Coimbra is the picturesque University city of Portugal. The place is famous for its library - it’s said that J.K. Rowling wrote the first pages of Harry Potter there - and the science museum. I visited both and really was impressed. The library is just beautiful (fortunately you’re not allowed to take pictures, so you will have to go there and find out yourself) and the museum is one of the most interesting I have ever seen.
Be prepared, the streets are very steep but due to that you will have beautiful viewpoints that overlook the city and the river. In the Centre are small restaurants (some will seat you outside on the stairs) and shops. When I was there, the nightlife was also busy with Jazz and Fado Concerts (in Restaurants or on the street).
Unfortunately I didn’t have too much time there but I still found some places to grab gluten free and vegan food.
O Burito
This lovely place specialised in vegan Burritos. They do not offer gluten free Burritos but you’ll get the filling with rice, lentils or potatoes on the side which is definitely enough to feel satisfied afterwards.
You can chose between two cold and two hot options - all sounded very good.
I chose the cold one with roasted beetroot hummus, purple cabbage and carrots, wild rocket, a lime and citrine dressing, sunflower seeds and lentils. I also asked for the date chutney since I was very keen to try some as well.
And it was really good - especially the chutney mixed with the vegetables and lentils. Thumbs up!
I definitely recommend going there. While waiting for your food you can play board games or cards (you’ll find some in the carpet) or have a chat with Ana (one of the cooks) when it’s not too busy.
Continente Bom Dia
When you arrive by bus like me you will pass a huge super market on your way to the centre. They offer lots of gluten free, vegan and bio products in general. Perfect if you wanna cook yourself or grab some snacks like this delicious bar for my bus ride:
Places I haven’t tried myself but serve gluten free options as well
Açaí
Very close to the center there is an Açai Bar. Apart from an Açai Bowl (perfect for breakfast or instead of ice cream) they offer salad, a fruit cup and Tapioka Pancakes with a sweet or savoury filling. Might be a good option for an afternoon snack.
Cozinha Consciente
When I asked Ana for other vegan restaurants in Coimbra she highly recommended that one. Like the name reveals (Conscious kitchen) they focus on healthy food - everything organic. She wasn’t quiet sure if they have gluten free options (and unfortunately it was closed the day I spent in Coimbra) but from what Ana told me about I am pretty sure they have.
Cantinho da Sota
Probably the only 100% dedicated gluten free restaurant in the center of Coimbra serving from fish over meat until veggie dishes in form of pizza, pasta or risotto, I highly recommend it for coeliacs. I have not been there to try the food myself so I cannot tell if they have vegan options too.
Also this is more pricey compared to the places I mentioned before but definitely a nice place to go to in the evening for finer dining.