What to do in São Miguel

Activities, attractions and tours

São Miguel Attractions

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

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

São Miguel attractions

São Miguel 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 São Miguel 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 São Miguel.

Looking for things to do in São Miguel 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 São Miguel or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to São Miguel 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
Explore Coimbra: Walking Tour with a Local Guide

Explore Coimbra: Walking Tour with a Local Guide

£16
per adult
Explore Coimbra: Walking Tour with a Local Guide
Coimbra: Guided tour with a local student

Coimbra: Guided Tour with a Local Student

£17
per adult
Coimbra: Guided Tour with a Local Student
Coimbra Walking Tour

Coimbra Walking Tour

£25
per adult
Coimbra Walking Tour
Coimbra: Adventure, Discovery & Learning with a Local

Coimbra: Adventure, Discovery & Learning with a Local

£42
per adult
Coimbra: Adventure, Discovery & Learning with a Local
Coimbra’s Timeless Tracks: An Enchanting Train Tour

Coimbra’s Timeless Tracks: An Enchanting Train Tour

£8
per adult
Coimbra’s Timeless Tracks: An Enchanting Train Tour
Coimbra Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone

Coimbra Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone

£8
per adult
Coimbra Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone
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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.
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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.
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A model of a white building with arches and a tower, surrounded by a pool and greenery.

3. 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.
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A historic stone building with a large arched entrance and a decorative window above it.

4. Biblioteca Joanina

The Biblioteca Joanina is a historic hilltop library with stunning Baroque touches. Dating back to the 1700s, the library is one of the highlights of Coimbra University’s campus and offers wonderful views of the surrounding Old Town area. Snap photos of this marvelous structure and admire its ornate décor and grandiose features.
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A grand library with ornate bookshelves, a red carpet, and a central ornate archway.

5. 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.
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A historic building with intricate stone carvings and a large arched entrance.

6. Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha

The Convento de Santa Clara-a-Velha includes the well-preserved Gothic ruins of a 14th-century monastery. It contains a visitor center with exhibits that explain the intriguing archaeological traces and architectural designs of the convent. Piece together the history of this nunnery with a tour of the vestiges that remain.
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An ancient stone church with a red-tiled roof and a bell tower, surrounded by ruins and a river in the background.

Recommended things to do in São Miguel

Number of things to do
12
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Transfer to Rabaçal - 25 Fontes and Levada do Risco: £36
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in São Miguel

Stay near popular São Miguel, Santa Eufémia e Rabaçal attractions

Penela Castle

8.6/10 (24 reviews)
You can find out about the history of São Miguel, Santa Eufémia e Rabaçal with a trip to Penela Castle. Visit the spas in this walkable area or simply enjoy its cafes.
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 São Miguel

A historical site with brick structures and a central water channel.

Condeixa a Nova

A coastal landscape with cliffs, a sandy beach, and turquoise waters.

Soure

A historic town with white buildings and a large castle on a hill.

Penela

A street with a white fence, a church, and flags.

Miranda do Corvo

A forest with a calm river, large rocks in the foreground, and dense green trees.

Figueiró dos Vinhos

A cobblestone street leading to a stone house with a tiled roof and a wooden balcony.

Aguda

Frequently asked questions

Is São Miguel worth visiting?
From shopping to outdoor activities and history, there are many great things to do in São Miguel. Be sure to enjoy the area's blend of awesome sights, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in São Miguel?
Begin your day with a visit to Church of San Miguel. Then, explore different areas of São Miguel for local dining and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in São Miguel?
Spend a day at Church of San Miguel and see why it's ranked as the top tourist attraction near São Miguel.
Is three days enough to stay in São Miguel?
If you only want to check out the most popular sights, three days will be a good amount of time for an escape to São Miguel. Book for seven to ten days for the chance to truly appreciate the local vibe, tour nearby highlights and explore some hidden gems.
Is São Miguel a walkable neighbourhood?
Enjoy a casual walk from the centre of São Miguel to Church of San Miguel and other favourite attractions. Your next stop? Stroll for about 3 kms (2 miles) to get to the neighbourhood of Podentes.
What are some activities to do in São Miguel with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, a fun-filled itinerary is the key to a stress-free getaway. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in São Miguel with kids.

What to do in São Miguel for adults?
From fantastic food and cultural gems to thrilling excursions and unique experiences, there's no shortage of great things to do in São Miguel for adults.
Are there free things to do in São Miguel?
One of the favourite free things to do in São Miguel is visit Church of San Miguel. You can also walk around nearby neighbourhoods and spend time in public parks and other green spaces in this area. If you're stuck for ideas, just talk with a local tour guide.