If you are craving a European getaway that feels fresh without being expensive or overrun, Guimarães might be the city to put on your 2026 list. This northern Portuguese destination has been popping up in travel chatter lately, including a spot on the BBC’s roundup of top places to visit in 2026, with the Daily Mail also highlighting its appeal. It promises the kind of trip many people say they want right now, with history you can actually feel, streets made for wandering, and prices that still seem pleasantly old school.
Guimarães is often called the birthplace of Portugal, and that nickname is not just clever marketing. Its story is tied to the country’s earliest identity, when this area served as a key political center in the Middle Ages. Even if you are not the type to plan a vacation around a timeline, the city makes that past feel approachable.
A major chapter begins in the 10th century, when Countess Mumadona Dias encouraged growth here by establishing a monastery and a defensive structure that evolved into what we now know as the Castle of Guimarães. The city is also closely linked to Afonso Henriques, traditionally believed to have been born in Guimarães and later recognized as Portugal’s first king. The Battle of São Mamede in 1128 is still treated as a turning point that helped set Portugal on the path toward independence.
Today, the biggest draw is how intact the historic center feels. The old town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and is widely regarded as one of Portugal’s strongest examples of medieval urban planning. Cobblestone lanes, granite details, arches, and compact squares make it easy to explore on foot and hard to stop taking photos.
@postcardsbyyura 📍Guimarães, Portugal This is definitely one of the most stunning towns in Portugal! #guimaraes #guimaraesportugal #portugal #fyp #bucketlistplaces ♬ Je te laisserai de mots – noel.smt
In the heart of the city, the Castle of Guimarães and the Palace of the Dukes of Braganza sit close enough that you can visit both in the same outing without feeling rushed. Churches and lively plazas add to the sense that this is a real working city, not a museum set. For a change of pace, Penha hill rises above Guimarães and offers panoramic views, with the option to go up by cable car if you want an easier climb.
The food is classic Minho, hearty and comforting, with dishes like caldo verde and pork-forward favorites such as rojões à Minhota. Bacalhau shows up in plenty of forms, and you will also find bolinhos de bacalhau for a quick bite. Pair it with vinho verde and finish with a creamy Portuguese tart from a local bakery.
Costs are part of the city’s charm, too. Numbeo figures often quoted for Guimarães put a cappuccino around 1.47 euros, with beer staying comfortably affordable, and many casual meals landing in the 8 to 12 euro range. Even accommodation can be relatively reasonable depending on timing, from hostel beds to mid-range hotels and higher-end stays.
Guimarães also has a forward-looking side, after being named European Green Capital for 2026 and receiving funding to support further sustainability projects. It is a nice reminder that this city is not only proud of where it came from, but also serious about where it is going.
Have you been to Guimarães or would you add it to your 2026 travel plans? Share your thoughts in the comments.
