Queluz, Portugal

Capital City

With a population of 78,273, Queluz is no quaint Portuguese town. This former royal retreat is now a bustling urban center, its sprawling parks and historic palace a stark contrast to the bureaucratic headaches that come with living here. While the climate is mild, with an average annual rainfall of 825 millimeters, the city's proximity to Lisbon means it shares the same traffic and congestion woes as its larger neighbor. Queluz may appeal to those drawn to its cultural attractions, like the Eighteenth-Century Fair and choral concerts, but for the average expat, the city's charms are likely outweighed by its persistent administrative challenges.