Hotels in Guimarães | B&B HOTELS, 1 hotel

Guimarães, also known as the cradle of Portugal, is located 50 kilometers east of Porto. It was precisely in this city where the first kingdom of Portugal was established in the 12th century and, for this reason, in 2001 the historic center of Guimarães was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. 

Its location, in the north of the country, makes it an enclave with many possibilities to visit both Portugal, which is less than 26 kilometers from the city of Braga) and Galicia, as it is less than 123 kilometers from the center of Vigo. In this historic city there are many things to discover.

Connected to Porto and the south of Galicia.

Its location is a point in its favor, as it is in the heart of the northern half of Portugal and less than 50 kilometers from Porto. In less than an hour we can be in the popular Portuguese city and in only 25 minutes in another city of great importance as Braga. In addition, it is well connected by road with the south of Galicia making it possible to visit it from Vigo in less than an hour and a half and from Orense in about two hours by car.

Brief history of Guimarães

Guimarães is a historic town in northern Portugal dating back to the 10th century, when it was founded by Count Hermenegildo Mendes. However, it was in the 12th century that Guimarães became the cradle of Portugal, as it was here that the first kingdom of Portugal was established under King Afonso Henriques.

During the 13th and 14th centuries, Guimarães was an important commercial and manufacturing center for linen and wool and the city experienced great economic growth. In the 15th century, Guimarães suffered a period of decline due to the Black Death and the wars that ravaged Portugal.

In 2001, the historic center of Guimarães was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, recognizing its historical and architectural importance as the cradle of Portugal. Today, Guimarães is a tourist and culturally rich city, with an attractive offer of historical monuments, music festivals and cultural events.

What to see in Guimarães?

In addition to the aforementioned historic center declared a World Heritage Site, Guimarães is also known for its castle, one of the most emblematic monuments of the city located on top of a hill. It was built in the 10th century and is considered one of the most important castles in Portugal.

If we travel here we should also visit the popular Oliveira Square, as it is the heart of the old town of Guimarães. Here you will find the church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, the fountain of San Gonzalo and several restaurants and cafes. 

As a green area, the Parque da Cidade stands out. If you want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, this place is ideal, as it is a large urban park that offers a lot of green areas and spaces for walking and sports.

If you are traveling in summer, Guimarães hosts the Manta Music Festival, one of the largest in Portugal, which is organized every summer in the historic center of the city.

What to eat in Guimarães?

The gastronomy of Guimarães is very varied and offers typical dishes from the Minho region and from all over Portugal. The main dishes of the city include Bacalhau à Braga, a codfish cooked with onions, garlic, peppers, tomatoes, potatoes and olives; Cozido à portuguesa, a typical Portuguese stew, which is made with a variety of meats; Tripas à moda do Porto, a dish based on pieces of pork fried in lard with garlic and spices and, of course, the mythical Bolinhos de bacalhau, small fritters made of desalted cod, potatoes and onion, which are fried in hot oil.

Where to stay in Guimarães?

At the new B&B HOTEL Guimarães you will find all the comforts you need to enjoy a few days in the city. You will find air conditioning in the rooms, restaurant service, free parking, bar, wifi and an unbeatable location just a few minutes from the city center. Something that makes it possible from the hotel you can explore the main points of Guimarães.