Historic landmarks
Main monuments, best viewpoints, and what’s worth your time in Guimarães.
Private transfers & day trips
Private Transfers in Guimarães, Airport & Day Trips
Private and reliable transfers in Guimarães, airport, hotel, business travel and day trips across Portugal.
Explore the best of Guimarães
Guimarães is in the Porto & North region of Portugal, about 381 km from Lisbon Airport.
Weather
16°CMostly clear
Lisbon time 16:23 • 05 Nov 2026
Nearest airport
OPO49 km
Porto Airport (OPO) · 49 kmRegion
Porto & North
Portugal
Population
156,830
Residents
Overview
Plan your visit: the sights of Guimarães, what to eat and where to stay.
Guimarães travel guide
Guimarães is known as the birthplace of Portugal: the first king, Afonso Henriques, is linked to its castle, and a sign on the old walls proudly says "Aqui nasceu Portugal" (Portugal was born here). Its medieval centre, listed by UNESCO, is one of the best preserved in the country.
What to see
Walk up to the castle and the neighbouring Palace of the Dukes of Braganza, then descend to Largo da Oliveira and Praça de Santiago, framed by granite arcades and wooden balconies. The Alberto Sampaio Museum holds remarkable religious art. Take the cable car up to the Penha hill for views and woodland walks.
What to eat
Try rojões à moda do Minho, pork cooked in white wine, and the city's sweet torta de Guimarães. Vinho Verde is the natural partner.
Nearby
Guimarães is close to Braga, and to the Iron Age hill fort of Citânia de Briteiros.
Getting there
Guimarães is about 50 km from Porto Airport. GoToo drives you door to door at a fixed price per vehicle, and can combine Guimarães and Braga in one day.
Landmarks · Cuisine · Hotels
Hotels & stays
Book the right stay in Guimarães: best areas, smart picks, and options for every budget.
Guimarães Castle
The 10th-century castle on the hill above the old town, a national symbol linked to the founding of Portugal.
Palace of the Dukes of Braganza
A grand fifteenth-century manor house with steep roofs and brick chimneys, restored in the twentieth century as a museum of art and furnishings. Know more → Palace of the Dukes of Braganza
Largo da Oliveira
The medieval heart of Guimarães, framed by granite arcades and timber balconies, with the city's oldest church and a Gothic shrine. Know more → Largo da Oliveira
Alberto Sampaio Museum
A museum of sacred art set around the medieval cloister of the Olive Tree church, holding goldwork, sculpture, and historic royal relics. Know more → Alberto Sampaio Museum
Penha Sanctuary
A hilltop sanctuary and viewpoint above Guimarães, reached by cable car, set among granite boulders, woodland, and panoramic views. Know more → Penha Sanctuary
Rojões à moda do Minho
The signature pork dish of the Minho: cubes of pork marinated in white wine, slow-cooked until golden, and served with regional sides. Know more → Rojões à moda do Minho
Torta de Guimarães
The emblematic pastry of Guimarães: a thin, crisp crescent filled with a sweet paste of squash, egg, and almond. Know more → Torta de Guimarães
Frequently asked questions
It is linked to Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, and to the battle of São Mamede in 1128, a founding moment of the country.
Yes. They are about 25 km apart and make an excellent day trip from Porto.
Rojões à moda do Minho and torta de Guimarães, with Vinho Verde.
GoToo runs private transfers, about 50 km, at a fixed price per vehicle.
Map of Guimarães
Highlights
- Private city-to-city transfers from Guimarães
- Direct route to Porto Airport (55 km)
- Easy connection to Braga (25 km)
- Long-distance journey to Lisbon (350 km)
- Ideal hub for northern Portugal itineraries
Private transfers in Guimarães
- ✓ Fixed price · no surprises
- ✓ Up to 90 min airport waiting included
- ✓ Professional licensed driver
Getting to Guimarães
Guimarães sits about 49 km from Porto Airport, roughly 40 minutes by road. Public transport often means changes and waiting, and may leave you a walk from where you want to be. A private transfer takes you door-to-door, with a fixed price and no connections, from €74 from Porto Airport.
Events in Guimarães
Upcoming festivals, exhibitions and cultural events in Guimarães, with dates and venues. Information is updated regularly from official tourism sources.
Os Quatro e Meia, Tour "Interior" (Guimarães)
Os Quatro e Meia, Tour "Interior" (Guimarães) takes place on 14 November 2026 at Multiusos de Guimarães in Guimarães.
Os Quatro e Meia, the Coimbra-based band known for bringing fresh perspectives to Portuguese music, brings its 'Interior' tour to Guimarães. The tour marks a return to their roots, revisiting the intimate and relaxed format where it all began over 13 years ago. Expect a laid-back show featuring the songs that have defined their career.
Venue: Multiusos de Guimarães · Official website
Tiago Bettencourt (Guimarães)
Tiago Bettencourt (Guimarães) takes place on 11 December 2026 at Igreja da Nossa Senhora da Conceição, Guimarães in Guimarães.
Tiago Bettencourt, one of Portugal's most recognized singer-songwriters, brings an intimate concert spanning over two decades of music to the historic Igreja de Nossa Senhora da Conceição. The show highlights his deep connection to the Portuguese language through a carefully chosen repertoire. The event also has a charitable purpose, with proceeds supporting the restoration of the chapel.
Venue: Igreja da Nossa Senhora da Conceição, Guimarães
Bárbara Tinoco | “Tem lá uma tristeza” (Guimarães)
Bárbara Tinoco | “Tem lá uma tristeza” (Guimarães) takes place on 10 April 2027 at Multiusos de Guimarães in Guimarães.
Bárbara Tinoco brings her acoustic tour 'Tem lá uma tristeza' to Guimarães, performing alongside a string sextet for the first time. Known for her rise through Portuguese music since her 2019 debut single, she has since earned several national music awards. Expect an intimate yet emotionally resonant show at the Multiusos de Guimarães.
Venue: Multiusos de Guimarães · Official website
