Coimbra travel tips

Science Museum 
If you find this hard to understand, don't blame me! There is an element of mystery about it. Most information on the web, including Wiki has it that there is now a single museum combining what were separate university museums for the various sciences. The booklet about the meseum in English, available at the TIC, says nothing to refute such an impression. In fact the Museum of Science is opposite to a University Museum of Physics, one of Zoology and one of Geology. Unlike the Science Museum, these have nobody permanently on duty and in the case of Physics somebody has to come from a different building if you want to go in! I forewent this privilege. The Science Museum itself contains two rooms, one on darwin and evolution and the other, a huge hall on Light and Matter. This latter is full of interactive displays and is wel worth a visit. more

Comfort Inn Almedina 
Not particularly exciting but conveniently located for trains, buses and lift to University. Very good breakfast. Very helpful reception staff. more

Calado & Calado 
I enjoyed my meal enough to return next night and have skewered calamar and prawns. I have never tasted better squid. more

Pousada da Juventude 
This is a cheap youth hostel in this historical town, the third by population in Portugal. Bring your sleeping bag. more

Hotel Astoria 
In spite of its name, this hotel is cheap, 3 stars, and located close to the River Mondego and the bus station. more