Visit Guimarães Castle: The Best Day Trip Guide 2024

When I started looking at things to do near Porto, a visit to Guimarães castle was a no-brainer.

There are few things more fun to visit than castles. I’m always game when there is a massive medieval castle to explore.

This post will cover why you should visit, how to visit, and what you’ll see on your trip.

Guimarães Castle is currently closed for restoration work (early 2024). You can still visit the Ducal Palace and see the outside of the castle.

You could visit Aveiro or Coimbra instead.

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Why You Should Visit Guimarães Castle

The imposing castle was built in the 10th century to protect a monastery. Leaders were afraid of attacks by the Moors and Norse. They wanted to be prepared. The castle underwent several reconstructions and renovations between the 10th and 13th centuries.

In the 12th century, it became the royal residence of the newly-formed Portuguese kingdom. Afonso Henriques, recognized as Portugal’s first official king, was born at Guimarães Castle.

The keep and residences were added when the castle was last remodeled in the 13th century.

In the 14th century, the castle saw 2 sieges. It was encircled and successfully defended twice.

The castle also survived attempts to tear it down and use the stones in other construction projects.

In the 20th century, restoration started. Now we can experience the castle and imagine what life may have been like.

Guimarães Castle is a castle like the ones you picture in movies. I get Monty Python and The Holy Grail vibes. It’s rare to be able to visit a place that has survived time and sieges!

I’ve visited several castles and still loved this one!

UNESCO

The castle and historic center of Guimarães are on Portugal’s UNESCO World Heritage list.

UNESCO lists sites that have significance or influence on a global scale. It takes a special place to be listed as a UNESCO site. I’ve learned UNESCO has a fabulously curated list of places I enjoy visiting. I’ve always learned something at the UNESCO sites I’ve seen.

Getting to Guimarães Castle From Porto

Guimarães is about 30 miles (50 km) northeast of Porto. It is reachable by driving, by train, and by tour.

By Car

If you have a car, driving will increase your flexibility since you don’t have to rely on the train. But, it will be more expensive since the roads are toll roads.

If you want to drive or are on a road trip, note that driving in Porto can be complicated and confusing.
To get to Guimarães from Porto, take the A3 North out of Porto to the A7. Take the Guimarães/S. Torcato exit off of the A7. Public parking is available on the north side of the city near the castle. The drive will take at least 45 minutes.

By Train

If you know me, you know that trains are my favorite way to travel!

The town of Guimarães is connected to Porto’s São Bento station by a direct train. The train runs once an hour, and the ride will take an hour. 

It’s a regional train, so it makes several stops along the way.

The castle is a 20-minute walk from the train station. The walk is pretty and takes you through parts of the historic center. But a bus can also take you from the train station if you want to avoid walking.

The return ticket will be €6.50. It is a Zone 8 ticket if you want to use the machines. I had no issues buying our tickets from the desk a few minutes before the train.

Try to take a train earlier in the day. Make sure to pay attention to the return times. You don’t want to miss your train and have to wait at the station.

By Tour

Tours from Porto include a stop in Braga and a visit to Guimarães. The pro is that you get a tour guide and can see both cities without having to plan.

The tour guide will likely take you through the historic city of Guimarães and the castle. Braga is one of the oldest Christan cities in the world. You’ll tour the city, the cathedral, and the Sanctuary of Bom Jesus do Monte (a UNESCO site). Be sure to note if your tour includes lunch.

Guimarães Castle to Braga

Guimarães is only 15 miles (25 km) away from Braga, so it seems like it would be easy enough to visit both. Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as it looks.

Unless you have a rental car, a group tour is best to see both Guimarães and Braga.

If you do have a car, take the A11 North from Braga. The drive will take about 30 minutes.

The only other option is to take the local bus to the Guimarães bus station if you want a third option. Then, take the 40 bus to Braga. 

I guess you could also consider using a rideshare app to get from Guimarães to Braga.

I’d do the group tour or take two different day trips if you want to see Braga. We skipped Braga because we didn’t have time.

A Visit to Guimarães Castle

Now that you’ve made it to Guimarães let’s talk about how to plan your castle visit.
We’ll cover tickets and what to expect to see on your tour.

Opening hours and Ticket Info.

The castle is open daily from 10:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m., with the last entry at 5:30 p.m.

