How to Visit Sintra From Lisbon: One Day in Sintra, Portugal

Considered one of the best places to visit in Portugal, no trip to Lisbon is complete without taking a day trip to Sintra, and here’s how to do it!

Sintra is one of the most unique places I’ve traveled in Europe. This colorful meets regal destination is a small resort town about an hour outside of Lisbon that has long attracted royalty and, today, tourists!

Home to eye-catching palaces, manors, fortresses, and jaw-dropping views, it’s an excellent place to witness a wide array of unique architecture and historical sites. Not to mention that the entire town is nestled amongst the foothills of the rolling Sintra Mountains near the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, making it an excellent place to witness natural beauty too.

I’ve visited Sintra three times, actually, and I enjoyed it each and every time. And here’s how to visit Sintra from Lisbon so you can plan your perfect one day to this magical small town.

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Is a day trip to Sintra worth it?

Yes! A day trip to Sintra is absolutely one of the best things to do in Lisbon. This charming small town has so many unique and culturally significant landmarks that it’s even been dubbed a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

And the charming downtown area is perfect for grabbing lunch, dinner, a shot of ginja, and a souvenir. Plus, that direct train connecting Sintra to Lisbon makes it all the easier to explore Sintra.

Solo Travel in Sintra

I actually visited Sintra solo during a solo trip to Lisbon, so thought I’d make a little note about it. My solo travels in Sintra were comfy and carefree. The direct train and vast tourist infrastructure were immensely easy to navigate. I even made a friend during my visit with whom I explored Pena Palace and the Castle of the Moors!

Those considering traveling solo to Sintra shouldn’t worry. The area has low crime and is a very popular tourist destination. The only thing I’d say you need to think about is pick pockets, but even that isn’t as bad as other big cities in Europe.

Extending Your Visit: Best Sintra Hotels

Although most commonly visited as a day trip, Sintra and the surrounding areas have a lot to see and enjoy! If you have time during your visit, and wish to see more, here are some of the best places to stay in Sintra:

Casa Azul Hostel: a budget-friendly stay walking distance of the center of Sintra with many shared spaces including a kitchen and terrace.
Sintra Green Chalet Bed & Breakfast: a cute, mid-range B&B away from the crowds but close enough to the main attractions in Sintra to walk.
Chalet Saudade – Vintage Guest House: a beautiful and highly rated guest house in the heart of Sintra.
Arribas Sintra Hotel: coastal resort with beach access about a 15 min drive from Sintra

One Day in Sintra Travel Tips

Choose only 2-3 attractions to see in a day; any more is probably not possible.
Map out and plan your route in advance to best maximize your limited time.
Book your tickets online in advance to beat the lines, ensure you get in (they do crowd control), and save 5%.
Start early in the morning to beat the crowds.
Wear comfy shoes and bring snacks, water and sunscreen. It gets hot and a day trip to Sintra means a lot of walking under the sun. Not to mention many of the top attractions are far from the city center where restaurants and shops are.
Sintra is hilly, and even with buses you’ll likely need to do some sort of up-hill walking, especially at the Pena Palace. However, there is a small shuttle that brings those in need up to the palace from the entrance for a small fee.
The train to Sintra is included in the Lisbon 24-hour transportation card, so no need to buy additional tickets if you already have this pass.
Consider visiting Sintra and Lisbon in winter to enjoy mild temperatures, lower prices, and fewer crowds.

How to Get to Sintra From Lisbon

Sintra Tour from Lisbon

As easy as it is to get to Sintra, booking a private tour is a very convenient and stress-free option. With transportation, a guide, and an itinerary taken care of for you, all you have to do is show up ready to marvel at the beauty of Sintra.

Here are some of the best Sintra tours from Lisbon:

Lisbon: Pena Palace, Sintra, Cabo da Roca, & Cascais Day Trip: Entrance to the famous Pena Palace, guided tours through the two towns of Sintra and Cascais, and a visit to the coast to see Cape Roca (oceanside cliffs).
Lisbon: Quinta da Regaleira, Sintra, & Pena Palace Trip: A Sintra tour that includes seeing the town and two iconic palaces in Sintra; Pena Palace and the Quinta da Regaleira.

