Things to do in Santa Cruz

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A densely packed urban area with a variety of buildings, including residential and possibly commercial structures, under a clear sky.
A cityscape with colorful buildings, a statue, and a tram.
A densely packed urban area with a variety of buildings, including residential and commercial structures, under a clear sky.
A historic building with ornate architecture, a statue, and a cobblestone street.
A historic plaza with a prominent cathedral featuring ornate architecture and a fountain in the center.

Things to do

Coimbra Top Attractions Walking Tour

Coimbra Top Attractions Walking Tour

$6
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Coimbra Top Attractions Walking Tour
Jewish Coimbra Tour

Jewish Coimbra Tour

$47
per adult
Jewish Coimbra Tour
Coimbra Walking Tour

Coimbra Walking Tour

$34
per adult
Coimbra Walking Tour
Schist Villages and medieval castles tour

Schist Villages and medieval castles tour

$126
per adult
Schist Villages and medieval castles tour
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Santa Cruz must see attractions

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. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.
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A historical building with a central courtyard, columns, and domed roofs.

Recommended things to do in Santa Cruz

Number of things to do
105
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Coimbra Scavenger Hunt & Highlights Self-Guided Walking Tour: $6
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Santa Cruz

 

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Stay near popular Santa Cruz attractions

A historic building with a clock tower, arched staircases, and a courtyard.

Coimbra University

9.4/10 (734 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.
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Popular day trips from Santa Cruz

A historic cityscape with a prominent hilltop church, a bridge over a river, and a dense urban area with colorful buildings.

Coimbra

Frequently asked questions

Is Santa Cruz worth visiting?
Santa Cruz offers a unique blend of local charm, attractions and culture. Whether you're into the outdoors, history or local cuisine, there's a lot to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Santa Cruz?
Casa Museu Bissaya Barreto is an excellent place to begin your sightseeing adventures. Be sure to explore the retail and dining options in Santa Cruz while you're in town too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Santa Cruz?
New Cathedral of Coimbra is rated the top tourist attraction near Santa Cruz, so don't leave without checking it out.
Is three days enough to stay in Santa Cruz?
With a three-day getaway to Santa Cruz, you can comfortably explore the area's many fabulous sights, like New Cathedral of Coimbra and Museu Nacional Machado de Castro.
Is Santa Cruz a walkable neighborhood?
Exploring Santa Cruz on foot is easy, with key attractions like New Cathedral of Coimbra and Museu Nacional Machado de Castro just a short walk away. Well-known neighborhoods like Sé Nova, Santa Cruz, Almedina e São Bartolomeu and Coimbra City Centre are also located only 1 mile and 0.4 miles from the center of Santa Cruz, so you can keep your adventure going — no wheels required.
What are some activities to do in Santa Cruz with kids?
Whether you're traveling with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities makes a big difference. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Santa Cruz with kids.

What to do in Santa Cruz for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Santa Cruz, with experiences for adults of all ages. Finish your day off at Museu de Conimbriga.
Are there free things to do in Santa Cruz?
Near Santa Cruz, New Cathedral of Coimbra is a top spot for anyone looking to experience this area without opening their wallet. Also, check out the local green spaces and other neighborhoods nearby, and ask a local tour guide for insider tips. It's a great way to find out about the best free things to do in Santa Cruz.