National Palace of Queluz

The Basics

Built in the mid-1700s, the National Palace of Queluzis a beautiful example of rococo, baroque, and neoclassical design, and connects the architecture with the exterior landscapes. Get the benefit of a guide by joining a group or private tour from Lisbon. Most Queluz tours include other Sintra palaces—Quinta da Regaleira, Pena National Palace, and Sintra National Palace—where you can spend the whole day exploring former royal residences and learning about how the Portuguese royal family lived.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The National Palace of Queluzis a must-visit for architecture lovers and royalty aficionados.

• Avoid crowds with the purchase of a skip-the-line ticket.

• Be prepared to spend an entire day wandering the palace corridors and the extensive gardens—wear comfortable shoes and sun protection.

• Visitors with limited mobility can fully access the tours, as they are conducted on the ground floor.

How to Get There

From Lisbon, take the Sintra train line to Queluz-Belas station, then walk about 15 minutes to the palace entrance. If arriving by private transport, take the A37 and exit at Queluz-Palacio.

When to Get There

The National Palace of Queluz is open daily from 9am to 6pm in the winter months and until 7pm in the summer. The palace holds summertime classical music concerts on the grounds.

Get Lost in the Gardens

Explore the extensive French gardens of Queluz Palace and discover a number of hidden gems, including several lakes, fountains, and statues to admire and stroll around. A must-visit is the Canal dos Azulejos, a beautiful area filled with painted scenes of 18th-century life.

Ways to explore

Between its sweeping gardens and splendid interior, there’s much to see at the National Palace of Queluz. Make sense of its centuries-long history with a guide, such as on a private or small-group tour with transportation from Lisbon. If you visit on your own, reserve your ticket in advance to avoid lines and get the best price.

Architecture buffs and fans of royal history can extend their Queluz tour with a visit to the famous palaces of Sintra, such as Pena National Palace and Quinta da Regaleira. Full-day tours often stop in Cascais and Cabo da Roca, too.

Accessibility

The National Palace of Queluz is wheelchair accessible, including the parking area, palace interior, and gardens. Wheelchairs are available upon reservation, as is traction equipment for navigating the gravel paths in the gardens.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, water, headphones for audio guides

What to wear

Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes; you’ll spend a good deal of time walking outside in the gardens.

Not allowed

Pets, flash photography, tripods

Amenities

Gift shop, restrooms, parking, audio guides, games

Address

The easiest way to get to the National Palace of Queluz, which is about 8 miles (13 kilometers) outside of Lisbon, is on a guided tour with round-trip transportation included. If you’re visiting on your own, you can drive or take an easy train from Lisbon.

Driving

From Lisbon, take N117, then IC19, northwest toward Queluz. Exit at Queluz-Palácio, and you’ll find parking at the palace.

Public transportation

From Lisbon’s centrally located Rossio station, take the Sintra train line to Queluz–Belas, then walk 15 minutes to the palace entrance.

Best times to visit

Head to the palace in the morning to maximize your time, especially if you also plan to visit Sintra and the surrounding attractions.

Best days to visit

The palace is particularly busy on weekends, especially Sundays, when admission is free for Portuguese residents. Visit Monday through Friday for a quieter experience in its regal rooms and gardens.

Best months to visit

April–May is the ideal time to experience the Queluz gardens, as daytime temperatures are mild, crowds are minimal, and you’ll likely be able to see pretty spring flowers.