Things to do in Sintra

Find and book activities, attractions and tours

Ursa Beach showing a sunset, general coastal views and rugged coastline
Sintra
Sintra featuring chateau or palace and heritage architecture
Sintra as well as a small group of people
Moorish Castle showing tranquil scenes, heritage elements and chateau or palace

Sintra Attractions

There's something quite charming about smaller cities. Whether you're visiting Sintra for a weekend getaway or you're planning on staying for longer, you'll quickly fall in love with this place. In fact, with so many exciting things to do and extraordinary attractions to enjoy, you mightn't want to go home!

Learn what makes Sintra tick with some of the most popular tours & day trips. Scroll through our {1749 fun activities in Sintra fun activities in Sintra}, and book with confidence knowing that we offer free cancellation and no added fees.

  • find price illustration

    Explore activities

    Explore thousands of experiences from activities and attractions to day tours and transfer.
  • calendar shield illustration

    Book with ease

    Skip the line- book tickets online in minutes to top attractions with free cancellation on many activities.
  • trophy illustration

    Treat yourself

    One Key members save % or more on select activities, hotels, cars and vacation rentals.
    Learn about One Key

Sintra must see attractions

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 showing heritage elements and a castle

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 showing tranquil scenes

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 showing 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 which includes rocky coastline, a lighthouse and general coastal views

5. 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 featuring tranquil scenes and a castle

6. 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 heritage elements and a park

Recommended things to do in Sintra

Number of things to do
1749
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Exciting Free Walking Tour: Explore Iconic Landmarks & Stunning Viewpoints: $2
Top 5 things to do
Under $25
With kids

What to do in Sintra

Free Things to Do in Sintra

Leave your purse in the hotel room. It's easy to entertain yourself in Sintra without spending a cent.

Castle of the Moors - Get educated on some of the historical background of the region through this site.

Olga Cadaval Cultural Center - Widely recognized among those who reside here, this site is worth a look.

Sao Martinho Church - Get in touch with your spiritual side or simply get lost in the serene atmosphere at this site of worship.

Macas Beach - Read a great book or play some music while you're basking in the sun.

Pena Park - Be treated to vistas that'll leave you amazed at this natural marvel.

Pena Park - Renew your mind and body by spending some time with Mother Nature.

 

Looking for sports, concerts, or theater events in Sintra? Search event tickets to see what's happening today, or to plan what to do this weekend!

 

 

Discover the most popular places to visit in Sintra

Rossio Square showing a fountain, street scenes and heritage elements

Rossio Square

4.5/5(1,290 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.

Rossio Square
Avenida da Liberdade featuring a city and a statue or sculpture

Avenida da Liberdade

During your trip to Santo Antonio, you can do some window-shopping at Avenida da Liberdade. Discover the top-notch restaurants in this romantic area, or seek out the local tours.

Avenida da Liberdade
Campo Grande which includes a pond and a park

Campo Grande

Find peaceful walks, restaurants, soccer and even horse racing in this park a short distance north of Old Town Lisbon.

Campo Grande
Belem Tower which includes a sunset, heritage architecture and a bridge

Belém Tower

4.5/5(1,337 reviews)

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

Belém Tower
Lisbon City Center showing a monument and a statue or sculpture

Marquis of Pombal Square

4.5/5(254 reviews)

Crowned by a statue of a Portuguese reformer, this bustling traffic hub is a gateway to a lush city park and one of Lisbon’s chicest avenues.

Marquis of Pombal Square
Santa Justa Elevator showing outdoor eating, night scenes and nightlife

Santa Justa Elevator

4/5(1,026 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.

Santa Justa Elevator
Carcavelos Beach

Carcavelos Beach

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Carcavelos Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Carcavelos. Amble around the area's seaside, or seek out its surfing spots.

Carcavelos Beach
Lisbon Oceanarium featuring interior views and marine life as well as a small group of people

Lisbon Oceanarium

4.5/5(349 reviews)

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

Lisbon Oceanarium
Castle of Sao Jorge which includes views, a city and chateau or palace

Castle of São Jorge

4.5/5(1,431 reviews)

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

Castle of São Jorge

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Popular day trips from Sintra

Oeiras

Oeiras

Photo by Emilian Cirtina

Alcabideche

Cascais as well as a small group of people

Cascais

Miradouro de Santa Luzia which includes a coastal town and a lake or waterhole

Lisbon District

Cascais Fortress as well as a couple

Sao Domingos de Rana

Cascais which includes views, a coastal town and a statue or sculpture

Colares

Photo by Ana Batista

Porto Salvo

Lisboa Region

Loures

Frequently asked questions

Is Sintra worth visiting?
One of the most common things to do in Sintra is explore Carcavelos Beach. Check this top sight off your itinerary, then discover more of the area's history and walking trails.
How do I spend a day in Sintra?
Begin your day with a visit to Carcavelos Beach and Guincho Beach. Then, check out different parts of Sintra for a bite to eat and a little retail therapy.
What is the top tourist attraction in Sintra?
Carcavelos Beach is one of the top tourist attractions in Sintra and should feature high on every to-do list of the area.
Is three days enough to stay in Sintra?
Three days will give you plenty of time to tick off many city attractions, like Guincho Beach, Sintra National Palace and Grande Beach. The average stay in Sintra is two days. If you feel the urge to extend your trip, Lisbon District isn't far away.
Is Sintra a walkable city?
Some top sights in Sintra, like Sintra National Palace and Moorish Castle, are within walking distance. You can also visit several of the city's popular neighborhoods on foot. Only 0.4 miles from central Sintra is Santa Maria e São Miguel, São Martinho e São Pedro de Penaferrim and Santa Maria e São Miguel is 1 mile away.
What are some activities to do in Sintra with kids?
Planning what to do in Sintra with kids has never been so easy. Whether you have teenagers or toddlers, there's a range of family-friendly sights and activities to keep them happy here.

What to do in Sintra for adults?
National Hotel School and Condes de Castro Guimaraes Museum are just a couple of the things to do in Sintra. With lots of activities available, there's something here for everyone.
Are there free things to do in Sintra?
One of the simplest ways to discover free things to do in Sintra is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on interesting neighborhoods, parks and other major attractions you can enjoy without reaching for your wallet. Guincho Beach is one spot that doesn't charge an entrance fee.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia