In this post, we’ll talk about all the things you need to do in Sintra and what you can see.
This beautiful city is a must during your stay in Lisbon!
Colorful palaces and breathtaking panoramic views await you in this enchanting city located just a stone’s throw from Lisbon.
This beautiful coastal city is steeped in history and sightseeing.
Don’t miss all the things that you should see during your visit.
The 6 things you shouldn’t miss in Sintra
Pena Palace
Pena Palace is the main attraction of Sintra.
If you come to spend a day visiting Sintra, this is THE visit you must make!
Come very early, see at the opening to fully enjoy the place and the calm. The place is magical.
It is owed to King Ferdinand II, who had decided to reproduce all the style and opera decorations that had seduced him.
It is a monument both moving and imposing.
In addition to this particular influence, the Pena Palace was inspired by several artistic ideals.
Thus, you will find Neo-Romantic, Manueline, Gothic, Baroque, Moorish and many other styles of architecture.
We highly recommend that you explore all the rooms to get a glimpse of the richness of the exhibitions offered in each of them
You will have the choice between the access to the park only (7,50€) or the park + the palace (14,00€), know that by taking the access to the park only, you have access to the outside of the palace.
Pena Parc
One of the most popular places in Sintra is the Pena Park, located right around the palace that bears the same name.
Walking through these 200 hectares may take you some time, but it is well worth it!
During your getaway, you’ll have the chance to climb the Cruz Alta, 529 meters above the ocean, and walk through the Valley of Lakes, which will transport you with its breathtaking scents and landscape.
Nothing will do you more good than to walk among its green trees and wild plants to get a breath of fresh air.
Note: If you would like to go back to the city center and are not tired yet, we advise you to go down by the dedicated hiking trail, it’s about 1200m.
From the Pena Park, you can take the exit near the Valley Lakes (Vale dos lagos) and follow the sign that indicate Vila Sasseti. You will go down a beautiful hidden path where you will meet climbers and forests.
Quinta da Regaleira
This manor house is of great architectural interest as a representative of the Gothic school in all its splendor.
Don’t hesitate to enter its caves, its enigmatic labyrinths and to stroll through its idyllic gardens.
We can assure you that the mystery will be there!
If you are a fan of all things mystical or paranormal, stop in front of the initiatory well suspected of harboring occult science practices.
Castle of the Moors
The Castle of the Moors is your ticket to a journey into the heart of Portuguese history and culture.
It is one of the best attractions in Sintra.
We absolutely recommend a visit to this building full of grace and beauty.
You will not be able to remain insensitive to the place strength of character that has allowed it to remain standing until today to testify to the disasters it has experienced over the years.
Everything about it inspires greatness and respect.
It is considered a symbol of resistance and temerity and this is probably what has earned the place such an important place in the region.
Monserrate Palace
It could be a palace from the Thousand and One Nights, but revisited to bring you back to the European romantic era.
Lose yourself in the immensity of its corridors and staircases and live like in a real fairy tale.
You can almost see the Arab princesses strolling in this beautiful garden and reciting songs worshipping the oriental cult.
It is a space that harmoniously unites essences from the four corners of the world to offer you a unique experience.
We are sure that you will enjoy being in this unique and exotic setting for a few hours and that you will find it hard to leave at the end of the day!
Sintra National Palace
This palace is easily recognizable from its two conical chimneys, which overhang the city at some 33 meters high.
We advise you to discover the superb paintings and mosaics that adorn its walls with great finesse.
You will also have the chance to appreciate the authenticity of its furniture, its paintings and its tapestries.
Don’t miss the impressive set of world famous Mudejar tiles.
The house became a museum in 1940 and is now a meeting point where art is more than ever in the spotlight.
It is therefore no coincidence that it is considered one of Sintra’s must-sees.
The National Palace of Sintra is not far from the train station, it is possible to go there on foot instead of waiting for an armored bus to go up or down.
It is also next to the city center of Sintra where it is pleasant to walk around.
