A stunning medieval city brimming with attractions has been highlighted as an essential destination for 2026.
Guimarães is, according to a list of the top 20 travel destinations this year, « astonishingly under the radar », considering its rich heritage and how straightforward it is to reach from the UK.
Located merely 65km inland from Porto, the city is regarded as the 12th-century birthplace of Portugal and its original capital. Norman Miller, who featured Guimarães in the BBC ranking, commended its « beautifully preserved medieval core is a tangle of cobbled squares and lanes dotted with grand palaces and terraced restaurants ».
Within this labyrinth, you’ll discover an array of outstanding dining establishments, from Michelin-starred venues to relaxed cafés and artisan beer bars. For those seeking excellent yet budget-friendly dining, O Petisko stands out as one of the most economical lunch spots in the area, with meals beginning at £4, renowned for its daily set menu of soup, main course and a beverage.
The Taberna Trovador is slightly pricier but offers an authentic taverna atmosphere, tapas, and sharing plates in the heart of the city centre.
Regarding notable landmarks, history buffs will appreciate the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, a splendid example of seventeenth-century aristocratic architecture and the ancestral home of the House of Bragança. It has held National Monument status since 1910.
Whether or not the site’s assertion that « Portugal was born » in the Palace holds true, it’s reasonable to say that Guimarães is Rather than being trapped in history, this is a city that looks firmly towards the future. As one of Portugal’s most historic university cities, it pulses with youthful vitality. Nearly half its residents are under 30 years of age.
Significant portions of the urban landscape received a makeover ahead of its 2012 European Capital of Culture designation. The majority of nightlife venues are concentrated around Praça de São Tiago and Largo da Oliveira, situated in the historic quarter’s core.
There’s no shortage of options for evening entertainment, from Púrpura – a lively student haunt – to the Madeira-inspired Poncha cocktail establishment.
The coming year holds particular significance for Guimarães. The city is marking both a quarter-century since receiving UNESCO World Heritage status and its fresh designation as Europe’s Green Capital – acknowledgement of two decades’ worth of sustainability initiatives woven throughout the urban fabric.
Wandering through Guimarães today reveals imaginatively transformed historic structures and rejuvenated waterfront areas. An environmentally-friendly bus network stands ready to transport visitors between destinations.
« It’s a forward-thinking, quietly confident city – and one of Europe’s most compelling surprises for 2026, » the BBC writes.
For those looking to escape Britain’s cold weather for warmer climes, Guimarães offers sunshine alongside pristine air quality. European Commission data shows that 97% of inhabitants benefit from ‘good’ or ‘very good’ air standards.
« Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 for its well-preserved historic centre, Guimarães has since earned several prestigious titles: European Capital of Culture in 2012, European City of Sport in 2013 and the most sustainable muni For three consecutive years, Guimarães has been named the most innovative municipality in Portugal. This is a testament to the city’s pioneering spirit and commitment to progress, despite its relatively small population of 156,830. The city has adopted sustainability as a key part of its local culture. Innovative businesses are increasingly aligning with the city’s eco-friendly policies, creating a new industrial culture and enhancing its innovation ecosystem, » the Commission reported.
Although there are no direct flights from UK airports to Guimarães, budget fares to nearby Porto are available from major travel hubs including London Heathrow, London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol.
Direct coaches operate from Porto Airport to Guimarães, taking approximately 40–50 minutes. Companies such as FlixBus and local services offer regular departures and tickets starting from around €5 (approximately £4–£6).
If you prefer travelling by train, you can take a bus or taxi to the Porto city centre and then catch a train to Guimarães from either São Bento or Campanhã stations in Porto. The train journey from Porto to Guimarães takes about an hour.
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