Starting at the Guimarães Castle

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Entry to the castle grounds is completely free for all visitors to enjoy today. However, climbing the high central keep costs around five euros for adults right now. The castle opens daily from ten in the morning until six in the evening always. You should arrive early to avoid the large midday tourist crowds during the summer.

Check out the Guimarães Castle walking routes for detailed paths around the entire palace grounds. These trails connect the ancient castle to the Palace of the Dukes very quickly now. The walk is quite short but it can be very steep for some people. Wear comfortable walking shoes for these old granite stones during your 2026 visit today.

Walking Down Rua de Santa Maria

Rua de Santa Maria is definitely the oldest street in this entire historic city. It connects the upper town area to the beautiful lower plazas very directly now. This narrow path is filled with charming balconies and traditional stone houses today always. You will truly feel like you stepped back in time while walking here now.

Look for the ancient Convent of Santa Clara during your walk down the street. It now serves as the official Guimarães City Hall for the local government today. The architecture showcases beautiful Baroque and Gothic styles that are very impressive to see. Take many photos of the intricate stone carvings found on the exterior walls right now.

This street is perfect for a medieval street walking tour in Guimarães Portugal during your 2026 trip. You will pass many small shops selling local crafts and traditional souvenirs for your family. Stop for a delicious traditional pastry at a local bakery along the way today. The scent of fresh bread fills the narrow air and smells wonderful for everyone.

Relaxing in Largo da Oliveira

Largo da Oliveira is the vibrant heart of the city for all local residents. It is named after a legendary olive tree that stood here many years ago. This square is surrounded by historic townhouses and beautiful old buildings for everyone now. It is the perfect spot for a relaxing break during your long afternoon walk.

The Padrão do Salado stands proudly in the center of the main square today. This Gothic shrine commemorates a famous fourteenth-century battle between the local and foreign armies. It is a truly unique piece of outdoor architecture for you to admire now. Tourists often gather here to take group photos under the ancient stone arches always.

Follow the walking route through Largo da Oliveira Guimarães to see every important historic detail. Visit the Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira which is located very close by. Its tall bell tower dominates the local skyline and can be seen from afar. The interior is very peaceful and stays cool even during the hot summer months.

Exploring Praça de Santiago

Praça de Santiago is located right next to the famous Oliveira square today always. It once served as a busy marketplace for pilgrims traveling through the northern region. Today, it hosts many lively restaurants and popular bars for tourists and locals alike. The square keeps its authentic medieval character and charm throughout the entire year now.

The buildings here feature traditional timber-framed walls that are very famous in this region. These ancient structures are quite rare in modern Portugal and are well preserved now. They provide a fascinating glimpse into the ancient building methods used many centuries ago. Each historic house has a unique story to tell those who look closely today.

Having dinner in this square is a truly great experience for every hungry traveler. Local restaurants serve hearty dishes like roasted kid and traditional Portuguese kale soup today. You should try the local green wine which is very famous in this region. It is very refreshing and pairs well with fresh fish or local cheese plates.

Walking Along the City Walls

The old city walls tell a defensive story of the ancient Portuguese kingdom now. Look for the famous sign that says Portugal was born in this specific place. This translates to the famous phrase which every local person knows very well today. It is a must-see landmark for every single visitor exploring the city in 2026.

Walking these ancient paths is very easy for most people during their visit today. The ground is mostly flat in this section of the old town area now. You can see the perfect blend of old history and modern life here always. Modern shops sit right next to ancient stone walls from the middle ages now.

Discover the Guimarães city wall paths for the best views of the entire valley. These paths offer a unique perspective of the city and the surrounding green hills. You can see the castle towers from afar while walking along the old stones. The lighting is best during the late afternoon just before the sun starts setting.

Practical Tips for Your Walk

You should wear sturdy walking shoes for the uneven cobblestones in the center now. The stones can become quite slippery when it rains during the winter months here. Most of the historic center is pedestrian-only which makes walking very safe for everyone. This makes your exploration of the city much more enjoyable and relaxing today always.

Carry a reusable water bottle with you while exploring the city streets today always. There are several public fountains with fresh drinking water located in the main squares. Public toilets are available near the main squares for a very small entrance fee. They usually cost fifty cents to use and are kept very clean for visitors.

For a complete plan, use Guimarães self-guided walks to help you navigate the city easily. These digital guides help you manage your time effectively during your busy holiday trip. Most people spend four hours on this tour including lunch and many photo stops. You can easily extend your walk with a long lunch at a local tavern.