The site is closed on January 1, Easter Sunday, May 1, and December 25.

The ticket office isn’t at the castle. It’s at the ducal palace. Don’t worry about buying tickets early; go on arrival in the city.

• Castle only – €2
• Castle + Ducal Palace – €6 – This is my recommendation
• Castle + Ducal Palace + Museum – €8.

Guimarães Castle is currently closed for restoration work (early 2024). You can still visit the Ducal Palace and see the outside of the castle.

The Castle

I wish there were an audio guide, or more extensive information, about what you see when visiting the castle. But it’s still worth the visit (maybe that’s a good reason to go with a guide).

The entrance to the castle isn’t over a moat or a drawbridge. Instead, it’s a narrow staircase flanked by 2 massive towers. Take some time to appreciate the contrast as you go in for your visit.

The Residential Ruins

As you enter, you’ll see the ruins of the residential structure. After the palace became the residence of the royal family, renovations of where their home began. Unfortunately, much of this part of the castle is in ruins. If you look closely, you can see the remnants of a couple of chimneys!

Place of Arms

A “place of arms” is an area in a castle where troops could gather. It’s also called a “parade ground.” Think about the space between the walls. The area is a bit small in Guimarães castle, but it’s still impressive. There is a large keep in the middle now.

This is the area where the soldiers would have gathered during the siege.

Castle Wall- The Wall Walk

The walls of the castle are always my favorite part. It feels like a real-life video game set.
Guimarães castle is shaped like a shield.

Take your time walking around the walls. Take in the view from the top and notice the towers along the way. Think about what it may have been like to defend your city from the top of these walls.

Of course, the views of the historic city and the surrounding landscape are beautiful!

The Keep/Watchtower

The keep is the big tower in the middle of the place of arms. It was built to be the castle’s last and most secure defense.

There are no windows but a few slots through which arrows could’ve been fired. There is only one entrance via a bridge connected to the walkways along the walls.

I typically enjoy visiting keeps. This one is set up as a nice museum. At some point, visitors could climb to the castle’s very top. As of April 2022, it isn’t open for safety reasons.

After The Visit to Guimarães Castle

The castle is the biggest draw to the area.

I get it.

It’s just impressive and so imposing.

But, the city around the castle is filled with other sites to explore.

Ducal Palace

The castle was built for defense and isn’t very ornate. I enjoy the contrast between the castle’s muscle and the ducal palace’s beauty.

The palace was built in the 15th century. It’s not as old as the castle but has a history with about as many phases.

You’ll purchase your tickets for the sites in Guimarães at the ducal palace. This makes it very convenient to visit.

Look into the tour itinerary if you’re on the fence. There are 14 rooms to visit, but we’ll go through my favorites.

The Courtyard

As you enter the palace, you’ll come to a courtyard. Seeing all of the arches, you already know this place will be over the top. The entrance to the chapel is on the 2nd level, directly across the courtyard. You’ll be able to tell because the archway is more ornate.

The Armory

This collection of armor and weapons is less extensive than others I’ve seen. It was worth walking through. I always like seeing armories.

Banqueting Hall

The banqueting hall and the banqueting table are impressive!

Channel all of your Daenerys and Rhaenyra Targaryen when you’re in this room.

Chapel

The chapel is partially original, but much of it is a reconstruction of what it would have been like during its prime. The stained glass windows are pretty impressive.

Historic Center – Plaza, Capela de São Nicolau, and Padrão do Salado

In the historic center of Guimarães, you’ll find two plazas joined by a small walkway. These are lined with shops and restaurants. Many of the restaurants have seating out into the plaza. There are some Italian restaurants, but most are traditional Portuguese food.

Celiac friends – This was one place I ordered a basic fish and vegetable meal. Gluten-free wasn’t marked on the menu, but they knew what gluten-free meant!

The Chapel of São Nicolau is a small church that you can visit. The Alberto Sampaio Art Museum is just around the corner too.

In the plaza outside of the chapel, the Padrão do Salado monument looms. It was a tribute created after a war victory.

The day in Guimarães can transport you back in time a bit. If you have the time when visiting Porto, it’s a fun way to spend your time and see something pretty special.

Check out the rest of my Portugal content as you plan your trip!

Another day trip option from Porto: Aveiro