Do you wonder what are the best tours you should take during a visit to the wonderful city of Lisbon? Look no more, we have compiled the best tours you should consider booking while in Lisbon. They are all from Viator, our must trusted tour booking site that we have booked several times in different countries.

Private City Tour: Highlights of Lisbon

If you are short of time while in Lisbon and want to take in as much as you can in a day, this tour is perfect for you. This a private tour which will take you to see the best that Lisbon has to offer while listening to a history-rich commentary from your personal guide. Traveling on an air-conditioned vehicle (temperatures can be very high during summer) you’ll be able to explore the well-known neighborhoods of Chiado, Alfama, Baixa, and Belem on foot. Lisbon is deceivingly big and the distances between the hot neighborhoods can be too far to walk, especially in the summer heat.

You’ll be picked up at your hotel, cruise terminal or airport (you can choose between a morning or afternoon departure) and stop by some of the most famous miradouros (viewpoints) to take in panoramic views over Lisbon. You’ll also have the chance to visit the Igreja and Museu São Roque (at your own expense as the fees are separate) to admire its collection of jewels, art and gold. After a stop in Chiado to walk its charming streets, you’ll head to Belém, home of the Belém Tower (Torre de Belém), the Monument of the Discoveries and the Monastery of St Jerome. Don’t leave Belem before trying its famous pastel de nata!

Lisbon Traditional Boats – Sunset Cruise

Explore Lisbon from a different perspective by joining a sunset cruise and navigate the calm water of the Tagus River while enjoying Portugal’s famous Vinho Verde. The cruise will let you enjoy unobstructed views of the Belém Tower, Lisbon Cathedral, Castelo de Sao Jorge among other attractions.

This tour is very flexible; it lets you choose from several departure times throughout the day. This is an ideal alternative sightseeing experience for first-time visitors. The cruise takes approximately 2 hours in a 1947 traditional boat that has a maximum capacity of 50 people. Take the opportunity to capture amazing photos with Lisbon and the setting sun in the backdrop.

Treasures of Lisboa Food Tours

If you are a foodie, this is the right tour for you. Join this small group tour and navigate through the Alfama quaint district (the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon) while learning about the eclectic cuisine that combines the cuisine of the land and the sea.

During this tour you will enjoy 18 tastings of homemade and unique foods and beverages, so we recommend you come to the tour hungry. Note that if you are vegan, vegetarian or can’t eat fish this is not the tour for you. Because this tour will allow you to stop at family-owned restaurants that are very different from each other, it will give you a great overview of the food in Portugal’s capital city. The tour will also stop by at some of Lisbon’s miradouros and learn the history of Portugal and Alfama.

Three cities in one day: Porto, Nazare and Obidos from Lisbon

If you are spending a few days in Portugal and have time to explore further from Lisbon, we recommend you take this tour to the medieval village of Óbidos, see the typical fisherman’s life in Nazaré and discover Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The journey starts in Óbidos – surrounded by ancient walls and still preserving this town maintains medieval charm with its cobbled and narrow streets and historic buildings. Look up to see the Castle of Óbidos, declared one of the 7 wonders of Portugal.

The trip continues to Nazaré, where the tour will make a stop at the Forte de Sao Miguel. This town is well-known for the giant waves that attract surfers from all over the world. The last stop is Porto, where you will join a 1h30 walking tour to discover the Old Town, Igreja do Carmo, Estação São Bento, Igreja São Francisco and Ponte Don Luis. This tour will have a maximum of 30 travelers.

True 4Hour/Half day TukTuk Tour of Lisbon – Local Overview!

If you don’t have much time in Lisbon and want to make the most out of your visit, this is the tour for you. Explore the historic center of Lisbon and beyond in an eco-friendly tuk-tuk (a large golf cart of sorts).

This tour gives you the opportunity to customize your itinerary and check out the top landmarks that are the most interest to you including Bairro Alto neighborhood, the Jerónimos Monastery, the lookout point at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, and many more. The tour is offered in Portuguese, English, French, Spanish and pickups from central hotels and Airbnbs can be arranged.

Private Driver around Lisbon – Customizable Tour

This tour is for everyone who likes to have flexibility in customizing the sightseeing itinerary. Instead of following a set schedule, create a plan that fully reflects your interests alongside your private guide. Explore Lisbon by air-conditioned vehicle (essential during the country’s summer months which can get unbearable hot). The vehicle is also equipped with WI-FI and bottled water.

Sintra Full-Day Private Tour – A Journey through Wonderland

Even if you are in Lisbon for a weekend, you have to visit the town of Sintra. This private tour will transport you to a magical town which seems to have emerged from a fairy tale. Your personal guide will be in charge of arranging all the details to explore Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira, stroll through UNESCO-listed Sintra, and the nearby town of Cascais. Keep in mind that you can only choose three monuments to visit so choose wisely.

360º Lisbon: Helicopter Flight, Boat Trip & Old Town Walking

The 360º Lisbon tour combines a guided walking stroll with a helicopter ride and sailing on the Tagus River. The tour starts at Rossio square and then takes you to the Elevador da Glória, a famous Lisboa yellow tram that will take you to Bairro Alto.

Here enjoy views of the São Pedro de Alcântara Miradouro. Continue the tour to Igreja de Sao Roque, thechurch with the most valuable chapel in the world and then observe the Carmo Ruins of the Carmo Convent destroyed during the earthquake of 1755. Other stops include the Cathedral of Lisboa, and Praça do Comércio.

Then you will take Boat trip on the Tagus River from the center of Lisboa to Belém and admire the Torre de Belém and Padrao dos Descobrimentos. The tour ends with a helicopter ride to admire the breathtaking views of Lisboa’s monuments like the impressive Jeronimos Monestry or the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge from another perspective.

We are part of several affiliate programs including Amazon and Viator which means that we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through the links included in this post.

In a city chock full of viewpoints, Miradouro das Portas do Sol is a perfect lookout offering sweeping views over the Alfama neighborhood and Tagus River.

The Miradouro das Portas do Sol viewpoint, located in the popular neighborhood of Alfama, must be among the most photographed spots in Lisbon – and for good reason. The “Gateway of the Sun” name is quite accurate as crowds of locals and tourists flock to watch the sunsets.

This viewpoint is probably Lisbon’s most visited viewpoint by tourists, but the vibrant energy from vendors and musicians add to its charm. Chances are that you must have seen a photo of this miradouro already as there are several postcards featuring it.

In the middle of the beautiful terrace, you will find a statue of Sao Vicente (St. Vincent) the patron saint of Lisbon which has been standing there since 1949. The Miradouro das Portas do Sol is not only popular because of its stunning views but also because of its location on the route to the Castelo de São Jorge. Turn the corner and wait for the trolly to coast by – you’ll get an instant “postcard” shot for social media.

This miradouro offers magnificent vistas over the Tagus River and the cruise ship terminal, two important landmarks: the Sao Vicente de Fora monastery and the National Pantheon and the terracotta roofs of Alfama. This is a great spot that showcases the true beauty of Alfama.

Even though this miradouro is packed most of the days, the most popular time to stop by is at sunset. If you can and are staying close by, try to visit it during sunset or early in the morning – you will have it all for yourself!

Popular tours

What to do

If you need to catch your breath after all the walking you have done, the Miradouro das Portas do Sol is the perfect spot to grab a drink and take in these magnificent views. There is a small kiosk which serves fruit juices, beers, wine, cocktails and coffee and gets very busy during the day as well as a larger café on the terrace. Near this miradouro you can also find souvenir shops, cute boutiques and winding streets.

While you are visiting the miradouro, look for a staircase close to the kiosk (or follow the sign to the public restrooms) which leads downhill and take a left to find a tunnel covered in comic strips illustrating the history of Lisbon by muralist Nuno Saraiva.

