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When you think of Portugal, it’s probably places like Lisbon, with its many hills and fado buskers in every corner, and Porto, a world capital of wine straddling a scenic riverfront, that come to mind—and unless you’re well-versed in ‘Europe’, you’re probably thinking they’re bang for your buck, too.
Portugal has always been referred as the cheapest country in Western Europe, where you could eat affordably under $10, and find gorgeous hotels with a view for under $50, but 2015 was 10 years ago.
Have you checked Lisbon prices lately?
Guimarães Is The Birthplace Of Portugal
According to Budget Your Trip, travelers have spent an average $86 per day on meals in Lisbon recently, coupled with $148 nightly on accommodation, while the average daily cost of a vacation in the Portuguese capital stands at $196.
Lucky for the budget-conscious among us who are still dreaming of pastel de nata and tile-clad houses, there is a lesser-known, yet gorgeous medieval city in Portugal where prices are still low, and the weather stays pleasant well into early October.
A picture-perfect city in northern Portugal, known as the ‘birthplace of Portugal’, Guimarães is less than an hour away by train from Porto, and characterized by its intact medieval architecture, absence of tourist crowds, and most importantly, cheaper prices:
Why Visit Guimarães This Fall
If you often associate Europe with old plazas bordered by cozy cafés, fairytale chateaux, and ornate churches with richly decorated interiors, you’re not exactly off mark when it comes to Guimarães’ Historic Center.
In the heart of it, there is an atmospheric square called Largo da Oliveira, dominated by an ancient olive tree (hence the name), and flanked by the medieval Nossa Senhora da Oliveira church.
If you’re curious about the tree, legend has it that an olive tree has stood on this exact spot for over seven centuries. Naturally, the current one isn’t as old, but whether you’re a firm believer in folktale or not, there’s no denying its picturesqueness.
The square is also famous for housing the Padrão do Salado, a Gothic monument with arches enclosing a Norman cross. It was built in commemoration of the Battle of Río Salado, which took place in 1340 between a Christian king of Portugal and Islamic settlers.
Medieval Wonders Galore
There are about half a dozen other medieval squares to check out, like Saint James Square (Praça de Santiago), accessible via the arches of the imposing Old Town Hall, and Largo da República do Brasil, distinguished by its flower gardens and scenic São Gualter church.
However, if you’re hoping to truly grasp the city’s unspoiled Old World charm, you should head next to Santa Maria Street:
A bustling thoroughfare lined with medieval buildings that house modern businesses, like traditional Portuguese restaurants, family-owned shops, and even pottery ateliers, it is the beating heart of Guimarães.
Over at Couros, or The Tanneries, a short walk beyond the medieval core, you will find the city’s former leather-tanning district: back in the Middle Ages, it was Guimarães’ main export, and you can still tour some of the medieval tanning tanks.
Fairytale Castles
Of course, you haven’t been to Guimarães until you’ve ticked off its historic castles. The oldest one, simply called Guimarães Castle, dates back over 1,000 years, and it’s a hilltop fort boasting epic views of the 15th-century townscape at its feet.
It is distinguished for being the birthplace of King Afonso I, born in 1109, who fought for (and succeeded in) establishing Portugal as an independent state.
The second-most noteworthy of Guimarães’ medieval complexes is the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança, a French-inspired château with an arcaded inner courtyard, and virtually unchanged interior with centuries-old furnishings.
Whilst you’re at it, between the castle and palace, you might want to stop by the Romanesque São Miguel do Castelo church. You can never visit too many 13th-century buildings in one trip.
Now, if you’re looking for an epic viewpoint, even higher than Guimarães Castle, make sure you take the local cable car up Penha Hill: not only does it offer tourist-friendly trails and picnic areas overlooking the lush countryside, it is the home of the Art Deco Penha Sanctuary.
Delicious Food At Cheaper Prices
Wondering why you’ve never heard of Guimarães up until this point? That’s because it’s a hidden gem the Portuguese would like to keep a secret (especially after foreigners took cities like Lisbon and Porto by storm).
You will hardly ever come across tour groups or huge waiting lines to go into churches here, and as far as pricing goes, it still feels like Portugal before overtourism took its toll on the local cost of living.
Over at O Prato Cheio, a traditional Portuguese eatery where you can get regional favorites like francesinha and Portuguese-style codfish, a main course and a drink will set you back around $8.25 on average as part of a ‘set meal’.
Adega dos Caquinhos is yet another example of an inexpensive Guimarães dining spot, with daily specials (pratos do dia) ranging from $11–$17 (and these typically include a drink and dessert).
On the pastries and sweets front, rest assured you’ll find the custard-heavy pastel de nata, tigelinhas and pudim de ovos from as cheap as $1.80–$2.50 in any bakery around town. Some of our favorites, you ask? Try Manjar dos Doces and Nova Camir.
When it comes to accommodation, hotel rooms start from $44 on Booking.com for mid-October dates, only going as high as $152 (for 2 adults, at the 4-star Hotel Toural).
On average, budget hotels cost around $53, while mid-range to luxury hotels range from $105 to $179.
How Warm Is Guimarães In The Fall?
Last but certainly not least if you’re still hoping for some good weather in October, Guimarães may experience the occasional rainfall, as customary across much of Europe in the fall, but daytime highs typically settle at around 69,8°F.
Nighttime lows dip to about 51,8°F, so you’re advised to pack accordingly, given the unpredictability of the local weather.
Oh, and speaking of packing, make sure you use our Ultimate Pre-Flight Travel Checklist tool to verify all the travel essentials before taking off (and avoid unpleasant surprises at the airport).
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