National Palace of Queluz
National Palace of Queluz
National Palace of Queluz
4.5
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
About
Royal residence of two generations of monarchs, only fifteen minutes away from Lisbon, the National Palace of Queluz is intimately linked with significant figures in Portuguese history. Today it constitutes a major heritage site in Portuguese architecture and landscaping, and contains an important collection which reflects royal taste during the eighteenth and nineteenth century - from Baroque, through Rococo, to Neoclassicism.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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- mshapiro99Sterling, Virginia1,278 contributionsBeautiful Period PalaceToured the beautiful palace of Queluz in the middle of an apocalyptic rain storm, just bucketing down. Our driver got us as close as possible to the door so we could (almost) avoid getting drenched. The rooms and furnishings were original to the time period and we saw the incredible workmanship necessary to help build and maintain this palace. Worth a visit!Visited November 2022Written July 8, 2023
- calgaryguyKelowna, Canada454 contributionsAmazing PalaceAn amazing place to visit. The palace has been well-maintained and is packed with things to see, so much so that it is almost impossible to absorb it all. I only wish our group had had more time to explore. Wonderful furniture and art work, well described which was appreciated. A must visit.Visited May 2023Written July 12, 2023
- 4SoaringEagleNapa Valley, California260 contributionsSomething to seeIt is said to be at the Versailles of Portugal, and I would agree. With chandeliers and mirrors lots of French inspired furniture. this palace was stunning. It wasn’t very crowded. The gardens are beautiful, accentuated with statues and fountains. The cafeteria was closed. We brought some snacks and water. We took the train. Walking from the train to Queluz the neighborhood was deserted and a little run down. But during the day it seemed safe enough. I imagine during peak season, this area is bustling and probably has some more lively vibe with tourists and vendors a like. I would highly recommend visiting Queluz.Visited May 2023Traveled with friendsWritten July 28, 2023
- Nuno FLisbon, Portugal59 contributionsA magnificent palaceHere is a palace that deserves a long visit. Inside we can find the various rooms and lounges with plenty of period furniture. Outside, its immense gardens are worth a stroll and why not spend some time sitting and observing their majesty.Visited August 2023Traveled with familyWritten August 21, 2023
- MeowyMontgomery, Alabama525 contributionsBest Palace in LisbonQuelez Palace is about a 20 minute walk from the train station. There are adequate signs pointing the way. The palace opens at 9 am, a rarity in Lisbon to open at such an early time and is much appreciated by this tourist. The site is not crowded at all. Quelez seems to still be off the beaten path. It was easy to find, easy to get in and very well organized to get around. The palace is nice but a stroll through the gardens are amazing. I am definitely glad I took half a day out to see this. Do not miss and put this on your must see list.Visited September 2023Traveled soloWritten October 6, 2023
- Thomas VOakland, California16,295 contributionsUncrowded Spectacular Royal PalaceI think of this extravagant palace as Portugal's answer to Versailles. The design and the furnishings definitely have that French flavor. Many huge dramatic rooms, an interesting story of the short stays of various royals. Lavish decorations, painted ceilings, furniture. A great way to spend a few hours and it never seems to be crowded. Not easy to get to unless you arrive by cab.Visited November 2023Traveled with familyWritten November 3, 2023
- Maggie4 contributionsBeautiful palace, not to be missedI can see why people say it is Portugal's Versailles. We much preferred it's ornate interior and large gardens to the Pena Palace in Sintra. Plus it is less crowded and you can actually take in the splendour of the rooms. Information boards and interactive displays include English. It is 20 minutes on the train from Rossio station in Lisbon plus a 15 minute walk. At Queluz, facing in the direction of Sintra, go to the left side of the tracks. The palace is signed, virtually straight on but with a slight right. A big thank you to Joao (?), a security guard. He saved us a long wait by directing us to and helping us with a ticket machine inside. It was a Sunday and I believe locals get reduced admission at the ticket desk.Visited January 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 11, 2024