How to get to Sintra?
The easiest way to go to Sintra from Lisbon is to take the train, it’s direct, cheap and the journey takes about 40 minutes.
Sintra is 25km away from Lisbon.
So it is very close to Lisbon, which makes it a top destination and a must-see when you come to the Portuguese capital so you must spend a day visiting Sintra.
By Train
You can take the train at the Estaçao do Rossio station, right next to the Rossio square.
Trains comes every 30 minutes in high seasons and every hour in low season. Make sure to check out the time here: https://www.cp.pt/passageiros/en/train-times
It costs 4,50€ for a round trip for adults and 2,20€ for children.
From there you will find two train lines connect the two cities:
- Rossio – Sintra 40 minutes (You should take this one)
- Oriente (near the airport) – Sintra (50 minutes)
Know that once you’re there you can easily get lost. Our advice:
- If you want to start by the Sintra National Palace : You can walk 20 min from the train station. When you go out follow the sign Centro Historico.
The walk is very pleasant you’ll discover the city. - If you want to start by the Pena Palace or other main attractions : You will find the bus 434 on the left of the train station. Keep walking until you see the bus stop 434.
You can directly buy a ticket inside the bus. Note that this trip is free if you take the Lisboa Card.
Renting a car
Renting a car is a another way to visit Sintra. However, during peak season, it is almost impossible to park in Sintra.
It is not advisable to go by car, especially during the high season.
Getting Around Sintra
The easiest and cheapest way to get around Sintra is by bus.
Once there, you have tourist buses that connect all the main places to visit.
There’s 2 tickets that you can take
1) 1 bus ticket : 3,90€ you can get off anywhere but cannot re-use the ticket
2) Hop on Hop off ticket : 6,90€ you can take any bus at anytime during the whole day Be sure to keep your ticket purchased on board, as it is valid all day and allows you to get on and off the bus.
Be aware that this ticket is only valid on the way up to Pena palace. Once at the top, you’ll need to buy another ticket to get down.
Also note that the main attractions are not served by the same bus, changes will need to be made.
There are two bus lines depending on what you want to visit in Sintra:
- Bus 434
Every 15 minutes from 9:30 am to 6:20 pm
Itinerary: Sintra Station > Historical Center, Tourist Office, Sintra National Palace > Castle of the Moors > Pena Palace > Historical Center – Sintra National Palace > Sintra Station
- Bus 435
Every 25 minutes, from 9:40 am to 6:15 pm – Detailed schedule: see line 435
Itinerary: Sintra Station > Historic Center, Tourist Office, Sintra National Palace > Quinta da Regaleira > Seteais Palace > Monserrate Palace > Seteais Palace > Quinta da Regaleira > Historic Center, Sintra National Palace > Sintra Station
How do I spend a day in Sintra?
First of all, you should know that it will be difficult, if not impossible, to visit the 6 sites below.
So plan your day, leave early and read our article to know everything about visiting Sintra in 1 day.
In one day you can visit a lot. Here our advice:
1 – Leave from Rossio station and take the train to Sintra
2 – Walk around the historical center of Sintra
3 – Visit the Quinta Da Regaleiras
4 – Visit the Pena Palace
5 – Visit the Pena Park
How much does it cost to visit Sintra?
With the travel and the different entrance tickets, the spent is on average around 50 to 65€ per person.
- Train 5€
- Bus Hop On Hop Off 6,90€ or Tuk Tuk 15€/person
- Entrance tickets – 40€
10€ for the visit of the Quinta da Regaleira and 30€ (combined ticket for the Castle of the Moors, the Palace of Sintra and the Palace and Park of the Pena)
It’s a budget but it’s really a city to discover.
And to make you feel better, you should know that the total amount of the entrance tickets is used to finance the maintenance and the restoration of the site.
So you participate directly in its preservation.
Is it worth going to Sintra?
Yes! Sintra is certainly the first city you will want to visit outside of Lisbon. Famous all over the world for its monuments that make its unique identity.
