With its architectural grandeur and lush gardens, the Palais royal de Queluz promises an unforgettable visit.
Get ready to plunge into a bygone era, and discover the splendors of the Portuguese royal court.
To help you prepare for your visit to the palace, I’ve provided all the information you need.
The Royal Palace of Queluz: a masterpiece of art and history
The majestic Royal Palace of Queluz is located near Lisbon, in the heart of Portugal. In Portuguese, its name is Palácio Real de Queluz.
Witness to the country’s golden age, this architectural gem captivates with its beauty, elegance and fascinating history. Nicknamed the “Portuguese Versailles,” this 18th-century palace offers a true immersion in the past, in a setting worthy of the greatest European royal courts.
It should never be forgotten that Portuguese navigators, among the best of their time, brought much wealth back to the country. Buildings from this period bear witness to their opulence.
The entire palace exudes an atmosphere both grandiose and intimate, inviting you to immerse yourself in the spirit of the times. The Royal Palace of Queluz is more than just a monument: it’s an open book on the history of Portugal. Every detail, every architectural element tells a story, allowing you to understand life at court, the traditions and art of the period.
But the palace is not limited to its sumptuous interior. Its gardens, veritable works of landscape art, are a favorite with visitors. Multicolored flowerbeds, fountains and elegant statues create an idyllic setting.
Highlights of a visit to the Royal Palace of Queluz
- Unique, elegant and exuberant architecture.
- The grandiose, perfectly manicured gardens feature statues, ponds and flowerbeds.
- The frescoes and interior decorations bear witness to the refinement and wealth of Portugal at the time.
- The music pavilion is a masterpiece of acoustic ingenuity.
Disadvantages of a visit to the Royal Palace of Queluz
- Some rooms in the palace may be closed to the public for the restoration.
- On-site catering is limited.
What can you see at the Royal Palace of Queluz?
At the Palais Royal de Queluz, you’ll discover a multitude of sumptuous rooms and spaces.
These include the Throne Room, the Ambassador’s Room, the Royal Chapel and the Hall of Mirrors, the jewel of the palace.
All the rooms are decorated with frescoes, mirrors, sculptures and period furniture. As you walk around, you can spend long minutes admiring them.
Outside, the gardens offer a pleasant stroll that perfectly complements the visit.
In addition to self-guided tours, the palace regularly hosts horse shows and concerts in the music pavilion.
During the summer, night-time candlelight tours are organized for a truly unique experience.
How much does it cost to enter the Royal Palace of Queluz?
Attractive admission prices!
A visit to the palace and gardens costs:
- 10€ for adults
- 8.50€ for children (6 to 17) and seniors (over 65)
- Free for children under 6
- 33€ for 2 adults and 2 children
The price for a visit to the gardens only is:
- 5€ for adults
- 3.50€ for children (6 to 17) and seniors (over 65)
- Free for children under 6
- 15€ for 2 adults and 2 children
Check out the current price on GetyourGuide.
How long does a visit to the Royal Palace of Queluz last?
A visit to the Royal Palace of Queluz includes the palace itself and the gardens.
It lasts at least 2 hours. If you like to take your time, you’ll be closer to a 3-hour visit.
Where is the Royal Palace of Queluz located?
The Queluz Royal Palace is in Queluz, a charming little town some ten kilometers west of Lisbon.
The exact address is Largo Palácio de Queluz, 2745-191 Queluz.
How do I get to the Palais royal de Queluz?
To reach the Palais royal de Queluz by car from Lisbon, take the A37 freeway and follow the signs for “Queluz.” The journey takes around 20 minutes. Free parking is available close to the palace.
If you prefer public transport, take the train from Lisbon’s Rossio station towards Sintra and get off at “Queluz-Belas” station. From there, it’s a 10-minute walk to the palace.
What are the opening hours of the Palais royal de Queluz?
The opening hours of the Palais national de Queluz are:
- 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the palace
- 9a.m. to 6.30p.m. for gardens.
Admission is possible until 5.30p.m. A little additional useful information: the ticket office in front of the palace is closed between 12p.m. and 1p.m., but you can buy your tickets on a machine.
Opinions on the Palais royal de Queluz: is it a good visit?
When you arrive at the Palais de Queluz, you know you’ve done the right thing. Perfectly maintained, the Palais de Queluz is truly beautiful. Then, once inside, you continue on the same demanding path.
Strolling through the corridors, I could see that every detail counts. The gilded ornaments in the ballrooms, the ornate mirrors reflecting the brilliance of the chandeliers, the ceilings decorated with the meticulous precision of a goldsmith… All incredibly well preserved, it’s like being plunged into the heart of the 18th century.
The gardens are well worth a visit. Acres of sculpted greenery, adorned with fountains and statues. I took my time to soak up the sun. The contrast between the rigorous architecture of the palace and the wild, free character of the gardens is really interesting.
I took an audio tour at the entrance. It was lacking in detail and information about certain elements of the palace, but it was welcome nonetheless.
Don’t forget your camera! You’re sure to want to immortalize the wonders of this historic site.
What else can you do near the Palais royal de Queluz?
Don’t stop after your visit to the Queluz Royal Palace. Many activities await you nearby.
- Sintra: a picturesque town famous for its palaces and castles.
- Parque de Monserrate: a magnificent botanical park.
- Cascais beach: one of the most beautiful in the region.
- Cap da Roca: the westernmost point of the European continent.
- Lisbon’s historic center and its many monuments.
- Loures market: one of the biggest in Portugal.
- Lisbon Coach Museum: a unique collection.
- Parque das Nações: a modern district with avant-garde architecture.
DenisAs a professional blogger, I take advantage of my flexible schedule to travel a lot. I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list!
