What to do in Santa Cruz

Activities, attractions and tours

A densely packed urban area with a variety of buildings, including residential and possibly commercial structures, under a clear sky.
A cityscape with colorful buildings, a statue, and a tram.
A densely packed urban area with a variety of buildings, including residential and commercial structures, under a clear sky.
A historic building with ornate architecture, a statue, and a cobblestone street.
A historic plaza with a prominent cathedral featuring ornate architecture and a fountain in the center.

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!

Things to do

Coimbra Top Attractions Walking Tour

Coimbra Top Attractions Walking Tour

£4
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Coimbra Top Attractions Walking Tour
Coimbra Walking Tour

Coimbra Walking Tour

£26
per adult
Coimbra Walking Tour
Coimbra’s Jewish Heritage An Audio Tour of the Medieval Town

Coimbra’s Jewish Heritage An Audio Tour of the Medieval Town

£4
per adult
Coimbra’s Jewish Heritage An Audio Tour of the Medieval Town
Coimbra: Guided Wine Tasting with Regional Bites

Coimbra: Guided Wine Tasting with Regional Bites

£23
per adult
Coimbra: Guided Wine Tasting with Regional Bites
Coimbra: Adventure, Discovery & Learning with a Local

Coimbra: Adventure, Discovery & Learning with a Local

£43
per adult
Coimbra: Adventure, Discovery & Learning with a Local
Portugal dos Pequenitos entry ticket

Portugal dos Pequenitos entry ticket

£13
per adult
Portugal dos Pequenitos entry ticket
Coimbra: Live Fado Show with Glass of Port Wine

Coimbra: Live Fado Show with Glass of Port Wine

£14
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Coimbra: Live Fado Show with Glass of Port Wine
Coimbra Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone

Coimbra Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone

£9
per adult
Coimbra Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone
See all activities in Santa Cruz
  • 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. Coimbra University

Dating back more than seven centuries, Coimbra University is the historic highlight of the city’s town center. Its 16th-century campus contains some of the most intriguing landmarks in the region, including a tower, a chapel and a palace. Speak with the docents for a comprehensive understanding of the university’s history.
Learn more
A historic building with a clock tower, arched staircases, and a courtyard.

2. Portugal dos Pequenitos

Portugal dos Pequenitos is the Little Portugal area that features tiny versions of the country’s most iconic landmarks. It is a fun and educational facility, where kids can find out about the cornerstones of Portuguese culture. Snap photos of your favorite tiny structures as you recognize these models of famous houses and monuments.
Learn more
A model of a white building with arches and a tower, surrounded by a pool and greenery.

3. Santa Cruz Church

Santa Cruz Church is a stunning structure in which Portugal’s first two kings are buried. It comprises a vast monastery with an elaborate façade, a labyrinth of paths and courtyards and a rich history that dates back to the 12th century. Relax in the city’s spacious central plaza and gaze up at the Manueline façade of this momentous church.
Learn more
A historic building with intricate stone carvings and a large arched entrance.

4. Old Cathedral of Coimbra

Dating back as far as the 12th century, the majestic Velha Cathedral is a rare example of a preserved church of Romanesque design from the Reconquista era. Admire the fortress-like design of the cathedral’s façade, with its narrow arched windows and battlements marking the roof.
Learn more
A historic courtyard with a fountain, surrounded by arched walkways and a prominent castle-like building with a tower.

5. Jardim da Manga

Take a moment to relax in the Jardim da Manga, a small garden built around a yellow fountain that is believed to date back to the 16th century. Watch multiple fountains of water spurt upward and take pictures in front of the photogenic structure, which was named a national monument in the 1930s.
Learn more
A historical building with a central courtyard, columns, and domed roofs.

Recommended things to do in Santa Cruz

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 Cruz

Stay near popular Santa Cruz attractions

A historic building with a clock tower, arched staircases, and a courtyard.

Coimbra University

9.4/10 (734 reviews)
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.
See properties

 

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

A historic cityscape with a prominent hilltop church, a bridge over a river, and a dense urban area with colorful buildings.

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.