Join me on a Belém Lisbon walking tour to one of the most picturesque districts stretching along the banks of the Tejo River.
The best part is it is a free walking tour, and you will explore interesting historical monuments and buildings along the way.
Belém used to be the district of the elite and noble in Lisbon and is one of the finest tourist destinations for a day trip.
My Belém tour guide will help you explore the best neighborhood.
Belém Overview
When you ask the locals about Belem, they refer to Santa Maria de Belém, one of the most visited spots in Lisbon.
It is located along the Tagus River, where Lisbon port was initially located. Centuries ago, it was the starting point for great voyages for people like Vasco da Gama.
Many famous buildings, like Belem Tower, are fortified lighthouses on small rocky outcrops that guard the port entrance.
Then there is Jerónimos Monastery, built by Henry the Navigator. So, explore some of these highlights and so much more in this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Self-Guided Walking Tour of Bélem
The Bélem free walking tour is 3 km (1.9 miles) long and takes about 4 hours. The map has numbered listings of all the attractions you can explore.
1. National Coach Museum
Kick your tour off at one of the world-class museums in Belem, the National Coach Museum.
The National Coach Museum has a vast collection of carriages that once belonged to the Portuguese royal family.
The National Coach Museum houses carriages dating from the 16th to 19th centuries. Look out for the 17th-century traveling coach King Philip ll of Portugal used.
Baroque carriages from the 18th century are adorned with orange gilt woodwork and paintings.
Hot Tip🔥: Vandelli Botanical Garden and Ajuda Palace are across the street, and they are worth visiting.
2. Pasteis de Belem
Next, take a walk to Pasteis de Belem, where the history of the famous Portuguese custard tart started.
Here, you can enjoy a delicious 😋 small pie filled with cream. According to legend, it was handed down by the monks of Jerónimos Monastery during the 18th century.
The recipe is safeguarded, and Pasteis de Belem partnered with Antiga Confeiteira de Belém, Lda, to continue crafting the pastel de nata.
Still, a warning is you can find a lengthy queue of tourists wanting to try this egg tart.
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3. Tropical Botanical Garden
Head to the Tropical Botanical Garden, conceived by the Institute for Tropical Sciences in the 20th century for research.
It is more than a conventional flower garden; you can see rare plants here. See dragon trees to monkey puzzle trees, and check out the delightful Chinese-inspired garden.
Hot Tip🔥: Explore the southeastern corner of the botanical garden to find the Belem National Palace.
You can visit the Belem National Palace on Saturdays for a guided tour. Admission to the Belem National Palace costs €5 for the place and museum.
4. Jerónimos Monastery
Once you have visited the place’s exterior garden, walk to Jerónimos Monastery, built in 1601, commemorating Vasco da Gama’s historic journey.
The monastery became part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Here, you find a passageway to the Church of Santa Maria.
There is also a fitting statue of Saint Mary imposing the southern side. Here, you find the resting place of Vasco da Gama to Luís de Camões.
Hot Tip🔥: You will find the ticket queue on the left. I recommend investing in a combination ticket to visit the nearby Archaeological Museum, saving you time during peak visitor times and a lengthy queue.
5. Navy Museum
Learn about the history of the New World explorers at the Navy Museum. The museum gives a fresh perspective on Portugal’s maritime empire.
The Navy Museum houses paintings, the Navy’s history, and miniature models of ships and boats.
The museum is not too busy and offers free entry on the first Sunday of the month. Several other historical places are nearby, including the Vasco da Gama Aquarium.
6. Berardo Museum
The Berardo Collection Museum is a remarkable place to visit. It has an extensive collection of modern art.
The Berardo Collection Museum includes sculptures, paintings, video installations, and more. However, not all the pieces are exhibited simultaneously.
Each exhibit in the Berardo Collection Museum is thoughtfully curated, a remarkable building, and has temporary exhibitions.
Here, you can enjoy refreshments at the cafe before heading to your next destination.
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7. Belem Cultural Center
The Belem Cultural Center is between the monastery and the Tagus River. It offers various performing arts, photography, music, and more.
The Bernardo Collection Museum is also on the premises. It is a spacious building with a remarkable contemporary and modern art collection.
Here, you can find exhibitions, indoor concerts, and outdoor performances. On the outside, you can find walkways and gardens with scenic river views.
One garden has grassy waves where you can recline on beanbags and enjoy views of the Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge and Christo Rei, a prominent statue.
There is also a restaurant and bar with a café adjacent to a gift shop. On Saturdays, you can get free access to the Berardo Collection Museum.
8. Praca Do Imperio
The park has gardens and formal walkways and occupies the space that used to be the beachfront.
The Santa Maria de Belém Monastery often hosts weddings here on Saturdays. You can also relax by the fountain.
The park comprises rectangular squares divided into quadrangles, forming green areas and passages.
Along the southern side, you find the hippocamp statues of seahorses overlooking the reflective pools.
On the eastern side, you see the Overseas Palace, which dates back to the 1950s, with a commemorative monument to the poet Augusto Gil.
There are 17th-century buildings lined along Rua Vieira Portuense housing restaurants.
9. Discoveries Monument
The grand monument is one of Lisbon’s prominent historical buildings. The Discoveries Monument celebrates all the voyagers who participated in the Age of Discovery.
It is located at the mouth of the Tagus River, where countless ships set sail. The monument is shaped like a ship’s prow, and a sword extends the memorial on its inland-facing side.
A lineup of statues includes Vasco de Gama and other heroes. Inside is a small indoor exhibition space; you can take the elevator to the top for panoramic views.
Hot Tip🔥: Check out the Rosa-dos-Ventos at the monument’s base with a wind rose.
10. Belem Tower
Belem Tower extends with a narrow pathway into the river. It is a remarkable building and a symbol of Lisbon.
Belem Tower was a fortress on an island in the middle of the river, safeguarding the city.
Today, Belem Tower is a white tower standing near the river and is a testament to the devastating 1755 earthquake.
You can explore Belem Tower at different levels, including a terrace that faces the river.
Belem Tower has a steep spiral staircase offering a framed view of the Tagus River. There is also an exterior garden to explore.
Hot Tip🔥: If you are interested in other self-guided tours, check out my detailed walking route of Lisbon here.
11. Bom Sucesso Fortress
Close to Belem Tower, you find the Bom Sucesso Fortress, which once safeguarded Lisbon against threats.
Now, it serves as a monument. Adjacent to the museum is a striking monument honoring the soldiers who fought overseas.
The museum features a permanent indoor exhibition and three outdoor areas displaying various Armed Forces branches.
These permanent exhibitions display World War I and more.
Wrap-Up: Bélem Lisbon Walking Tour
I hope this overview of the Belém Lisbon walking tour has given you a good understanding of this picturesque district’s top attractions and highlights.
From the historical monuments and buildings to the delicious pastries, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether you are interested in history, art, or simply taking a leisurely walk, Belém offers a rich and diverse experience.
Be sure to take your time exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site and immerse yourself in the culture and beauty of this charming neighborhood.
