Biester Palace
Discover Biester Palace, a Sintra gem with opulent interiors, enchanting gardens, and a cinematic past as a filming location for 'The Ninth Gate'.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical light
Biester Palace
Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical light

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Biester Palace, a Sintra gem with opulent interiors, enchanting gardens, and a cinematic past as a filming location for 'The Ninth Gate'.
"Absolutely incredible palace. There was also no crowds around 5:30pm, and I had the whole place to myself."
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Consider booking your tickets in advance to secure your spot and potentially save time.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be exploring both the palace and extensive gardens, so comfy footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Palace Interiors
Inside Biester Palace
Explore fully furnished rooms showcasing exquisite design and a glimpse into a bygone era of opulence.

Enchanting Gardens
Gardens of Biester Palace
Wander through meticulously maintained gardens with diverse flora, offering beautiful viewpoints and a serene atmosphere.

Filming Location for 'The Ninth Gate'
Biester Palace exterior and grounds
Discover the mysterious ambiance that attracted filmmakers, imagining Johnny Depp walking these very grounds.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds at Biester Palace
Unlock the Mysteries of Biester Palace
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Consider booking your tickets in advance to secure your spot and potentially save time.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be exploring both the palace and extensive gardens, so comfy footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
⏳ Allow 1-2 Hours
Allocate enough time to fully appreciate the palace interiors and the beautiful, sprawling gardens.
📸 Capture the Vibe
The palace and gardens offer stunning photo opportunities, especially with the 'old money' aesthetic. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Consider booking your tickets in advance to secure your spot and potentially save time.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be exploring both the palace and extensive gardens, so comfy footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
⏳ Allow 1-2 Hours
Allocate enough time to fully appreciate the palace interiors and the beautiful, sprawling gardens.
📸 Capture the Vibe
The palace and gardens offer stunning photo opportunities, especially with the 'old money' aesthetic. :camerawithflash:
📍 Ask About Milena!
If you meet Milena, the castle attendant, you're in for a treat! She's known for being marvelous and helpful.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Biester Palace's magnificent interiors and meticulously detailed gardens, often comparing them to fairytale settings. The 'old money' vibe and the palace's role as a filming location for 'The Ninth Gate' add to its allure. While generally not crowded, some visitors noted occasional garden closures due to maintenance.
"Magnificent place. Palace with full of knowledge and high taste of design. Perfectly detailed every centimeter of the palace and its yard. Yard full of trees and bushes. Worth to visit in any kind of temperature and weather."
Shalva Getsadze
"What a beautiful Garden! It reminded me for some reason about the beauty & the beast castle. I love how much effort was put in the garden and each individual section. It took us about 2 hours to look at everything and enjoy all the different view points and plants. Unfortunately some of the garden was closed off due to some fallen trees. But we most definitely will be back to explore the rest. Staff was very friendly and helpful."
Sanja Bono
"The castle and grounds are beautiful. It was not crowded. The rooms are fully furnished and give you a great idea of what living there must have been like. The castle attendant, Milena, is marvelous, charismatic and was extremely helpful. I highly recommend visiting.
Randy, San Francisco, CA"
Randall Sylvester
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way to reach Biester Palace from Lisbon is by taking a train from Rossio Station to Sintra. From Sintra station, you can walk to the palace (about 20-30 minutes) or take a local bus or taxi. Some visitors opt for e-bikes to explore Sintra's hilly terrain.
While the train from Lisbon is convenient, getting around Sintra itself can involve hills. Biester Palace is walkable from the town center, but consider local buses or ride-sharing for easier access, especially if you have mobility concerns.
Driving to Sintra and Biester Palace is possible, but parking can be challenging, especially during peak season. It's often recommended to park in Sintra town and walk or use local transport to reach the palace.
Many visitors combine Biester Palace with other Sintra attractions. Consider a day trip from Lisbon by train and then using local buses or walking to navigate between sites. Renting an e-bike is also a popular option for families.
Absolutely! Biester Palace is an excellent addition to a Sintra day trip from Lisbon. You can easily reach Sintra by train and spend a few hours exploring the palace and its grounds before returning to Lisbon.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to Biester Palace is typically around 15 euros per adult. It's advisable to check the official website for the most current pricing and any potential discounts.
