Travel & Stay
Air | Land | Beyond
Hop across the Atlantic! One movie marathon later, we'll be celeBraaten in the Portuguese sun.
Bigger is better for hotel rooms; smaller is better for cars. Trust us on this one.
Since you’ve crossed the ocean, why stop now? Go explore the neighborhood.
AIR
To join us in Portugal, you’ll want to set your sights on Lisbon Airport (LIS). It’s the most convenient gateway and just a short thirty-five minute drive to and from Sintra.
Getting here is easier than ever, with several North American and European carriers—including American, United, Delta, Air Canada, and LOT Poland—offering direct flights from major hubs. For a local touch, the national carrier TAP Air Portugal also provides frequent direct service from many cities.
We highly recommend booking early for the best fares. A great place to start your search is Google Flights ⧉, which makes comparing dates, routes, and prices a breeze.
Plus, those frequent flyer miles are a gift to your future self! At this rate, you’ll be one step closer to "Diamond-Platinum-Titanium" status—or at least a slightly fancier bag of pretzels.
LAND
Accomodations
There are many wonderful and beautiful places across Sintra and the surrounding area that meet all kinds of budgets and styles. From historic palaces to modern resorts, you’ll find no shortage of charm in our favorite corner of Portugal.
This 18th-century palace is where we will be celeBraaten all weekend long. As we have exclusive use of the entire palace for the weekend, there are overnight guest rooms available for reservation on Friday and Saturday evening.
Rate: 657€/night, including taxes and daily breakfast for two.
Distance: Approximately one flight of stairs, maybe.
To reserve, simply submit this form.
A reliable and modern option located just outside the historic center. It’s perfect for those who want a simple, clean, and budget-friendly base for the weekend.
Rates from: ~100€/night
Distance: Approximately a 10–15 minute drive.
Located in the heart of the historic center, this hotel offers modern comfort and great views of the National Palace, putting you right in the middle of Sintra’s winding streets.
Rates from: ~225€/night
Distance: Approximately a 5-minute drive or 15-minute walk.
Known as the oldest hotel on the Iberian Peninsula, this boutique gem is filled with history and romantic charm, having once hosted famous writers like Lord Byron.
Rates from: ~275€/night
Distance: A very short 5-minute walk.
A beautifully restored 19th-century manor that offers an intimate, authentic "Sintra" experience with incredible views of the Moorish Castle and Pena Palace.
Rates from: ~450€/night
Distance: Approximately a 5-minute drive or 15-minute walk.
A sprawling, world-class Ritz-Carlton property set within a stunning national park. It offers a mix of historic architecture and modern luxury with an incredible spa and golf course.
Rates from: ~550€/night
Distance: Approximately a 15–20 minute drive.
Ground TRANSPORTATION
Here is the best way to reach the venue and get around.
From Lisbon Airport (LIS): The transit time to Sintra is approximately 35 minutes by car.
Local Exploration: The venue is conveniently located just a few minutes' drive or a scenic 15-minute walk from the Sintra Town Center.
Rideshare: Uber is widely available and very reliable. We also recommend downloading Bolt, which is another popular local alternative in Portugal.
Official Taxis: If you prefer a traditional taxi over a rideshare app, all taxis are metered, but be aware there may be small surcharges for luggage.
Tuk-Tuks: For a more iconic way to navigate the winding hills of Sintra, you’ll find plenty of tuk-tuks available for hire—they are a fun way to see the sights!
A Note on Driving: We generally recommend against renting a car for your time in Sintra. The historic roads are very narrow, parking is extremely limited near the palaces, and many areas are restricted to local residents and authorized transport.
Common phrases
English is very widely spoken in tourist areas, but a little effort in the local language goes a long way with the locals.
Hello - Olá. - Oh-lah
Good morning - Bom dia - Bohm dee-ah
Good afternoon - Boa tarde - Boh-ah tar-deh
Thank you (Male) - Obrigado - Oh-bree-gah-doo
Thank you (Female) - Obrigada - Oh-bree-gah-dah
Please - Por favor - Poor fah-vohr
The bill, please - A conta, por favor - Ah kohn-tah poor fah-vohr
Do you speak English? - Fala inglês? - Fah-lah een-glezh?
I’m sorry / Excuse me - Desculpe - Des-kool-peh
Portuguese Pointers
Tipping Etiquette: Tipping is not mandatory in Portugal like it is in the U.S., but it is appreciated. For a nice meal, rounding up or leaving 5–10% is a kind gesture for good service. For taxis or cafes, just rounding up to the nearest Euro is common.
The Cobblestone Challenge: Portugal is famous for its beautiful Calçada Portuguesa (white and black stone mosaic pavements). They are stunning but can be very slippery when wet and uneven for high heels. When touring, wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes during the day!
Pharmacy Signs: If you need "over-the-counter" help, look for a bright green illuminated cross. Portuguese pharmacists are highly trained and can often help with minor ailments without a doctor's visit.
Power Up: Portugal uses Type F power outlets (two round pins) and operates on a 230V supply. Guests from North America will need a plug adapter and should check if their hair dryers or straighteners are "dual voltage."
The "Couvert" (Appetizers): In many Portuguese restaurants, servers will bring out bread, olives, and cheese before you order. Note: These are not free. If you eat them, they will be added to your bill (usually just a few Euros). If you don't want them, simply say "No, thank you" and they will take them away.
BEYOND
Since you’ve already crossed the pond, why stop at the Lisbon and Sintra? Portugal is the perfect launchpad for a larger European adventure. Thanks to the continent’s compact size and incredible transit, you can be in a completely different culture by dinnertime on Sunday.
Hop a Quick Flight
Lisbon (LIS) is a major European hub, with direct, budget-friendly flights that can whisk you away to iconic capitals in just a few hours:
Madrid: 1 hour 15 minutes
Paris: 2 hours 30 minutes
London: 2 hours 45 minutes
Rome: 3 hours
Ride the Rails
If you prefer to stay on the ground and watch the scenery go by, Portugal’s train system, Comboios de Portugal ⧉, is fantastic for exploring the rest of the country:
Porto: A 3-hour high-speed ride north to the home of Port wine.
The Algarve: 3 hours south to the stunning beaches of Faro and Lagos.
Whether you want to hunt for the best pasta in Italy or explore the museums of France, we highly encourage you to extend your stay and see what else the neighborhood has to offer!