The Best Hotels in Guimarães, Portugal, for Every Traveller

This hotel sits within rural tranquility a few miles from Guimarães. Immerse yourself in the countryside with walks and bicycle rides (rent your wheels from reception) and return to an outdoor spa with separate swimming pools for adults and children. In the evening, visit the wine bar, which spills out onto a terrace.

Housed in a 12th-century monastery built by Queen Mafalda, this pousada (inn) is enriched with historical references. Attractive rooms have wooden floors (with underfloor heating), topped by rugs and period furniture. The restaurant is located in the old wine cellars with tables under vaulted ceilings and between granite columns. Don’t miss the monkfish with rice, prawns, clams and coriander.

Situated within the city walls, Casa do Juncal has been beautifully restored, preserving 18th-century origins while adding minimalist, white-on-white interiors. The hotel pays homage to the local crafts folk, showcasing furnishings, art, tableware and lighting from the best in the region. A seasonal Italian restaurant in a leafy garden offers memorable flavours, while you should also make time for one of the guided city tours.

Facing the beautiful Catedral Nossa Senhora de Oliveira in one of the most attractive squares in the city, this 20-room hotel brims with charm. Each of the rooms and suites come in a muted colour palette and contains a lightbox illuminating Guimarães-related art. The restaurant serves regional dishes and spills out under the stone arcades which flank the square.

Step into this 99-room hotel, located on one of the oldest streets in the city, and you will be met by cosy interiors and a wide selection of modern art. There’s also a spa with an indoor pool, sauna, Turkish bath, jacuzzi and gym. The restaurant offers a mix of international and regional dishes – try caldo verde (Portuguese cabbage soup).

The 17th-century Casa do Ribeiro is still owned by the family who built it. It’s now like a live-in museum, where attractions include gallery-worthy portraits in gilded frames and ornately painted ceilings, while Arraiolos rugs top wooden floors. Spend your afternoons touring the beautifully crafted gardens or central Guimarães, which is around 15 minutes away by car.

Situated in the heart of the Unesco-listed centre, the simply furnished Hotel Toural has 30 spacious rooms and suites with cable TV, minibars and safes. The bar is an excellent place to explore the world of Portuguese wines with a wide selection of local bottles available.

This modern hostel is right in the city centre, offering dorm-style lodgings and family rooms, as well as a studio with a kitchenette. There is a shared kitchen and outside space with tables; a perfect spot to mingle and dine with your fellow guests. The hostel organises activities with an emphasis on nature and adventure, while many of the city sights are an easy stroll away.