Lisbon to Sintra by Train

For my fellow DIY day trippers, it’s surprisingly easy to get to Sintra from downtown Lisbon via train. A direct train leaves from Rossio Station once or twice an hour and only takes 40 minutes.

The tickets are affordable and can be purchased at the machines or customer service desks at the station before you ride. I recommend buying the round trip ticket, so you don’t have to worry about it on your return. Just make sure to hold on to your train ticket during the day!

The ticket is actually a contactless card you’ll tap to get in, and it’s called a Viva Viagem card. The round trip fare from Lisbon to Sintra is about €5.50, €2.25 each way.

The Sintra Green Card

Depending on your Sintra itinerary, the Sintra Green Card could be a good option for you. This discount tourist card includes public transportation and entry to some of Sintra’s main attractions.

There are two options, and they are worth the price if you plan to do everything that’s included with them.

Sintra Green Card 1 (€31) includes:

Lisbon to Sintra round trip train fare (to/from Rossio, Santa Apolónia, and Oriente)
Sintra’s Scotturb 434 Pena circuit bus, which takes you from the station to the main attractions
Entry to the Pena Palace and Park, National Sintra Palace, and one museum of your choice

The Sintra Green Card 2 (€39.50) includes everything above plus entry to the Queluz Palace.

You can only buy the green card in person from a Lisbon train station.

Getting Around Sintra

Once you’re in Sintra, you have a few options for getting around. While the city itself is small and very walkable, many landmarks are spread out.

Driving to Sintra

Renting a car and driving yourself isn’t really recommended. The roads are quite narrow (one lane) and there’s a loop around the city that’s only one way, which can be confusing for drivers unfamiliar with the area.

Sintra Buses

Sintra has two tourist buses (434 and 435) that offer a convenient way to get around. These buses follow different loops, stopping at all landmarks.

You can pay for a single ride for a few euros or buy a day pass for all buses for €13.50.

Taxis and Tuk Tuks in Sintra

If you don’t want to fuss with the bus schedule and routes, there are also taxis and tuk-tuks hanging around that can give you a ride. In fact, I rode in one of the Sintra tuk-tuks, which was so fun going up and through the hillside.

You’ll want to negotiate the price before jumping in to ensure there are no disputes at the end. I believe we paid under €20 for two people for a ride from downtown to the Pena Palace.

Rideshare apps like Uber, Bolt, and FreeNow should also work fine for calling taxis.

hiking in Sintra — Trail between Pena and Castle of the Moors

Hiking Trails in Sintra

For those who are true penny pinchers (or just enjoy being active), it’s also possible to hike around to the various landmarks in Sintra! A few famous landmarks can be easily reached from downtown, like the National Palace and the Quinta da Regaleira.

For the attractions that are farther away, like the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace, there are trails you can follow through the woods. It’s a steep climb, though, and it can be hot in the summer, so take care!

I myself walked most places in Sintra. For example, from the train station to downtown (less than 15 minutes), from the Pena Palace down to the Moorish Fortress (about 5 minutes through the woods), and even down from the fortress to downtown (about 30 min).

But I did skip the uphill portions and opted instead for the bus or tuk-tuk.

Sintra Day Trip Itinerary Ideas

With only one day in Sintra, you’ll likely only have time for a few attractions, assuming you hop on an early morning train from Lisbon.

Here are some ways to spend a day in Sintra:

Classic Sintra Itinerary: Pena Palace – Castle of the Moors – Lunch – Sintra City – Quinta da Regaleira

Pretty Palaces: Pena Palace – Palace of Montserrat – Lunch – Sintra city – Quinta da Regaleira

Sintra’s History: Pena Palace – Castle of the Moors – Lunch – Sintra City – National Palace of Sintra

Unconventional: Quinta da Regaleira – Palace of Monserrate – Lunch – Palace of Queluz – Sintra City

Ocean-focused: Palace of your choice – Sintra City – Lunch – Cabo da Roca – Cascais

11 Things to Do in Sintra in a Day

Now that the logistics are out of the way, it’s time to discuss the fun part: what to do in Sintra!

