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 Tourist Attractions & Activities

If you’re searching for an exciting holiday, count on Expedia.com.au to help you find interesting attractions, enlightening experiences, and tons of other fun things to do in Santa Cruz AU$5. From first-rate tours to incredible deals on sightseeing trips – our extensive selection of local things to do and places to visit is just a few clicks away.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re travelling alone, alongside your main squeeze, or with your favourite friends or family members, Expedia has the inside scoop on what to see and do while in this corner of the world. And our search tool makes it simple to score the best deals around. So regardless of if you are on a tight budget or prefer to spare no expense, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for by browsing over 108 activities in Santa Cruz, Coimbra.

The intuitive booking system here on Expedia.com.au makes planning your holiday easier—and more affordable—than ever before. And not only can you discover all the best Santa Cruz attractions from AU$5, but you can also book flights, hire cars, and reserve hotel rooms all in just a few moments. A world of wonder awaits you and your travelling companions. Count on Expedia.com.au to help you plan the holiday of your dreams, and you’ll have the time of your life.

Activities

Coimbra Top Attractions Walking Tour

Coimbra Top Attractions Walking Tour

AU$8
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Coimbra Top Attractions Walking Tour
Barca Serrana - Traditional Boat Trip

Coimbra: Barca Serrana Traditional Boat Trip

AU$21
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Coimbra: Barca Serrana Traditional Boat Trip
Coimbra: Live Fado Show with Glass of Port Wine

Coimbra: Live Fado Show with Glass of Port Wine

AU$26
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Coimbra: Live Fado Show with Glass of Port Wine
Guided tour of Coimbra NO cinema

Coimbra : Guide to tour, with local guide/certificate, and an entry

AU$70
per adult
Coimbra : Guide to tour, with local guide/certificate, and an entry
University of Coimbra Guided Tour with Tickets

University of Coimbra Guided Tour with Tickets

AU$98
per adult
University of Coimbra Guided Tour with Tickets
Coimbra Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone

Coimbra Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone

AU$16
per adult
Coimbra Walking Tour with Audioguide on Your Smartphone
Portugal dos Pequenitos entry ticket

Portugal dos Pequenitos entry ticket

AU$24
per adult
Portugal dos Pequenitos entry ticket
Coimbra Scavenger Hunt and Highlights Self-Guided Tour

Coimbra Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour

AU$5
per adult
Coimbra Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour
Guided tour of the University and city of Coimbra.

Guided tour of the University and city of Coimbra.

AU$111
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Guided tour of the University and city of Coimbra.
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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 courtyard with a fountain, surrounded by arched walkways and a prominent castle-like building with a tower.

4. 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.

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.
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A historical building with a central courtyard, columns, and domed roofs.

Recommended things to do in Santa Cruz

Number of things to do
108
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Coimbra Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: AU$5
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.
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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 kilometres 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 kilometres 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.