How to get to the Miradouro das Portas do Sol

The Miradouro das Portas do Sol is located in Alfama which is easily reached by public transportation or on foot (prepare to get a good workout). Trams 12 and 18 which depart from Praça Martim Moniz conveniently stop across the streets from the Miradouro das Portas do Sol. You can also catch bus 737 which departs from Praça da Figueira and stops a few feet away from the miradouro.

There is no fee to enter this magnificent miradouro and is open 24/7.

Nearby attractions

• Miradouro de Santa Luzia (1 minute away): This viewpoint is located in the lower part of Alfama and next to a church that bears the same name.
• The Castelo de São Jorge (5 minutes away): This military fortress offers really nice views of Lisbon and you will get a chance to walk its walls and get inside the towers.
• Museum of Portuguese Decorative Arts (1 minute away): This museum features decorative arts from the 15th through 19th centuries.
• Se Cathedral (5 minutes away): Built in 1147, the Se Cathedral is the oldest and most important Roman Catholic Cathedral in the capital.

We are part of several affiliate programs including Amazon and Viator which means that we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through the links included in this post.

Anyone looking for a medieval castle featuring amazing views over the town of Sintra? Then this is the perfect spot for you.

Looming above the surrounding forest, the Castelo dos Mouros gives you spectacular views over the town of Sintra. Despite not being as popular or elegant as Pena Palace, the Castelo dos Mouros deserves a visit while visiting Sintra. This is a great castle ruin that is still fairly intact despite abandonment, fires, and even earthquake damage – you will get a sense of what it must have been like to have been a medieval watchman on its ramparts. With winding walls measuring 450 meters long, and imposing lookout towers throughout, you’ll want to photograph every corner of the Castelo.

Tip: When visiting the Castelo dos Mouros bring comfortable shoes. No high heels or new shoes. As mentioned earlier, there are hundreds of steps along the way. We visited on a sunny day, but I imagine that if it rains it might get slippery. Also, because Castelo dos Mouros sits 210m above the town it might get chillier so bring a sweater with you if it’s not that warm. Bottom line: just make sure you dress accordingly.

What is the Castelo dos Mouros?

Be transported to the eras of knights and Muslim conquerors when visiting this fortification. Founded in the 10th century, during the Muslim occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, the Castelo dos Mouros strived to protect its surroundings along with the maritime access routes to Lisbon. It was such an imposing fortress in its heyday, that when a Viking war chief spotted the castle from sea, he had to stop for a visit. The Moors were here until 1147 when Sintra was handed over to Afonso Henriques, who was the first King of Portugal.

Then shortly thereafter, it was abandoned, having to survive a litany of damage over the epochs. Fast-forwarding to the 19th century King Ferdinand II renovated the castle including the damaged part of the Christian burial grounds of the Church. The Castelo overlooks the town of Sintra and is classified as part of the Sintra Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What to do

Enjoy panoramic views: The Castelo dos Mouros is composed of a double belt of walls and gives you magnificent views of the town of Sintra with the Atlantic Ocean in the background. And from here you can spot Sintra’s top attractions including the Quinta da Regaleira, Pena Palace and the National Palace of Sintra (on a clear day you can even see Lisbon). If you have a camera with a good lens, your photos will be spectacular.

Read blog: Sintra, Portugal pictures that will make you fall in love

Climb to the towers: Do not forget to also visit the towers – the largest being the Torre Real, which can be reached by climbing up 500 steps from the main courtyard. Yes, we already told you there is plenty of walking at the Castelo! This tower provides the best views with the Palace of Pena forming the backdrop, and it was King Ferdinand’s favorite tower.

Visit the cistern: Since the Castelo gave protection for people, there is also a cistern that provided water and can still be visited today. The Cistern is covered with a vault and has the capacity amounting to around 600m3.

Stop by the silos: The use of silos for food storage space (including for cereals and grains) was introduced in Al-Andalus by Muslims (the mid to southern section of the Iberian Peninsula) with several inside and outside the Castelo. They come in all shapes and sizes, carved into rocks of the hill.