While not always mandatory, booking your Biester Palace tickets online in advance is recommended, especially during busy periods, to guarantee entry and potentially avoid queues.
Biester Palace generally opens in the afternoon, often around 1:00 PM or later, and closes in the early evening. It's best to verify the exact opening and closing times on their official website before your visit.
Yes, Biester Palace occasionally hosts special exhibitions and events, such as art displays or historical dance performances. Keep an eye on their social media and website for announcements.
There is no strict dress code for Biester Palace, but it's a place of historical significance and beauty. Dressing comfortably and respectfully is recommended, especially for exploring the interiors.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors find that 1 to 2 hours is sufficient to explore both the palace interiors and the gardens thoroughly. However, you can easily spend longer if you wish to linger and soak in the atmosphere.
Compared to other Sintra palaces, Biester Palace is generally less crowded. Visiting later in the afternoon, especially around 5:30 PM, can offer a very serene experience with few other visitors.
The gardens are a highlight, featuring diverse trees, bushes, and beautiful viewpoints. Some areas might be temporarily closed due to maintenance, but the overall experience is enchanting and reminiscent of fairytale settings.
Yes, the rooms in Biester Palace are fully furnished, providing an excellent sense of what life was like for its former inhabitants. This detail greatly enhances the visitor experience.
Visitors highly recommend climbing to the overlook viewpoint within the palace grounds for incredible panoramic views of the surrounding area.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside Biester Palace, but it's always a good idea to check for any specific restrictions on flash photography or in certain exhibition areas.
The palace interiors, with their elegant decor, and the meticulously landscaped gardens offer numerous picturesque spots. Don't miss the overlook viewpoint for stunning vistas.
Drone usage is typically restricted at historical sites like Biester Palace to protect the heritage and ensure visitor safety. It's best to assume drones are not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise.
The 'old money' aesthetic and the palace's historical charm lend themselves well to elegant, atmospheric photography. Consider capturing details of the architecture and the lush garden landscapes.
For professional photoshoots or commercial filming, you will likely need to obtain special permission and potentially pay a fee. Contact the palace administration in advance for such requests.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Practical Tip: Consider visiting later in the afternoon when crowds are thinner, allowing children more space to explore. Ensure everyone wears comfortable shoes, as there will be walking involved in both the palace and the extensive grounds.
💰 Budget Travelers
💖 Couples
🎬 Film Buffs
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Marvel of Biester Palace
The palace's design emphasizes elegance and a sense of grandeur, contributing to its 'old money' vibe. The attention to detail extends from the ornate ceilings and intricate woodwork to the carefully selected furnishings that evoke a bygone era. This commitment to aesthetic quality makes Biester Palace a standout example of Portuguese architectural heritage.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the palace's historical significance is amplified by its role as a filming location for Roman Polanski's film 'The Ninth Gate,' starring Johnny Depp. This connection adds a layer of mystique and intrigue, drawing visitors who are fans of the film or simply appreciate its cinematic history.
Exploring the Enchanting Gardens of Biester Palace
While exploring, you might encounter some areas temporarily closed due to natural events, such as fallen trees, but the accessible sections still provide a delightful experience. The effort invested in each individual section of the garden is evident, making it a joy to wander through. The lush greenery and varied flora create a refreshing contrast to the palace's interiors, offering a different kind of beauty to admire.
For those seeking the best views, make sure to ascend to the overlook viewpoint within the garden grounds. This elevated spot offers incredible panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape, providing a perfect opportunity for photography and a moment of quiet contemplation. The gardens are truly a highlight, contributing significantly to the overall charm and appeal of Biester Palace.
Biester Palace: A Cinematic Gem
The 'old money' vibe and the elegant, somewhat secluded nature of Biester Palace made it an ideal choice for filmmakers seeking a location that exuded both grandeur and an air of secrecy. Walking through the palace and its grounds, visitors can easily imagine the scenes from the movie unfolding, adding an extra layer of immersion to their visit.
This association with 'The Ninth Gate' has contributed to Biester Palace's reputation as a place of hidden depths and captivating stories. It’s a destination that appeals not only to those interested in architecture and history but also to fans of cinema looking to step into the world of their favorite films.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit