirts of Guimarães make great alternatives. These neighbourhoods offer a peaceful atmosphere, wider roads, and easy access to the cable car leading up to Penha’s scenic viewpoints. They suit travellers who plan to explore the countryside as well as the city. While accommodation is more spread out, you’ll find welcoming properties that blend modern comfort with natural surroundings, giving you a break from urban bustle while keeping Guimarães only minutes away.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Guimarães. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Visiting Guimarães in Spring (Best)

Spring is one of the most enjoyable times to visit Guimarães, with comfortable temperatures, blossoming gardens, and a fresh, lively feel in the Minho region. Outdoor cafés return to full life, the historic centre becomes especially pleasant for relaxed wandering, and the nearby hills start to glow with vibrant greenery. This season is ideal for exploring both the town and surrounding countryside without the heat or crowds of summer.

Visiting Guimarães in Summer

Summer brings warm weather and a lively cultural atmosphere, making it an appealing time for travellers who enjoy energy and events. The highlight is the Medieval Fair of Guimarães, a colourful festival that transforms the historic centre with costumed performers, market stalls, parades, and reenactments. Evenings are long and lively, with outdoor dining and music spilling through the historic streets. Just bear in mind that it can be busy, especially during peak festival days and weekends.

Visiting Guimarães in Autumn

Autumn offers mild weather, fewer visitors, and beautiful seasonal colours throughout the Minho region. It’s an excellent time for scenic walks to places like Penha Hill, where the changing foliage adds a warm glow to the landscape. Cultural events and exhibitions continue through the season, and the town’s relaxed rhythm makes it easy to explore museums, plazas, and viewpoints at a comfortable pace.

Visiting Guimarães in Winter

Winter in Guimarães is cool and often rainy, but the city retains its charm thanks to atmospheric streets, cosy cafés, and festive decorations in December. This quieter season suits travellers who prefer a calm, reflective visit and don’t mind occasional showers. Museums and historic sites remain open, and the softer light gives the granite buildings and squares a particularly evocative feel.

Getting to Guimarães by Air

Nearest airports

The closest major airport to Guimarães is Porto Airport (Francisco Sá Carneiro), located around 50 km to the south. It is one of Portugal's busiest international airports, with frequent connections across Europe and several long-haul routes. From the airport, travellers can continue to Guimarães by metro to Porto Campanhã or São Bento, followed by a direct train or bus.

Airport to city connections

Buses also run between Porto Airport and Guimarães, offering a direct and convenient link without needing to transfer in Porto city. Taxis and ride-hailing services are readily available, and private transfers operate regularly for travellers seeking a quicker or more comfortable option.
For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Guimarães on Booking.com.

Getting to Guimarães by Train

Rail connections and frequency

Guimarães is served by a direct railway line from Porto, with trains running frequently from both Campanhã and São Bento stations. These services are part of a well-used regional route, making the journey smooth and reliable throughout the day. The line is not a major national corridor but offers efficient access to the city from northern Portugal.

Train stations in Guimarães

All trains arrive at Guimarães Station, located a short walk from the historic centre. The station is modern, easy to navigate, and well integrated with local bus routes and pedestrian paths, making onward travel straightforward.
Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Getting to Guimarães by Car

Driving routes and access

Guimarães is easily reached by car, with the A7 and A11 providing fast, direct access from Porto, Braga, and other parts of northern Portugal. Roads are generally well maintained, and the journey offers pleasant views of the Minho region. Parking is available both on the edges of the historic centre and in designated garages within the town.

Things to know when driving

Traffic is usually manageable, though the medieval streets within the centre are narrow and often pedestrian-only, so it’s best to park outside the historic core. Signposting throughout the region is clear, and major routes are straightforward to follow.
If you are looking to rent a car in Portugal I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Travelling Around Guimarães

Guimarães is compact, and most visitors explore on foot, especially within the UNESCO-listed historic centre. Local buses connect neighbourhoods and nearby attractions, while taxis and ride-hailing services offer an easy alternative for reaching places such as Penha Hill or surrounding towns. The cable car to Penha provides a scenic and practical way to access the hilltop viewpoints.