Best Things to Do in Sintra + Transportation Tips

Best things to do in Sintra, Portugal

Sintra is where art, nature, and exotic beauty meet in perfect harmony. Just a short drive or train drive from Lisbon, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a favorite day-trip destination.

Perched high in the mountains, Sintra is famous for its stunning palaces and castles. The location was originally chosen for defensive purposes, and on a clear day, you can spot the Sintra mountains from Lisbon.

Sintra offers cooler temperatures than surrounding areas, which made it the perfect summer retreat for Portuguese royalty. Today, visitors are enchanted by the grand palaces, misty hills, moss-covered gardens, mysterious forests, and old mansions.

Here’s everything you need to know about the best things to see in Sintra and how to get around.

Please note, this post may contain affiliate links.

Table of Contents

How to Get to Sintra from Lisbon

Free Tours in Sintra

Getting around Sintra

Best things to do and see in Sintra

Where to stay in Sintra

How to Get to Sintra from Lisbon

By Car

Driving is only recommended if you already have a rental car for a broader road trip. Parking is limited, cars are not allowed in the old town, and traffic jams are common during peak season.

As the palaces are located on the hill (where you are not allowed to drive up), it is highly recommended to use the local buses once you have parked. If you can, arrive early to avoid queues, traffic jams and to find a parking space more easily.
TIP! If you do arrive in Sintra by car, be sure to visit Cabo da Roca, Ursa Beach, Cascais and Azenhas do Mar.
Parking in Sintra parking

Organized Tours

If you prefer convenience, several companies offer guided day tours from Lisbon, often combining Sintra with other nearby attractions like Cabo da Roca or Cascais.

By Train

The easiest way to reach Sintra is by train from Lisbon’s Rossio Station. Trains run frequently and the journey takes around 40 minutes. Tickets are affordable and can be purchased at the station.

Train tickets: you cannot buy tickets online in advance (only at the station ticket office or ticket machines). Passengers must validate their ticket or pass before boarding the train.
Download the timetable: Sintra train timetable
CP website: Comboios de Portugal website
From Sintra station, the historic centre is about 1,5 km away.

Free Tours in Sintra

Getting Around Sintra

Sintra’s attractions are spread out, and the town itself is quite hilly. Here are your options:

Bus 434: A popular loop bus connecting the train station, town center, Moorish Castle, and Pena Palace. Perfect for first-time visitors.
Bus 435: Covers Quinta da Regaleira and Monserrate Palace.
Tuk-tuks and taxis: Convenient if you want more flexibility, but be prepared for higher prices.
Walking: Possible for short distances, but some paths are steep.
Tour packages: Some travelers opt for organized day tours from Lisbon, which include transportation and guided visits.

Bus ticket types

There are several types of tickets available, but I think you should choose the Hop On Hop Off All Buses 24 Hours ticket, which allows unlimited travel in Sintra on all Scotturb buses on the day of purchase. This includes not only the 434 bus but also the 435 bus to Monserrate Palace. In 2023, the 403 bus to Cabo da Roca was discontinued.
Prices vary from season to season, you can check the current ticket prices and packages here: Ticket prices

Important Tip:
Sintra is extremely popular, especially in high season. To avoid long lines and crowds, try to arrive early in the morning and book your tickets online in advance.

Best things to do and see in Sintra

Pena Palace

The most iconic sight in Sintra! This colorful, fairy-tale-like palace sits atop a hill and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Be sure to visit the palace interior and stroll through the beautiful Pena Park.

The palace has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995 and is one of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.
Getting there: 434 Scotturb bus
Website – ticket prices: Palacio da Pena website
To avoid the queue, buy tickets online here.

Moorish Castle

Located near Pena Palace, the Moorish Castle is a medieval fortress offering breathtaking panoramic views. Walking along the ancient walls feels like stepping back in time.

Getting there: 434 Scotturb bus
Website – ticket prices: Castelo dos Mouros website
Book online and avoid the queue – buy tickets online

Quinta da Regaleira

A must-visit for fans of mystery and architecture! The gardens are filled with hidden tunnels, grottos, and the famous Initiation Well, a spiral staircase leading deep underground.

Getting there: the 435 Scotturb bus
Website – ticket prices: Quinta da Regaleira website
If you want to avoid queuing, book online

National Palace of Sintra

Located in the town center, this palace is known for its twin chimneys and unique blend of architectural styles. It’s less dramatic than Pena Palace but still rich in history. It is also home to one of the country’s most important collections of Baroque tiles.

Getting there: 435 Scotturb bus
Website – ticket prices: Sintra National Palace website
You can also buy tickets online here.

Monserrate Palace

Often overlooked, Monserrate Palace features exotic gardens and stunning neo-Gothic architecture. The gardens have been designed to take advantage of the unique microclimate of the mountains to create a magnificent park, which still contains more than 3,000 exotic species. The history of this charming place, however, is marked by many vicissitudes. It’s much quieter than other tourist spots, perfect if you want to escape the crowds.

Getting there: 435 Scotturb bus
Website – ticket prices: Monserrate Palace website
Although it attracts fewer visitors, it is worth buying tickets online – buy online

Cabo da Roca (optional)
If you have extra time, visit Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, located about a 30-minute drive from Sintra.

Sintra Attractions - Online Admissions

Where to stay in Sintra

Want to spend more days in Sintra?

If you arrive by train, book accommodation in the centre of Sintra!
Find and book accommodation in Sintra
If you’re on a road trip and arriving by car, book oceanfront accommodation. My personal favourite, where I have been before, is Azen Cool House. It’s in a beautiful setting, just a few minutes walk from the ocean. It has an outdoor pool and free parking.
Book here!

eSIM

Surf the internet anywhere in the world!

When travelling overseas, an important question is how you will use your phone while on holiday. Everyone wants to avoid high roaming charges and is looking for a simple, fast and affordable solution. Rather than buying a physical SIM card and the hassle of setting it up, choose Airalo’s digital SIM card. Airalo is the world’s first eSIM (digital SIM) store, available at affordable prices in over 200 countries. Choose from local, regional or global cards.
With eSIM, you can purchase a mobile data plan through the Airalo app, which you can install on your eSIM-enabled device in seconds. If you want more details, visit the Airalo website.

Website: Airalo

Best things to do in Sintra

A visit to Sintra feels like stepping into a fairy tale. Whether you’re wandering through the colorful halls of Pena Palace, exploring the mysterious gardens of Quinta da Regaleira, or enjoying the breathtaking views from the Moorish Castle, Sintra offers unforgettable experiences at every turn.
Plan your visit carefully, and you’ll fall in love with this magical town just like countless travelers before you.

Need help planning your trip?

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Here are my favourite sites to use when planning my trips:

Find your flight: Kiwi or use the airline’s direct website

Book your Hotel: Booking.com and Airbnb

Search for a rental car: Discovercars

Stay Connected Anywhere: Airalo eSIM

Book an unforgettable experiences: GetYourGuide

Source: Wandering Linda
Photos: Wandering Linda and Freepik
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Best Things to Do in Sintra + Transportation Tips