Location: Sintra
Top Things to do in Sintra
What to do and see in Sintra, Central Portugal: The Best Things to do Good for Kids
Long the home of Portugal’s monarchs, Sintra is a magnificent town of marvelous historic mansions, all set against the backdrop of lush hills. Sintra’s many castles include the Palácio Nacional de Sintra (a main abode of Portuguese royalty until the early 20th century), the hilltop and storybook Palácio da Pena, Quinta de Regaleira (incorporating several architectural styles and with gorgeous surrounding gardens), the Castelo dos Mouros (Moorish Castle), and the Palácio de Monserrate.
Restaurants in Sintra
1. Quinta da Regaleira
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 13,313 reviews
Classified as World Heritage by UNESCO and built at the turn of the 20th century, this romantic architectural complex is comprised of a Palace, a Chapel, and gardens with grottos.
Reviewed By richardb552016 - London, United Kingdom
This palace is a must for anyone visiting Lisbon. Within easy reach by train and bus, the gardens are a delight with many follies, chapels, delightful views and what is called an Initiation Well which is an absolute must including stepping stones and looking through a waterfall amongst other attractions. The cafe affords a lovely outdoor seating area with views of the palace and gardens. The architecture of all of the buildings are magical in appearance. Allow at least 2 hours. The walk to the top of the garden area is fairly steep but worthwhile. Then it is all downhill from there!
2. FlaminGO_Experiences
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 181 reviews
Being born and raised here, we spent our childhood and teenage years getting into every nook and cranny of this beautiful place. In our escapades we tasted every food, saw every scenery and experienced all our culture has to offer. But like all great things in life, they're only great if you share the fun with others.
3. Micolandia
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 19 reviews
A Micolandia abriu em Setembro de 2001 e é um parque de diversão e festas de aniversário para as crianças entre os 2 e os 12 anos de idade brincarem livremente. O parque tem 500m2 de brincadeira com insufláveis, labirinto de 3 andares com ponte tubular, escorregas para piscinas de bolas e uma zona assombrada, trampolim, minicampo de futebol, canto de basquete, palco com karaoke, zona de camarins, e ainda um espaço reservado a menores de 4 anos com casinha de bonecas e atividades. Para os adultos temos um espaço com cafetaria e esplanadas, onde podem aguardar tranquilamente enquanto as suas crianças se divertem. A esplanada interior é envidraçada sendo possível ver as crianças no parque. A Micolandia realiza festas de aniversário no parque ou em espaços particulares, recebe grupos escolares e faz eventos de empresas.
4. Wonder Van
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 874 reviews
We are a licensed tourism agency based in Sintra that provides a wide variety of services with one common purpose: to offer our customers unforgettable moments with the best experience possible. We are a team with a young spirit, that takes pride in getting to Wonder through our home town every day, meeting new people and getting to show them all the reasons why we love our country. Our local guides know all the secrets about our region and take great pride in promoting and showing the real Portugal to other people in a genuine and passionate way. Together with the guaranteed fun you will have on board our cars, these are the best ingredients for a perfect experience and unforgettable moments with WonderVan.
5. Initiation Well
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 919 reviews
Reviewed By ericsE2241OU - Birr, Ireland
This well is a great place to visit as part of a tour of the Quinta da Regaleira. It is unique (in my experience), and of great interest if you are into the Knights Templar and similar groups. Look ot for the Knights Templar cross there
6. Park and National Palace of Pena
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18,360 reviews
Reviewed By bluecarrot - Los Angeles, United States
While not as old as so many other sights in Portugal, this palace and its surrounding grounds are truly awe-inspiring! If youre able, plan to go on a day with good weather and spend the day hiking around the stunning grounds and through the hundreds of paths and trails that wind all through the wooded area at the base of the palace! Seeing the palace itself is also quite interesting, but, for me, the outside of it is more amazing than the inside. The remaining furniture inside comes from a number of different styles and periods and the detail and craftsmanship are some of the finest Ive ever seen but try to go through the inside of the palace before it gets crowded if you want to see anything at all! Sintra is an easy day trip from Lisbon and this palace and its grounds are the gem of that trip, its absolutely worth the time!!
7. Palacio de Monserrate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,089 reviews
Not very far from the historic centre of Sintra is one of the most beautiful architectural and landscape Romantic creations in Portugal: the Park and Palace of Monserrate, unique representatives of 19th century eclecticism.
Reviewed By polenasia - Jeonju, South Korea
Very small palace, with only few rooms. Interesting story behind it, worth reading as you walk through it. Make sure you thoroughly explore surrounding park, some amazing trees and plants. Altogether good place for spending morning or afternoon there.
8. Sintra Tram
9. Parque de Monserrate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 754 reviews
Reviewed By LP528 - Manitoba, Canada
We were shocked by how beautiful the grounds were, even in January. They're beautifully maintained, and well worth an hour or two of wandering. The palace has been wonderfully restored; you have to see the 'before' pictures to fully appreciate the work that has been done. I wish we'd have been told to start on the top floor. This is where all of the information about the history of the palace is. There's a very interesting video to watch, as well. I highly suggest starting at the top and working your way down; it will all make much more sense that way. We stopped at the cafe, and it's a nice place for a drink and a snack (inside or out). The selection of food is likely much better during high season. Beware if you're driving to Monserrate - good old google maps sent us to the service entrance (a challenging drive to be avoided at all costs). This might be a disappointing place for anyone with mobility issues. Wear proper footwear as the paths can be steep and slippery in places. Would LOVE to see this place in summer (although, I fear the crowds would be annoying).
10. Museu do Ar
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 174 reviews
Air Museum. Our purpose is to tell the story of the Portuguese aviation through its people and collections.
Reviewed By hans-jaguar - Santa Comba Dao, Portugal
The Air Museum is a museum of aeronautical material of the Portuguese Air Force, based at Air Base No. 1 (Sintra), the museum has two visitable poles one at the Aerodromo de Manobra nº 1 (Ovar), and a second at the Military Complex of Alverca (Alverca do Ribatejo). It has been created on February 21, 1968 and opened on Air Force Day (July 1), 1971, the Air Museum is under the responsibility of the Chief of Staff of the Air Force and aims at the conservation, safety and exhibition of objects of historical, artistic and documentary value, airplanes and miniatures of the same that it is possible to gather and preserve, as they constitute a valuable contribution to the history of national aviation. You can see all kind of airplanes, helicopters etc. it is very nice to visit, we anyhow enjoyed our visit, and are already thinking to visit the second one very soon.
