What to do in Santa Cruz

Activities, attractions and tours

Coimbra which includes a sunset, a river or creek and a bridge
Coimbra showing a bridge, a river or creek and a city
Coimbra showing a city
Coimbra which includes a river or creek, night scenes and a bridge
Coimbra showing a river or creek
  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    Members save % or more when you book activities.

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.
Learn more
Coimbra University which includes a sunset and a square or plaza

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.
Learn more
Portugal dos Pequenitos

3. Montemor-o-Velho Castle

Perched on a hill overlooking much of the surrounding region, Montemor-o-Velho Castle is a striking sight indeed. Walk around the battlements, explore the land between its defensive walls and imagine what life was like here during medieval times for the soldiers who stood on guard.
Learn more
Montemor-o-Velho Castle which includes a garden and heritage elements

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.
Learn more
Biblioteca Joanina which includes a sunset

5. 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.
Learn more
Velha Cathedral featuring heritage elements and interior views

6. 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.
Learn more
Santa Cruz Church which includes a square or plaza, heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

7. Jardim da Manga

Take a moment to relax in the Jardim da Manga, a small garden built around a yellow fountain that is believed to date back to the 16th century. Watch multiple fountains of water spurt upward and take pictures in front of the photogenic structure, which was named a national monument in the 1930s.
Learn more
Jardim da Manga showing heritage elements

What to do in Santa Cruz

Popular places to visit

Coimbra University which includes a sunset and a square or plaza

Coimbra University

5/5(12 reviews)

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

4/5(1 review)

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

4.5/5(11 reviews)

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 heritage elements and interior views

Old Cathedral of Coimbra

5/5(9 reviews)

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

4.5/5(8 reviews)

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 which includes a church or cathedral

Mosteiro de Santa Clara-a-Velha

5/5(4 reviews)

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

5/5(1 review)

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 heritage elements and a church or cathedral

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 featuring 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 which includes a city, heritage elements and landscape views

Coimbra City Centre

4.5/5(18 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

Day trip destinations from Santa Cruz

Coimbra which includes a sunset, a river or creek and a bridge

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 kilometers 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 kilometers 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.