What to do in São Miguel

Activities, attractions and tours

Places to Visit in São Miguel

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

Coimbra Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour

Coimbra Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour

NZ$6
per adult
Coimbra Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour
Coimbra Top Attractions Walking Tour

Coimbra Top Attractions Walking Tour

NZ$10
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Coimbra Top Attractions Walking Tour
Explore Coimbra: Walking Tour with a Local Guide

Explore Coimbra: Walking Tour with a Local Guide

NZ$38
per adult
Explore Coimbra: Walking Tour with a Local Guide
Portugal dos Pequenitos entry ticket

Portugal dos Pequenitos entry ticket

NZ$30
per adult
Portugal dos Pequenitos entry ticket
Coimbra: Mondego River Cruise with City Views

Coimbra: Mondego River Cruise with City Views

NZ$20
per adult
Coimbra: Mondego River Cruise with City Views
Coimbra Walking Tour

Coimbra Walking Tour

NZ$59
per adult
Coimbra Walking Tour
Coimbra’s Jewish Heritage An Audio Tour of the Medieval Town

Coimbra’s Jewish Heritage An Audio Tour of the Medieval Town

NZ$9
per adult
Coimbra’s Jewish Heritage An Audio Tour of the Medieval Town
Schist Villages and medieval castles tour

Schist Villages and medieval castles tour

NZ$218
per adult
Schist Villages and medieval castles tour
Coimbra: Adventure, Discovery & Learning with a Local

Coimbra: Adventure, Discovery & Learning with a Local

NZ$99
per adult
Coimbra: Adventure, Discovery & Learning with a Local
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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 stone building with a large arched entrance and a decorative window above it.

4. Biblioteca Joanina

The Biblioteca Joanina is a historic hilltop library with stunning Baroque touches. Dating back to the 1700s, the library is one of the highlights of Coimbra University’s campus and offers wonderful views of the surrounding Old Town area. Snap photos of this marvelous structure and admire its ornate décor and grandiose features.
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A grand library with ornate bookshelves, a red carpet, and a central ornate archway.

5. 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.

6. Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha

The Convento de Santa Clara-a-Velha includes the well-preserved Gothic ruins of a 14th-century monastery. It contains a visitor center with exhibits that explain the intriguing archaeological traces and architectural designs of the convent. Piece together the history of this nunnery with a tour of the vestiges that remain.
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An ancient stone church with a red-tiled roof and a bell tower, surrounded by ruins and a river in the background.

Recommended things to do in São Miguel

Number of things to do
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
:
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in São Miguel

Stay near popular São Miguel, Santa Eufémia e Rabaçal attractions

Penela Castle

8.6/10 (24 reviews)
You can find out about the history of São Miguel, Santa Eufémia e Rabaçal with a trip to Penela Castle. Visit the spas in this walkable area or simply enjoy its cafes.
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 São Miguel

A coastal landscape with cliffs, a sandy beach, and turquoise waters.

Soure

A historic town with white buildings and a large castle on a hill.

Penela

A street with a white fence, a church, and flags.

Miranda do Corvo

Frequently asked questions

Is São Miguel worth visiting?
From shopping to outdoor activities and history, there are many great things to do in São Miguel. Be sure to enjoy the area's blend of awesome sights, local charm and culture.
How do I spend a day in São Miguel?
Begin your day with a visit to Church of San Miguel. Then, explore different areas of São Miguel for local dining and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in São Miguel?
Spend a day at Church of San Miguel and see why it's ranked as the top tourist attraction near São Miguel.
Is three days enough to stay in São Miguel?
If you only want to check out the most popular sights, three days will be a good amount of time for an escape to São Miguel. Book for seven to ten days for the chance to truly appreciate the local vibe, tour nearby highlights and explore some hidden gems.
Is São Miguel a walkable neighbourhood?
Enjoy a casual walk from the centre of São Miguel to Church of San Miguel and other favourite attractions. Your next stop? Stroll for about 3 kilometres to get to the neighbourhood of Podentes.
What are some activities to do in São Miguel with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, a fun-filled itinerary is the key to a stress-free getaway. Take a look at our ideas for what to do in São Miguel with kids.
What to do in São Miguel for adults?
From fantastic food and cultural gems to thrilling excursions and unique experiences, there's no shortage of great things to do in São Miguel for adults.
Are there free things to do in São Miguel?
One of the favourite free things to do in São Miguel is visit Church of San Miguel. You can also walk around nearby neighbourhoods and spend time in public parks and other green spaces in this area. If you're stuck for ideas, just talk with a local tour guide.