1. National Palace of Pena

Hours: Park 9:00 – 19:00 | Palace 9:30-18:30
Entry: Palace + Park €20

The National Palace of Pena is one of the most iconic landmarks in Portugal. Built in 1854 with a mix of Gothic and Moorish styles, this colorful palace wows with its bright yellow, red, and glittering blue facade. Not to mention it’s perched on a hilltop overlooking the surrounding national park and gardens.

Pena Palace is by far the most popular thing to do in Sintra, which means it can get crowded during peak travel months. If you want to try to avoid crowds and tour groups, I recommend the very first time slot. The afternoons can sometimes have fewer crowds too once the organized groups have moved on.

In either case, to enter, you must book a day and time slot, and you can do so online in advance or on the day of pending availability (but online, in advance, is best! Plus you save 15%)

In my opinion, the exterior is more interesting than the interior. If you’re not fussed about going inside, which can get hectic walking single file behind many, many people, I recommend just buying the park ticket. It’s about half the price and allows you access to the park grounds as well as castle terraces up to the entrance.

2. Quinta da Regaleira

Hours: 10:00 – 18:30/19:00 (summer)
Entry: €12

The Quinta da Regaleira is a Gothic palace that was built by a famous Portuguese millionaire in the early 1900s. Visitors can purchase tickets to tour the interior where antique furniture, painted frescoes, and incredible architectural elements like gargoyles and spires transport you to another time.

However, it’s the sprawling property the palace sits on that I found especially enjoyable. The grounds feature many hidden points of interest including gardens, waterfalls, and the beautiful Initiation Well, a spiral staircase that leads to an underground tunnel.

The Quinta is privately owned unlike many of Sintra’s other top attractions so you’ll need to buy tickets on their website.

3. National Palace of Sintra + Gardens

Hours: 9:30 – 18:30
Entry: €13

The National Palace of Sintra lies in the heart of the town and is considered the “best-preserved medieval royal residence in Portugal.” Today, it’s a museum where visitors can witness how rulers of the region lived during the Middle Ages and beyond.

This palace is famous for its blend of architecture spanning decades, as far back as the 14th-century chapel, the oldest surviving portion.

Like most landmarks in Sintra, visits are booked within time slots. The entry includes access to the palace gardens too.

4. Moorish Castle

Hours: 9:30 – 18:30
Entry: €12

The Moorish Castle is one of my favorite castles I think I’ve ever visited. Dating back to the 8th/9th century, this medieval castle provides a glimpse of a period in time when the Moors (Islamic people from North Africa) occupied the Iberian peninsula.

While there are really only ruins left, visitors can stroll along the impressive, still-standing walls that undulate with the hill it sits on. The stairs are steep, and you’ll feel impossibly high, especially considering there isn’t much of a safety railing (so take care!)

But the views from the Moorish Castle are unbeatable. You can see the Pena Palace and Sintra’s other top attractions that dot the foothills. The grounds also have a mummy and a cafe on site—how cool!

5. Park and Palace of Monserrate

Hours: Park 9:00-19:00 | Palace 9:30-18:30
Entry: €12

The Park and Palace of Montserrat is one place in Sintra that I’m bummed I haven’t had a chance to visit just yet. This glittering jewel looks pulled from another country, and its beauty has long attracted renowned figures like the famous British poet Lord Byron.

Intricate details like columns, carved archways, and Moorish-inspired touches inside and out make this one of the more unique places to visit in Sintra. Like most of the other palaces in the area, entry includes this villa’s lush garden.

6. National Palace of Queluz

Hours: 9:00 – 18:00/18:30 (Gardens)
Entry: €13

Nicknamed the Versailles of Portugal, The National Palace of Queluz is an opulent palace noted for its Rococo and Baroque architectural style. The interior features glittering gold details and grand chandeliers amongst furniture and decor from back in the day.

The palace was long inhabited by Portuguese royals, and one wing is still used today as a guest house for important government visitors.

7. Sintra City

The “downtown” area of Sintra is worth taking the time to stroll through too. Although small, there are little, sloping alleyways filled with charming cafes, bakeries, and restaurants.

It’s here you can also pick up a nice souvenir, with many shops selling tiles, art, cork items (a popular souvenir in Portugal), and more.

8. Sintra Museums

For those who enjoy museums, there are quite a few to see in Sintra. From art, Roman, archeological, and more. Check out a list of Sintra’s museums here.

9. Cascais

Cascais is another charming resort town about an hour south of Sintra by bus or 25 minutes by car. Nestled along the sea, this little getaway is known for sandy beaches, coastal hikes, and fresh seafood. Cascais has enough to do that it could be an entire day trip in and of itself, but some people pair it as an afternoon visit after Sintra.

If you wish to visit Cascais after Sintra, I recommend booking an organized tour that offers both for time management and convenience sake.

10. Cabo da Roca

Cabo da Roca is a cape found outside of Sintra that’s become a popular stop thanks to the sweeping ocean views highlighted by impressive cliffs. The cape is part of the Sintra Mountain Range, and forms the westernmost point of Portugal and all of Europe.

Although just a cape, visitors can choose to hike along the cliffside, visit the famous lighthouse, and/or spend some time at Praia da Ursa, a secluded beach that requires a steep descent to reach.

Cabo da Roca is another destination that you could easily spend an entire day or half day exploring. However (like Cascais), Cabo da Roca can be a fun stop on your one day Sintra visit, but it’s in your best interest to do it as an organized tour or with a car rental.

11. Other Sintra Attractions

The above aren’t all that Sintra has to offer. A few other noteworthy things to do in Sintra that may be of interest to you include:

The Convent of the Capuchos: A historical convent where visitors can view the living quarters and surrounding gardens.
Vila Sassetti: A stone villa surrounded by lush greenery with a hiking trail that leads to Pena Palace, which offers a less crowded attraction in Sintra.
The Portuguese School of Equestrian Art: A prestigious academy that showcases traditional Portuguese equestrianism through public shows.

Eating and Drinking in Sintra

After a day of exploring Sintra’s palaces and gardens, it’s time to sit back and relax with some Portuguese cuisine. The town is known for its pastries, shots of berry liquor in chocolate cups, and hearty meat dishes, so make sure to arrive with a fully belly!

Here’s a summary of the best things to eat in Sintra:

Travesseiros: flaky, almond pastries named for their pillow-like shape.
Queijadas: sweet milk tarts topped with cinnamon and sugar, similar to pastel de natas.
Bacalhau croquettes: salted cod fritters.
Cozido: Portuguese meat and vegetable stew.
Gingja: Portuguese liquor made with ginja berries, often served in a chocolate shot glass.
Vinho Verde or the Douro wine

Places to Eat in Sintra

As I was only in Sintra for a day (three times!)I can only comment on a handful of places I got to enjoy personally. But I had some other places pinned that looked tasty too.

Here are some noteworthy places to eat in Sintra:

Tescantiga: a highly-rated place to enjoy tapas and wine in a casual environment.
Incomum: a popular, more upscale place to grab a bite to eat near the train station known for Mediterranean inspired dishes.
Casa Piriquita: a famous bakery dating back to 1862 known for their Travesseiros, a pillow shaped, flakey pastry filled with custard that’s a Sintra specialty.
Hamburgueria da Ferraria: a local hamburger joint I picked for the sangria and terrace with a great view overlooking the Sintra National Palace.
Villa 6: a charming restaurant nestled down a narrow street often strung with colorful garland that serves traditional portuguese dishes and tapas.

Going to Porto too?

Check out my guides for how to spend 3 days in Porto and where to stay in Porto.