Where to Stay in Guimarães: Best Hotels, Guesthouses & Apartments

Guimarães is compact, so choosing where to stay is less about location and more about the kind of experience you want. Most visitors only stay one or two nights, and it’s easy to underestimate how much that affects your choice.

If you’re deciding between staying right in the historic centre or somewhere quieter just outside, this should help. I’ve stayed in Guimarães several times and keep track of which places consistently work well.

Below you’ll find a small selection of reliable hotels, guesthouses and apartments – the kind of places I’d actually consider booking, depending on the type of trip.

👉 Read about things to do in Guimarães if you’re not sure what’s there

Hotels in Guimarães

5-star Guimarães hotel

Set in a converted 12th-century convent on a hill above the city, this is one of the more memorable places to stay in Guimarães. The building itself is the main draw, with cloisters, gardens and an outdoor pool, plus the advantage of free parking.

I’d choose this if you want a quieter stay with character and don’t mind being slightly outside the centre. Check availability and prices

4-star hotels in Guimarães

Right on Praça da Oliveira in the heart of the historic centre, this 4-star hotel puts you in the middle of everything. Some rooms overlook the square, which makes a difference, especially in the evening.

This works well if you want to step straight out into the old town without needing taxis or planning. Check availability and prices

Hotel Toural

A well-located 4-star hotel near the edge of the historic centre, with spacious rooms and the useful bonus of private parking. It’s an easy walk into the main sights without being right in the busiest streets.

I’d pick this if you want something central but slightly more practical and easier to access by car. Check availability and prices

Beautiful boutique accommodation in Guimarães

Casa do Juncal

A restored manor house within the old city walls, offering a small number of suites with a clean, modern feel inside a historic building. Service is consistently strong.

I’d go for this if you want something more personal than a hotel but still well located. Check availability and prices

Guimarães holiday apartments

Modern, well-equipped apartments close to the centre, with plenty of light and space. A good option if you want more flexibility than a hotel stay.

This works well if you prefer having a kitchen and a bit more room, even for a short stay. Check availability and prices

Stylish apartments with well-equipped kitchens and a central location, making it easy to explore on foot. Communication with hosts is usually smooth.

I’d consider this if you want something simple and reliable for a short stay. Check availability and prices

Cute guest houses in Guimarães

Alojamento Local F&B

A simple, centrally located guesthouse in the pedestrianised old town, with clean, spacious rooms and a very hands-on host.

This suits you if you want something straightforward and well located without paying for extras you won’t use. Check availability and prices

Lodging options a little further afield

A historic wine estate just outside Guimarães, with gardens, a pool and plenty of space. It feels very different from staying in town – like stepping back in time.

I’d choose this if you want a quieter, more rural base and don’t mind driving in. Check availability and prices

1720 Quinta da Cancela

A small rural B&B about 20 minutes from Guimarães, offering a more relaxed stay with the option to try local wines.

This works if you’re planning a slower-paced trip and have a car. Check availability and prices

Set just outside the centre, this estate offers self-contained lodges with access to gardens and a pool. Some units include private spa features.

I’d go for this if you want space and a quieter setting without being too far from town. Check availability and prices

FAQs about staying in Guimarães

Is it better to stay in the centre of Guimarães?

If you’re only staying one or two nights, the historic centre is usually the most convenient. You can walk everywhere and make the most of your time without needing transport.

How many nights should I stay in Guimarães?

Most people stay one or two nights. Any longer and you’ll likely want a car to explore the surrounding area.

Is Guimarães a good base for exploring northern Portugal?

It can be, but only if you have a car. Without one, it’s better treated as a short stop rather than a base.

Do I need a car in Guimarães?

Not if you’re staying in the centre. You’ll only need one if you plan to visit nearby towns, vineyards or countryside.

Looking for other places to stay in Portugal? 👉 See all my Portugal accommodation guides