View the tomb: In the tomb there is an inscription that reads “What man brought together, only God may separate” given the inability to distinguish whether these were Christian or Moorish human remains. The tomb was commissioned by King Ferdinand given that the Christian burial grounds of the church was damaged, and bones had to be stored somewhere else. There is also a small museum nearby (a few feet away) with artifacts dating back to pre-history.

Explore tours to the Castelo dos Mouros

How to get to the Castelo dos Mouros

There are several ways to get to the Castelo dos Mouros:

On foot: It’s possible to walk up to the Castelo dos Mouros from downtown Sintra. It should be about 2 kms uphill. However, we don’t really recommend it as it is very high up the sierra. Once you get to the entrance, you still need to walk up another 400 mts to get to the castle itself and then you have tons of stairs all around. We suggest you save your energy. However if you really want to walk up and exercise, remember to bring comfortable shoes and water because there are no shops along the way.

Uber: This was our preferred option – very convenient, extremely reliable and not expensive.

Bus 434: This is another option that you can explore. Buses leave from the center of Sintra and stop at the most popular attractions including the Castelo. However, these buses are extremely packed during the high season (and frankly in the low season as well) so you might have to wait for a bus that’s not crowded. The good thing about these buses is that you can hop on and off for 24 hours and visit all attractions.

Tuk tuk: There are plenty of tuk tuk offering to give you a tour of the most visited attractions. We hear that they sometimes overcharge so keep this in mind and agree on the price of your trip in advance so there are no surprises.

Opening hours and tickets information

Sintra is a very popular destination given that it has so many amazing attractions. Therefore, it gets very crowded and no one wants to stand in line for hours (especially on cold or hot days). I recommend you head early to the Castelo dos Mouros. When we visited, we arrived around 10 am and it was almost empty. I imagine everyone else was in line at Pena Palace. We also bought the tickets in advance just in case. We recommend you do the same – especially if you are visiting during the high season.

As of April 2023, the ticket costs 8 euros per person. The castle hours are from 9:30am to 8pm in spring and summer and in the autumn-winter season from 10am to 6pm.

We are part of several affiliate programs including Viator and Amazon which means that we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through the links included in this post.

Without any doubt, Sintra is an enchanting historical town set against the backdrop of rolling green hills.

In this quaint town, you will find it surrounded by some of Portugal’s most beautiful gems – extravagant palaces and historic castles – but also charming coffee shops and cobblestoned streets. It’s incredible that all of these amazing attractions are located in such a small radius of each other.

When visiting Lisbon, a day trip (at the very least) to Sintra is a must. It’s only a 40-minute train ride from the capital so there are no excuses (and tickets are 2-3 Euros). If you only have one day to spend in Sintra, I recommend you focus only on visiting Pena Palace and the Moorish castle. If you don’t want to go by yourself, taking a tour is also a viable option. Viator tours are highly reliable and we have selected a few for your consideration below.

If you are wondering if you should rent a car, the answer is no. Sintra’s streets are tiny, parking is a pain, and you need to be an expert driver to maneuver the zigzagging hilly roads that lead to the town’s main attractions.

We fell in love with this delightful town and we hope the photos below inspire you to visit Sintra, we promise you won’t regret it.

Read blog: Sintra, Portugal attractions that are a must visit

We are part of several affiliate programs including Amazon and Viator which means that we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through the links included in this post.

Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sintra, Portugal. This magical town is full of must-see attractions, from palatial estates to labyrinthine gardens, this is one part of the country you cannot miss.

Located only a 40-minute train ride from Lisbon, Sintra draws visitors from all over the world. Recognized as a UNESCO cultural landscape, the town of Sintra offers magnificent attractions including the famous Pena Palace, the Castelo dos Mouros, Palace of Monserrate and many others.

Surrounded by wooded hills, exploring Sintra on foot means a lot of climbing up and down. While the historic center of the town of Sintra is pretty small, it offers plenty of cafes and restaurants to take a break from the busy days you probably will spend exploring this magnificent area.

