Back to ExplorePlan a trip
Sintra, Portugal

Destination Guide

Sintra

Portugal

Best things to do in Sintra

16 curated attractions in Sintra, Portugal. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

April - June, September - October

Average temp

16°C/61°F

Budget

Mid-range

Safety

Very safe

About Sintra

Just a thirty-minute train ride from Lisbon, Sintra is best known for its collection of Romanticist palaces and castles that sit atop a hilly landscape. The Moorish Castle and the National Palace of Sintra dominate the skyline, while the extravagant Quinta da Regaleira entices visitors with its intricate architecture and mysterious gardens. The town’s historical center is a blend of narrow streets, quaint shops and eateries, and tourists who flock here for the enchanting sights. Sintra's lush mountains provide a green backdrop and plenty of hiking opportunities, but the real reason people visit is to marvel at the whimsical palaces that look like they've sprung from a storybook, which inevitably leads to crowds and the occasional traffic jam in its narrow streets.

Who it's for

Ideal for those who appreciate history, architecture, and a good hike, but perhaps less so for anyone who dislikes crowds or steep hills. If you’re expecting quiet, solitary walks through fairytale landscapes, you might be disappointed by the sheer number of fellow visitors and the occasional wait at major attractions.

Getting around

Public transport: Moderate

  • The historical center is compact and walkable, easily navigated in about twenty minutes on foot
  • Local buses connect key attractions, but they can be infrequent and crowded, especially in peak season
  • The train from Lisbon takes around thirty minutes, but the last leg of your journey will involve some uphill walking
  • Expect delays during weekends when day-trippers arrive en masse
Capuchin Convent

Capuchin Convent

Monasteries
Chalet and Garden of the Countess of Edla

Chalet and Garden of the Countess of Edla

Historic houses & mansions
Praia da Adraga

Praia da Adraga

Beaches
Seteais Palace

Seteais Palace

Castles & palaces
Praia Grande

Praia Grande

Beaches
Peninha Sanctuary

Peninha Sanctuary

Churches & cathedrals
Cabo da Roca

Cabo da Roca

Scenic viewpoints
Sintra Mountains

Sintra Mountains

Mountains & volcanoes
Park and Palace of Monserrate

Park and Palace of Monserrate

Castles & palaces
Quinta da Regaleira

Quinta da Regaleira

Castles & palaces
Sintra Historical Center

Sintra Historical Center

Old towns & historic quarters
Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros)

Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros)

Forts & citadels
National Palace of Sintra

National Palace of Sintra

Castles & palaces
Pena Park

Pena Park

Formal & Japanese gardens
Anjos Teahouse

Anjos Teahouse

Landmarks and Monuments
Sintra Museum of Modern Art

Sintra Museum of Modern Art

Art museums & galleries

Where to eat in Sintra

The places worth planning a meal around.

Café Saudade

Café Saudade

Portuguese · $10–$20

★ 4.6 · 4,162 reviews

Pizzeria do Carmo Sintra

Pizzeria do Carmo Sintra

Italian · $$

★ 4.3 · 641 reviews

Meia Pipa

Meia Pipa

Portuguese · $$

★ 4.5 · 405 reviews

Casa Piriquita

Casa Piriquita

Portuguese · $

Things to do in Sintra

Tours, cruises and experiences, rather than places to visit.

Travel Tools

Check visa for PortugalEstimate costs for SintraCompare Sintra with another cityPacking list for Sintra

AI Travel Planner

Planning a trip to Sintra?

Get a personalized itinerary built around your travel personality — with optimized routes, hidden gems, and insider tips.

Take the quiz — it's free →