National Palace of Sintra: Tickets and Tours

Known for being one of the best-preserved medieval palaces in Portugal, the National Palace of Sintra attracts thousands of visitors from around the world.

The palace, which is located in the heart of Sintra, flaunts a minimalistic gothic exterior, decorative staterooms and lush gardens.

National Palace of Sintra tickets and tours allow you to visit one of the Portuguese nobility’s favorite palaces. Learn about the palace’s rich history, which dates back to the 15th century, as you wander through its magnificent halls and staterooms.

Continue reading to learn more about visiting the National Palace of Sintra, one of the most exciting day tours from Lisbon.

How much do National Palace of Sintra tickets cost?

While it is free to enter the gardens of the National Palace of Sintra, you’ll need to purchase tickets if you want to visit the palace itself. Ticket prices are as follows:

• Adults: €10
• Children under 18: €8.5

Purchasing your tickets online ahead of time allows you to skip the queue at the onsite ticket office.

Who is eligible for discounts?

Seniors over 65 receive tickets at a discounted rate of €8.5 per person. There are also family tickets available at €33, which grants access to two adults and two children.

Should you book in advance?

Book your National Palace of Sintra tickets online ahead of time to enjoy a 5% discount in addition to being able to skip the queue. Booking in advance saves you both time and money so there is no reason not to secure your tickets today.

What are the most popular National Palace of Sintra tours?

Self-guided audio tour

Walk around the National Palace of Sintra at your own pace, learning more about the palace’s history and notable features through a helpful audio guide.

Audio guides are an inexpensive way to add value to your experience, and they can be bought online along with your ticket.

Remember to bring headphones so that you can listen to your audio guide as you explore the palace and its many magnificent staterooms. Audio guides can be downloaded onto your phone and are available in several different languages.

Behind-the-scenes tour of the National Palace of Sintra

Parques de Sintra has recently launched an innovative program that allows visitors to explore the National Palace of Sintra with someone who works behind the scenes.

You’ll meet your tour guide at the ticket office and explore the palace and gardens under their expert guidance

These tours offer access to areas that are not usually open to the public and you’ll get to learn so much more about the palace’s history and architecture than if you were to explore the grounds on your own.

Are there any National Palace of Sintra combo tickets or tours that include other attractions?

Yes! Combination tickets and tours provide you with an affordable way to see additional attractions and make the most of your time in Sintra and the surrounding areas.

There are combination tickets and tours available to suit every preference, including:

• National Palace of Sintra, Cabo da Roca, Cascais & Estoril half-day tour from Lisbon: Get out of the hustle and bustle of Lisbon for the day and take in the peaceful beauty of Sintra, Cascais and Estoril.
• National Palace of Sintra, Pena National Palace, Sintra, Cabo da Roca and Cascais private tour: Visit some of the region’s most popular attractions with this small-group private tour of Sintra and Cascais.
• National Palace of Sintra and Monserrate Palace & Park tickets: Save yourself money and time when you book your National Palace of Sintra and Monserrate Palace & Park tickets together.
• Lisbon Aquarium, National Palace of Pena and National Palace of Sintra tickets: Save 10% when you book tickets to three of Lisbon’s top attractions. Visit two palaces and the Lisbon aquarium for an unforgettable holiday.

Is visiting the National Palace of Sintra worth it?

The National Palace of Sintra is undoubtedly one of the most significant palaces in Portugal as it was a favorite among Portuguese nobility— with the palace being the residence of the vast majority of the country’s royalty.

The palace is also the oldest Portuguese palace and has a history that dates back to the region’s Arab occupation. Filled with decorative staterooms, outdoor patios and ornate halls, the National Palace of Sintra is sure to take your breath away.

While the palace’s gardens are well-kept and free to visit, it is well worth buying a ticket that grants access to the palace’s interior as it is well worth the fee. Some of the highlights within the palace walls include the Magpies Room, the Julius Caesar Room and the Crown Room.

The Magpies Room

The Magpies Room got its name from the painting that depicts more than 130 magpies on the room’s ceiling. Before the 19th century, this beautiful room served as the royal audience room but was converted into a second banquet room.

The Mermaid Room

The Mermaid Room, which is also known as the Wardrobe Room, is decorated with marine motifs on the ceiling. The room is located at the back of the Gold Chamber and was used by the Portuguese royal family’s servants.

The Julius Caesar Room

The Julius Caesar Room is known for its intricate tapestry of Julius Caesar. The room is the result of three smaller rooms being joined together and it was used to prepare meals for the royal family.

Palatine Gallery

The National Palace of Sintra’s Palatine Gallery is the oldest of its kind in all of Portugal. The gallery is also referred to as the Noble Hall and has several galleys painted on its ceiling.

You can find fascinating artifacts from various centuries, stored neatly in glass cabinets.

Heraldic Hall

Heraldic Hall is certainly one of the most impressive halls throughout Portugal’s palaces. The ornate and high-ceilinged hall, built on the noble floor, is a prime example of the power and wealth of King Manuel.

How do I get to the National Palace of Sintra?

The National Palace of Sintra is conveniently located in the center of Sintra, and just a two-minute walk from the tourist office. From Lisbon, you can easily take the bus or train to arrive in Sintra.

If you are driving, you’ll need to park in Sintra’s free parking lot and walk or take the local bus from there. Unfortunately, it is difficult to find parking near the National Palace of Sintra.

What are the opening hours?

The National Palace of Sintra and its gardens are open from 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM, with the last entrance taking place at 6 PM. The palace is open every day except for Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

When is the best time to visit the National Palace of Sintra?

As one of Sintra’s most popular attractions, the palace and its gardens can get quite busy— especially on the weekends.

It is best to visit the National Palace of Sintra on a weekday as the palace opens if you want to enjoy a somewhat peaceful atmosphere.

Which other day tours to Sintra can be done from Lisbon?

• Pena Palace
• Quinta da Regaleira
• Queluz Palace
• Monserrate Palace
• Castle of the Moors
• Convent of the Capuchos

Travel tips

• Wear comfortable walking shoes for walking around the palace grounds.
• Visit for at least 2.5 hours to enjoy the palace in its entirety.
• Book your National Palace of Sintra tickets ahead of time to skip the queue.
• No smoking or eating is allowed on the palace grounds.