What is there to do in Sintra Center?

If you have one day in Sintra, visit the Pena Palace and the Pena Park, the Moorish Castle, and either the Palace of Sintra (Palacio Nacional de Sintra) or Quinta da Regaleira. Leave some time to explore the old town of Sintra and have a nice dinner at a local restaurant (avoid touristy places!).



The center of Sintra, known as Sintra Vila, is a charming, UNESCO-listed historic district filled with narrow cobblestone streets, boutique shops, and traditional pastelarias. The centerpiece of the town square is the National Palace of Sintra (Palácio Nacional de Sintra), recognizable by its two massive conical white chimneys; it is the best-preserved medieval royal residence in Portugal. Visitors can wander through the "Vila" to sample the famous local pastries: Travesseiros (almond-filled puff pastry) and Queijadas de Sintra (sweet cheese tarts), particularly at the historic Piriquita bakery. The center also serves as the main transportation hub where you can catch the 434 tourist bus or a horse-drawn carriage to the higher peaks of Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle. For those who enjoy a bit of mystery, the Quinta da Regaleira is just a short 10-minute walk from the center, featuring gothic architecture and the famous "Initiation Well." The town center itself is perfect for photography, offering colorful facades and hidden fountains that capture the romantic, fairytale atmosphere that has enchanted poets and travelers for centuries.

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Sintra in half a day No matter what you've seen or read, half a day is not long enough to fully appreciate Sintra. Three hours is only just enough time to see the historic centre and the Quinta da Regaleira (or Palácio Nacional de Sintra).

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In the 19th century Sintra became the first centre of European Romantic architecture. Ferdinand II turned a ruined monastery into a castle where this new sensitivity was displayed in the use of Gothic, Egyptian, Moorish and Renaissance elements and in the creation of a park blending local and exotic species of trees.

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24-hour unlimited Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with 360-degree panoramic views of Sintra. Access to 2 bus routes around Sintra, with stops near palaces, parks, and beaches. Create your own itinerary to explore the city and its popular attractions.

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The 434 bus service is designed for tourists, and the fares reflect this. The highly promoted 24-hour ticket costs €15, a single fare costs € 4.10, and the Pena Circuit Round Trip €7.60.

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Sintra town is divided into two separate areas…. the new and old town. Both areas are small and very walkable. The old town centers around the National Palace of Sintra and the original village.

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Sintra is generally a safe place, even during the night. It's a popular tourist destination and the local police maintain a solid presence. However, like anywhere, it's important to stay vigilant, especially when walking alone. Avoid deserted areas and always be aware of your surroundings.

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Don't be like me—wear sneakers, or at least sturdier sandals. Due to its altitude and location closer to the coast, Sintra is often chillier than Lisbon, which was definitely the case when we visited. I recommend dressing in layers, and bringing a light jacket or sweater.

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Weekends tend to be busier than weekdays and all of the main sights of Sintra are open every day during the high season.

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Our tuktuks are equipped with safety features to ensure a secure and enjoyable journey. ?Join us and embark on an adventure of a lifetime. Discover the magic of Sintra and beyond, as our knowledgeable guides take you on a journey through history, culture, and natural beauty.

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To reach the Palace of Pena, follow the signposted footpath as far as the main entrance to the Park of Pena and then climb to the Palace. This walk takes around 30 minutes.

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In Sintra, you can get around by walking, by bus, or by taxi. If you're just in Sintra for 24 hours, walking will take up too much time. With that amount of time, it's best to take the train from Lisbon to Sintra, and then use Sintra's bus lines or taxis to get around. There are two bus routes you'll use in Sintra.

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Sintra is a quaint little town in Portugal, located just over an hour away from Lisbon. The small town sits at the top of a mountain and is famous for its beautiful parks and castles.

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An alternative option is to follow the Caminho de Santa Maria footpath, which leads uphill from the historic centre of Sintra to the Castelo dos Mouros and Pena Palace. Be warned, this is a very steep hill and a demanding 55-minute hike, which can be very tiring in the heat of summer.

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Hidden among its majestic pine forest, you will discover whimsical palaces, extravagant villas and the ruins of a 10th-century Moorish castle. This variety of fascinating historic buildings and stunning natural scenery, makes Sintra an outstanding tourist destination.

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Travelers thoroughly enjoyed hopping back and forth between what many visitors described as beautiful palaces, villas and castles that Sintra had to offer, but recommended stamina and sturdy pair of shoes, as the area is very hilly.

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Standard fare is 5 euros per person. They are slower than taxi but make for a very pleasant, open air ride up to Pena Palace. And no waiting for bus. There are tuk tuks waiting at the train station, at city center/National Palace, at Pena Palace and at Moorish Castle.

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What companies run services between Lisbon and Sintra? Comboios De Portugal operates a train from Lisboa - Sete Rios to Sintra every 30 minutes. Tickets cost €1 - €3 and the journey takes 35 min.

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Comboios De Portugal operates a train from Lisboa - Sete Rios to Sintra every 30 minutes. Tickets cost €1 - €3 and the journey takes 35 min.

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