Sintra’s Pena Palace: How to Visit + What to Expect

After nearly three weeks in Lisbon, we finally made it to spectacular Sintra—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Portugal’s most revered palaces!

And the big daddy of them all? Pena Palace (Palácio Nacional da Pena), an iconic red and yellow structure perched high above the city on an imposing mountaintop.

Lori’s been here before, albeit a couple of decades ago. But this was my first time tackling the Palace of Pena, which I’ve heard so much about over the years.

Did it live up to the hype? Was it worth fighting the crowds and climbing a freakin’ mountain for? Find out in our first-hand guide, complete with oodles of tips for planning your own Sintra adventure (including easier options for visiting than the one we chose).

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Why Visit Pena Palace

Pena Palace isn’t like most castles and palaces in Europe—it’s an in-your-face symbol of imagination, artistry, and romance. Whimsical is a word that often gets thrown around to describe this place. I rarely if ever find myself using that word, but I find it fitting here.

Pena Palace is also unusual for its unapologetic mish-mashing together of architectural styles. Look at it from one angle, it’s obviously Gothic-Rennaissance. From another, it might appear Moorish. Step back, and it looks like it was plucked straight out of the Super Mario Bros. universe.

It’s quite a place!

You should visit Pena Palace if any of the following speaks to you:

• History and Architecture: A unique 19th-century royal retreat filled with ornate details and sweeping views.
• Photography: Its bright facades and sweeping vistas make for a photographers dream, especially in the late afternoon.
• Nature: The surrounding Sintra hills offer forest hikes, secret gardens, and some of the best views in the region.
• Culture and Storytelling: Experience Portugal’s Romantic era through the eyes of the eccentric “Artist King” Ferdinand II.

On top of all that, the Palace of Pena is also the centerpiece of one of Europe’s most iconic World Heritage Sites.

Trust me, this one’s a must-see highlight if you’re visiting Portugal. If you miss it, you’ll likely regret it. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!

Getting There from Lisbon

Sintra is only 40 minutes from Lisbon, making it one of Portugal’s easiest and most satisfying day trips. Of course, that also means lots of visitors, so plan ahead and come prepared!

By Train

The best way to get from Lisbon to Sintra (and back again) is by train. Even if you have your own wheels, we think taking the train is still the way to go—less strees, fewer logistics, no parking worries, and the price can’t be beat. Plus, it’s better on the planet!

There are a number of stations you could depart from, but if you’re basing yourself in downtown Lisbon (e.g. Baixa, Chiado, Bairro Alto, Alfama), your best bet will be to take the train from Rossio Station.

• Depart from Rossio Station (Lisbon) → Sintra Station.
• Duration: ~40 minutes.
• Cost: Around €2.30 each way.

Tickets can be purchased at the ticket window at Rossio Station, or you can simply load up your yellow Navagante card with €5 if you already have one. Usually, there’s no need to buy tickets in advance. There are plenty of trains departing every 30 minutes or so.

✪ Important It’s important to take the train all the way to the final stop: “Sintra” station. Don’t get itchy feet and jump ship at the second-to-last stop: “Portela de Sintra.”

Via a Small-Group Tour from Lisbon

This is a great option if you are short on time, don’t want to walk a ton, want to see more than just Pena Palace, or just want someone else to be in charge of all the logistics.

✪ Our Top Tour Pick We recommend starting your search with this small-group day trip tour to Pena Palace and Regaleira in Sintra, Cabo da Roca, and Cascais. It’s worth noting that not all Pena Palace tours (purchased online or otherwise) include transport like this one does.

By Uber/Bolt

If you’re traveling party is 2-4 people, an Uber or Bolt to or from Lisbon can be a good option, particularly if you’re toying with the idea of taking an Uber/Bolt up to the palace once you get to Sintra.

Ubers currently cost between €30-40 from Lisbon to the ticket gate (each way). Bolt typically costs €20-30.

From Sintra Station to Pena Palace

The second leg from Sintra Station to Pena Palace is a bit more effort and not as straight-forward. But there are a range of options availabe to visitors these days, depending on your level of fitness, your budget, and how fast or slow you want to get up to the palace.

Walking/Hiking

If you’re up for some exercise, we strongly recommend walking. Do keep in mind that it’s at least a four-mile (6.5km) roundtrip from the train station (and a 900-foot ascent).

With that said, most of the route follows a well-maintained (often paved) trail through dense forest. Well worth the effort in our opinion.

