Sintra Old Town & National Palace
Sintra, Portugal
About This Activity
Sintra's compact old town (vila velha) clusters around the Palacio Nacional de Sintra, the best-preserved medieval royal palace in Portugal, recognizable by its two iconic conical kitchen chimneys. Inside, azulejo-tiled rooms trace 800 years of Portuguese court life. Afterward, explore the winding lanes: sample queijadas (Sintra's signature cheese pastries), browse artisan shops, and stop at Fabrica das Verdadeiras Queijadas da Sapa for the original recipe since 1756.
Seasonal note: Open daily year-round (closed Dec 24, 25, 31 & Jan 1). Arrive before 10am to beat day-trip coaches from Lisbon. Queijadas pastry shops are most fragrant in the morning.
See This in an Itinerary
This activity appears in 105 of our curated itineraries.
Best 7 Days in Portugal — Food & Wine
Lisbon → Porto → Sintra
Best 7 Days in Portugal — Without Art & Culture
Lisbon → Porto → Sintra
Best 7 Days in Portugal — Without Photography
Lisbon → Porto → Sintra
Best 7 Days in Portugal — Without Photography (Saturday Start)
Lisbon → Porto → Sintra
Best 7 Days in Portugal — Without Photography (Sunday Start)
Lisbon → Porto → Sintra
Best 7 Days in Portugal — Without Photography (Monday Start)
Lisbon → Porto → Sintra
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Free Day in Sintra
A free day to explore Sintra's palaces and forests at your own pace