Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Amadora, Portugal

In the Lisbon Metropolitan Area, Amadora is a city within a metro ride of Portugal’s capital.

As locations go, it is very convenient for those wishing to explore the magnificent royal palaces on the outskirts of Lisbon.

Queluz, Ajuda, and Fronteira are all accessible, alongside the remarkable World Heritage Sites, the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery.

One notable structure traversing this city is Lisbon’s Águas Livres Aqueduct, a monumental 18th-century engineering marvel that withstood the catastrophic earthquake in 1755. Additionally, you are located on the Metro’s Blue Line, which provides efficient access to Lisbon’s beloved landmarks and neighborhoods within half an hour.

Let us examine the most noteworthy attractions in Amadora:

1. Palácio Nacional e Jardins de Queluz

Dating back to the latter part of the 18th century, this is one of Europe’s last significant Rococo palaces.

This served as a summer retreat for Dom Pedro of Braganza.

He later became king consort following his marriage to his niece, Queen Maria I. The palace was designed by Portuguese architect Mateus Vicente de Oliveira along with his French mentor Jean-Baptiste Robillon, and is visually stunning both internally and externally.

Highlights include the Ceremonial Facade from the cour d’honneur, tile panels in the Sala de Mangas, the Ballroom, Hall of Ambassadors, and the Queen’s Boudoir with its exquisite marquetry flooring.

Among the grounds, visitors can find a boating canal adorned with azulejos.

2. Águas Livres Aqueduct

Spanning nearly 20 kilometers, this impressive feat of 18th-century engineering was constructed to address Lisbon’s persistent water scarcity, channeling it to the city from Caneças, just north of Amadora.

Construction took approximately 20 years, from 1731 to the 1750s, featuring notable high arches in the Alcantara Valley that reach up to 65 meters, adorned with Gothic-style points.

Visitors can also traverse a segment of the aqueduct between Amoreiras and the Monsanto Forest.

3. Amadora International Comics Festival

This prominent event, the largest in Portugal, showcases comic strips, animated films, and illustration.

Amadora BD has been ongoing since 1990, attracting artists from around the globe.

Throughout the two-week event, various activities occur across Amadora, particularly at the 4,000-square-meter Fórum Luís de Camões, which hosts workshops, debates, autograph sessions, film screenings, and conferences.

Each year, a featured author is spotlighted; in 2016, it was Porto-based author Marco Mendes.

The festival traditionally takes place at the end of October or the beginning of November.

4. Jerónimos Monastery

A mandatory highlight within Lisbon, this UNESCO-listed Jerónimos Monastery is located just minutes south of Amadora.

Constructed at the beginning of the 15th century during an era of immense prosperity, marked by significant discoveries in the New World and Asia, this monastery reflects the lavish late Gothic architecture characteristic of the period, known as Manueline.

A notable feature of this style can be seen in the south portal of the Church of Santa Maria, adorned with intricately ornate sculptures.

Visitors will be captivated by the interior vaulting of the church, as well as the beautifully crafted two-tier cloister, embellished with nautical motifs.

5. Belém Tower

This World Heritage Site is an iconic defensive structure situated on a small island in the Tagus River, built to secure the river’s entrance and safeguard Lisbon’s harbor.

Constructed in 1515, it is celebrated as an emblem of the Age of Discovery, serving as the launch point for expeditions that profoundly impacted the world.

The architecture offers a quintessential example of the decorative Manueline style, integrating Moorish design influences within its domes and merlons, along with depictions of exotic creatures in its stonework.

Visitors can appreciate the stunning loggias, as well as the cloister and casemate.

On the south side of the cloister, one can find the Nossa Senhora de Bom Sucesso statue, regarded as a symbol of protection among sailors.

6. Palace of Ajuda

This palace was selected as the final residence of the Portuguese Royal Family prior to the end of the monarchy.

Situated on Ajuda Hill, it overlooks Lisbon and the Tagus River.

Though construction began in 1795, the palace remains unfinished, reflecting an eclectic mix of architectural styles due to the involvement of various architects over the years, often interrupted by political upheaval.

The interior consists of an intriguing collection of interconnected rooms and halls, each with distinct themes and rich decorations.

Highlights include the Spanish Tapestry Hall, Music Room, and Chinese Room, among others.

A key feature is the Throne Room located on the second floor, home to thrones intended for King Luís and Queen Maria Pia.

7. Lisbon Zoo

Another popular excursion from Lisbon is the Lisbon Zoo, located a few kilometers from the city center.

Established in the 1880s, the zoo has occupied its current site in Sete Rios since 1906, hosting approximately 2,000 animals representing 300 species. Furthermore, for those concerned about conservation, the zoo participates in 57 breeding programs.

Guests can observe Sumatran tigers, African elephants, giraffes, white rhinos, and a forest of exotic birds, including kookaburras in free flight.