Faster Options

• Bus 434: Hop-on-hop-off bus connecting Sintra’s key attractions (€7.60).
• Tuk-Tuk: Fast, fun, and scenic (€10–€15).
• Taxi/Bolt/Uber: Convenient for groups (€8–€12).

All wheeled options drop you off at the main gate. From there, it’s a 10 to 15-minute walk up to the Palace. A dedicated shuttle is available for a fee, but the line can be quite long at times.

Driving Tips

We don’t recommend driving to Sintra. But if you do, we strongly discourage driving up the hill and parking at the palace parking lot. It’s not worth the hassle! Park in town and take the 434 bus, tuk-tuk, or Uber/Bolt.

How to Buy Tickets for Pena Palace

Buying tickets for Pena Palace in advance is not only encouraged, it’s often a necessity, due to the ticket time slot/ quota system (more on that below).

You can take your chances and wait to buy tickets at the door, but do yourself a favor and just buy the darn things in advance.

Buy Tickets Online (Recommended)

The easiest and fastest way is through the official Parques de Sintra website (https://www.parquesdesintra.pt). Buying online allows you to:

• Skip the ticket line and head straight to the entrance.
• Check availability and choose your time slot to manage your visit better.
• Get discounts when combining attractions like the Moorish Castle or Quinta da Regaleira.

Buy in Person (Not Ideal During High Season)

Tickets are available at the entrance gate, but lines can be long, especially between 10am and 2pm. If you go this route, arrive early and be flexible. There may not be a free time slot until much later in the day.

Ticket Prices (as of Nov 2025)

• Adults (18–64): €20
• Youth (6–17) & Seniors (65+): €18
• Family Pass: €65 (2 adults + 2 youths)
• Children under 6: Free

Time Slot System

When purchasing online, you’ll select a time slot for palace entry. You can explore the gardens anytime on the day of your ticket, but palace entry is limited to your chosen slot.

Time slots start at 9:30am and are available every 30 minutes, with 6pm being the last entry. 400 visitors per time slot are permitted. That may seem like a lot, but Pena Palace is a very popular place, and slots can fill up quick!

AudioGuide + Private Tours

With the time slot system, we mistakenly thought a guided tour might be included. That’s NOT the case. But they do offer a free audio guide via your mobile phone. If you have a data plan, I strongly encourage you to take advantage of this.

No need to install an app. Just scan the 3D barcode on the sign above (or go to the zoomguide link), follow the prompts and listen away (don’t forget your earbuds!).

Still, we know from experience that even the best AudioGuides are no replacement for a guided tour led by a real-live human. For that, we recommend checking out this top-rated private tour of Pena Palace and the Moorish Castle.

Many Sintra sites also offer group tours at an additional price, which can be booked via the official website (see ‘Buy Tickets Online’ above).

Must-Visit Areas + Attractions

Honestly, the main attraction of the royal palace is the unique and brightly-colored exterior set against its dramatic mountaintop backdrop.

But the interior is very much worth a visit, offering rooms upon rooms of period furnishings seemingly frozen in time from the day when Portugal’s last king, Manuel II, fled into exile in 1910.

Here are some not-to-miss areas and attractions in the palace and surrounding grounds:

• The Queen’s Terrace: The best panoramic view of Sintra and the Atlantic Ocean.
• The Triton Archway: A striking example of Romantic symbolism, guarded by a mythical sea creature.
• The Royal Apartments: Well preserved rooms that once hosted Portugal’s royal family.
• Parque da Pena Gardens: Over 200 hectares of dense forest, ponds, and exotic plants.
• Miradouro da Cruz Alta: One of the most easily-accessible viewpoints to catch a level view of Pena Palace [map].
• Chalet of the Countess of Edla: A charming Swiss-style chalet hidden among a quiet and less-visited grove of trees [map].

✪ Photo Tip Morning fog creates dramatic shots; afternoons offer the quintessential shot of the palace in all its bright and colorful majesty.

Moorish Castle Add-On

While you’re up here, we strongly recommend folding in a visit to the Moorish Castle (Castelo dos Mouros), just one hill over from Pena Palace.

The Moorish Castle is an evocative medieval fortification built in the 8th or 9th century during the Moorish occupation of the Iberian Peninsula. In the 19th century, King Ferdinand II began restoring parts of the ruins, integrating them into the landscape of the surrounding Pena Park.

