Town in Lisbon, Portugal
Sintra
Romantic palaces, forest trails and misty hills 40 minutes from Lisbon. Best as a day trip or a quiet base; crowds queue for Pena and the narrow town is steep.
At a glance
- Safety4/5Safe with normal careDetails
- Monthly budget$2,480–3,600Comfortable, one person · €2,200–3,200Details
- Value for money26/100Better value than 25% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goApr–Jun, Sep–OctWarmest: Aug, 24°CDetails
- Air quality7.4 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2024) · Fairly cleanDetails
- Internet252 MbpsFixed broadband, Portugal medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableTap water is safe.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel4/5English: widely spokenDetails
- Doctor's visit$56–101Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundBoltWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardCards almost everywhereCards accepted at palaces, restaurants and cafés; some small bakeries and market stalls need cash.Details
Where to stay in Sintra
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Sintra Vila | Walkable historic centre near the train, cafés and Pena shuttle |
| São Pedro de Sintra | Quieter village with market and local restaurants |
| Colares–Praia das Maçãs | Seaside villages, wine and beaches west of the hills |
Apps that work in Sintra
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- CP: Train tickets and timetables
- Rede Expressos: Intercity bus tickets
- Taxis: Taxis wait at the station and in the old town. Tuk-tuks are pricey; ask the fare before boarding.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Portugal.
- Cards almost everywhere Cards accepted at palaces, restaurants and cafés; some small bakeries and market stalls need cash.
- Currency: Euro (EUR). US$1 ≈ €0.89 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Multibanco bank ATMs don't add fees; Euronet machines in tourist areas charge and push conversion, so decline it.
- Tipping: Not expected. Leave 5–10% for good restaurant service and round up taxi fares; cafés and bars need nothing.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted. MB WAY, which locals use, needs a Portuguese bank card.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Schengen rules: 90 days in any 180 across all Schengen countries; passport issued within 10 years, valid 3 months past departure.
- The EU Entry/Exit System has replaced passport stamps since April 2026: fingerprints and photo at your first entry. Allow extra time.
- ETIAS, the planned €20 online authorisation, isn't required yet (October 2026); check travel-europe.europa.eu for its start date.
Emergency numbers
Police 112 · Ambulance 112 · Fire 112 · All emergencies 112
Plugs
Type C, F · 230 V, 50 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
MEO, NOS and Vodafone sell tourist SIMs at Lisbon and Porto airports and shops for about €15–30; DIGI is cheaper. Passport usually asked. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Portugal
Going to Sintra solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.