- marvi62Horsham, Pennsylvania756 contributionsLovely palace, no crowds - on par with Pena and RegeleiraThree of us thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Queluz Palace today. We went to Pena and Regaleira Palaces in Sintra two days before. In contrast to the insane crowds of Pena Palace, we had Queluz Palace almost entirely to ourselves when we arrived around 1 pm via Uber from central Lisbon (an easy 25 minute, 16-17 euro Uber ride) to the front entrance gate. Queluz Palace was very ornate (not on the scale of Versailles though), with beautiful furnishings, gilt trimmed mirrors, elaborate ceilings, and numerous chandeliers made from handblown Venetian glass. There was one room decorated completely in hand painted tiles. Outside there are beautiful, formal, sculpted gardens in the French style, and there is a long, tiled set of walls behind the palace with a small stream of water running in between the two walls. After dealing with the crowds of Sintra and fellow tourists in Lisbon, we were extremely happy to stroll through the palace and grounds of Queluz at our leisure. It deserves the same attention as Pena Palace and Regeleirs Palace. Just lovely.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 16, 2024
- Debra11 contributionsNational Palace of Queluz is worth half a dayThey nickname the National Palace of Queluz as the Portuguese Versailles. Queluz is half way between Lisbon and Sintra. Take the train. From the station, walk 10 minutes on the well marked streets. RE: the inside of the Palace, quickly go through the first few rooms, then the amazing stuff begins. Mirrors and mirrors in all shaped and sizes. RE: the outside gardens, allow at least one hour to get lost strolling the gardens. Water fountains are specular, the water canal is not only unique but beautifully tiled, the horse stables are open to view, the herb garden is a must. Note to staff: PLEASE put your cell phone in your pocket, don't look at movies with the volume on high or chat online. Please greet your visitors as they walk from room to room, maybe even tell your visitor about the importance of the room or even a special item displayed.Visited April 2024Traveled with familyWritten May 13, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,467 reviews
Excellent
919
Very good
424
Average
87
Poor
23
Terrible
14
Sandy S
Albuquerque, NM1,012 contributions
Mar 2022
Queluz started as a royal summer palace. Although it’s called “a mini Versailles,” the décor isn’t nearly as elaborate. For example, the ceilings are mostly painted, and the ‘marble” columns are obviously wood embellished with “faux marble” paint. The building was, however, worth a visit if only for the inlaid furniture and the parquet floors of Brazilian hardwood. The formal gardens are “inspired by” the French landscape master Le Nôtre, not designed by him.
Written July 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jules060617
Lausanne, Switzerland1,482 contributions
Sep 2022
Extraordinary. We were looking for a palace to stage a special event. Ten years ago we were in Venice and did not think we could match that. We did in Queluz. The Throne Room was the perfect setting for a dinner with 60 guests. The Palace itself is definitively worth visiting with many fine rooms, such as the Ambassaors' Room and the Chapel. The Gardens are sumptuous, particularly in evening light. The team in charge of renting out this national treasure could not have been more wonderful. A must see in Portugal.
Written October 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Johanna Salonen
Turku, Finland97 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Decided to have a small day trip from Lisbon to Queluz Palace. Might be one of the favorite places I've ever been. Definitely a lot to see and easy to get to know yourself. Interested to see exotic wallpaper, art, beautiful garden, glazed tiles and the lifestyle of nobles? This is the right destination.
Loistokas ja upea kohde, johon on helppo tehdä puolikkaan päivän retki Lissabonista. Etenkin lokakuussa 2019 kohde oli vapaana muista turisteista ja palatsia sai katsoa kaikessa rauhassa.
Paljon nähtävää ja tarjoaa laajan katsauksen ylhäisön ja aatelisten elämään. Näkyvillä mm. Eksoottisia esineitä, kauniita kaakeleita, hevoskärryjä, kattokruunuja ja -maalauksia sekä suuri puutarha kasvihuoneineen. Helppo tutustua itsenäisesti: tarjolla elektorinisia ytimekkäitä tietoruutuja.
Loistokas ja upea kohde, johon on helppo tehdä puolikkaan päivän retki Lissabonista. Etenkin lokakuussa 2019 kohde oli vapaana muista turisteista ja palatsia sai katsoa kaikessa rauhassa.
Paljon nähtävää ja tarjoaa laajan katsauksen ylhäisön ja aatelisten elämään. Näkyvillä mm. Eksoottisia esineitä, kauniita kaakeleita, hevoskärryjä, kattokruunuja ja -maalauksia sekä suuri puutarha kasvihuoneineen. Helppo tutustua itsenäisesti: tarjolla elektorinisia ytimekkäitä tietoruutuja.
Written December 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debra
11 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
They nickname the National Palace of Queluz as the Portuguese Versailles.
Queluz is half way between Lisbon and Sintra. Take the train. From the station, walk 10 minutes on the well marked streets.
RE: the inside of the Palace, quickly go through the first few rooms, then the amazing stuff begins. Mirrors and mirrors in all shaped and sizes.
