Things to do in Sintra
Sintra is a fairy-tale Portuguese hill town of palaces, castles, and lush forests just 40 minutes from Lisbon by train, offering world-class UNESCO-listed sights at a fraction of Western European prices. Day-trippers and overnight visitors alike find that a little money goes a long way here.
Why go to Sintra
Pena Palace (Palácio da Pena)
A technicolor Romanticist palace perched on a misty peak that looks ripped from a Disney fantasy.
Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros)
Ancient hilltop battlements with jaw-dropping panoramic views over forests and the Atlantic.
Quinta da Regaleira
A mysterious estate with an iconic inverted initiation well that spirals deep into the earth.
Monserrate Palace
An exotic neo-Gothic and Moorish palace surrounded by sweeping romantic gardens.
Sintra National Palace (Palácio Nacional de Sintra)
The best-preserved medieval royal palace in Portugal, dominating the village square with its iconic twin chimneys.
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Good to know in Sintra
- Take the Comboios de Portugal (CP) train from Lisbon Rossio station to Sintra, it runs every 20 minutes, takes about 40 minutes, and costs roughly $2.50 each way; no need to rent a car.
- Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory in Portugal, rounding up or leaving 5-10% at sit-down restaurants is considered generous by local standards.
- Tap water is safe and clean throughout Sintra; carry a reusable bottle to avoid buying plastic bottles at tourist markup prices.
- The Sintra National Palace offers free entry on Sunday mornings until 2 PM for EU citizens; non-EU visitors should check the official website for discounted or periodic free-entry promotions.
Trip essentials
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