Guimarães, about 50 kilometres north-east of Porto, is the town where Portugal's birth is traditionally placed: the castle and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza overlook a medieval centre listed by UNESCO. The train from Porto takes about 1h10 to 1h20, which makes it one of the easiest day trips. The castle and palace open daily from 10am to 6pm (last entry 5:30pm); the combined ticket costs €8. Allow a full day with the old town, its squares and its pedestrian lanes.
Highlights
Guimarães Castle
A 10th-century fortress reworked in the Middle Ages, linked to Afonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal, said to have been born in the region. Entry is €5; the keep is closed to the public. The ramparts can be walked in about thirty minutes and give a view over the town.
The Palace of the Dukes of Braganza
A 15th-century palace in Burgundian style, with tall brick chimneys, housing furnished rooms, tapestries and collections. Entry is €5; renovation works close some areas and the lift may be out of service.
The historic centre
Largo da Oliveira, Santiago Square and the neighbouring lanes form one of the best-preserved medieval centres in the country; nothing there charges admission, and the terraces are pleasant at lunchtime.
Opening hours and prices
Palace, castle and São Miguel church: daily 10am-6pm, last entry 5:30pm. Adult ticket €5 for the Palace, €5 for the castle, €8 for the Palace + castle circuit, €13 with the Alberto Sampaio Museum. 50% off for ages 65 and over, 13 to 24 and families; free for under-12s accompanied by an adult. Closed on 1 January, Easter Sunday, 1 May, 24 June and 25 December.
Practical info
Tips
- Prices and hours read on the official Paço dos Duques website in October 2026. The train fare varies by service category: expect about €3.65 one way on the urban line, to be confirmed on the CP website before you go. To plan the rest of your stay, see our guide to Porto in one day and, for another excursion, Braga and Bom Jesus.
How to get there
Guimarães line train from Porto São Bento or Campanhã, about 1h10 to 1h20; the station is a 15-minute walk from the historic centre. The Palace of the Dukes is at Rua Conde Dom Henrique, 4800-412 Guimarães.
Opening hours
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