Top 10 Things To Do In Sintra For Backpackers Like Me

by Samuel “Sam” Thompson

From Author

As a backpacker, I loved exploring Sintra, Portugal and its wealth of historic castles, palaces, and intricate gardens. Here’s my list of the top 10 attractions and activities I’d recommend for fellow budget-conscious travelers in this fairy tale Portuguese town.

Top 10 Things To Do In Sintra For Backpackers Like Me

1) Pena Palace

As a backpacker on a budget, I was delighted to learn that Sintra’s iconic, flamboyant Pena Palace offered discounted admission tickets if you walk up instead of taking the shuttle. Trekking through the surrounding woods led me to some hidden gems before I even entered the castle grounds. Exploring the elaborate Moorish-style palace rooms and climbing the decorative towers overlooking Sintra felt like stepping into a fantasy storybook. The crazy mix of colors, turrets, and domes around every corner kept me entertained for hours. From the lush gardens to sweeping countryside views, Pena Palace encompasses everything magical about Sintra. No visitor should miss it and it certainly deserves a spot on any top 10 Sintra list!

2) Sintra National Palace

With its recognizable two massive conical chimneys, Sintra’s National Palace dazzled me with its ornate interior decor. Being a budget backpacker, I was grateful for the cheap admission ticket to explore the sumptuous rooms filled with hand-painted tiles and ceilings. Wandering the magnificently decorated halls, I felt transported back to Sintra’s Moorish past and royal heyday. The palace has survived for over 1,000 years through various rulers. One highlight was climbing the narrow spiral staircase in one chimney up to the roof terrace for panoramic views over historic Sintra. This fortified palace is one of Sintra’s most iconic landmarks and an absolute must-see.

3) Quinta da Regaleira

The sprawling gardens and gothic mansion of Quinta da Regaleira were made for backpackers like me to lose themselves for hours. As I wandered past fountains, grottoes, ponds and down secret spiral wells, each unique nook felt more magical than the last. I could have easily spent my whole day getting delightfully lost in Regaleira’s labyrinthine tunnels and hidden paths without retracing my steps. Definitely spring for a discounted night tour ticket if they’re offered. Quinta da Regaleira encapsulates the feeling of fairy tale enchantment that earned Sintra the nickname “Parque Natural da Fantasia.” Don’t miss it!

Quinta da Regaleira

4) Monserrate Palace

After cramming onto local buses and trekking up to castles, I welcomed the chance to unwind in Monserrate Palace’s tranquil tropical gardens. Being a budget backpacker, I appreciated that exploring the romantic palace and grounds didn’t break the bank. Strolling past banana trees and vibrant flowers overlooking the countryside renewed my senses. The shady lawns around Monserrate Palace’s ornate Moorish-inspired architecture made an ideal rest stop. Between the relaxing gardens, wooded trails and ponds, Monserrate Palace was a lovely, affordable place to recharge my backpacker spirit.

5) Sintra beaches

6) Cabo da Roca

Sintra transports visitors into a world of fantasy castles and palaces, but backpackers like me know the best things are free! Hiking out to Cabo da Roca, mainland Europe’s westernmost point, was an easy self-guided adventure that provided unbeatable views of the rugged Atlantic coastline. Following the well-marked coastal trails, I was rewarded with thrilling vistas from atop the sheer sea cliffs. The refreshing ocean breezes re-energized me after days exploring Sintra’s palaces. For budget-conscious travelers looking for stunning scenery, Cabo da Roca is a rewardingly peaceful place to experience the region’s natural beauty at no cost.

Cabo da Roca

7) Moorish Castle

I’m always keen for free activities as a backpacker, so hiking up to the ruined Moorish Castle atop Sintra’s wooded hills was right up my alley. Passing local grazing goats along the winding trail built anticipation before the crumbling ramparts came into view. Reaching the castle’s highest tower, I was rewarded with a breathtaking 360° panorama over Sintra and to the Atlantic Ocean below. As I explored the rugged old castle walls, it was incredible imagining ancient civilizations looking over this same landscape. The rich history surrounding Sintra came alive. For thrifty travelers seeking sweeping scenic views, a hike up to the Moorish Castle ruins should make any top 10 list of things to do in Sintra.

8) Tramway ride

Riding Sintra’s old-fashioned tramways let me comfortably explore the hilly town and see key sights. Being on a backpacker’s budget, I appreciated the tram’s inexpensive flat-rate fare that enabled me to hop-on and hop-off wherever I pleased. The tram route gave me access to all of Sintra’s sprawling Royal palaces and estates otherwise spread too far apart to reach walking in a day. From the Moorish Castle perched at the old town’s pinnacle, to the National Palace deep within the valley, the tramways transported me through the epochs of Sintra’s rich history and made for a novel way to sight-see.

9) Local food

Part of experiencing Sintra as a backpacker meant trying mouthwatering local food on the cheap. I loved hitting up no-frills bakeries for warm, freshly baked queijadas de Sintra – the sweet custard tarts are a Portuguese specialty. Grabbing some Piri Piri grilled chicken, a national staple, from a casual takeaway joint for dinner kept my belly full and my wallet happy. At the Mercado de Sintra farmers market, I got to sample juicy, sweet local strawberries and other produce while mingling with locals. Sintra’s affordable bakeries and markets offered this budget-conscious traveler delicious opportunities to try authentic Portuguese cuisine.

10) Street art hunting

As a backpacker aimlessly wandering Sintra’s charming cobblestone lanes, I enjoyed discovering the colorful street art around every bend. From dazzling hand-painted ceramic tiles adorning house facades to vibrant murals enlivening alleyways, Sintra is a haven for stunning public art. In the historic Moorish quarter, each winding walkway revealed new artistic treasures. Tracking down painted tile panels depicting Sintra landmarks became an addicting scavenger hunt. Beyond museums and monuments, Sintra’s delightful street art gave this backpacker an enriching, affordable experience of local culture.