Sintra National Palace Visitor's Guide

Discover the must-see rooms, from the Swan Hall to the incredible Coats of Arms Room, and plan your route through Portugal's best-preserved medieval palace.

The National Palace of Sintra is a fascinating mosaic of architectural styles, reflecting centuries of royal use. Its layout can be confusing, but a well-planned visit reveals its treasures. This guide highlights the key areas to ensure you don't miss the most important historical and artistic features. For more planning help, see our pages on opening hours and how to get here.

Highlights of the Palace

The Swan Room (Sala dos Cisnes)

The palace's largest room, famous for its magnificent ceiling painted with 27 swans in different poses. The swan was the emblem of the House of the groom of Infanta Isabel, daughter of King João I, who married the Duke of Burgundy. It was used for the most important state functions.

The Coats of Arms Room (Sala dos Brasões)

Considered one of the most important heraldic rooms in Europe, this stunning chamber was built by King Manuel I. The domed ceiling displays the royal arms of Portugal, surrounded by the coats of arms of 72 of the kingdom's most noble families. The walls are covered in beautiful 18th-century blue and white azulejo tiles.

The Magpie Room (Sala das Pegas)

This room is decorated with 136 painted magpies, each holding a banner reading "Por bem" ("For good"). Legend says King João I commissioned this in response to court gossip about him kissing a lady-in-waiting, with each magpie representing a gossiping courtier.

Getting to the Palace

The National Palace is the most accessible of Sintra's main attractions. It is located directly in the historic town centre, a 15-20 minute scenic walk from the Sintra train station. Follow the signs for "Centro Histórico".

If arriving by train from Lisbon (Rossio Station), the walk is downhill and pleasant. For those with mobility issues, local buses (like the 434 or 435) stop nearby, or you can take a short taxi or tuk-tuk ride from the station. Note that private car access to the historic centre is heavily restricted, so public transport is highly recommended.

Visitor Guide FAQ

Practical information for your visit

What is the best way to get to the palace from Lisbon?
The easiest way is to take the train from Rossio Station in Lisbon to Sintra. The journey takes about 40 minutes. From Sintra station, the palace is a 15-20 minute walk.
Is there a recommended route inside the palace?
Yes, the palace has a designated one-way route that guides you through the sequence of historic rooms. Follow the signs to ensure you see all the main highlights.
Are there toilets and other facilities available?
Yes, there are toilet facilities available for visitors. There is also a small gift shop on site.
Can I visit the palace as part of a day trip with other Sintra monuments?
Absolutely. Because it doesn't require a timed entry, the National Palace is a great monument to visit in the middle of the day, between visits to Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira. See our best time to visit guide for more tips.
What should I not miss?
The three most important rooms are the Swan Room, the Magpie Room, and the magnificent Coats of Arms Room. Also, don't miss the Palatine Chapel, the oldest part of the palace, and the massive kitchens under the iconic chimneys.
Is there a dress code?
There is no formal dress code, but comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended as you will be walking on old, sometimes uneven floors. Check the rules page for more details.
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