Things to Do in Sintra

Things to Do in Sintra, Portugal - Sintra Attractions

Things to Do in Sintra


Book these experiences for a close-up look at Sintra.

From quick jaunts to full-day outings.

Top Attractions in Sintra

These rankings are informed by traveler reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.







*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travelers are saying

  • Cintiam09
    Southampton, UK14 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    "Quinta da Regaleira is an enchanting estate that feels like something out of a fairytale. The gothic architecture, lush gardens, and mysterious tunnels create an otherworldly atmosphere that captivates visitors. The iconic initiation well and the stunning palace are truly awe-inspiring, offering a glimpse into Portugal's rich history and culture. Exploring the grounds feels like stepping into a magical realm, making it a must-see destination for anyone visiting Sintra. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, or simply love beautiful landscapes, Quinta da Regaleira is a treasure trove of wonder and intrigue."
    Written March 6, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • lovehols4
    Essex, UK542 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A short walk from Pena Palace where you can buy tickets at the door via a machine. Beautiful views, lots of steps so if you are unsteady on foot think wisely before taking the steps up.
    Be aware of taxi touts outside overcharging for trips down the hill, they became quite aggressive with some people who declined their offer of trips. There is a bus stop close by
    Written March 15, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jepa P
    Jarvenpaa, Finland291 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Such a beautiful place! The palace is also open nowadays and might be the most beautiful & interesting of all palaces of Sintra. But of course the main thing is the park, as in Pena. Gardens are well kept and there are lots of small fauna too to observe - small lizards, noisy frogs, birds and beautiful insects. This place was not crowded, not even on weekend, so recommended for garden lovers who like to stroll slowly and wonder without rush or crowds. We were travelling with my parents, 80+ of age, and they were delighted to take free ride uphill after garden sights.
    Written March 17, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jay Beyer
    Newcastle upon Tyne, UK4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sintra is a 40 minute train journey from Lisboa Rossio station in the city centre. A 24 hour ticket on a Navegante card is valid for this trip. The 434 tourist bus stops regularly directly outside the train station. A day ticket for these buses costs 13,50€ per person (pay cash or contactless) and they make several stops by the tourist attractions around Sintra. The closest entrance to Pena Palace is a 10-15 minute walk up a steep hill. Alternatively, alight early at Vale dos Lagos for a more relaxed 20-30 minute walk to the palace, as this part of the park is well worth seeing. At both entrances you can buy an entrance ticket from a machine, for 10€ per person. This is for entrance to the park and palace grounds only, a ticket including entrance to the palace interior will cost 20€ per person. However, there is plenty to see without going inside as you can still walk up to the castle ramparts and get the views (unless you go on a cloudy rainy day like I did). Pena Park is well worth the visit from Lisbon as long as you are prepared to walk a fair distance uphill, and I would certainly return on a future trip.
    Written March 17, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tommo
    Melbourne, Australia50,436 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This well is almost 27 metres deep and located at.Quinta da Regaleira.

    Amazingly it was never used as a well and built for secret ceremonial purposes.

    Its also an entrance to a series of underground entrances and walkways.

    One can walk down the spiral staircase that leads down to the bottom of the well.

    Its a really interesting place to visit and great for photo opportunities.
    Written February 6, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Gergana R
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    The beach and the landscape are amazing, but beware of the slippery cliffs and the tide! I was there in September solo on the beach which is on the right side and the tide switched super fast and I was stuck into the water and the rocks. I had to climb over a big rock into a rock cleft and stay there and fight for my life for 2 hours until the safety squad came to save me. They could do it neither by land or water, because the area is super rocky and dangerous especially when big waves arise so they saved me by helicopter. I will be always grateful to the Bombeiros, the Air Force, and The Marine forces and I just want to warn you that there are no signs there regarding this danger and the safety team told me people who do not know how dangerous it is die there every day! It is 100% worth visiting but never go alone and respect the ocean!
    Written February 26, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Emily
    London, UK395 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Wonderful and extensive palace, a lot to see taking you through different time periods in its history,
    Some great examples of titles, furniture, paintings so certainly worth a visit.
    Staff were friendly, helpful and patient for us being last to leave.
    Written March 17, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jeff K
    Pittsburgh, PA2,021 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The Palace is a little out of the way but we didn’t have any trouble catching taxis to get there and back. The building is very impressive and its history is well laid out via English signage. I only wish it still had furnishings. The photos of it when it was furnished looked great.

    The gardens were also very nice although we didn’t see a lot of them. We grabbed lunch at their cafeteria which worked out well. The food was reasonably priced.

    The place seemed to be poorly managed. The regular path to the Palace was closed due to a rockslide (I think). The employees at the entrance didn’t mention it and there were no signs telling you where to go. They also have a small shuttle that it takes people to the front gate based on a set schedule. We waited for it but it never showed up.

    We made the mistake of buying tickets and an audio guide in advance thinking that it would save us time. It didn’t as the audio guide never worked and the woman taking tickets got very annoyed when we asked for assistance. She wasn’t exactly a people person.

    Overall, I liked the Palace a lot but I would have had a much better experience if it was better managed. I consider it an optional stop in Sintra.
    Written September 20, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Maplehawk
    Kelowna, Canada396 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A medium sized air museum and one of only two spots to get a look at the aviation history of Portugal.

    Recommend that you download the app to add additional information about the aircraft.
    Written January 2, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • calgaryguy
    Kelowna, Canada474 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    After my visit to the palace. I wandered the streets of the town, enjoying the ambiance and the narrow alleys. I wish I could have sampled the restaurants and bars an the very warm day, but I did get the flavour of the town.
    Very pleasant stay.
    Written July 12, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • José G
    Santiago, Chile40 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We arrived early in the morning. The beach was empty, you could sense alll the willd smells and the view of the sea. Always beautiful
    Written September 10, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • BJ R
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Awesome experience. From the Atlantic Ocean at Praia de Macas to the end of the line in the northland, a pleasant ride with great views and information.
    Written January 4, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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