Things To Do
in Sintra
Sintra is a fairy-tale town set among green hills and misty forests just outside Lisbon. Its romantic palaces, Moorish ruins, and lush parks create a UNESCO-listed landscape that feels almost otherworldly. The Pena Palace, Moorish Castle, and Quinta da Regaleira anchor a network of gardens and viewpoints that reward slow exploration.
Easy rail access from Lisbon makes it a quintessential day trip or short weekend escape with a timeless, cinematic ambiance.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a leisurely breakfast at a local café, savoring traditional Portuguese pastries like Pastéis de Nata. After breakfast, stroll through the cobbled streets of Sintra's historic center, marveling at the colorful buildings and unique architecture. Don’t miss the iconic Sintra National Palace, where you can explore its rich history and stunning interiors.
After a light lunch at a nearby eatery, head to Quinta da Regaleira, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its enchanting gardens and mysterious Initiation Well. Spend your afternoon wandering through the lush landscape, discovering hidden grottoes, and enjoying the intricate architecture. Capture breathtaking views from the top of the well as you learn about the symbolism behind its design.
As the sun begins to set, find a cozy restaurant in the center for dinner, where you can indulge in local specialties such as grilled sardines or bacalhau à brás. After dinner, take a peaceful evening stroll through the illuminated streets, soaking in the romantic atmosphere of Sintra. Conclude your night with a glass of local wine at a charming wine bar, reflecting on the day's adventures.
Start your day with breakfast at a café near the entrance of the breathtaking Pena Palace, where you can fuel up before exploring one of Portugal's most iconic landmarks. Arrive early to avoid the crowds and take your time marveling at the palace's vibrant colors and eclectic architectural styles. Don't forget to wander through the surrounding gardens, filled with exotic plants and stunning views of the Sintra mountains.
After exploring Pena Palace, make your way to the Moorish Castle, where you can hike up to the ancient walls for panoramic views of the entire region. Enjoy a packed lunch while soaking in the scenery and the historical significance of this medieval fortress. As the afternoon unfolds, stroll through the nearby woods, allowing the serene atmosphere to envelop you.
Return to the historic center for dinner at a restaurant featuring traditional Portuguese cuisine, such as caldo verde or feijoada. After your meal, take a leisurely walk to the beautiful Monserrate Palace, known for its romantic gardens and exotic architecture, where you can admire it in the soft evening light. End your day at a local café with a warm drink, listening to live Fado music.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| ☕Cup of coffee | $2-4 |
| 🥗Lunch for two at mid-range restaurant | $25-40 |
| 🛏️One-night mid-range hotel stay | $100-180 |
| 🍷Bottle of wine at a restaurant | $15-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning palaces and landscapes
- Compact historic center is easy to explore on foot
- Rich pastry traditions and scenic day trips from Lisbon
- Hills and cobblestones can be tiring for some visitors
- Crowds peak in summer and on weekends
- "Olá" - Hello
- "Bom dia" - Good morning
- "Por favor" - Please
- "Obrigado/Obrigada" - Thank you
- " Não falo Português" - I don’t speak Portuguese
- " Fala inglês?" - Do you speak English?
- " Quanto custa?" - How much does it cost?
- " Onde fica...?" - Where is...?
- " Pode me ajudar?" - Can you help me?
- " Não entendi" - I did not understand
Places to Visit in Sintra
Visit one of these nice places.
Pastel façades perched atop the hills, with vibrant colors and panoramic views across the valley—an emblem of Sintra.
Ancient fortress walls offering dramatic overlooks and a sense of medieval history set against green hills.
Intricate gardens, hidden tunnels, and the Initiation Well create atmospheric, mysterious compositions.
Distinctive twin chimneys and white-washed interiors; capture the town’s historic center from its courtyard.
Cliffside viewpoints along the western edge of Europe with rugged Atlantic seascapes and expansive horizons.
Food in Sintra
Sintra Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A flaky almond-filled pastry with a soft custard center, quintessential to Sintra and best enjoyed warm from a local bakery.
Must-Try!
Small, custardy tarts made with cheese and eggs, often dusted with cinnamon and caramelized edges.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market hall offering freshproduce, cheeses, cured meats, and prepared snacks ideal for a quick bite.
Casual stalls and bakeries around the town center offer warm pastries, grilled sardines, and local cheeses to nibble on while wandering the hills.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Begin with a friendly “Olá” or “Bom dia/Boa tarde”; a brief handshake is common in formal settings.
Forming lines and waiting your turn is standard; avoid loud behavior in sacred or quiet spaces.
Dress modestly when visiting churches or religious sites; photography may be restricted in certain areas.
Safety
Tipping in Sintra
Ensure a smooth experience
In Portugal, a tip of 5-10% is customary if service is not included; leaving a few euros for smaller cafés is common.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted; cash is still useful in smaller shops and markets; contactless payment is common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming gardens; best for outdoor palace and park visits with fewer crowds than summer.
Warm days and dry weather; bring sun protection, water, and plan early visits to avoid heat and crowds.
Comfortable temperatures with russet foliage; pleasant for walks in the forests and hillside trails.
Milder than many European winters with more rain; layers and waterproof footwear are recommended for damp paths.
Sintra at Night
Hiking in Sintra
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Cliffside trail with dramatic Atlantic views; a popular option for a scenic half- or full-day hike.
Forest trails linking resort grounds to hillside viewpoints and palaces; varied elevation for a satisfying hike.
Gentle to moderate loops through lush gardens and diverse plantings with historic estates nearby.
Airports
How to reach Sintra by plane.
Main international gateway to the region; about 30-40 minutes by car or train to Sintra, depending on traffic.
Northern gateway; feasible for a longer trip by train or road but not as convenient for a Sintra visit.
Southern gateway; farther from Sintra but useful for combining a southern Portugal itinerary.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Residents who live in Sintra’s hillside neighborhoods and work across the region, often traveling to Lisbon for work.
Tourists from Lisbon and beyond who visit for palaces, parks, and coastal scenery.
International residents attracted by scenery, climate, and access to Lisbon’s urban amenities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in the region, with local clubs and community matches accessible to visitors.
Several scenic courses in nearby Sintra-Cascais area offer challenging layouts and sea breezes.
Beaches near Guincho and along the Cascais coastline attract surfers and visitors seeking wave-based recreation.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Sintra.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Choose vegetable-forward plates, cheese-based dishes, and seafood options; many venues can adapt meat dishes to vegetarian versions.
Look for olive oil–based salads, grilled vegetables, legumes, and fruit desserts; request dairy-free pastries where available.
Ask about gluten-free pastry options and bread; many restaurants in Sintra can accommodate with careful preparation.