What to do in Santiago

Activities, attractions and tours

A beach with footprints leading to the water, a distant shoreline with lights, and a mountain in the background.
Kayakers on a clear sea with rocky cliffs in the background.
A coastal city at dusk with a prominent beach, a peninsula, and a distant mountain range.
A coastal city at dusk with a beach and a hilly landscape in the background.
A historic building with symmetrical gardens and a central fountain.

Places to Visit in Santiago

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Santiago, Sesimbra 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 Santiago attractions from NZ$39, 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 Santiago tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 142 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 Santiago. 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.

Activities

Lisbon: Sunset Boat Party Cruise with DJ and Open Bar

Lisbon: Sunset Boat Party Cruise with DJ and Open Bar

NZ$42
per adult
Lisbon: Sunset Boat Party Cruise with DJ and Open Bar
Trolley in Lisbon

Hills Tramcar Hop-on Hop-off Tour

NZ$40
per adult
80% of travellers recommend
Hills Tramcar Hop-on Hop-off Tour
Lisbon: Tagus River Sailing Tour

Lisbon small group Sunset River Sailing Tour

NZ$72
per adult
Lisbon small group Sunset River Sailing Tour
Boat Party to the Beach with Swimming Stops, DJ and Open Bar

Boat Party to the Beach with Swimming Stops, DJ and Open Bar

NZ$49
per adult
Boat Party to the Beach with Swimming Stops, DJ and Open Bar
Lisbon Sunset or Daily boat tour on the river with drinks

Lisbon Sunset or Daytime boat tour with history and wine

NZ$80
per adult
Lisbon Sunset or Daytime boat tour with history and wine
Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour with Optional Bus Tour Combos

Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Packs

NZ$51
per adult
Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Packs
Lisbon: Boat Tour with Champagne

Lisbon: Boat Tour with Champagne

NZ$70
per adult
Lisbon: Boat Tour with Champagne
Sesimbra: Family Friendly Boat Sea Tour w/ Submarine Vision

Sesimbra: Family Friendly Boat Sea Tour w/ Submarine Vision

NZ$58
per adult
Sesimbra: Family Friendly Boat Sea Tour w/ Submarine Vision
Golden Hour Boat Tour - Sailing by the Monuments with Wine

Golden Hour Boat Tour - Sailing by the Monuments with Wine

NZ$90
per adult
Golden Hour Boat Tour - Sailing by the Monuments with Wine
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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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A square with a fountain, a monument, and patterned pavement.

2. Belém Tower

Belém Tower is an impressive structure on the shore of the Tagus River in Lisbon. The ornate fortification was built here over 500 years ago to fight off any hostile craft that came up the river. Gaze straight across the river from the top of the Tower Terrace to see St. Sebastian’s Fort, another fortification on the opposite shore. With the two towers in place, enemy warships could not achieve success in attacking the city.
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A historic stone castle by a river, with a wooden bridge leading to it.

3. Commerce Square

Meet your friends, bring the family or simply bask in the busy sunlit atmosphere of Commerce Square. Known locally as the Praça do Comércio, this riverfront plaza was used historically as a meeting place for royals, although this stopped after the Great Earthquake of 1755.
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A plaza with a statue, a large archway, and yellow buildings.

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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A historic bridge with ornate metalwork and a view of a cityscape with red-tiled roofs.

5. Lisbon Cathedral

The Lisbon Cathedral (the Santa Maria Maior de Lisboa) is the city’s spiritual centre. As one of Lisbon’s oldest religious buildings, it has been remodelled several times. Enjoy it as a stunning compilation of shifting architectural styles.
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A historic building with ornate architecture, a clock tower, and a tram in the foreground.

Recommended things to do in Santiago

Number of things to do
142
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Taxi Boat Beach Ribeira do Cavalo: NZ$39
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Santiago

Stay near popular Santiago attractions

Fortaleza de Santiago

9.4/10 (12 reviews)
You can learn about the history of Santiago with a stop at Fortaleza de Santiago. Wander through the beautiful beaches and seaside in this quaint area.
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 Santiago

A coastal scene with a sandy beach, a stone wall, and a backdrop of hills and buildings.

Sesimbra

Frequently asked questions

Is Santiago worth visiting?
One of the most popular things to do in Santiago is visit Praia da California. Tick this top attraction off your list, then discover more of the area's coastal beaches and views.
How do I spend a day in Santiago?
When you've checked off popular attractions like Praia da California, spend some time experiencing the food and retail options in Santiago.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santiago?
Praia da California is rated the top tourist attraction near Santiago, so don't leave without checking it out.
Is three days enough to stay in Santiago?
With a three-day escape to Santiago, you can comfortably discover the area's many fabulous sights, including Praia da California and Facho da Azoia.
Is Santiago a walkable neighbourhood?
That depends on the things you'd like to see in and around Santiago. Several attractions, including Praia da California and Nossa Senhora de Castelo Church are reachable on foot. Up for a stroll through some other neighbourhoods nearby? Zambujal is 3 kilometres from Santiago, while Pinheirinhos is 5 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Santiago with kids?
If you're looking for sights and activities for all of your group, check out these fantastic ideas for what to do in Santiago with kids.

What to do in Santiago for adults?
Whether you're a food lover, culture enthusiast or outdoor adventurer, there are plenty of things to do in Santiago for adults.
Are there free things to do in Santiago?
One of the best free things to do in Santiago is visit Praia da California. You can also stroll through nearby neighbourhoods and explore parks and other green spaces in this area. If you need more suggestions, just ask a local tour guide.