We spent two days in Sintra, which gave us plenty of time to explore the top attractions and to relax while in town. You can definitely see the Pena Palace and Castelo dos Mouros in one day, but there are plenty of other attractions that you should visit. We highly recommend you spend the night while visiting as you wont have to rush to beat the crowds.

Exploring Sintra, Portugal

As mentioned before, don’t try to explore the main attractions on foot. They are quite far away from each other, despite having hiking signs that say otherwise, as all the attractions are high above the town. Just to get to some of the most popular attractions including Pena Palace and Castelo dos Mouros you would need to walk uphill for quite a while – some spots will say 30 minutes, but with the sun and incline it can easily take an hour. Additionally, when you finally get to the entrances, you’ll find there is a lot more walking involved to get to the attractions themselves. We highly recommend you save your energy, especially since Uber is cheap and quick.

Keep in mind that you will most likely have a hotel in the middle of town, and if you take the train, it could be quite a walk. Don’t use apple or google maps, they will take you through the “short cuts” of hills and maze-like streets. Follow the winding road to the center of town and from there it’s an easy walk to your accommodations.

There are quite a few ways to explore the town:

• By Uber: By far our preferred option. It wasn’t expensive and it was really reliable. Most of the Ubers are operated by locals who grew up in the area and will give you tips on what not to miss…and where to eat well.
• By Tuk Tuk: There are several Tuk Tuk in the center of town offering to take you to some of the attractions. These can be a fun experience, but they are a 100% tourist trap. We heard that sometimes they can overcharge you so be careful.
• By bus: Bus 434 can be caught from the center of Sintra. It costs approximately 12 euros and offers unlimited rides at that price within 24 hours. We were going to go with this option but after seeing how packed this bus gets, we decided to switch gears. These buses ride every 15-20 minutes. Mind you there is another bus (435) on the same stop, but it takes you through a different route…we never saw it in the entire stay.
• Walking: As mentioned walking to the main attractions is doable but they are for those looking to hike. It’s better to explore the historic center on foot, and venture into the modern parts of Sintra as well. Once you leave the touristy center, you’ll find lots of quaint shops and cafes.

We have compiled below some of the main attractions that you shouldn’t miss while visiting Sintra.

Quinta da Regaleira

The intriguing Quinta da Regaleira was built between 1904 and 1910; it features religious references mixed with occult symbols both inside the palace and in the gardens. Featuring a mix of the Manueline, Renaissance, Medieval and Classical styles, Quinta da Regaleira is classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO as part of the “Cultural Landscape of Sintra”.

For me, the most interesting section of the Quinta da Regaleria was the initiation well which served ceremonial purposes including Tarot initiation rites. For obvious reasons, the initiation well can get packed – especially in the high season. We recommend you get to Quinta da Regaleira early and book your tickets in advance. Once you get to the well, start walking down and feel the cold coming out. When you reach the bottom, get ready to explore the caves before reaching the exit.

Pena Palace

By far, Pena Palace is the main highlight of a visit to Sintra. I am not going to into too much detail about this Palace since we have a blog dedicated exclusively to it. Pena Palace is by far the most touristic attraction in Sintra, and it’s crazy crowded all year round. Therefore, expect long lines even if you get a timed ticket. Although is a pain to see people everywhere, Pena Palace is so magnificent that you will forget about the long lines. Do not leave without exploring the gardens specially two viewpoints: The Cruz Alta and St Catherine’s heights which will give you a great opportunity to photograph the colorful castle exterior.

Check out our blog about our visit to Pena Palace.

Castelo dos Mouros

When visiting the Sintra, you can’t help but to look up and see the Castelo dos Mouros, constructed in a 400 meter hill, looming above the town. The Castelo dos Mouros should be in the top attractions you visit. I recommend you don’t walk all the way up but rather take an uber or other means of transportation to the gate.