RE: the outside gardens, allow at least one hour to get lost strolling the gardens. Water fountains are specular, the water canal is not only unique but beautifully tiled, the horse stables are open to view, the herb garden is a must.
Note to staff: PLEASE put your cell phone in your pocket, don't look at movies with the volume on high or chat online.
Please greet your visitors as they walk from room to room, maybe even tell your visitor about the importance of the room or even a special item displayed.
Queluz is half way between Lisbon and Sintra. Take the train. From the station, walk 10 minutes on the well marked streets.
RE: the inside of the Palace, quickly go through the first few rooms, then the amazing stuff begins. Mirrors and mirrors in all shaped and sizes.
RE: the outside gardens, allow at least one hour to get lost strolling the gardens. Water fountains are specular, the water canal is not only unique but beautifully tiled, the horse stables are open to view, the herb garden is a must.
Note to staff: PLEASE put your cell phone in your pocket, don't look at movies with the volume on high or chat online.
Please greet your visitors as they walk from room to room, maybe even tell your visitor about the importance of the room or even a special item displayed.
Written May 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nick
Nottingham, UK500 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
We came to the palace on our way from Lisbon airport to Ericeira.
Parking outside the palace was plentiful and free.
It was around €10 each to get in and we also got an audioguide for a couple of euros which was via an app on our phones.
It was a pleasant look around the palace, but the best bits are the gardens, they're huge. There's some fountains to see hidden around, it even had its own old Canal!
It's lovely on a sunny afternoon.
Parking outside the palace was plentiful and free.
It was around €10 each to get in and we also got an audioguide for a couple of euros which was via an app on our phones.
It was a pleasant look around the palace, but the best bits are the gardens, they're huge. There's some fountains to see hidden around, it even had its own old Canal!
It's lovely on a sunny afternoon.
Written September 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maggie
4 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
I can see why people say it is Portugal's Versailles. We much preferred it's ornate interior and large gardens to the Pena Palace in Sintra. Plus it is less crowded and you can actually take in the splendour of the rooms. Information boards and interactive displays include English.
It is 20 minutes on the train from Rossio station in Lisbon plus a 15 minute walk. At Queluz, facing in the direction of Sintra, go to the left side of the tracks. The palace is signed, virtually straight on but with a slight right.
A big thank you to Joao (?), a security guard. He saved us a long wait by directing us to and helping us with a ticket machine inside. It was a Sunday and I believe locals get reduced admission at the ticket desk.
It is 20 minutes on the train from Rossio station in Lisbon plus a 15 minute walk. At Queluz, facing in the direction of Sintra, go to the left side of the tracks. The palace is signed, virtually straight on but with a slight right.
A big thank you to Joao (?), a security guard. He saved us a long wait by directing us to and helping us with a ticket machine inside. It was a Sunday and I believe locals get reduced admission at the ticket desk.
Written March 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ana H
Estoril, Portugal153 contributions
Dec 2022
Who knew this treasure was just 15 minutes outside Lisbon?!! We visited today and were very happy to spend a couple of hours walking around this historic old palace, full of Portugal's history, reading the story of the Royal Family. Easy to read Information Stands in each room, in English for ease. So much to see. And the gardens! Large and beautiful! I could just imagine the Queens walking through the large garden doors on their way to their daily walks! Lastly I highlight the ballroom where, yes, I did a twirl! Couldn't help myself! Put this on your bucket list for when you visit Lisbon! There's more to see than just Sintra's Pena Palace. Also, decent eateries within walking distance.
Written December 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RandyRoss
Ridgetown, Canada12,379 contributions
May 2022
We had booked a tour called, "Portugal's Coastal Treasures" with Viking River Cruises and our first stop Queluz National Palace in Queluz, near Sintra. It began as a summer retreat but became the official residence for the royal family after their palace in Madrid was destroyed by fire in 1794. It remained so until the royal family fled to Brazil (fleeing from Napoleon) in 1807. This palace had significant historical interest to us because we had visited the Royal palace in Petropolis Brazil in 2020 and it was fascinating to see how things connected. We also enjoyed the magnificent gardens at Queluz Palace, although we only had time for a very quick walk-through of these gardens after our tour of the palace.
Written June 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LostInTime
Pittsburgh, PA20,330 contributions
Feb 2020 • Business
The palace was very nice. The day that I was there it was raining kinda hard so that limited walking outside somewhat. I like the old palaces of Europe and this one was pretty nice. I enjoyed the view into the past.
