Queluz

Queluz (kih-LOOSH, /kɨ.ˈɫuʃ/) had over 100,000 inhabitants in 2021.

To get here by road, follow the IC 19 from Lisbon to Sintra, which passes by Queluz.

There are several railway stations in town with Monte Abrão and Queluz-Belas being the most useful ones for travellers. They're on the Lisbon-Sintra route and are served by trains every 15 minutes or so. When you're coming in from Lisbon, catch a train from Rossio station (15 min, €1.20).

Additionally,

• 1 Queluz-Belas railway station (Estação Ferroviária de Queluz-Belas).  (updated Jul 2023)
• 2 Monte Abraão railway station (Estação Ferroviária de Monte Abraão).  (updated Jul 2023)
• 3 Massamá-Barcarena railway station (Estação Ferroviária de Massamá-Barcarena).  (updated Jul 2023)
• 4 Mira Sintra-Meleças train station (Estação Ferroviária de Mira Sintra-Meleças). A park-and-ride station in the northern parts of the municipality, serves a limited number of intercity trains as well as regional ones. Of limited use to the average tourist.  (updated Jul 2023)

There are also frequent bus lines operated by Vimeca. They connect Queluz to Lisbon, Oeiras, Amadora, Carcavelos and other destinations in the region.

It's about a 15-minute walk from either of the recommended train stations to the palace.

• 1 Palace of Queluz (Palácio Nacional de Queluz), Largo Palácio de Queluz. Although smaller in size, this 18th-century castle is sometimes called the Portuguese Versailles, for its extravagant designs and detailed decorations, both on the outside and on the inside. This pleasure palace of the Portuguese Royal Family is considered a prime piece of Rococo architecture and has been thoroughly restored. Entrance €10.  (updated Jul 2023)

• 1 Parque Urbano Felício Loureiro, Avenida Eng. Duarte Pacheco.  (updated Feb 2021)
• Between July and August is a free fair outside the D. Maria Pousada that recreates the golden age of the Queluz National Palace. The Seventeenth Fair recreates the reign of Queen Mary I of Portugal, and transports visitors back into a period where artisans and merchants produced arts and crafts. Choral concerts are also common to Sunday afternoons at Queluz National Palace, owing to the three choirs in the city.

• 1 A Gália, ☏ , agaliarestaurante@gmail.com. Tu–Su 12:00–22:30, closed M. Specializing in hamburgers and prego sandwiches. €8-12. (updated Jun 2021)
• 2 Ao Monte, Praceta Abraão 8, ☏ , omonte.geral1@gmail.com. M–Th 12:00–23:00, F Sa 12:00–00:00, Su 12:00–17:00. Portuguese cuisine. €7-20. (updated Jun 2021)
• 3 Restaurant d'El Rei, Largo Mouzinho de Albuquerque 1, ☏ , geral@del-rei.com. M–Sa 12:00–15:30 & 19:00–22:30, Su 12:00–15:30. Simple Portuguese cooking. €10-20. (updated Jun 2021)

• The Monte Abraão Fair (held every Saturday in the Rua Cidade Desportiva) is the biggest in Queluz, allowing the sale of clothes, handicrafts, fruits and vegetables, flowers and implements.

• 1 Pousada Palácio de Queluz (formerly Pousada de Dona Maria I), Largo do Palácio Nacional, ☏ , recepcao.dmaria@pestana.com. Check-in: 16:00, check-out: 11:00. Four-star, 26-room pousada (historic hotel). The building was used by the Royal Guard of the palace next door. It originates around the same time as the palace, but the design of its tower is rather Baroque in style than Rococo. The hotel has meeting rooms available. The hotel is home to the Cozinha Velha Restaurant. €89-136. (updated Jun 2021)