What to do in Santa Cruz

Activities, attractions and tours

Places to Visit in Santa Cruz

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Santa Cruz, Panaji while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Santa Cruz attractions from NZ$12, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Santa Cruz tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 63 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Santa Cruz. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Most fun & popular experiences in Santa Cruz

Tours & day trips

See all 63 activities
4-Day Private Golden Triangle Tour: Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur

4-Day Private Golden Triangle Tour: Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur

Activity duration is 4 days
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$1,131 per adult*
4-Day Private Golden Triangle Tour: Delhi, Agra, and JaipurOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 8 activities
Full-Day Tour Old Goa Dudhsagar Falls and Spice Plantation

Full-Day Tour Old Goa Dudhsagar Falls and Spice Plantation

Activity duration is 8 hours
2.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$66 per adult
Full-Day Tour Old Goa Dudhsagar Falls and Spice PlantationOpens in new tab

Cruises & boat tours

See all 4 activities
Panaji: Fun-Filled 2-Hour Mandovi River Cruise with Dinner

Panaji: Fun-Filled 2-Hour Mandovi River Cruise with Dinner

Activity duration is 2 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$29 per adult
Panaji: Fun-Filled 2-Hour Mandovi River Cruise with DinnerOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Santa Cruz

Number of things to do
63
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
South Goa Sightseeing Full Day Tour ( 09 am - 06 pm ): NZ$12
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Santa Cruz

Discover the most popular places to visit in Santa Cruz

Basilica of Bom Jesus showing heritage architecture

Basilica of Bom Jesus

Venture inside a Baroque-style basilica to study its religious art and to see the tomb of a saint, the founder of a Catholic religious order.

Basilica of Bom Jesus
Dona Paula Beach

Dona Paula Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Dona Paula Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Dona Paula. You can attend a sporting event while in the area.

Dona Paula Beach
Panaji which includes heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception

After visiting Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Panaji. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Church of Our Lady of Immaculate Conception
Panaji which includes heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

18th June Road

You can take time to visit 18th June Road during your travels to Panaji. While in this family-friendly area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

18th June Road
Azad Maidan

Azad Maidan

You can learn about the history of Panaji with a stop at Azad Maidan. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Azad Maidan
Mahalaxmi Temple

Mahalaxmi Temple

Mahalaxmi Temple is just one of the places to see in Panaji, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Mahalaxmi Temple

Deltin Royale Casino

Why not try your luck with a visit to Deltin Royale Casino during your visit to Panaji? Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Deltin Royale Casino

Goa University

Take a campus tour or just explore the area of Goa University during your trip to Panaji. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Goa University

Kala Academy

Explore the campus of Kala Academy during your trip to Panaji. Wander the beautiful beaches and seaside in the area.

Kala Academy

 

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

Panaji showing street scenes

Panaji

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Cruz worth visiting?
From shopping to outdoor activities and history, there are many interesting things to do in Santa Cruz. Remember to enjoy the area's mix of cool sights, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in Santa Cruz?
Vainguinim Beach and Dona Paula Jetty are two good places to kick-start your sightseeing adventures. Be sure to explore the dining and shopping options in Santa Cruz while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santa Cruz?
The top tourist attraction in Santa Cruz is Vainguinim Beach, so be sure to include it on your sightseeing agenda.
Is three days enough to stay in Santa Cruz?
Three days will give you time to tick off the leading city attractions, such as Vainguinim Beach, Odxel Beach and Sé Cathedral. The average stay in Santa Cruz is three days. If you have the urge to extend your escape, Panaji isn't far away.
Is Santa Cruz a walkable city?
It all depends on what you want to see and do in Santa Cruz. Several key sights, such as Vainguinim Beach and Odxel Beach, are accessible on foot. If you're up for a stroll through some of Santa Cruz's best neighbourhoods, Bambolim is 2 kilometres away from downtown, while Vainguinim is 3 kilometres away from the centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Santa Cruz with kids?
Deciding what to do in Santa Cruz with kids has never been simpler. Whether you're holidaying with teenagers or toddlers, there's no shortage of family-friendly attractions to keep everyone happy here.

What to do in Santa Cruz for adults?
18th June Road and Jama Masjid are just a few of the things to do in Santa Cruz. With loads of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Santa Cruz?
From visiting parks to wandering around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's easy to find free things to do in Santa Cruz. If you need inspiration, ask for tips from a local tour guide. Vainguinim Beach is a great spot for anyone wanting to save on their sightseeing activities.