What to do in Sintra

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Sintra

Sintra Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Sintra has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Sintra is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Sintra to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Sintra Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Sintra.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Sintra attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

Explore thousands of activities with free cancellation and no added fees.

Design your experience with airport transfers, excursions, day tours & more.

Get an insider's look in what to book before you travel.

Top places to visit

1. Pena Palace

An icon of the region, the striking orange-and-yellow Pena Palace stands out amid the lush forest-covered Sintra Mountains. Inspect the eclectic architecture and ostentatious interior of this former royal summer retreat and stroll through the pretty surrounding park, where you’ll find temples and other follies hidden among the trees and flowers.

Learn more

Pena Palace which includes château or palace and heritage elements

2. Sintra National Palace

Immediately identifiable by its two white cone-shaped chimneys, the spectacular Sintra National Palace is part of the UNESCO-listed cultural landscape of the town. Explore the lavish interior and learn about the palace’s fascinating history, which stretches back to Moorish times.

Learn more

Sintra National Palace featuring tranquil scenes, a sunset and a park

3. Quinta da Regaleira

The fantastical villa and gardens of Quinta da Regaleira encompass elements of Roman, Renaissance and Manueline styles. Explore the property and soak up its otherworldly atmosphere. With its offbeat architecture, mysterious follies and network of underground tunnels and caves, the site seems to more closely resemble a movie set than it does a real-life abode.

Learn more

Quinta da Regaleira which includes heritage architecture

4. Cape Roca

Cape Roca, or Cabo da Roca as it’s known in Portuguese, is a dramatic, wind-battered tract of headland located at the most westerly point of mainland Europe. Admire the wild and windswept coastal scenery, follow trails along the cliffs and take photos of the monument that marks the spot as the westernmost on the continent.

Learn more

Cape Roca showing a lighthouse, rocky coastline and general coastal views

5. Monserrate Palace

Monserrate Palace is often said to be the most striking palace in Sintra. Admire the unusual, almost fantastical, design of the palace building and the gorgeous, wild gardens that sprawl on the hillside surrounding the structure.

Learn more

Monserrate Palace which includes a garden and heritage elements

6. Macas Beach

Maçãs Beach comprises a short but attractive stretch of sand backed by a resort town of the same name. Join locals soaking up the sun on the beach and swimming in the open-air saltwater swimming pool, which provides a safe swimming environment away from the currents and waves of the Atlantic Ocean.

Learn more

Macas Beach which includes waves, a beach and general coastal views

7. Moorish Castle

Though the Moorish Castle of Sintra has been reduced to ruins, it is still a powerful presence on the forested slopes of the Sintra Mountains. Wander up to the hilltop ruins, trekking past fortified stone walls and precariously placed ramparts. Enjoy views that extend over the surrounding hills of Serra de Sintra and the Atlantic Ocean.

Learn more

Moorish Castle which includes tranquil scenes and château or palace

Recommended things to do in Sintra

Number of things to do	1794
Things to do from	CA $2
Cheapest thing to do	Lisbon: Bairro Alto Guided Walking Tour
Top 5 things to do	Small group tour to Sintra, Pena Palace, pass by Regaleira, Cabo Roca, Casc... Day Trip to Sintra & Cascais with Admission to Pena Palace Sintra Small Group Tour from Lisbon: Pena Palace Ticket Included Sintra Small-Group with Regaleira, Pena Palace, Roca and Cascais Sintra Tour with Pena Palace & Regaleira All Tickets Included
Half-day tours	Sintra: Quinta da Regaleira Skip-the-Line Entry Ticket Hop-on Hop-off Tour in Sintra Full day Sintra + Cabo da Roca + Cascais Pena Palace In-app Audio Tour: Walking in the Fairy Tale (without ticket) 1 Hour Private Tuk-Tuk Tour in Sintra
With kids	Day Trip to Sintra & Cascais with Admission to Pena Palace Sintra Small Group Tour from Lisbon: Pena Palace Ticket Included Sintra Small-Group with Regaleira, Pena Palace, Roca and Cascais Sintra, Pena Palace, Cabo da Roca Coast and Cascais Full Day Tour Sintra, Cascais & Estoril Small-Group Full-Day Tour

Discover the most popular places to visit in Sintra

Rossio Square

4.5/5(472 reviews)

See the people-packed central square whose swirling wave-patterned cobbles are thought to have inspired copycat pavements across the rest of Portugal and beyond.

Avenida da Liberdade

You can browse for souvenirs when you visit Avenida da Liberdade, a popular shopping spot in Santo Antonio. Discover the charming cafes in this family-friendly area, or seek out the local tours.

Belém Tower

4.5/5(441 reviews)

Lisbon constructed a fortification along a waterway to defend its riches. Now access the structure from the shore for lovely views.

Santa Justa Elevator

4/5(337 reviews)

Ride the elevator designed in the 19th century to connect the districts of hilltop Bairro Alto and downtown Baixa. Enjoy views from the café atop the gothic lift.

Castle of São Jorge

4.5/5(442 reviews)

This medieval fortress offers insight into Lisbon’s long history as well as stunning views of the city and river below.

Marquis of Pombal Square

4/5(100 reviews)

Learn about the local history of Lisbon when you spend time at Marquis of Pombal Square. Stroll along the riverfront or experience the fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

Lisbon Oceanarium

4.5/5(95 reviews)

Enjoy an underwater adventure at one of the world’s largest and most diverse aquariums right on Lisbon’s beautiful waterfront.

Commerce Square

4.5/5(320 reviews)

People-watch in this historic square while you enjoy a coffee and pastry in the café where the city’s literati once gathered.

Jerónimos Monastery

4.5/5(285 reviews)

See where monks once worshipped at this beautifully decorated monastery and where Lisbon’s famous custard-filled pastry is said to have been invented.

Explore areas of Sintra

Azenhas do Mar

Though Azenhas do Mar might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Macas Beach and Magoito Beach.

Moorish Castle featuring tranquil scenes and a castle

Santa Maria e São Miguel

If you're spending time in Santa Maria e São Miguel, check out sights like Castle of the Moors or Sintra Mountains and hop on the metro to see more the city at Sintra Tram Stop or Monte Santos Tram Stop.

An extense beach with an pleasant landscape, good for surf, fishing or photography.
#BVStrove

São João das Lampas

While there might not be top attractions in São João das Lampas, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Magoito Beach and Foz de Lizandro Beach.

Macas Beach showing a beach, waves and general coastal views

Praia das Macas

The beaches and restaurants make Praia das Macas worth a stop. Make a stop by Macas Beach, and jump on the metro at Praia das Maçãs Tram Stop to get around the area.