Nestled in the hills just outside Lisbon, Sintra might be small, but it packs in a world of wonder. Often called Portugal’s capital of palaces and castles, Sintra enchants visitors with its fairytale charm, winding roads, and jaw-dropping architecture. After spending a few days exploring this magical town with our family, we’ve gathered all the practical tips, lessons learned, and must-see spots you’ll want to know before your own trip.
In this guide, you’ll get:
- 5 essential things to know before visiting Sintra
- Details on top attractions like Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, and more
- Tips for getting around (including what not to do!)
- Food recommendations
- Ideas for traveling with kids
- One big mistake to avoid—and our honest takeaway
So if Sintra’s on your list (and it should be!), here’s everything you need to make the most of your visit.
1. Sintra Is Packed with History, Color, and Crowds—Plan Accordingly
Sintra is known for its vibrant palaces, lush gardens, and scenic mountain views. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site for a reason. From the moment you arrive, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook.
While it’s possible to squeeze in a visit on a day trip from Lisbon, we highly recommend staying at least 3 to 4 days if you really want to see it all. We stayed in the heart of town, near shops, restaurants, and some of the major palaces.
We visited in early May, which we found to be an ideal time—temperatures hovered around 25–30°C (77–86°F), not yet sweltering like mid-summer. Spring in Portugal is lovely: blooming flowers, fewer crowds, and comfortable weather.
2. Must-Visit Palaces and What to Know Before You Go
Pena Palace (Palácio da Pena)
Arguably the most iconic site in Sintra, Pena Palace is the colorful castle you’ve probably seen in every travel guide. Its bold red and yellow towers, eclectic architecture, and sweeping views are absolutely stunning.
While the exterior alone is worth the trip, we did opt to tour the interior. That said, if you’re traveling with kids or short on time, we wouldn’t call it essential. The inside feels more like a museum and is extremely crowded—expect 1–2 hour wait times unless you plan carefully.
Tips for visiting Pena Palace:
- Book the earliest time slot possible.
- Head straight to the interior line upon arrival—don’t stop for photos until after.
- Know that your time slot is for the interior only, not general grounds access.
- It took us around 5 hours to see the palace inside and out, including the gardens and lakes.
- If you’re late to your time slot, don’t panic. Staff told us late entries are still usually accepted—just get in line.
Quinta da Regaleira
This was a favorite for our whole family. While smaller than Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira feels like an enchanted garden come to life.
Explore its mystical towers, secret caves, waterfalls, and of course, the famous Initiation Well—a spiraling stone staircase that leads deep into the earth. If you’re scared of heights (like I am!), you might find the descent a bit intense, but it’s an unforgettable experience.
We spent around 3 hours just roaming the grounds. It’s perfect for kids who love to run around and explore.
Castle of the Moors
Although we didn’t make it here, we could see the stone walls snaking across the mountaintop from town—like a mini Great Wall of China. Built in the 8th century, it’s a serious hike to the top, but it’s a dream for photographers and history lovers.
If you’re up for a challenge, this ancient fortress is worth the climb.
Sintra Town Center
Don’t overlook Sintra’s vibrant downtown area. It’s full of charming boutiques, cafés, and restaurants, and makes for a wonderful afternoon stroll. Try the local pastries, sip some sangria, and relax between palace visits.
National Palace of Sintra
Located right in the town center, this historic palace is famous for its painted blue tiles and ornate ceilings. We didn’t get to tour the inside, but if you’re a fan of decorative arts or architecture, add it to your list.
Monserrate Palace
A lesser-known gem, Monserrate Palace is ideal for those who prefer quiet, uncrowded experiences. Inspired by Arabic and Gothic architecture, it’s set in a lush park, making it a peaceful retreat from the busy palace circuit.
3. Getting Around Sintra: It’s Not as Easy as It Looks
Sintra’s beauty comes with a challenge—transportation. The streets are narrow, winding, and often one-way. Parking is extremely limited, especially after 8 or 9 AM. If you’re driving, your options are:
- Arrive super early and pray for a spot
- Use a paid parking lot (but expect a walk)
- Park further out and hike in
- Or avoid the stress and take the train from Lisbon
Once in town, walking is doable for local shops and restaurants—but reaching some palaces (like Pena Palace) is a serious uphill trek, taking over an hour on foot.
Alternatives include:
- Local buses – Timetables can be inconsistent, especially in the morning
- Taxis – Hard to find before 10 AM unless you’re near the train station
- Tuk-tuks – Fun, but most operators won’t take kids under 7
- Always carry cash, as not all drivers accept cards
Whatever you choose, budget at least 1.5 hours to reach the entrance of Pena Palace from central Sintra.
4. Where and What to Eat in Sintra
Food lovers will find Sintra a delightful stop. While vegetarian options can be limited across Portugal, Sintra does offer variety. We enjoyed Indian and Italian cuisine, but also saw many places offering traditional Portuguese dishes.
Some local favorites to look for:
- Travesseiros – Flaky, custard-filled pastries
- Sopa de legumes – A tasty, warming veggie soup
- Grilled seafood – Fresh and often caught nearby
- And don’t miss trying a glass of Portuguese sangria!
Restaurants here often have their own unique take on local flavors, and the portions are generous. You won’t go hungry.
5. Is Sintra Kid-Friendly? Absolutely—With a Few Caveats
If your kids enjoy exploring castles, towers, and gardens, Sintra is a dream. But be prepared—it’s a lot of walking, and younger children may tire quickly.
Tips for visiting Sintra with kids:
- Bring water bottles, snacks, and plan frequent breaks
- Avoid hiking between palaces—use public transport when possible
- Quinta da Regaleira is especially fun for kids thanks to the caves and towers
- Consider a ride on the historic tram to the beach at Praia das Maçãs—about 15 km from town
Just keep in mind that some attractions, like the interior of Pena Palace, might feel long and boring to younger children. Our 6-year-old had a tough time during the long wait inside.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Arriving Late to Pena Palace
Here’s our hard-earned advice: Don’t underestimate how long it takes to get to Pena Palace.
We booked a 9:30 AM time slot, left our Airbnb around 8:00 AM… and didn’t make it to the entrance until nearly 10:00. Between the uphill trek, long entrance lines, and taking too many photos on the way, we were late and stressed.
Thankfully, the staff still let us in, but we wouldn’t want to repeat that experience. Get there early, and head straight for the palace entrance once you arrive.
Final Takeaway: Worth It? Yes—But Be Strategic
Would we visit the interior of Pena Palace again? Maybe not. While beautiful, it felt more like a crowded museum than a royal experience, especially with kids in tow.
If we could do it again, we’d explore the outside, enjoy the gardens and views, and spend the extra time discovering other lesser-known palaces instead. That said, for first-timers or architecture enthusiasts, the interior might still be worth the effort.
Ready to Explore Sintra?
Sintra is packed with charm, beauty, and history—all tucked into a tiny mountain town just outside Lisbon. Whether you’re here for the palaces, the food, or the views, it’s a place you won’t soon forget.
If you’re planning a spring visit to Portugal or Spain, be sure to check out our related video on spring travel in the Iberian Peninsula—it’s the perfect season to explore without the summer crowds.