What to do in Santa Maria Maior

Activities, attractions and tours

Commerce Square featuring night scenes, a city and street scenes
Commerce Square featuring night scenes, a city and street scenes
Miradouro de Santa Luzia showing a city, night scenes and a coastal town
Santa Maria Maior which includes landscape views and a city
Rua Augusta Arch which includes heritage elements and street scenes as well as a small group of people

Santa Maria Maior 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 Maria Maior AU$2. 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 1777 activities in Santa Maria Maior, Lisbon District.

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 Maria Maior attractions from AU$2, 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.

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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.
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Rossio Square featuring a fountain and a square or plaza

2. Castle of São Jorge

The Castle of São Jorge is a medieval fortress that dominates the skyline of Lisbon from its vantage point on a hill. Discover the Castle of São Jorge and its fascinating history by embarking on a guided tour. Explore its labyrinthine interior and sprawling gardens.
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Castle of Sao Jorge showing a city, views and a castle

3. Commerce Square

Equally popular with locals and visitors to Lisbon, Commerce Square (Praça do Comércio) is the ideal place to meet up with friends or begin your day with a coffee. For centuries Commerce Square was the site of the royal palace until the building was badly damaged in the Great Earthquake of 1755. Remodelling saw the palace converted into an enormous stone monument that signified the entrance to the city. Visit the square to relax with a drink as you explore the central Baixa district of Lisbon.
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Commerce Square in Lisbon

4. 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.
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Santa Justa Elevator featuring a city, views and landscape views

5. Lisbon Cathedral

Those intrigued by architecture will love Lisbon Cathedral (Se), the oldest religious building in Lisbon. Due to several modifications over the centuries the Lisbon Cathedral today features diverse architectural styles.
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Lisbon Cathedral which includes a church or cathedral, street scenes and heritage architecture

6. Rua Augusta Arch

Designed to symbolize the city’s recovery from a devastating natural disaster, Rua Augusta Arch is an icon of Lisbon and an important symbol of its resilience. Ride the elevator to the top for panoramas across downtown Lisbon and the River Tagus.
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Rua Augusta Arch showing heritage elements and street scenes as well as a small group of people

7. Restauradores Square

Restauradores Square is surrounded by buildings of architectural interest, but it is the 98-foot (30-meter) tall obelisk in the center that will immediately attract your eye. Gaze up at the soaring monument and then look around at the other landmarks in the square, including the magnificent Foz Palace, which once served as the chief residence of the Marquis of Foz.
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Restauradores Square showing a monument, a city and a square or plaza

8. Lisboa Story Centre

Two stylized ravens welcome visitors outside the door of the Lisboa Story Centre. The ravens are the city’s mascots that legend says accompanied the remains of patron St. Vincent on a sea voyage back to Lisbon. Enter the interpretive historical showcase and pick up a multilingual audio guide to learn the progression of events for Europe’s westernmost city.
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Lisboa Story Centre showing interior views

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Recommended things to do in Santa Maria Maior

Number of things to do
1777
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Exciting Free Walking Tour: Explore Iconic Landmarks & Stunning Viewpoints: AU$2
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Santa Maria Maior

Discover the most popular places to visit in Santa Maria Maior

Rossio Square showing a fountain, street scenes and heritage elements

Rossio Square

4.5/5(66 reviews)

See the people-packed central square whose swirling wave-patterned cobbles are thought to have inspired copycat pavements across the rest of Portugal and beyond.

Rossio Square
Avenida da Liberdade featuring a city and a statue or sculpture

Avenida da Liberdade

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home when you visit Avenida da Liberdade, a popular shopping spot in Santo Antonio. Discover the charming cafes in this family-friendly area or seek out the local tours.

Avenida da Liberdade
Belem Tower featuring general coastal views, a sunset and heritage architecture

Belém Tower

4.5/5(67 reviews)

Lisbon constructed a fortification along a waterway to defend its riches. Now access the structure from the shore for lovely views.

Belém Tower
Lisbon City Center showing a monument and a statue or sculpture

Marquis of Pombal Square

4/5(8 reviews)

Learn about the local history of Lisbon with a stop at Marquis of Pombal Square. Stroll along the riverfront or experience the fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

Marquis of Pombal Square
Campo Grande which includes a pond and a park

Campo Grande

You can learn about the history of Alvalade when you stop by Campo Grande. While in this family-friendly area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Campo Grande
Lisbon Oceanarium featuring interior views and marine life as well as a small group of people

Lisbon Oceanarium

4.5/5(10 reviews)

Embark on an aquatic journey through one of the world’s biggest and most diverse aquariums, located right on Lisbon’s scenic oceanfront.

Lisbon Oceanarium
Castle of Sao Jorge showing a city, views and a castle

Castle of São Jorge

4.5/5(59 reviews)

Discover some of Lisbon’s fascinating medieval history as you explore the fortress than looks over the city and River Tagus.

Castle of São Jorge
Carcavelos beach in Lisbon, Portugal

Carcavelos Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Carcavelos Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Carcavelos. Amble around the area's seaside or seek out its surfing spots.

Carcavelos Beach
Pena Palace featuring a castle and heritage elements

Pena Palace

4.5/5(62 reviews)

This exuberant construction, a former royal retreat set high in the hills of Sintra, features a colorful assortment of turreted towers and domes.

Pena Palace

 

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 Maria Maior

Alfama Lisbon Cityscape

Lisbon

Miradouro de Santa Luzia showing a coastal town and a lake or waterhole

Lisbon District

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Maria Maior worth visiting?
Providing a blend of history and culture, there are many things to do in Santa Maria Maior. When you're here, visit Castle of São Jorge, a major attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Santa Maria Maior?
Once you've visited major attractions like Castle of São Jorge, spend some time exploring the shopping and dining scene in Santa Maria Maior.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santa Maria Maior?
The top tourist attraction near Santa Maria Maior is Castle of São Jorge, so don't forget to include it on your sightseeing itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Santa Maria Maior?
With a three-day holiday in Santa Maria Maior, you'll easily be able to enjoy the area's many awesome sights, including Castle of São Jorge and Lisbon Cathedral.
Is Santa Maria Maior a walkable neighbourhood?
It's easy to explore Santa Maria Maior by foot, with top attractions like Castle of São Jorge and Lisbon Cathedral just a short walk away. Well-known neighbourhoods like Baixa and Santo Antonio are also located only 0.32 kilometres and 2 kilometres from the centre of Santa Maria Maior, so you can keep your adventure going — no wheels required.
What are some activities to do in Santa Maria Maior with kids?
Whether you're travelling with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities takes your trip to the next level. Browse our ideas for what to do in Santa Maria Maior with kids.

What to do in Santa Maria Maior for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or fan of nature, there are loads of things to do in Santa Maria Maior for adults including Campo Pequeno Bullring.
Are there free things to do in Santa Maria Maior?
You won't have to hunt high and low for free things to do in Santa Maria Maior. Just ask a local tour guide and they'll share their recommendations for places you can enjoy at zero cost. A good free option to explore is Lisbon Cathedral.