This is Sintra's National Palace (Palácio Nacional de Sintra), the town-center royal palace easily spotted by its two enormous conical white chimneys rising from the kitchen below. Continuously used by Portuguese royalty from the 14th to the 20th century, it layers Moorish-influenced architecture with Gothic and Manueline additions, most notably the Swan Room's painted ceiling and the Magpie Room, whose ceiling is covered in painted magpies each holding a rose. It's more centrally located and less crowded than the hilltop palaces.
The Sintra National Palace stands in the historic center of Sintra town, easily recognized by its two enormous white conical chimneys rising above the kitchens. Continuously inhabited by Portuguese royalty from the 15th century until 1910, the palace blends Moorish and Manueline architectural styles, including horseshoe-arched windows and the Sala dos Brasoes (Coat of Arms Room), whose domed ceiling displays the coats of arms of noble Portuguese families. Other highlights include the Sala dos Cisnes (Swan Room) with its painted ceiling of swans, and the Arab Room's geometric azulejo tilework, among the oldest surviving tile installations in Portugal. A self-guided visit through the palace's staterooms, kitchens, and chapel typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours. The chimneys and the palace's white facade are the defining photo subject, best captured from the small square in front of the main entrance. Being located directly in Sintra's town center rather than up in the hills, the palace fills quickly with day-trippers arriving by train from Lisbon; the crowds thin noticeably by late afternoon and are lightest on weekday mornings right at opening.
| Admission | Adult €10 ($10.80) · Child €8.50 ($9.20) ages 6–17 |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily 09:30–18:30 (last entry 18:00) |
| Typical visit | 1.5–2 hours |
| Best time | Mid-morning on weekdays |
| Getting there | Train from Lisbon Rossio to Sintra (40 min); 3-min walk from Sintra station |
| Address | Largo Rainha Dona Amélia, 2710-616 Sintra |
Location
Largo Rainha Dona Amélia, 2710-616 Sintra
38.7976, -9.3899 View on map
Highlights
- Two giant white conical kitchen chimneys, the palace's defining landmark
- Sala dos Brasoes with a domed ceiling bearing dozens of noble family coats of arms
- Arab Room featuring some of Portugal's oldest surviving azulejo tilework
- Sala dos Cisnes with its painted swan ceiling
- Central Sintra town-center location within walking distance of the train station
Tips for visiting
- Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday rush of day-trippers from Lisbon
- Buy tickets online to skip the on-site ticket line during peak season
- The palace is a 3-minute walk from Sintra train station, making it an easy first stop
- Combine with a walk through Sintra's old town streets immediately surrounding the palace
- Floors can be slippery in the kitchen and tiled rooms; flat shoes are recommended
When to visit
Visit right at the 9:30am opening or after 4pm, since the palace's town-center location draws heavy day-tripper traffic through the middle of the day.
Accessibility
The palace's staterooms are on the ground and first floors connected by stairs with no elevator, and some tiled floors can be uneven, limiting full wheelchair access.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Sintra National Palace take?
Most visitors spend 1.5 to 2 hours touring the staterooms, kitchens, and chapel.
Is Sintra National Palace worth it for kids?
Yes, the towering chimneys and colorful tiled rooms tend to hold children's interest well.
Is photography allowed inside Sintra National Palace?
Yes, photography without flash is generally allowed throughout the interior rooms.