Combined ticket
National Palace of Sintra + Sintra Natural History Museum
In the heart of Sintra’s historic centre, every street tells a story. With this combined ticket, discover two of its most emblematic cultural venus and wander through the town’s narrow streets, among traditional shops, irresistible flavours and the unique atmosphere that makes Sintra unforgettable.
The Oldest Royal Palace in Portugal
In the heart of the town, the National Palace of Sintra has witnessed the entire history of Portugal. Its origins date back to the period when Sintra was part of the Islamic world (10th–11th centuries), and from 1147 onwards, the palace developed as a complex of royal residences, built, transformed and expanded over the centuries.
Visiting the palace is a journey through a space shaped by decisive events and the varied life of the court — a place of memories where summer retreats of the royal family, moments of refuge during plagues, and the marks left by successive reigns all come together.
To enrich the visit, digital resources are available to explore each room and the collections, including an interactive game designed for younger visitors.
A Fascinating Journey Through the Natural World
Just a five-minute walk from the National Palace of Sintra, the Sintra Natural History Museum opens a door to the mysteries of our planet.
Housed in a historic building in the town, the museum showcases fascinating collections of fossils, minerals and animals that tell the story of life’s evolution and reveal the secrets of geology and biodiversity. Each room holds surprises — from rare prehistoric skeletons to brightly coloured minerals and natural curiosities that spark the imagination.
The museum offers an engaging experience for visitors of all ages, with carefully arranged exhibits and accessible explanations that encourage exploration and discovery, inspiring a lifelong passion for the natural world. An unmissable experience in the heart of Sintra.
What’s Included
- Entrance to the National Palace of Sintra
- Entrance to the Sintra Natural History Museum
- At the National Palace of Sintra, free digital resources in Portuguese, English, Spanish and French to enhance your visit: Zoomguide – the official AI-integrated audio guide; Sintra Palace Treasure Hunt – an augmented reality exploration game designed for younger visitors
- Palace gardens
Opening Hours
- Palace: 9:30 > 18:30 (last ticket and entry at 18:00)
- Museum: 10:00 > 18:00 Tuesdays to Fridays; 12:00 > 18:00 Saturdays and Sundays (last entry at 17:00)
Practical Information
- Both sites are closed on 24, 25 and 31 December, and 1 January
- The Natural History Museum is also closed on Mondays, Easter Sunday, and 1 May
Suggestions
- The historic centre of Sintra is full of discoveries. Complete your visit with a walk through the old Jewish Quarter and the Parque da Liberdade
- Don’t miss tasting the local treats, travesseiros and queijadas, made in the town’s traditional bakeries
How to get there
- Private vehicle access in the historic centre is limited to residents. Use the designated parking areas and reach the centre on foot or via public transport.
- The Sintra railway terminal, connecting to Lisbon, is about 1,000 m (10 minutes’ walk) from the National Palace of Sintra.
- The historic centre is also served by buses 434 and 435 (Scotturb) from the railway station.
- Parques de Sintra’s responsibilities are limited to the parks and monuments under its management and do not extend to external circumstances, including access and transport to the sites.