The zoo also features a children’s farm where younger visitors can interact with domesticated animals, along with a feeding presentation for seals and sea lions.

Visitors can enhance their experience with a 20-minute panoramic cable car ride and a mini train for easy navigation.

8. Calouste Gulbenkian Museum

Calouste Gulbenkian was a notable British businessman of Armenian descent who played a pivotal role in unlocking the Middle East’s oil reserves for Western access in the early 20th century.

Upon his passing, he was one of the wealthiest individuals globally, amassing an art collection of significant value.

Visitors are welcome to explore this remarkable collection at the museum, located 15 minutes from Amadora via Metro.

There are two circuits; the first encompasses ancient art from Armenia, Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome.

The second circuit showcases an impressive assortment of paintings, sculptures, and applied art by renowned artists, including Rembrandt, van Dyck, Monet, Degas, Rodin, and René Lalique, to name a few.

9. Bairro Alto

A mere 25-minute journey will bring you to Lisbon’s Bairro Alto, an elevated bohemian district filled with charming shops, eateries, and bars.

This vibrant area exudes youthful energy, which may appear subdued during the day but transforms into a lively hub at night, characterized by socializing on terraces within narrow streets and the echoes of live fado music.

The steep topography adds to the charm, with various modes of transport becoming attractions in their own right.

Among them is Tram 28, a remnant of Lisbon’s tram network, connecting Bairro Alto with Chiado and Campo Ourique.

10. National Coach Museum

Located within the splendid equestrian arena of the old Belém Palace, this museum is entirely devoted to historical horse-drawn carriages.

The venue itself is remarkable, featuring a 17 by 50 meter hall tailored for riding demonstrations, complete with first-floor balconies for royal viewing.

The collection spans from the 1500s to the 1800s and includes carriages belonging to the Portuguese royal family, created in various European countries such as Austria, England, Spain, Italy, and France.

Many of these coaches display astounding richness; one exceptional piece is the Baroque coach used by Philip II of Portugal during his journey from Spain in 1619.

11. Palace of the Marquises of Fronteira

This palace, located adjacent to Monsanto Forest Park, dates back to 1671 and was originally constructed as a hunting lodge for the Marquis of Fronteira, remaining inhabited to this day.

Interior tours are available; visitors will find the Sala das Batalhas, showcasing scenes from the Portuguese Restoration War, the Dining Room decorated with Dutch tiles, and a chapel adorned with shards of glass and porcelain purposely shattered after the palace’s inauguration.

The garden is worth a visit in itself, distinguished by its beautiful azulejo panels illustrating the seasons and busts of Portuguese monarchs.

12. S.L. Benfica

For football enthusiasts, Amadora is conveniently situated adjacent to Lisbon’s Benfica area, home to the illustrious football team.

This club is the most accomplished in the nation, claiming 35 domestic league titles, two European Cups, and having featured notable players such as Eusébio and Rui Costa.

The grand Estádio da Luz has served as the team’s home ground since 2004 and is available for tours and museum visits, chronicling over 110 years of club history.

However, the true thrill lies in attending a match; only fixtures against the other members of the “Big Three” typically sell out.

Before each game, spectators are treated to the spectacle of Águia Vitória, Benfica’s bald eagle mascot, soaring over the stadium and landing on the club’s crest to roaring applause.

13. Dolce Vita Tejo

Amadora is home to one of the largest shopping malls on the Iberian Peninsula.

The mall is indeed expansive, featuring more than 300 stores across a total area of 122,000 square meters.

In addition to the shopping options, there are cinemas, a gym, and 34 restaurants.

The vast layout allows for wide aisles that never feel overcrowded, even during peak hours.

Dolce Vita Tejo is a viable destination for those seeking a day of shopping without venturing into central Lisbon, featuring international brands like H&M, Desigual, Mango, and Zara.

14. Kidzania

Adjacent to the mall, this amusement park resembles an indoor city where children can engage in a variety of structured activities.

They can assume “jobs” as police officers, veterinarians, firefighters, dentists, factory workers, or doctors, participating in activities that allow them to earn currency.

At designated intervals, they can spend their earnings on recreational activities and games.

To qualify for certain roles, children must earn a university degree, thereby increasing their potential earnings for play.

This offers them a delightful experience simulating adulthood while gaining insights into the value of money and real-world professions.

15. Necrópole de Carenque

A captivating archaeological site situated within the municipality, this discreet location may intrigue amateur archaeologists for a few hours.

Discovered in the 1930s, this enigmatic site features tombs carved into limestone, dating back to the end of the Neolithic period, approximately 6,000 years ago.

Inside these cavities, investigators have unearthed human remains alongside stone idols, vessels, and decorative shale plates.

This site may serve as a complementary visit to the National Archaeological Museum near Belém Tower, as many artifacts from these tombs are displayed there.