Once you get to the top, you will have to walk for 400 mts (around 4 blocks) to get to the Castelo itself. I definitely recommend saving your energy- there will be a lot of stairs to climb later on. We bought the tickets in advance and went in the early morning, which was a great time since there wasn’t many people (probably everyone was at Pena Palace!); we were able to happily enjoy it without the crowds.

The Castelo offers magnificent views from its towers – you can spot Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, the National Palace of Sintra and magnificent views all over town. On a clear day, you can even see Lisbon! Also, while visiting the castle, don’t forget to visit the silos – where cereals and other crops were stored, you will find some tombs where bones were kept. See if you can spot the carved inscription that reads “What man brought together, only God may separate” as the human remains from Christians and Moorish couldn’t be distinguished from. There is a small museum to the history of the hill, which contains neolithic pottery from over 5,000 years ago.

Palace of Monserrate

Again, we visited this Palace in the early morning and I highly recommend it. We didn’t have to be in line to purchase the tickets, which was great, allowing us to take our time to explore. An utter masterpiece, the Palace of Monserrate is a jewel that stands out among amazing attractions and offers beautiful gardens for a perfect for leisurely stroll. The gardens are worth a visit if you want to relax, and they feature plants from all the world, a rose garden, and a Mexican garden.

My favorite parts of the palace were the galleries, hallways featuring a set of columns and arches that give the effect of perspective and offer a wonderful opportunity for amazing photographs. You can also visit a chapel (in ruins) which is engulfed by vegetation, the main hall which evokes Ancient Greece (look up to observe the magnificent cupola), the sacred art room and the dining room. It’s quite a unique place among an area of palaces, and will make your trip to Sintra complete.

We are part of several affiliate programs including Amazon and Viator which means that we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through the links included in this post.

These photos will make you fall in love with Lisbon.

Lisbon is best known for the viewpoints (miradouros) offering sweeping views of the city, its traditional Fado music, the tasty pasteles de nata and the colorful facades featuring colorful tiles (azulejos).

It’s hard to pick the best attraction as it seems that every corner of the city has something to offer: a dominating castle, quaint streets and plenty of UNESCO World Heritage sites. This combined with friendly locals, nice weather and delicious food make Lisbon a top destination in Europe.

In this post, we have selected our best photos with the hope that they will inspire you to visit this beautiful and underrated country. Enjoy!

We are part of several affiliate programs including Amazon and Viator which means that we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through the links included in this post.

The basic how-to’s for getting to Pena Palace, ticket types, best photo spots and other helpful tips.

Pena Palace, possibly the most colorful palace on the Iberian peninsula, was constructed in 1839 by King Fernando I, as a holiday residence for the Royal family. Pena Palace is a must visit while in Portugal – this multi-colored palace is the primary image on several postcards – is fittingly a fusion of several architectural styles including Gothic, Renaissance and Romanticism. Located on top of the highest peak of the Serra de Sintra, Pena Palace has this mystical air giving it both an idyllic and magical touch; trust me, you won’t get bored of photographing it from every angle possible.

Pena Palace is located in Sintra – a 40-minute train ride from Lisbon giving you little excuse not to visit it. If you prefer, there are also several tours from Lisbon that take you to Pena Palace and other popular locations in Sintra. On a clear day, Pena Palace can be seen from Lisbon. Check if you can see it from Lisbon’s several viewpoints.

Featured tours

What to see in Pena Palace

In addition to the gardens, where we go into depth in the next section, there are several sections of the palace which should be visited. My favorite were the terraces which allow you to look at the colorful exterior of the palace. Look for the Triton – a mythological monster that is half-man and half-fish, or merman – while in the Triton’s terrace.

The Courtyard of Arches is another part of Pena Palace that’s worth visiting. Here you can see the Portuguese landscape that surrounds Pena Palace providing you a backdrop for some really nice photographs of the palace’s exterior. The stairs in the Courtyard of Arches section leads you to a small tiled covered chapel (with an amazing altar) and the Wall Walk allows you to get really nice views of the Moorish Castle, the Quinta da Regaleira and the Palace of Seteais. Also, if you go inside the Palace, you will get a chance to see how royalty lived with late 19th century furniture, art, and the personal objects of the royal family.

The gardens of Pena Palace: Where to find the best views

The gardens of Pena Palace shouldn’t be overlooked – especially if you want to get nice photos of the castle’s exterior. Make sure to pick up a map once you enter so you know where you are going – the gardens can be a bit of a maze, and we got a bit turned around. There are also some signs to the most important attractions as well as the distance to get there, but some are not so obvious.

There are two viewpoints that I highly recommend – the Cruz Alta viewpoint and St Catherine’s Heights (my personal favorite). Apparently, St Catherine’s Heights was the favorite spot of the queen – easy to understand why as it offers a magnificent view of Pena Palace. To get here, you will need to look for the fish pond/fountain, then take the path that leads up and you will find a staircase you have to climb (there is also a ramp like path on the other side of the fountain which is easier), once you get to the top there is a stone bench where you can look at the palace’s colorful exterior.

The Cruz Alta viewpoint offers a nice view but the issue is that the trees have grown so much that the view is obstructed. We climbed up a rock to take the photo but I highly recommend you bring a stick with you – such as this one. This is a popular spot and the area to stand next to the cross is fairly small for the amount of people who visit.

Getting to Pena Palace

I highly recommend you don’t walk all the way to Pena Palace from the center of Sintra. There are signs that indicate that it will take you around 65-75 minutes uphill – believe me, you don’t want to lose all of your energy walking up to the castle. Once you get there, you will need it to walk around. Here are a few options to get to the castle:

• By Uber: This was our preferred option and wasn’t expensive, and very reliable, so I highly recommend it.
• By Tuk Tuk: There are several Tuk Tuk offering their service. I recommend you asked in advance the price to get you to the Palace. While this is fun way to see the area, they will overcharge.
• By bus: Bus 434 that you can take from the center of Sintra, is another option. It costs around 12 euros for unlimited rides. We considered this option but after seeing the long lines and how crowded the bus gets (doesn’t matter the time of the day) we quickly dismissed it. Bus 434 runs every 15-20 minutes. There is a 435 green line as well but we never saw it the entire trip.

Getting your tickets to Pena Palace

Pena Palace is among the most touristic attractions in Sintra, and in Portugal as a whole. Therefore, it gets packed…massively packed. We went in the offseason to visit, and the tourists’ lines were insane so I can’t recommend enough the importance of booking your tickets in advance. Pena Palace will most likely be the most touristy and crowded attraction no matter what time of year you go. So if you buy tickets online, you will be able to select a time slot. Plan early, we booked our tickets two days before visiting and morning tickets were already sold out. Make sure you are on time, if you miss your time slot you will be denied entry to Pena Palace.

We visited at 3:00 pm and the light was perfect for photos. I would encourage you go to early in the morning or late in the afternoon. However, please note that crazy lines of people eager to enter the Pena Palace are a certainty, it doesn’t matter the day you go or the time you choose. The beauty of the palace will make it worth it though.

Tip: if you get a timed ticket, please note that you need to be in line at the time indicated. Once you get to Pena Palace, you will have to walk (the sign says for 30 minutes) to get to the palace. Therefore, make sure you get to the Palace with plenty of time. You can visit the gardens prior to your entry time, so you won’t be bored visiting early.

Additional tips

• The Palacio da Pena sits 390m higher than the center of Sintra so it can get cold. In fact, when we visited in April the wind made it quite chilly despite being a sunny and quite warm afternoon. I recommend you bring a sweater or a jacket.
• Lines to get water/food are long so make sure you bring a bottle of water and a snack during your visit. We recommend you bring a sandwich or two from town and enjoy a picnic in the gardens.
• Bring comfortable footwear and thank me later.
• Don’t even think about driving to Sintra. The streets are tiny, super packed, and there is hardly any parking.

We are part of several affiliate programs including Amazon and Viator which means that we will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through the links included in this post.