Travel
Accommodation and touristic information
Guimarães
Discover the City of Guimarães
Guimarães is a historic city in the Minho region of northern Portugal, often referred to as the “birthplace of Portugal”. Its beautifully preserved medieval centre and surrounding Couros zone are recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, thanks to their remarkable urban fabric and traditional architecture.
Historic centre (UNESCO World Heritage)
The Historic Centre of Guimarães and Couros Zone is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, noted for its medieval urban layout and the evolution of Portuguese architecture from the 15th to 19th centuries.
Praça de Santiago
The Santiago Square, or São Tiago Square, (Portuguese: Praça de Santiago), is a medieval town square located in the city of Guimarães. It is fully included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Historic Centre of Guimarães.
Largo da Oliveira
Largo da Oliveira is one of the most iconic squares in the historic centre of Guimarães, known for its medieval atmosphere, historic buildings and vibrant public life.
Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Oliveira
Historic church dominating Largo da Oliveira.
Guimarães Castle & Palace of the Dukes of Braganza
Guimarães Castle
A medieval fortress associated with the early formation of Portugal and often linked to the first Portuguese king, Afonso Henriques.
Paço dos Duques de Bragança
The Palace of the Dukes of Braganza is a restored 15th-century palace with impressive rooms, tapestries and exhibitions.
Museums & culture
Guimarães also offers a lively cultural calendar, including events at venues such as the Jordão Theatre and other cultural spaces.
Alberto Sampaio Museum (Museu de Alberto Sampaio)
Located in the former collegiate buildings next to Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, this national museum hosts an important collection of medieval and religious art, in a beautiful cloister setting in the historic centre.
Martins Sarmento Archaeological Museum (Museu Arqueológico Martins Sarmento)
One of Portugal’s oldest archaeological museums, housed partly in the cloister of the former São Domingos convent, with artefacts from Iron Age and Roman settlements such as Citânia de Briteiros.
Monte da Penha
Monte da Penha
The highest point of Guimarães (about 613 m), offering extensive views over the city and surrounding countryside. It is accessible by road or by the cable car from the city. At the top, visitors find the Sanctuary of Nossa Senhora da Penha, walking paths among granite outcrops, viewpoints and picnic areas.
Day Trips and Nearby Attractions
Conference participants who plan to extend their stay will find many interesting places within easy reach of Guimarães. Visitors extending their stay can easily explore several cultural and natural attractions located near Guimarães.
City of Braga
About 25–30 minutes away by car or regional transport, is known as the “spiritual capital” of Portugal and one of the country’s oldest cities. Its highlights include: Braga Cathedral (Sé de Braga) – The oldest cathedral in Portugal and Bom Jesus do Monte Sanctuary – A UNESCO-site famous for its monumental Baroque stairway and hilltop views.
Peneda–Gerês National Park
Around 1–1.5 hours from Guimarães lies Peneda–Gerês National Park, Portugal’s only national park, known for mountains, forests, rivers, waterfalls and traditional villages. Numerous tour operators offer guided day trips from Guimarães, Braga and Porto for hiking and nature experiences.
City of Porto
Portugal’s second-largest city, famous for its riverside Ribeira district and Port wine cellars, is easily visited as a day trip by train or car.
Douro Valley
A UNESCO-listed wine region with terraced vineyards along the Douro River; many organised tours depart from Porto.
Accommodation
Guimarães offers a wide range of accommodation
Guimarães offers a wide range of accommodation, from modern business hotels to historic pousadas, boutique hotels and apartments. Most options are within a short walk or a brief taxi ride from the historic centre and typical conference venues. Special hotel arrangements will be announced in time. A broad selection of other hotels, guesthouses and apartments is available on the usual booking platforms. We recommend booking early, as Guimarães is a popular destination.
Hotels near the historic centre
Historic & special-setting accommodation
Business & conference-style hotels
Reach Guimarães
Discover how to reach Guimarães
Discover how to reach Guimarães from Porto Airport and other major Portuguese cities, with practical information on transport connections, local mobility and nearby destinations. From direct airport buses and train links to taxis, ride-sharing services and walkable historic streets, this section provides everything delegates need to plan their journey and explore the city comfortably during the conference.
Nearest airport
From Porto Airport to Guimarães
Direct airport bus
- Several operators (e.g. Get Bus, Rede Expressos, FlixBus, Citi Express) run direct buses from Porto Airport to Guimarães central bus station: Rome2Rio
- Typical travel time: about 40–50 minutes.
- Buses usually depart multiple times per day; tickets can often be bought online or at the airport.
This is usually the simplest and fastest way for international delegates to reach Guimarães.
Via Porto city center (train)
Alternatively, delegates can travel from Porto Airport to the city centre and then by train to Guimarães:
- Airport → Porto (Campanhã or São Bento): Metro or bus from the airport to Porto’s main rail hubs (Campanhã or São Bento).
- Porto → Guimarães (CP Urbanos do Porto): Direct regional/urban trains connect Porto (São Bento / Campanhã) with Guimarães on the Guimarães Line: CP. Journey time is typically around 1 hour.
By car / Uber / Bolt / taxi
Guimarães is well connected by motorway:
- From Porto: about 45–60 minutes via the A3 and A7 motorways.
- From Braga: about 25–30 minutes via the A11/A7.
Paid parking is available near the historic centre and at most hotels.
Getting around in Guimarães
Guimarães has a compact and very walkable centre. Most hotels, restaurants and historic sites are reachable on foot: VisitGuimaraes
- On foot: The best way to explore the UNESCO historic centre and nearby streets.
- Local buses & taxis: A local bus network connects outlying areas. Taxis and app-based ride services are available and relatively inexpensive for short distances.
- Cable car to Penha (Teleférico de Guimarães): For a panoramic view of the city, delegates can take the cable car from near the centre up to Monte da Penha, the highest point of Guimarães.