Free things to do in Sintra
- Walk around the charming town center and its narrow streets
- Visit the exterior of the National Palace (free to see from outside)
- Hike the trails through the Serra de Sintra natural park
- Walk from the town center to the Moorish Castle viewpoint (free from outside)
- Explore the village of Sao Pedro de Penaferrim and its Sunday market
Budget palace strategy
If you can only afford one palace, choose Quinta da Regaleira (10 EUR). It offers the most immersive experience for the price: gardens, tunnels, the Initiation Well, and the palace interior.
If you can stretch to two, add Pena Palace park only (7.50 EUR) and enjoy the gardens and exterior views without paying full price for the interior.
Budget eating tips
Skip the tourist restaurants near the National Palace. Instead, grab a travesseiro at Piriquita (about 2 EUR) and a coffee at a local cafe. For lunch, walk to Sao Pedro de Penaferrim (10 min from center) where restaurants serve Portuguese dishes at local prices.
When a tour is actually better value
If you plan to visit 2 palaces with entrance fees (24 EUR total) plus transport (5 EUR) plus bus 434 (3.90 EUR), you are already at 33 EUR. A guided tour at $65 adds skip-the-line access, a licensed guide, and door-to-door transport. For the extra cost, you save 2+ hours of logistics.
Best value Sintra tours
Compare affordable options with free cancellation.
Frequently asked questions
The Sintra town center, the Moorish fountain, and many garden paths are free. Palace interiors require tickets (8 to 14 EUR each). Walking the town and enjoying the village atmosphere costs nothing.
The train from Rossio station in Lisbon costs about 2.50 EUR each way and takes 40 minutes. This is the cheapest transport option.
