What to do in Santa Cruz

Activities, attractions and tours

Coimbra showing landscape views, a river or creek and a sunset
Coimbra showing night scenes, a bridge and a city
Coimbra which includes a city
Coimbra showing a city, night scenes and a bridge
Coimbra which includes a river or creek

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, Coimbra 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$11, 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 38 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 36 activities
Full Day Tour from Porto to Coimbra and Aveiro with River Cruise

Full Day Tour from Porto to Coimbra and Aveiro with River Cruise

Activity duration is 9 hours
8.0 out of 10 with 1 review
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$193 per adult
Full Day Tour from Porto to Coimbra and Aveiro with River CruiseOpens in new tab

Adventure & outdoor

See all 6 activities
Guided tour of the University and city of Coimbra.

Guided tour of the University and city of Coimbra.

Activity duration is 3 hours
9.6 out of 10 with 9 reviews
Price is NZ$138 per adult
Guided tour of the University and city of Coimbra.Opens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 3 activities
Coimbra: Live Fado Show with Glass of Port Wine

Coimbra: Live Fado Show with Glass of Port Wine

Activity duration is 50 minutes
9.8 out of 10 with 6 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$32 per adult
Coimbra: Live Fado Show with Glass of Port WineOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Santa Cruz

Number of things to do
38
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Coimbra Top Attractions Walking Tour: NZ$11
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

Coimbra University featuring a square or plaza and a sunset

Coimbra University

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.

Coimbra University
Portugal dos Pequenitos

Portugal dos Pequenitos

Embrace your inquisitive side, as you inspect the various homes, pavilions and monuments of this intriguing and fun miniature village.

Portugal dos Pequenitos
Biblioteca Joanina which includes a sunset

Biblioteca Joanina

Go on a guided tour of a library containing countless tomes, Baroque architecture and an intriguing history entwined with a prison.

Biblioteca Joanina
Velha Cathedral featuring interior views and heritage elements

Old Cathedral of Coimbra

One of the main attractions of Coimbra’s central historic area, this fascinating preserved cathedral has a fortress design and Arabic touches.

Old Cathedral of Coimbra
Santa Cruz Church which includes a square or plaza, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Santa Cruz Church

Examine the range of Manueline and Romanesque architecture and inspect the artworks in the final resting place of two kings.

Santa Cruz Church
Convento de Santa Clara-a-Velha featuring a church or cathedral

Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha

Visit the museum for an explanatory film and explore the remaining parts of this nunnery that was often at risk of flooding.

Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha
Jardim da Manga showing heritage elements

Jardim da Manga

This small garden centers on an old fountain, believed to be one of the earliest examples of Renaissance architecture in Portugal.

Jardim da Manga
Coimbra showing a church or cathedral and heritage elements

New Cathedral of Coimbra

New Cathedral of Coimbra is just one of the places to see in Sé Nova, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Wander the riverfront and picturesque gardens in the area.

New Cathedral of Coimbra
Coimbra showing heritage elements and a fountain

Museu Nacional Machado de Castro

Appreciate the magnificent architecture of the former Bishop’s Palace, see religious sculptures and delve into an eerie Ancient Roman corridor.

Museu Nacional Machado de Castro

Explore areas of Santa Cruz

Velha Cathedral featuring a city, landscape views and heritage elements

Coimbra City Centre

4/5(11 area reviews)

Historical sites, river views and bars are some highlights of Coimbra City Centre. Make a stop by Santa Cruz Church or Old Cathedral of Coimbra while you're exploring.

Coimbra City Centre

 

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

Coimbra showing landscape views, a river or creek and a sunset

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.