Torre de Anto
Climb historic towers for breathtaking 360° Coimbra views & explore Fado music heritage. A budget-friendly gem!

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for panoramic views
Torre de Anto
Best Time
Best for panoramic views

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Climb historic towers for breathtaking 360° Coimbra views & explore Fado music heritage. A budget-friendly gem!
"Spectacular 360 view from the top of this tower. You won’t find a better view of Coimbra."
📸 Best Photo Spot Hack
Cross the Seine River for a unique perspective and fewer crowds for your photos with the tower.
💰 Inexpensive Admission
Very affordable entry fee, especially if you opt for a multi-museum pass.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Panoramic Coimbra Views
Santa Casa da Misericórdia Tower
Spectacular 360° vistas of Coimbra from the top of this historic tower. Unbeatable photo opportunities!

Fado Music & Coimbra Guitar
Torre de Anto Museum
Discover the history of Fado music and the iconic Coimbra guitar through exhibits and audio guides.
Historic Staircase Ascent
Santa Casa da Misericórdia Tower
Experience the thrill of climbing narrow, steep stairs with solid handrails – an adventure in itself!
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Views
Museum Experience Varies
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Best Photo Spot Hack
Cross the Seine River for a unique perspective and fewer crowds for your photos with the tower.
💰 Inexpensive Admission
Very affordable entry fee, especially if you opt for a multi-museum pass.
🚶♀️ Steep Stairs Ahead!
Be prepared for narrow, steep stairs inside the tower. Solid handrails are provided.
💡 Interactive Exhibits
Some interactive screens may not work or have limited language options. Manage expectations.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Best Photo Spot Hack
Cross the Seine River for a unique perspective and fewer crowds for your photos with the tower.
💰 Inexpensive Admission
Very affordable entry fee, especially if you opt for a multi-museum pass.
🚶♀️ Steep Stairs Ahead!
Be prepared for narrow, steep stairs inside the tower. Solid handrails are provided.
💡 Interactive Exhibits
Some interactive screens may not work or have limited language options. Manage expectations.
🎶 Fado & Guitar Focus
The museum delves into Fado music and the Coimbra guitar's cultural significance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the panoramic views from the Santa Casa da Misericórdia tower to be the standout feature, offering spectacular vistas of Coimbra at a very low cost. While the museum inside Torre de Anto is small and some interactive exhibits may be disappointing, the overall experience of climbing the historic tower and enjoying the scenery is highly recommended.
"Very small museum and no cards accepted. Most of the interactive monitors are defective or only play the text in Porrugiesian. We have rarely been able to take away so little information from a museum and are disappointed. It's a shame really, the location and the building (tower) would have been perfect for it."
Andy & Sandra Schellenberg
"Small fado museum but worth a stop for views and learning a bit about fado music."
Todd Mitchell
"This is actually the tower at Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Coimbra - NOT Torre de Anto but right next to it. Search it out. Spectacular 360 view from the top of this tower. The stairs are an experience - narrow and steep with solid hand railings though. Kids would love it. You won’t find a better view of Coimbra. Very inexpensive admission. Highly recommend!"
Hope Atterbury
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Torre de Anto is located in Coimbra, Portugal. It's often confused with or adjacent to the Santa Casa da Misericórdia tower. You can typically reach it by walking through the historic center of Coimbra. Public transport options like buses are available to get closer to the city center.
The museum itself is within Torre de Anto. However, the main attraction for many is the adjacent Santa Casa da Misericórdia tower, which involves climbing steep, narrow stairs.
Exploring Coimbra's historic center on foot is highly recommended. This allows you to discover hidden gems and enjoy the city's atmosphere. The towers are a central point within this exploration.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to Torre de Anto and the Santa Casa da Misericórdia tower is very inexpensive. You can also purchase a combined ticket for multiple museums in the area for a small additional fee, valid for two weeks.
Given the low cost and the nature of the attraction, advance booking is generally not required. Tickets can usually be purchased on-site.
Opening hours can vary, but it's generally best to visit during daylight hours for the best views from the tower. It's advisable to check the most current opening times closer to your visit.
While specific discounts aren't always advertised, the general admission price is already very low. Consider the multi-museum pass if you plan to visit other attractions in Coimbra.
According to reviews, card payments may not be accepted at Torre de Anto, so it's recommended to have cash on hand for admission.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside Torre de Anto, you'll find a small museum dedicated to Fado music and the Coimbra guitar. The adjacent tower offers incredible panoramic views of the city.
The stairs in the Santa Casa da Misericórdia tower are described as narrow and steep, but they have solid handrails. It's an experience that many find enjoyable, including children.
Reviews suggest that some interactive monitors may be defective or only display text in Portuguese, potentially limiting the experience for English speakers.
You can expect spectacular 360-degree views of Coimbra from the top of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia tower. It's considered one of the best viewpoints in the city.
Yes, an audio guide is available for the museum tour, which includes traditional Fado songs and video footage of Fado players.
📸 📸 Photography
The top of the Santa Casa da Misericórdia tower offers unparalleled panoramic views of Coimbra, making it the prime spot for photography.
For a unique shot with the tower, try crossing the Seine River for a different perspective.Photography rules inside museums can vary. It's best to check for any signage or ask staff upon entry. However, the main photographic draw is the view from the tower.
Yes, the tower is an iconic structure. Experiment with different angles from the surrounding streets. The tip about crossing the river offers a distinct viewpoint.
Daylight hours are essential for capturing the panoramic views. Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) can offer beautiful lighting, but ensure the tower is open during those times.
Drone usage is typically restricted in urban areas and around historical sites. It's advisable to research local drone regulations before attempting to fly one in Coimbra.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the museum inside Torre de Anto might be less engaging for very young children due to its focus on Fado and potentially non-functional interactive displays, the overall experience of exploring the historic tower and enjoying the city vistas can be a memorable outing for families. The low admission cost also makes it an accessible option.
💰 Budget Travelers
This provides a significant cultural and scenic experience without a hefty price tag. The spectacular views from the tower are a major highlight that rivals more expensive tourist spots.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Consider visiting during daylight hours for the best light. A unique tip for capturing the tower itself involves crossing the Seine River for a different perspective, as shared on TikTok.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Dual Attraction: Torre de Anto & Santa Casa Tower
The real star for many visitors, however, is the adjacent Santa Casa da Misericórdia tower. This offers a truly spectacular 360-degree panoramic view of Coimbra, making it a must-visit for photographers and sightseers alike. The climb up is an experience in itself, with narrow and steep stairs that add a touch of adventure.
Understanding Fado and the Coimbra Guitar
During the dictatorship in Portugal, Fado even served as a form of political expression, a facet explored within the museum's exhibits. The audio guide enhances the experience by including traditional songs and video footage, offering a richer understanding of this musical heritage.
Navigating the Ascent: The Tower Stairs
However, visitors also note the presence of solid handrails, which provide a good sense of security during the ascent. This makes the climb manageable for most, and the rewarding panoramic views from the top are widely considered worth the effort. It's an experience that can be particularly thrilling for children.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit