5 Best Things to Do in Sintra With Kids

If you’re planning a vacation in Lisbon and a day trip to Sintra, you’re in the right place. Here are the 5 best things to do in Sintra with kids. There are plenty of family-friendly activities in Sintra, but these are 5 to get you started – without the overwhelm.

Do I need a rental car in Portugal? While Portugal has fantastic public transportation, it may be helpful to rent a car, especially if you want to make day trips, like visiting Sintra from Lisbon! We recommend AutoEurope for all car rentals.

If you don’t have a car, consider a private, half-day tour.

Pena Palace

Pena Palace is the most famous landmark in Sintra, and it’s easy to see why. The bright colors, towers, and dramatic hilltop setting make it feel like something out of a storybook.

If you only choose one palace in Sintra, this is usually the one. If lines aren’t your thing, there are plenty of tours that let you skip them!

Moorish Castle

The Moorish Castle is very different from Pena Palace. Instead of decorated rooms, you’ll find long stone walls and sweeping views over Sintra and the coastline. Older kids especially enjoy walking along the walls and climbing the towers.

This probably goes without saying, but castles weren’t exactly built with strollers in mind. As much as we love our compact Mompush Wiz compact stroller, we always keep a baby carrier handy! For short walks and quick carries, the Tula Lite is our favorite and is always kept in the stroller or car.

By the way, we have a blog post dedicated to the 10 Best Castles to Visit in Portugal.

Quinta da Regaleira

Quinta da Regaleira feels adventurous and a little mysterious. The highlight for most families is the Initiation Well, a spiral staircase that descends into the ground, along with hidden tunnels and garden pathways.

The estate is large enough to explore without feeling crowded, even during busy seasons. Skip-the-line tickets are also available.

Monserrate Palace

Monserrate Palace is a quieter alternative to Pena, or why not see both? The architecture blends different styles, and the surrounding gardens offer plenty of space to walk and explore. It’s less crowded than some of the more famous Sintra attractions, which can make it a good choice if you prefer a slower pace.

Sintra Historic Center

Your day trip to Sintra does not need to be packed or chaotic. Visit a castle or two, and then hang out in the historic center of Sintra. The cobblestone streets are lined with small shops and cafés, and it’s a good place to sit down for a coffee or try a pastel de nata.

The town itself is compact and easy to walk, and is a great place for letting little ones get some energy out. Visiting Sintra is a great way to get out of Lisbon for the day and relax in some of Portugal’s beauty.

5 Best Things to Do in Sintra With Kids

Sintra offers a mix of castles, gardens, and open spaces that work well with kids of different ages. You don’t need to see everything in one day to enjoy it. It’s definitely worth it for the castles, but don’t worry about putting too much into the day trip!

More things to do in Portugal with kids:

• The 10 best Algarve Beaches for Families
• A guide to Portugal With Kids
• Is Portugal Good for a Family Vacation?
• Lisbon vs Algarve With Kids: Which Is Better?

About Portugal Travel with kids

Portugal Travel With Kids helps families plan stress-free trips to Portugal with practical guides, tips, and itineraries. From Lisbon and the Algarve to Porto and beyond, we share real-world advice for traveling with kids of all ages so you can focus on enjoying your trip.

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