✪ Hot Tip You can buy your tickets at the door, but you get a discount if you buy the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace tickets together online.

Like São Jorge Castle in Lisbon, the Moorish Castle is considered an obligatory addition to any traveler’s Portugal travel bucket list and very much worthy of a visit.

Where to Stay Nearby

Sintra has accommodations for every type of traveler. Here are our recommendations:

Luxury Escapes

• Valverde Sintra Palácio de Seteais — A neoclassical dream with palace gardens and impeccable service.
• Sintra Marmóris Palace — Boutique comfort and Old World elegance.

Mid-Range Favorites

• Chalet Saudade — Central and beautifully decorated with a hearty breakfast.
• Monte da Lua — Simple, clean, and ideally located near Sintra’s train station and main attractions.

Budget Stays

• Moon Hill Hostel — Modern and social, ideal for backpackers.

Local Eats: A Taste of Sintra

Sintra is a foodie’s paradise, offering a range of hearty and flavorful dishes that reflect Portugal’s rustic traditions as well as contemporary cuisine options.

Must-Try Dishes

• Travesseiros de Sintra!: Flaky puff pastries filled with almond and egg cream.
• Queijadas de Sintra: Sweet cheese tarts with cinnamon.
• Bacalhau à Brás: Shredded codfish with eggs, onions, and potato sticks.
• Ameijoas à Bulhão Pato: Clams with garlic, olive oil, and coriander.

Where to Eat

• Casa Piriquita: Quite possibly the most famous bakery in town. Don’t leave without a travesseiro!
• Tascantiga: Tapas, wine, and a cozy atmosphere—ideal for a casual meal.
• Metamorphosis: Traditional Portuguese dishes at fair prices.
• Cantinho Gourmet: Portuguese food with a modern twist—our favorite place in town!

Best Time to Visit Pena Palace

Sintra’s weather can change on a dime—brilliant sun one moment, misty fog the next. But the unpredictability just adds to the palace’s mystique.

There’s not really a bad time to visit, if you come with the right attitude and an open mind. With that said, it does help to know what sorts of weather and crowds you should expect at different times of year. Here’s the rundown (as we understand it):

Spring (March to May)

Mild temperatures, blooming gardens, and misty mornings make spring a sought after time to visit. The palace’s colors pop under soft light, and crowds are moderate. Expect 55°F–70°F (13°C–21°C).

Summer (June to August)

Warm weather and long days mean prime sightseeing conditions—but also peak crowds! Arrive early (before 10 AM) or visit after 4 PM for cooler temps and fewer people. Consider pairing your visit with a beach day in Cascais this time of year to beat the heat.

Autumn (September to November)

Golden forests and clear skies make autumn an ideal time to visit, especially for photographers. The air cools down, and tourist number in and around town fade. Excellent for long hikes exploring Parque da Pena.

Winter (December to February)

Quiet, foggy, and atmospheric—winter gives the palace a dramatic flourish. Expect 45°F–60°F (7°C–15°C) and occasional drizzle, but lower prices on accommodation and the smallest crowds of the year.

Safety Tips + Cultural Etiquette

Portugal is one of the safest countries in Europe, but it’s still worth keeping a few things in mind:

• Watch your valuable on public transit (especially crowded buses and trams!).
• Respect historical areas—don’t touch tiles or restricted walls.
• A little Portuguese goes a long way: “Obrigado/a” (thank you), “Por favor” (please), and “Bom dia” (good morning) for starters.
• Tipping is optional, but much appreciated (round up 5–10%).
• Be patient—Portuguese culture values enjoyment over rushing.

Final Thoughts

I had an idea of what to expect on my first visit to Pena Palace. But I still wasn’t fully prepared for this place! It far exceeded my expectations and lived up to Lori’s decades-old memories. And of course, the boys loved every minute (even the six mile round trip hike up and down the mountain!).

From the brightly painted, iconic exterior, to the lavishly-decorated time-warp interior, it’s safe to say that this historic place is in a league of its own.

Don’t forget to spend time wandering the surrounding forest trails and take in a few other sights around town as well.

If you have time, consider also visiting the Moorish Castle, Quinta da Regaleira, and Monserrate Palace.

Have a great journey!

More Lisbon & Portugal

• Moorish Castle of Sintra: How to Visit & What to Expect
• 5 Things to Avoid When Visiting São Jorge Castle in Lisbon

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