The Best Bars in Coimbra, Portugal

Exuding old-school class, this smart bar is housed within the dreamy Quinta das Lágrimas hotel, which is part of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World portfolio. Following on from the rest of the palatial 18th-century property, this bar has a romantic ambience, with racing-green walls and a dark, wood-panelled bar. The menu includes all the classic cocktails and a fine selection of wine. Don’t leave without trying the sangria at Quinta das Lágrimas.

For a young, fun atmosphere, this bar fits the bill. There’s a great outdoor space, with faux flowers dripping down the walls, a canopied roof and naked light bulbs strung up like fairy lights. There are regular deals on beers, shots and cocktails, with the punchy caipirinhas highly recommended. Come nightfall, the inside bar turns into quite the party spot, with DJs spinning, dancing encouraged and neon lights casting a funky glow.

Work your way through the well-curated selection at this smart little wine-and-tapas bar. There’s a vast selection on show to keep the eyes – and palate – busy. For those who don’t like wine, there are also Portuguese brewed beers on offer. Sip on fine tipples while dipping into the tapas menu, with everything from melt-in-the-mouth tostas to moreish stuffed mushrooms to choose from.

Rack up some extra likes on your Instagram feed with sunset shots from this well-positioned rooftop bar. The Passaporte boasts fine views of Coimbra and the Mondego River beyond. It’s a great spot for a pre-dinner drink – the sangria comes highly recommended. The colonial-style building is another highlight, with the original features intact both inside and out.

From the outside, this bar is unassuming, but it’s worth stepping inside and stopping for a drink, with a great atmosphere bubbling away until the early hours. This venue, which has been welcoming guests for more than 30 years, sits within a glasshouse-like structure, with tropical plants dotted here and there. It prides itself on making one of the best gin and tonics in town, and there’s a great selection of other tipples to pick from, from vodkas and whiskies to Portuguese wines. The service is friendly, too.

You’re guaranteed to make a friend or five at this lively, price-friendly bar on a picturesque, tree-lined square. This bar is a hotspot for students, who stay until the early hours. Things tend to liven up post-10pm, so it’s best to arrive fashionably late if you’re looking to have fun. Beer and shots come in at less than €1 (£0.80), so this friendly spot definitely caters to those on a student budget.

If you’re a fan of Irish pubs, then you’re in luck, as Murphy’s offers everything you would expect from such an institution: from cold pints of Guinness to live music and a friendly welcome. The unusual feature of this Irish bar is that there is a leafy outdoor garden space, which transports you to the country wilds. The interiors are also intriguing, with a mezzanine ceiling and guns framed on the wall.

Oenophiles will feel right at home at this cosy wine bar, which is located close to the Botanical Garden of the University of Coimbra. There is an outdoor terrace and several tables inside, with an impressive selection of bottles lining the walls from floor to ceiling. This place has a particularly cosy atmosphere in the evening, with soft lighting and the chatter of fellow guests softly bubbling away. The cocktails here also get top marks.