Pena Palace and Park Entry Tickets in Sintra

★☆☆☆☆ We had bought tickets in advance for a visit in Sintra. After the purchase, we received an email with the option to add the ticket to our Wallet. On the spot, however, it turned out that this was not a valid admission ticket, but merely a confirmation. As a result, we had to discuss extensively at the box office, which took a lot of time. By the time everything was cleared, our reserved time slot had expired. We had no choice but to buy tickets again, and these only gave access to the park, not the castle. A very frustrating experience due to unclear communication and a misleading ticket display. We recommend that you check very clearly in advance whether you actually have a valid admission ticket, so that you do not experience the same thing.

It was a long uphill walk from the bus dropoff, which we knew ahead of time would be the case. Once we reached the entrance, and waited in the queue for our time slot, we were not disappointed. The exterior was breathtaking with views all the way to Cascais and the sea. We noted how the different side of the castle were warmer than the shady side. The interior was gorgeous, but not massive like other castles, but we knew this as well. The gardens were beautiful as well.

A fantastic half day spent in the park. The palace was amazing. Timing of groups entering ensures no big crowds and lots of space for photos.

We had booked tickets to skip the line then when I tried to show one ticket guy he just said back of the line this was the guy checking tickets at the park entrance. Since the guard didn't listen to me we almost missed our ticket window even with the 30 minute grace period. We had to run to the castle entrance from the park entrance in 10 minutes not fun with kids. So we get to another ticket person try to explain and really could care less what I was saying just say ya ya you just made it get in line for the palace. Finally after standing in line for about 30 minutes another guy comes by I ask him and show him the tickets. He then apologized for the lack of care from his fellow staff and we should have been brought right through all the checks right to the palace entry. The palace it's self was amazing but after over 90 minutes in different lines for no reason. 😒 Staff could use a refresher in hospitality and if languages is a problem then use the 2 way radio to ask for assistance rather then being rude.

Beautiful views. Really interesting grounds and palace. Arrive early to beat the crowds. We had a private driver take us and this was the way to go. Easy pickup and dropoff on our timetable.

Palace was good. Small but interesting- I wouldn’t get the park pass just the castle.

Not worth the hype. Super crowded. If you decide to go, learn the history first and skip the inside tour. Buy tickets ahead of time and show up an 1.5 hours early. Line gets insane. There’s also a lot of uphill walking. You will need to hike uphill for 30 min from the entrance to the palace or pay to take the bus so this is another reason to arrive early (lines and hike). Also, if you purchase tickets through trip advisor, check your messages from them to get the actual tickets. Trip Advisor sends you a voucher that means absolutely nothing so don’t mix the two up.

The visit to the palace was a great experience!!! I would recommend it to anyone who is visiting Sintra!!!

3.5 rounded up to 4* Seeing a picture of this palace ten years ago was the whole reason I wanted to go to Portugal and although I’m glad I saw it and paid the extra for the interior tour, it was not as I had imagined. I was disappointed that we were herded around with barely any time to read or listen to descriptions. There were too many people let it at every 30 minute time slo, so I felt like I was pushed on from room to room and if I lingered I felt like I was in the way (maybe a Canadian personality flaw). Ultimately it was definitely oversold. Although it was beautiful I felt like I didn’t get truly enjoy it. What was a pleasant surprise, was the palace grounds and multiple walks throughout the property. Still worth a visit, but be warned. It’s crowded.

With less than 24 hours left we are called by the operator (Tourrr, hired through Booking) and changes our tickets from 10 to 16:30 the same day, having to cancel other reservations we had. Very nice place, but it was crowded.