The monuments and historic sites offer insight into the area's history, while the museums add a sense of refinement. Sintra have sights like Olga Cadaval Cultural Center, Sintra Science Center, and Sintra Toy Museum offer insight into the local culture. Monuments like Sintra National Palace, Sao Martinho Church, and Moorish Castle are well regarded. Learn about the local history at Gunpowder Museum, Paula Rego Historical House, and Cascais Citadel. Take a tour of campus around University of Lisbon, Instituto Superior Tecnico, or Piaget Institute. Hours of family fun are waiting at Vasco da Gama Aquarium, Lisbon Zoo, and Ajuda Botanical Garden.

You'll find the great outdoors at parks like Pena Park, Cape Roca, and Cascais Hipodrom. Explore nature at Adrenunes Dolmen, Boca do Inferno, and Tapada Nacional de Mafra Park. Quinta da Beloura, Lisbon Sports Club, or Estoril Racetrack will provide yet another welcomed diversion. Some of the area's most popular sights are Castle of Sao Jorge, Quinta da Regaleira, and Pena Palace. Guerreiro Statue, Monserrate Palace, and Capuchos Convent are also favourite places to visit.

If you can bear to leave Sintra for just a few hours, the amazing Atlantic beaches of Portugal’s Costa do Estoril await. There is even a tram service which whisks residents of accommodation in Sintra from their villas and holiday rental properties in Sintra to the villages along the coast. Praia Grande is a very popular beach where the young surf crashing Atlantic rollers and elder inhabitants relax on the soft sand, soaking in the sun and absorbing the joyful atmosphere. There are also some great cliff walks to enjoy, including those which take in Cabo da Roca, Europe’s most westerly point.