National Palace of Sintra – Tickets, Prices, What to Expect

Book your tickets early for the National Palace of Sintra, a UNESCO site showcasing Lisbon’s royal history and cultural brilliance since the 9th century. A true gem for history lovers!

Learn all about the enchanting history of Lisbon with a visit to the National Palace of Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Dating back to the 9th century, this Moorish marvel, also known as Palácio da Vila or The Town Palace, was extensively used by the monarchs as a resort, hunting retreat, and haven during outbreaks of diseases. 

From its medieval charm to its fascinating tales of monarchs and resilience, the palace promises a journey through time. A must-see on your Lisbon itinerary, it offers a glimpse into the grandeur and heritage of Portugal’s past.

This article covers everything you must know before booking National Palace of Sintra tickets.

Top Tickets

# National Palace of Sintra tickets
# Park and Pena Palace + National Palace + Castle of the Moors

It’s highly recommended that you book the Sintra Palace tickets in advance. These tickets sell out quickly, so securing your spot early ensures you don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience.

Key takeaways

Booking tickets online is better to avoid long queues, especially during peak seasons. Children under the age of six years get free admission to the National Palace of Sintra.

To avoid the crowd, visit when the Sintra Palace opens at 9.30 am or after 3 pm. You get the best view from the top of the palace during the morning light and sunset hours.

Most visitors spend two hours exploring the palace and its surroundings. History enthusiasts need at least four hours.

What’s ahead

Things to know before booking tickets

You can buy National Palace of Sintra tickets online or at the attraction.

Online tickets let you skip the lines, often at a lower price, while guaranteeing availability for your visit.

After the purchase, tickets are emailed to you, and you can enter by showing the e-ticket on your smartphone—no printouts needed.

Remember to bring your official IDs.

National Palace of Sintra tickets

From standard entry tickets to combo tours, you can choose the best option that fits your schedule to visit the National Palace of Sintra.

While most visitors opt for the skip-the-line entry tickets, some also prefer the combo ticket for Pena Palace & Castle of the Moors and other castles nearby.

Note: Kids under the age of six years can enter the Sintra Palace for free. Reduced tickets for children six to 18 and seniors 65+ are available onsite.

National Palace of Sintra entry tickets

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Swan Room of National Palace of Sintra. The Swan Room brought everyone together for banquets, musical concerts, public receptions, religious and even funeral ceremonies. Image: Parquesdesintra.pt

This ticket gives you skip-the-line access to the National Palace of Sintra. You don’t have to wait in the queue at the entrance.

You also get access to the most important collection of Mudéjar Azulejos (colored glazed tiles), the Swans Room, the Magpies Room, the Coats of Arms Room, and more.

Ticket prices

Adult (6+ years): €13
Infant (up to 5 years): Free

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Park and Pena Palace + National Palace + Castle of the Moors

Step up your Lisbon tour by buying a combo ticket for Park and Pena Palace, the National Palace of Sintra, and the Castle of the Moors.

The National Palace of Sintra and Park and Pena Palace are only 4 km (2.5 miles) apart, so many visitors explore them one after the other. 

The Castle of the Moors is just 950 meters (0.6 miles) from the Park and Pena Palace, and you can reach it in 5 minutes by car.

Buying a combo ticket gives you immense relief as you don’t have to bear the burden of buying tickets separately.

Ticket cost: €42

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National Palace of Sintra + Hop-on hop-off bus to castles

Level up your fun in Lisbon by purchasing a combo ticket for the National Palace of Sintra and a hop-on, hop-off bus to multiple castles.

With this ticket, walk the stomping ground of the Portuguese monarchs at Sintra Palace and explore other castles, such as Palácio da Pena and Castelo dos Mouros.

The hop-on, hop-off buses run every 5 minutes, and the combo ticket is valid for 24 hours.

Ticket cost: €26

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Opening hours

The National Palace of Sintra is open for visitors from 9.30 am to 6.30 pm. 

The palace welcomes tourists on all days of the week. 

The last entry is one hour before the closing. 

