What to do in Santa Clara

Activities, attractions and tours

Santa Clara Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Santa Clara has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Santa Clara, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Santa Clara with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Santa Clara

Santa Clara is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Santa Clara, and make it a breeze to explore Santa Clara and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Santa Clara to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Santa Clara, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Santa Clara.

Santa Clara attractions

Santa Clara has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Santa Clara to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Santa Clara.

Looking for things to do in Santa Clara can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Santa Clara or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Santa Clara attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

Things to do

Castle in Lisbon

Day Trip to Sintra & Cascais with Admission to Pena Palace and Garden Walk

£69
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Day Trip to Sintra & Cascais with Admission to Pena Palace and Garden Walk
Small Group Tour to Sintra, Pena Palace, Cabo Roca and Cascais

Small Group Tour to Sintra, Pena Palace, Cabo Roca and Cascais

£60
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Small Group Tour to Sintra, Pena Palace, Cabo Roca and Cascais
City Sightseeing Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

City Sightseeing Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour & Optional Extras

£33
per adult
City Sightseeing Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour & Optional Extras
The remarkable Pena Palace

Sintra-Cascais-Pena Palace 8-People Small Group Tour from Lisbon

£60
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Sintra-Cascais-Pena Palace 8-People Small Group Tour from Lisbon
Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour with Optional Bus Tour Combos

Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Combos

£24
per adult
Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Combos
Sintra, Pena Palace and Cascais Full Day Tour from Lisbon

Sintra, Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira & Cascais Group Tour

£58
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Sintra, Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira & Cascais Group Tour
Belem Tower

Tour Lisbon: Belém Tower, the Cathedral & Parque das Nações

£66
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Tour Lisbon: Belém Tower, the Cathedral & Parque das Nações
From Lisbon: Fatima, Nazaré & Óbidos Tour with Hotel Pickup

Fatima Batalha Nazaré & Óbidos Tour with Hotel Pickup by Van

£72
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Fatima Batalha Nazaré & Óbidos Tour with Hotel Pickup by Van
Hop-On Hop-Off Yellow Boat Tour

Hop-On Hop-Off Yellow Boat Tour

£21
per adult
74% of travellers recommend
Hop-On Hop-Off Yellow Boat Tour
See all activities in Santa Clara
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    One Key members save % or more on select activities, hotels, cars and holiday rentals.
    Learn about One Key

Top places to visit

1. Rossio Square

Officially named Praça Dom Pedro IV, this centrally located square is much more commonly known simply as Rossio. Come here at any time of the day to find the square abuzz, as people gather to socialize at cafés around the square’s edge.
Learn more
A plaza with patterned pavement, a fountain, and historic buildings in the background.

2. Belém Tower

In the early 16th Century, this four-storey tower was built on basaltic rocks found by the Tagus River, in close proximity to the riverbank, with the intention of supplementing the existing fortification defences along the sea approach to Lisbon.
Learn more
A historic stone castle by a river, with a wooden bridge leading to it.

3. Santa Justa Elevator

The Santa Justa Elevator connects the hilltop neighborhood Bairro Alto with downtown Baixa. The gothic, iron structure rises up from the neoclassical architecture of downtown. The elevator has been in operation since 1905 and was originally operated by a steam engine. Today it’s powered by an electric engine and is a great way to enjoy views over the city. Visit the elevator’s rooftop café.
Learn more
A historic bridge with ornate metalwork and a view of a cityscape with red-tiled roofs.

4. Commerce Square

Commerce Square, or the Praça do Comércio, is a meeting place for locals and a great spot to bask in the sun along the riverfront. This was the site of the royal palace for many centuries, until the Great Earthquake of 1755. The palace was remodeled into an elaborate stone monument that marks the point of entry to the city. Today the square offers many places to sit and relax in between visits to the surrounding sites of the central Baixa district.
Learn more
A plaza with a statue, a large archway, and yellow buildings.

5. Lisbon Oceanarium

The Lisbon Oceanarium is the largest indoor aquarium in Europe and houses more than 8,000 fish, birds, mammals and invertebrates. Bring the family to be entertained while learning about conservation and ocean habitats around the world.
Learn more
A modern indoor space with a large blue mosaic wall and wooden sculptures.

6. Guincho Beach

Guincho Beach (Praia do Guincho) is a large sandy beach along the Atlantic Ocean. James Bond movie fans may recognize these shores from the opening scene of On Her Majesty's Secret Service. While far less hazardous than portrayed in that 1969 action movie, Guincho Beach does offer a more adventurous experience than the sheltered beaches of nearby Cascais and Estoril.
Learn more
A sandy beach with waves, a rocky outcrop, and a mountain in the background.

Recommended things to do in Santa Clara

Number of things to do
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
:
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Santa Clara

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Santa Clara

A coastal cityscape with colorful buildings and a prominent white dome structure.

Lisbon

A metro station with a red and white sign, a bus stop, and a pedestrian bridge over a road.

Olivais

A wooden boardwalk along a riverbank with a bridge in the background.

Loures

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Clara worth visiting?
Santa Clara has a unique blend of local charm, attractions and culture. Whether you're into history, outdoor activities or regional cuisine, there are many things here to enjoy.
How do I spend a day in Santa Clara?
Kick your day off with a visit to Lisbon Zoo. Then, check out other parts of Santa Clara for a bite to eat and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santa Clara?
Lisbon Zoo is rated the top tourist attraction near Santa Clara, so don't leave without checking it out.
Is three days enough to stay in Santa Clara?
You'll have all the time you need to tick off Lisbon Zoo, Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro Museum and other top attractions around the area when you plan a three-day holiday in Santa Clara.
Is Santa Clara a walkable neighbourhood?
Exploring Santa Clara on foot is easy, with key sights like Lisbon Zoo and Rafael Bordalo Pinheiro Museum both within walking distance. Popular neighbourhoods like Olivais and Alvalade are also located only 3 kms (2 miles) and 5 kms (3 miles) from the centre of Santa Clara, so you can see and do more — no car required.
What are some activities to do in Santa Clara with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities takes your trip to the next level. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Santa Clara with kids.
What to do in Santa Clara for adults?
There are lots of things to do in Santa Clara, with experiences for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Campo Pequeno Bullring.
Are there free things to do in Santa Clara?
One of the most popular free things to do in Santa Clara is Benfica Museum. You can also walk around nearby neighbourhoods and spend time in parks and other green spaces in this area. For more ideas, just speak with a local tour guide.