2025-06-04
Looking for a place to stay in Guimarães, in the north of Portugal? Then you’ve come to the right place! I know the city well, in fact, I was born in Guimarães and I can assure you that the location of your accommodation greatly influences the experience.
So, in this guide, I share everything you need to know to choose where to stay in Guimarães, from the best areas to hotels for every type of trip.
Of course, I’ll also tell you where I stayed on my last trip and why I’d go back.
Guimarães is one of the most important cities in Portugal’s history. It’s known as the cradle of Portugal, but it has much more than just historical monuments.
The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the museums are interesting, there are restaurants for all tastes and cultural events take place all year round.
And, of course, the hospitality of the Minho people stands out!
But in order to make the most of all this, there’s one essential decision to make: choosing the right place to sleep in Guimarães.
The good news? Guimarães has accommodation to suit all tastes, such as boutique hotels in old buildings, like the one I stayed in, and modern accommodation alternatives with excellent value for money.
So read on to find out how to choose where to stay in Guimarães, including practical tips, recommended areas and answers to the most common questions.
Quick tips for choosing where to stay in Guimarães
- Prefer to stay close to everything? The historic center is ideal for exploring the city on foot.
- Do you like quieter areas? Consider the residential neighborhoods just a few minutes from the center.
- Are you going by car? Check if the hotel has free or discounted parking.
- Are you planning to visit Braga, Gerês or Porto? Then choose a hotel near the train station.
- Are you going on business or to an event? The University of Minho area could be convenient.
✔️Tested and approved: If you want to get straight to the point, I stayed at The Grove Houses and I recommend it!
Hotels and best places to stay in Guimarães
As I mentioned before, Guimarães has accommodation in various styles and locations, such as TThe Grove Houses, in Penha, where I stayed the last time I visited the city, and which I recommend:
Historic center – charm, history and everything on the doorstep
Staying in the heart of the historic center is the right choice for those who want to feel the authentic atmosphere of the city. This is where you’ll find narrow cobbled streets, squares with terraces and many tourist attractions just a few steps away.
Suggestions for hotels in the historic center:
- Eurostars Santa Luzia (4 stars) – modern hotel with rooftop pool.
- Hotel da Oliveira (4 stars) – boutique hotel housed in a historic building.
- Casa do Juncal – elegant suites overlooking the center.
Train Station area – easy connection to explore the region
If you plan to use public transportation or visit nearby cities like Braga or Porto, this is a practical area. The train station is about a 10-minute walk from the historic center.
Suggestions for hotels in the Train Station area:
- Hotel Fundador (3 stars) – panoramic views and good access.
- Hotel de Guimarães Business & SPA (4 stars) – from the same group as Hotel Fundador, comfortable and reasonably priced.
- Stay Hotel Guimarães Centro (4 stars) – functional, well priced.
- Hotel ibis Guimarães (2 stars) – economical and comfortable option.
University and Couros – a young and modern environment
The area around the University of Minho and the Couros neighborhood has taken on a new life. It is newer, with modern cafés, student accommodation and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Suggestions in this area:
- Hotel das Taipas (3 stars) – simple, with parking and easy access to the center.
- Hotel Dom João IV (2 stars) – good value for money, close to the station and the university.
Hotels near the Castle – for those who like history and tranquillity
In this area you’ll find Guimarães Castle, the Palace of the Duques of Bragança and several gardens. It’s a quieter area, ideal for those who want to relax without giving up the proximity to the center.
Suggestions near the Castle:
- Pousada Mosteiro de Guimarães (5 stars) – accommodation in a former monastery with stunning gardens.
- Hotel Mestre de Avis (2 stars) – close to the monuments and with a family atmosphere.
Where to stay in Guimarães: Wine Tourism Quintas – wine, landscape and tranquillity
Discovering wine tourism in Guimarães is a good way to get to know the quieter, more rural side of Minho. These farms are surrounded by nature, and have vinho verde tastings available.
As well as visiting the vineyards and wineries, you can relax, go hiking and even sleep in the Minho countryside.
Suggestions for wine tourism estates in Guimarães:
- Quinta Picouto de Cima – family-run estate with vinho verde tastings and accommodation. Tradition and innovation side by side.
- Quinta da Pousada de Fora – for authentic wine experiences, with visits to the vineyards and winery. Ideal for those who like wine and tranquillity.
- Equus Otium – a different kind of farm, where wine tourism meets horses, nature and well-being.
In short, suggestions for a different getaway, between glasses of wine and green landscapes.
Hotels in Guimarães: my experience at The Grove Houses
On my last visit to Guimarães, I stayed at The Grove Houses, located in Penha. Despite being a little far from the city center, it turned out to be an excellent surprise.
This historic accommodation has nine rooms, distributed between the main building and the Gardener’s House, where I stayed.
The entire space has been rebuilt, keeping the original exterior walls, but with a modern and welcoming decor.
The rooms are very comfortable and there is also a shared kitchen, which makes the stay even more practical and enjoyable.
The location is ideal for those who want to explore the Penha area, as it is just a stone’s throw from the Penha Sanctuary and the cable car, two of the city’s iconic attractions.
I was particularly impressed by the attention to detail, the impeccable cleanliness and a breakfast that seemed straight out of a magazine, such was the variety and quality of the products.
On arrival, we were greeted by Dr. Miguel, the hotel’s owner, and had the privilege of a guided tour with Sara Gonçalves, the General Manager.
During the tour, I confess that I was enchanted by the 4-hectare garden, a veritable green haven that is part of the Route of Portugal’s Historic Gardens.
In short, the space is home to 300 different species of trees, all properly identified.
In short, The Grove Houses is a hotel in Guimarães that I highly recommend, especially to those looking for independence, comfort and a peaceful environment, surrounded by nature and history.
Accommodation in Guimarães
In addition to traditional hotels, Guimarães has many guesthouses, tourist apartments and hostels with a good atmosphere.
So if you’re staying for several days or prefer more privacy, it might be worth opting for an apartment with an equipped kitchen.
Some examples:
- Casa do Retiro – ideal for groups or families.
- GuimaraesLiving – Hostel & Adventure – hostel with activities and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Trovador Guest House – simple rooms, but well located.
Everything you need to know before booking hotels in Guimarães
Where is the best place to stay in Guimarães?
For a first visit, I recommend the historic center, as everything is close at hand. However, if you want a quieter area or a more personal experience, I recommend The Grove Housess.
How much do hotels cost in Guimarães?
Prices vary greatly depending on the season and the type of accommodation:
- Budget hotels: from 40 €/night.
- 3 and 4 star hotels: between 60 € and 100 €/night.
- Boutique or luxury: from 120 €/night.
In high season (summer and events), prices go up, so I recommend booking in advance.
How many days do I need to visit Guimarães?
Two or three nights are enough to get to know the city’s main sights in peace. But if you want to visit museums or include walks in Penha in your itinerary, five nights is ideal.
Is Guimarães a safe city?
Yes, Guimarães is safe to walk around during the day and at night. However, as in any city, you should keep an eye on your personal belongings, especially in tourist areas.
I hope you find the ideal hotel for your stay in Guimarães after reading this guide. Have a good trip and enjoy this city full of history and authenticity!
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We travel as a family, focusing on authentic experiences, sustainable choices, and that extra touch of comfort that makes all the difference. At passaportenobolso.com, we share travel tips and practical information about destinations in Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. I’ve visited over 40 countries—and I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. Every now and then, I also travel solo… Follow along on YouTube / Instagram / Facebook / TikTok / X / Pinterest.
