What to do in Santa Cruz

Activities, attractions and tours

Coimbra which includes a sunset, a river or creek and a bridge
Coimbra showing a bridge, a river or creek and a city
Coimbra showing a city
Coimbra which includes a river or creek, night scenes and a bridge
Coimbra showing a river or creek

Santa Cruz Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Santa Cruz has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Santa Cruz, 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 Cruz 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 Cruz

Santa Cruz is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Santa Cruz, and make it a breeze to explore Santa Cruz 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 Cruz 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 Cruz, 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 Cruz.

Santa Cruz attractions

Santa Cruz 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 Cruz 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 Cruz.

Looking for things to do in Santa Cruz 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 Cruz or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Santa Cruz attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

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Most fun & popular experiences in Santa Cruz

Tours & day trips

See all 37 activities
Full Day Tour from Porto to Coimbra and Aveiro with River Cruise

Full Day Tour from Porto to Coimbra and Aveiro with River Cruise

Activity duration is 9 hours
8.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is £82 per adult
Full Day Tour from Porto to Coimbra and Aveiro with River CruiseOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 21 activities
Tour Between Lisbon - Porto or Porto-Lisbon with several stops

Tour Between Lisbon - Porto or Porto-Lisbon with several stops

Activity duration is 14 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is £486 per traveller*
Tour Between Lisbon - Porto or Porto-Lisbon with several stopsOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 3 activities
Coimbra: Live Fado Show with Glass of Port Wine

Coimbra: Live Fado Show with Glass of Port Wine

Activity duration is 50 minutes
9.8 out of 10 with 6 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is £14 per adult
Coimbra: Live Fado Show with Glass of Port WineOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Santa Cruz

Number of things to do
38
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Coimbra Downhill Tour Highlights History and Student Traditions: £5
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Santa Cruz

Popular places to visit

Coimbra University which includes a sunset and a square or plaza

Coimbra University

Enjoy the views from the bell tower and visit the Baroque library in the former prison on the campus of one of Europe’s oldest universities.

Coimbra University
Portugal dos Pequenitos

Portugal dos Pequenitos

Embrace your inquisitive side, as you inspect the various homes, pavilions and monuments of this intriguing and fun miniature village.

Portugal dos Pequenitos
Biblioteca Joanina which includes a sunset

Biblioteca Joanina

Go on a guided tour of a library containing countless tomes, Baroque architecture and an intriguing history entwined with a prison.

Biblioteca Joanina
Velha Cathedral featuring heritage elements and interior views

Old Cathedral of Coimbra

One of the main attractions of Coimbra’s central historic area, this fascinating preserved cathedral has a fortress design and Arabic touches.

Old Cathedral of Coimbra
Santa Cruz Church which includes a square or plaza, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Santa Cruz Church

Examine the range of Manueline and Romanesque architecture and inspect the artworks in the final resting place of two kings.

Santa Cruz Church
Convento de Santa Clara-a-Velha which includes a church or cathedral

Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha

Visit the museum for an explanatory film and explore the remaining parts of this nunnery that was often at risk of flooding.

Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha
Jardim da Manga showing heritage elements

Jardim da Manga

This small garden centers on an old fountain, believed to be one of the earliest examples of Renaissance architecture in Portugal.

Jardim da Manga
Coimbra showing heritage elements and a church or cathedral

New Cathedral of Coimbra

New Cathedral of Coimbra is just one of the places to see in Sé Nova, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Wander the riverfront and picturesque gardens in the area.

New Cathedral of Coimbra
Coimbra featuring heritage elements and a fountain

Museu Nacional Machado de Castro

Appreciate the magnificent architecture of the former Bishop’s Palace, see religious sculptures and delve into an eerie Ancient Roman corridor.

Museu Nacional Machado de Castro

Explore areas of Santa Cruz

Velha Cathedral which includes a city, heritage elements and landscape views

Coimbra City Centre

4.5/5(18 area reviews)

Historical sites, river views and bars are some highlights of Coimbra City Centre. Make a stop by Santa Cruz Church or Old Cathedral of Coimbra while you're exploring.

Coimbra City Centre

 

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 Cruz

Coimbra which includes a sunset, a river or creek and a bridge

Coimbra

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Cruz worth visiting?
Santa Cruz has a unique blend of local charm, attractions and culture. Whether you're into the outdoors, history or regional cuisine, there's plenty you'll enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Santa Cruz?
Kick your day off with a visit to Casa Museu Bissaya Barreto. Then, check out different parts of Santa Cruz for a bite to eat and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santa Cruz?
The top tourist attraction near Santa Cruz is New Cathedral of Coimbra, so be sure to include it on your trip itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Santa Cruz?
With a three-day getaway to Santa Cruz, you can comfortably discover the area's many great sights, including New Cathedral of Coimbra and Museu Nacional Machado de Castro.
Is Santa Cruz a walkable neighbourhood?
If you're a fan of walking, Santa Cruz is perfect. You can get to leading sights like New Cathedral of Coimbra and Museu Nacional Machado de Castro on foot. At 2 kms (1 mile) from the centre, the neighbourhood of Sé Nova, Santa Cruz, Almedina e São Bartolomeu is also close enough for a casual stroll. The same goes for Coimbra City Centre, around 0.64 kms (0.40 miles) away.
What are some activities to do in Santa Cruz with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities makes all the difference. Check out our ideas for what to do in Santa Cruz with kids.

What to do in Santa Cruz for adults?
Museu de Conimbriga is one of the best things to do in Santa Cruz. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone to explore.
Are there free things to do in Santa Cruz?
You won't have to go out of your way to find free things to do in Santa Cruz. Just ask a local tour guide and they'll have great suggestions for places you can visit for nothing. One free option for your trip is New Cathedral of Coimbra.