How long does the tour take

A complete tour of the National Palace of Sintra takes one to two hours.

History buffs tend to spend four to five hours exploring the numerous rooms of the palace.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit the National Palace of Sintra is when they open at 9.30 am.

The view from the top of the palace is excellent during the morning light and sunset hours.

May to September is peak tourist season.

However, Spring (April to June) and Fall (September to November) are popular times to visit as the weather is pleasant with blooming natural surroundings around the attraction.

If you prefer a less crowded experience, consider visiting during weekdays and avoid weekends and public holidays.

What to see at the National Palace of Sintra

Here’s why visiting the palace is a worthwhile experience.

Unique architecture

Learn about the architecture at the palace, which is a fusion of Gothic, Manueline, and Mudéjar styles (a combination of Muslim and Christian artistic influences).

Giant kitchen Chimney

See the 14th-century kitchen’s conical chimney, which is 33 meters (108 feet) high and vented out all the smoke from the kitchen. 

Coats of Arms room

Visit the “Sala dos Brasões” (Coats of Arms room) and see the marvelous collection of Mudéjar Azulejos (colored glazed tiles).

The tiles depicting bucolic and hunting scenes are extraordinary.

Swans Hall

Swans Hall is the oldest stateroom in the Portuguese Palace, whose ceilings are ornated with the painting of swans in octagonal panels. 

Magpies Room

Enter the Magpies Room and see the Renaissance fireplace made of marble and a ceiling divided into 136 triangular panels depicting magpies.

The room has very old furniture that reflects the majesty of the monarch. 

The National Palace of Sintra is a meeting point for various cultures whose beauty was magnified regularly as new kings were placed on the throne. 

FAQs about the National Palace of Sintra

Here are some frequently asked questions about the palace.

Can I skip the line with this ticket?

Yes, the National Palace of Sintra e-ticket gives you skip-the-line access to the palace.

What are the main features of the National Palace of Sintra?

The palace features architectural elements from different periods, including the Sala dos Cisnes (Swan Room), Sala dos Brasões (Coat of Arms Room), and the iconic twin chimneys. The ceilings are decorated with intricate geometric patterns, and the walls are decorated with beautiful tiles.

How old is the National Palace of Sintra?

The palace has a long history dating back to the Middle Ages. Parts of the palace were constructed in the 14th century, and it underwent renovations and expansions in later centuries.

Is the National Palace of Sintra open to the public?

Yes, the palace is open to the public. Visitors can explore various rooms and learn about the history of the palace.

What is the admission fee for the National Palace of Sintra?

National Palace of Sintra tickets cost €13 for all visitors aged six and above. Kids under the age of six years can enter the palace for free.

Can visitors take photographs inside the palace?

Photography for personal use is allowed in most palace areas, but using flash, tripods, or selfie sticks is prohibited.

How to reach the National Palace

The National Palace of Sintra is located in the town of Sintra, in the Lisbon District of Portugal.

Address: Largo Rainha Dona Amélia, 2710-616, Sintra. Get Directions

By train

Sintra train station is close to the National Palace of Sintra, which is approximately 10 minutes’ walk away. 

If you are in Lisbon, you can take a train from Lisbon’s Rossio station

Every half an hour, a train leaves the station for Sintra.

By bus

Largo Ferreira Castro (434) and Largo C.M.Sintra (433 and 434) are the nearest bus stops to the palace. 

Car parking

If you’re traveling in the car, turn on your Google Maps and get started!

You can park your car at the Estacionamento parking lot, just a 5-minute walk from the palace. 

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Researched & written by
Jamshed is a versatile traveler, equally drawn to the vibrant energy of city escapes and the peaceful solitude of remote getaways. On some trips, he indulges in resort hopping, while on others, he spends little time in his accommodation, fully immersing himself in the destination. A passionate foodie, Jamshed delights in exploring local cuisines, with a particular love for flavorful non-vegetarian dishes. Favourite Cities: Amsterdam, Las Vegas, Dublin, Prague, Vienna

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