‌

Explore the Rich Interiors of the National Palace of Sintra

The National Palace of Sintra is one of the most stunning and best-preserved reminders of Portugal’s monarchy. Much of this palace was constructed during the campaigns of kings Dinis, João I, Manuel I, and João III. The palace as it stands today is the artistic genius of Raul Lino who restored it to its former glory by adding furniture and restoring tiles.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1910, it stands out from any point in Sintra because of its striking 33-meter-tall conical towers.

What’s inside the National Palace of Sintra?

The National Palace of Sintra consists of the main palace, the Palatine Chapel, and its sprawling gardens.

  • The Main Palace: The Main Palace (also called Palácio Real) consists of several rooms, all featuring a seamless blend of different architectural styles. They blend the Moorish, Manueline, and Gothic styles to create a vibrant play of color and design no matter where you look.
  • The Palatine Chapel: Also known as the Royal Chapel, this structure was restored in the 20th century and features one of the finest examples of Mudejar carpentry and architecture in all of Portugal. 
  • The Preta Gardens: The Preta Garden is one of the many gardens that surround the palace and offers a viewpoint that overlooks the vast Sintra Hills and its historical center.
  • Prince’s Garden: The Prince’s Garden is another highlight of the palace’s exterior and offers sweeping views of the Sintra hills.

How to get inside the National Palace of Sintra

The best way to get inside the National Palace of Sintra is to book your tickets online. You can choose from a variety of options. If you choose an entry ticket, you can explore the palace at your own pace. However, if you’d like to understand the palace’s history and architecture in more detail, the audio or guided tours might be ideal.

On the other hand, if you’d like to combine your visit to the National Palace of Sintra with other notable landmarks in its vicinity, you can also choose a combo ticket for the Pena Palace & Park, the Quinta de Regaleira, or even the National Palace of Queluz.

Visitor tips 

  • Don’t rush through the Sintra National Palace—take in the unique exhibits in each room. Also, spend time in the gardens for sweeping views of Sintra’s historic center and the Sintra Hills.
  • Keep your eye on the ceiling in each room you enter. The Swan and Magpie Rooms, for example, get their names from the stunning motifs painted on their ceilings. The Palatine Chapel also features intricate hardwood carpentry that you must check out. 
  • A few of the palace’s rooms are accessible to those who use wheelchairs. However, certain rooms have stairs leading up to them, and these become inaccessible for wheelchair users to access. 
  • If you go all the way to the topmost floor, you’ll come across some of the most spectacular views of the palace grounds and the Sintra Hills, almost as if you were getting a bird’s eye view of it all. 
  • Find a Rick Steves guide to the National Palace of Sintra. He offers detailed descriptions of each room and its history, making for an insightful experience as you explore each part of the palace.  

​Plan Your Visit to the National Palace of Sintra

Frequently asked questions about what’s inside the National Palace of Sintra

What are some of the highlights inside the National Palace of Sintra?

Some of the highlights of the National Palace of Sintra you must explore are the Coat of Arms Room, the Palatine Chapel, the Swan and Magpie Rooms, the Golden Chamber, and the Preta Garden.

Is the palace accessible to those with disabilities?

Some areas of the palace are accessible to those with reduced mobility and to wheelchair users. However, given its nature as a historical landmark, some parts might be tough to access.

Are there restrooms and dining facilities on-site?

Yes, the palace does have restrooms for visitors to access. While it doesn’t have any dining options on-site, the town of Sintra has plenty of bars, cafes, and restaurants you can check out.

What languages are guided tours to the palace available in?

You have the flexibility to choose between a guided tour in Portuguese and English, giving you two convenient options.

What are the operating hours of the National Palace of Sintra?

You can visit the National Palace of Sintra at any point between 9:30am and 6:30pm from Monday to Sunday. Keep in mind that the last admission to the palace closes at 6pm. The palace also remains closed on December 24, 25, and 31, and on January 1.

Is there parking available at the palace?

The palace itself doesn’t offer any parking, and most areas in the historical center are also reserved for residents. It’s best to rely on public transport during your visit so you don’t have to worry about parking.

Quick Links
Top Attractions in Sintra:
Day Trips:
Tickets Sintra
Scan code
Download the Headout app

Get Help 24/7

Headout

We Accept
VISA
MASTERCARD
AMEX
PAYPAL
MAESTROCARD
APPLEPAY
GPAY
DISCOVER
DINERS
IDEAL
FPX
Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.