It’s best to plan a 48-hour itinerary in Sintra with travel time in mind: the day of arrival should be a bit more relaxed, and it’s best to save the main attraction for the morning. Check in advance how to get from the bus stop to your accommodation, and download a map of the town. That way, even if your journey is delayed, it won’t ruin your whole itinerary.
Prices and timetables are subject to change, so check the official websites of the attractions the day before your trip. When planning your trip to Portugal, factor in hills, cobbled streets and leisurely stops at viewpoints, as well as at least one free hour for the unexpected.
Day one: exploring the city centre
After checking in or leaving your luggage in a left-luggage facility, head to the National Palace of Sintra. This is a convenient starting point to get your bearings. Then head to the Pena Palace, but choose just one attraction for a longer visit to keep the first day relaxed.
Don’t leave charging your phone until the evening: navigation and e-tickets drain the battery quickly. Mark a return point and an alternative walking route separately on your map.
Day two: the main attraction and a relaxed finish
Quinta da Regaleira kicks off the busiest part of the trip, whilst the historic centre brings it to a close. If tickets for the first attraction are sold out, swap these two around or just have a look at the building from the outside — there’s no need to completely rearrange your whole day.
Before heading back, leave a bit of free time without any new sightseeing. You’ll need it for your luggage, a toilet break, charging your phone and getting to the platform without any unnecessary stress.
How to draw up a realistic budget
For a two-day trip, it’s handy to set a daily limit excluding accommodation. Include transport, water, two main meals and one paid attraction in this. Keep a separate buffer for taxis or an unplanned luggage locker.
What to prepare before arrival
- an offline map with the National Palace of Sintra and Quinta da Regaleira marked on it;
- the address of your accommodation and luggage storage facilities;
- comfortable footwear and a light layer of clothing in case the weather changes;
- the latest time you need to be back at your departure point.
Useful links
To help you prepare, also read our guides on how to plan your first day after a long coach journey, offline maps for travelling in Europe: how to set up your phone, and how to find a hotel from the coach stop. You can check coach routes and travel options on RedRay. Check the latest visitor guidelines and events calendar via Portugal’s official tourism portal and the official websites of specific attractions. Sources verified on 6 September 2026.
Questions and answers
Is two days enough for a first visit to Sintra?
Yes, if you focus on two neighbouring areas each day and don’t plan to visit too many museums. For a leisurely pace, leave one main attraction per day.
Where is the best place to leave your luggage after getting off the coach?
First, check if early check-in is available at your accommodation. If this isn’t possible, use the official left-luggage facility and keep your receipt until you collect your belongings.
Do I need to buy a city travel pass?
Work out the number of journeys you plan to make. If the main attractions are close together, individual tickets or walking may work out cheaper than a day pass.
What should you book in advance in Sintra?
First and foremost, check admission to Quinta da Regaleira and the check-in conditions. It’s best to keep the rest of your itinerary flexible in case of bus delays or changes in the weather.