Sintra National Palace

We went to Pena Palace, and also to the National (or City) Palace in Old Town Sintra itself. Pena was very cool but also very crowded, not only with people but also with furnishings. The National Palace is actually much older than Pena, and in a way was more fun to visit, as it was less crowded. I recommend going to both places. The kitchen in the National Palace was a highlight for me, along with the Magpie Room (dating to ca. 1400) and the Hall of Family Crests, where the king had the crests of noble Portuguese families adorning the ceiling and walls.

The Magpie Room, oldest part of the castle. The magpies have banners that read "por bem" or Willingly, which was the King's motto.