The best way to learn about a place is from first-hand experience! This is my City Guide for Sintra to help you plan your trip. Portugal is full of photo opportunities, overflowing with palaces, cathedrals, and ancient ruins.
What to See
Pena National Palace
This palace is an architectural train wreck, specifically, with every imaginable style on display! It was built as a love letter to the people of Portugal and included a bit of everyone. Hence, it’s a remarkable testament to the work of the people.
The castle is located outside of Sintra, and you can walk, drive, or take a carriage up to the top of the hill to visit the palace. Certainly, the views from the exterior walls are amazing and offer a fantastic view of the Castelo dos Mouros. Visit the Website.
National Palace of Sintra
The national palace is a museum with lots of examples of the tile work that makes Portugal famous. Further, the old city itself is full of charming shops and a ver special bakery. Additionally we had some excellent opportunities to practice our new cell phone skills.
Castelo dos Mouros
Unfortunately, we did not visit this site because we were in Sintra on a rainy day, but I got a fantastic photo from the Pena Palace.
Where to Eat
Casa Piriquita
Trevesseiro means pillow in Portuguese. These puffy pastries are served warm and crispy with a sugary almond filling. After touring the palaces, we ordered a couple to share and asked about coffee. As it turns out, a house coffee is brewed to complement the desserts. Perfect!
Conveniently, the bakery is on the main drag, so you can’t miss it. When you go inside, it is pink and green tiles. It feels a bit like Mary Poppins might show up with the Banks children. Also, it has been discovered. Indeed, a review from the Shiny Sheet (Palm Beach Daily News, 2009) was framed on the wall.
Why You Should Eat Dessert First in Portugal
I’m not usually a dessert-eater, but in Portugal, I made a lot of exceptions. Learn where to find the top three most delicious pastries!
Getting Around
We took a rental car to Sintra and actually drove it into the pedestrian area, not realizing that the cab drivers waving their hands were directed at us. You should park on the street before the gate to the old part of the city. Cars are not allowed in the old part of the city.
In addition to the city guide for Sintra – read more about my time in Portugal.
Portugal Travel Guide
Portugal is full of photo opportunities, over-flowing with palaces, cathedrals, and ancient ruins. Driving along the rocky coast brought us to the westernmost point in Europe, with waves that attract surfers from all over the world.
Photographs from Portugal
View my recent photographs from Portugal! Taking photographs is a huge part of my travel day. Sometimes I use my phone to document the experience, but I also have the professional gear to get images suitable for framing.
