Located west of central Lisbon, Belem is a historic neighborhood with iconic landmarks like the Belem Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery. It’s a peaceful area with a riverside promenade, perfect for a relaxed and cultural stay. Explore the impressive cultural attractions, such as the Monument to the Discoveries, and indulge in the famous pastries known as “Pastéis de Belém” at the historic Antiga Confeitaria de Belém. The tranquil beauty of Belem and its historical significance offer a unique Lisbon experience.
Belém District Tourist Guide
Belém is Lisbon’s westernmost district, located next to the Tagus River and 16 km away from Humberto Delgado Airport.
The district of Belém is home to several famous attractions, as well as the city’s most famous pastries. Located by the river and only 8 km from the center, Belém is a kind of “escape” from the center of Lisbon, being an independent area of the city compared to the more central districts. Belém is a beautiful place to visit, especially on sunny days, thanks to its long riverside promenade, wide open spaces with parks and gardens, and several Manueline-style monuments.
Best Things to Do and See in Belém
Discover Belém Tower's Majesty
The Belém Tower, Lisbon’s most iconic monument, seems to rise from the waters of the Tagus River, standing out against the city’s blue sky. Built in 1515 as a defensive fortress, today it is a symbol of the great maritime discoveries. Its architecture blends Gothic, Byzantine and Manueline elements, and its historical importance has led to its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Queues can be long, but it’s worth the wait to explore its dungeons and enjoy the views of the river.
Experience the Grandeur of Jerónimos
The Jerónimos Monastery is one of Lisbon’s greatest monuments and a symbol of the Age of Discovery. King Manuel I ordered its construction to celebrate the epic expedition of Vasco da Gama. The monastery’s Manueline architecture is a masterpiece adorned with carved details inspired by the cultures discovered by the Portuguese navigators. You can visit its magnificent churches and cloisters, where historical figures such as Vasco da Gama and the poet Luís de Camões are buried. The Jerónimos Monastery is a world heritage treasure that continues to enchant visitors from all over the world.
Taste the Tradition of Pasteis de Belém
Pasteis de Belém is a must in Lisbon, attracting tourists and locals alike. With a history dating back to 1834, when the monks of the Jerónimos Monastery began selling them, these pastries have gained worldwide fame. At the Antiga Confeitaria de Belém, you can enjoy these delicacies in a historic setting decorated with white and blue tiles. Despite the queues, it’s worth waiting to taste these pastéis de nata with puff pastry and a creamy filling, a true delicacy of Portuguese cuisine.
Explore Belém's Discovery Monument
The Padrão dos Descobrimentos is an impressive monument located in Belém, next to the Tagus River. It was inaugurated in 1960 to celebrate Portugal’s achievements during the Age of Discovery. The monument features 33 historical figures and sculptures, and a square adorned with mosaics depicting the Portuguese expansion conquests. Visitors can take an elevator to the top of the monument and enjoy a panoramic view of the river and Belém.
Witness MAAT's Architectural Gem
The MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology) is a modern icon in Lisbon. Its bold design, created by British architect Amanda Levete, has been enchanting visitors since it opened in 2016. With its undulating shell-like structure, the MAAT offers not only a unique architectural experience but also a privileged view of the river and the 25 de Abril Bridge. The exhibitions, which explore the intersection between art, architecture and technology, offer visitors a visual and immersive experience. Check the schedule to discover the permanent and temporary exhibitions.
Explore Belém's Vibrant Cultural Center
The Centro Cultural de Belém is Portugal’s largest art complex, with the highlight being the Berardo Collection of modern and contemporary art, which includes works by artists such as Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol and Francis Bacon. The center hosts several temporary exhibitions and also offers spaces for performing arts such as theater, opera, dance, cinema and concerts. There is a bookstore, a terrace overlooking the river with a restaurant serving pizza and sushi, and even an ice cream store. On the first Sunday of every month, a market is held in the central square of the CCB.
Step Inside the Royal Museum
The National Carriage Museum displays a unique collection of carriages that have transported European royalty over the centuries. Inaugurated in 1905 in the former Royal Riding School, it displays carriages from the reign of King João V, including the one used by Portugal’s ambassador to Pope Clement XI. Preserved thanks to the foresight of Queen Amélia, these carriages represent an important part of Portuguese history and offer visitors an insight into the technical and artistic evolution of vehicles before the advent of the automobile.
Embark on a sailboat tour
Experience the beauty of Lisbon’s waterfront on a boat ride along the Tejo River. Cruise under the imposing 25 de Abril Bridge and admire the majestic Belém Tower. During your trip, admire iconic sights such as the Praça do Comércio and the MAAT Museum while receiving insightful commentary from the crew. Toast with a welcome drink and marvel at the unique architecture and historical monuments along the way, culminating in an unforgettable view of the famous Belém Tower.
Where to Stay in Belém
We have curated a diverse range of accommodation options that cater to every budget and preference, from charming hotels to cozy apartments and enchanting guest houses. Our selection process involved considering the location of the accommodations, reliable reviews from our partner Booking.com, and the opinions of the members of our Facebook group, Lisbon Travel, which has 40 thousand enthusiastic members. These options have been selected carefully to make sure that your stay in Lisbon is truly memorable.
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Transportation in Belém
The fastest and most comfortable way to get to Belém from the center of Lisbon is by train, which leaves Cais do Sodré station for Cascais every 20 minutes and arrives in Belém just 7 minutes after departure. Another popular alternative is the tram 15, which leaves from Praça da Figueira, passes through Praça do Comércio and arrives in Belém in about half an hour. There are also buses, such as the 714 from Praça da Figueira, the 728 from Cais do Sodré Station and the 727 from Rua Braamcamp. Tickets for trams and buses can be bought directly from the driver or by using the Lisboa Card at the entrance. In addition to these options, there is also a boat station in Belém that allows you to reach the wild beaches of Trafaria and Porto Brandão in just 20 minutes, offering unique views of Belém, the 25 de Abril Bridge and the natural beauty of the South Bank.
If you need more information on how to get around the city, check out our Transportation section.
Best Tours in Belém
We have selected a diverse range of tour options to suit all budgets and preferences. Our selection was based on the reliable reviews of our partner GetYourGuide and the opinions of the members of our Facebook group, Lisbon Travel, with 40,000 passionate members. These options have been carefully selected to ensure that your stay in Lisbon is truly memorable.
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