In short: Pena Palace is more famous, but Sintra National Palace is more impressive inside. You still need to check out the Pena Palace from outside. The majority of the tourists arrive on a day trip and don't have enough time to visit all the palaces in Sintra.

Choosing between the Sintra National Palace and Pena Palace depends on whether you value authentic history or architectural spectacle. The Pena Palace is the "superstar" of Sintra, famous for its vibrant red and yellow towers and eclectic Romanticist style. It is an actual 19th-century royal summer residence filled with ornate furniture and offers sweeping views of the Atlantic. However, it is also notoriously crowded, often requiring timed-entry tickets booked weeks in advance. In contrast, the Sintra National Palace is located in the heart of the historic town and is the oldest, best-preserved medieval royal palace in Portugal. It is famous for its iconic twin conical kitchen chimneys and stunning "Azulejo" tile work. While it may lack the "fairytale" exterior of Pena, it offers a much more relaxed experience with deeper historical roots spanning 500 years of Portuguese monarchy. For most first-time visitors in 2026, Pena Palace is considered the "must-see" for its visual impact, while the National Palace is the choice for those who want to avoid massive lines and appreciate genuine medieval and Manueline architecture in a more manageable setting.