Written March 26, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charles J
Glasgow, UK577 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
We didn’t know about this palace until an Uber driver told us about it and about how few people visit what he considered to be one of the most amazing destinations around Lisbon. Get the train he said…and if you are lucky there will be a taxi at the station. If you are not lucky it’s a fifteen minute walk. We were lucky.
When you arrive at what would have been the back of the estate you can see that it is going to be big but it’s not impressive. Then you go inside and wow….and wow again and again. Eventually after going through fabulous rooms you get to the gardens and the amazing view of the front of the palace.
So few people visit, the café is temporarily closed. I hope, really hope that the authorities put some money into this as there are repairs needing done…like painting doors and windows outside. This is an absolute gem. Once home to the Royal Family, it is known locally as Versailles.
If you are going to Lisbon, it’s halfway between Lisbon and Sintra. Six stops from Lisbon on the Sintra train.
When you arrive at what would have been the back of the estate you can see that it is going to be big but it’s not impressive. Then you go inside and wow….and wow again and again. Eventually after going through fabulous rooms you get to the gardens and the amazing view of the front of the palace.
So few people visit, the café is temporarily closed. I hope, really hope that the authorities put some money into this as there are repairs needing done…like painting doors and windows outside. This is an absolute gem. Once home to the Royal Family, it is known locally as Versailles.
If you are going to Lisbon, it’s halfway between Lisbon and Sintra. Six stops from Lisbon on the Sintra train.
Written June 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Boa tarde!
Como é o estacionamento? É fácil de encontrar lugar de estacionamento junto ao palácio de Queluz?
Desde já obrigada!
Tomas B
Zaragoza, Spain71 contributions
Is the Pensil Garden open to visitors?
Are any façades under restoration or on works?
Thank you
Roxyroux14
Indianapolis, IN5 contributions
Unfortunately due to our travel arrangements we will get there around 1pm. Is it worthwhile to buy a skip the line pass?
PetraVdV
Cascais, Portugal53 contributions
in general the queluz palace is much less crowded then the pena palace, in my opinion not necessary to buy a skip the line pass for this palace!
Roxyroux14
Indianapolis, IN5 contributions
Is there parking at the Palace?
Julian W
Essex56 contributions
Yes there is plenty of (free) parking opposite the palace - a huge open space in front of and behind the palace guard's officers' quarters which is now a poussada (fantastic, we stayed there). The little town of Queluz has bars and cafes but if you would like an evening meal or lunch to remember you can eat in the Palace's former dining rooms, now a restaurant, to the right of the palace as you face it. There is also an excellent smaller restaurant on the opposite side of the road to the right of the poussada.
Eros B
Milan, Italy51 contributions
per arrivare almpalazzo de queluz da lisbona che mezzi devo prendere ?
grazie eros
lailacortopassi
Viareggio, Italy326 contributions
Noi siamo andati in auto. Molto conveniente prendere l'auto a noleggio direttamente all'arrivo in aeroporto. Servizio comodo, veloce e ben organizzato. In auto ci si sposta liberamente e si raggiungono comodamente sia Queluz che Sintra. Il treno per Sintra lo sconsiglio perché si arriva solo a Sintra e poi o si gira a piedi o si prendono bus e taxi vari. Con l'auto, da Sintra è bellissimo raggiungere a fine giornata, Cabo da Roca sull'Oceano Atlantico, per godere di un tramonto mozzafiato, e rientrare comodamente a Lisbona passando da Cascais. Panorami mozzafiato e imperdibili, che non è possibile godere dal treno.
O Palácio Nacional de Queluz ainda se encontra em obras?
andrea k k
Tricesimo, Italy468 contributions
Purtroppo la parte est del giardino è ancora in fase di restauro
Christi66
Leawood, KS105 contributions
After Obidos castle, our plan is to drive south to visit Quelez Palace (based on TripAdvisor reviews, it seems out of the way, less crowded and from what I gather, Fairytale-ish!)
However, we would like to choose two castles from the following: Quelez, Quinta Regalis, Palace Pena and Moor Castle (excuse my abbreviations). Any thoughts are appreciated! Thank you!
Julian W
Essex56 contributions
Queluz isn't a castle - it's a former C18 royal palace. A good dramatic castle would be Manaon - it depends if it's on your route.
lovesickmum
86 contributions
È una delle gratuità della Lisboa card?
andrea k k
Tricesimo, Italy468 contributions
No. Fa parte del parque de Sintra
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