Belém is a historical part of Lisbon, right next to Alcantara. If you’re into history and want to learn more about Portuguese history, this is the city to visit.
The famous Belem Tower, Jeronimos Monastery, and Monument of the Discoveries are all within walking distance of each other.
Belém served as a port for ships in the 1600s, and from there the Portuguese discovered India, East Asia, and Brazil.
So yes, there is much to see and experience in Belém, and don’t forget the famous pastry: Pastéis de Belém.
Belém has a completely different feel from the city center. Explore all of Lisbon’s neighborhoods to see how each one is unique.
14 Things to Do in Belém
If you’re going to Belém, you want a couple of things to experience, and let me just start by saying. You don’t go to Belém to shop or browse stores.
Belém is for visiting Portugal’s historical monuments and eating some delicious food.
So get your notepad ready for these things to do.
1. Belém Tower (Torre de Belém)
Built in the early 16th century, Belém Tower served as a fortress defending the harbor’s entrance.
Torre de Belém’s ornate Manueline architecture and strategic location make it an iconic symbol of Portugal’s maritime power, especially with Vasco de Gama.
Torre de Belém has many things to explore in the surroundings, and the top view is spectacular.
Tip: Check out the complete guide on the Belém Tower here.
2. Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos)
This grand monastery, commissioned by King Manuel I, was constructed to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s successful voyage to India.
It’s a beautiful building that shows what architecture is all about.
You can also experience a beautiful garden in the middle of the monastery and a majestic church.
Tip: Learn more about Jeronimos Monastery before visiting it.
3. Self-Guided Walking Tour of Belém
Belém has so much to offer, so you can also go on a self-guided walking tour to see everything Belém has to offer.
You’ll get to taste the delicious Pastéis de Belém and see the many monuments and beautiful sights.
I’ve made it both a map and a complete guide, which you can read more about here.
4. Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries)
The Monument of Discoveries was built in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Prince Henry the Navigator’s death.
It celebrates Portugal’s Age of Discovery, especially with Vasco de Gama. It features larger-than-life sculptures of key figures from that era and offers panoramic views of the Tagus River and surrounding areas.
The monument is an architectural masterpiece for a fabulous Instagram post.
5. Pastéis de Belém Lisbon
The Pastéis de Belém are delicious. It’s a custard egg tart, super crunchy on the outside, very soft, and a little warm on the inside.
The bakery behind it was established in 1837, and it has a rich history worth visiting and, of course, tasting.
There will be a long line when you visit; you can either wait in the line and take your Pastéis de Belém with you, or you can skip the entire line, get a table, and eat your Pastéis de Belém inside.
6. Centro Cultural de Belém (Belém Cultural Center)
The Centro Cultural de Belém (Belém Cultural Center) is a modern complex hub of Lisbon’s cultural activities.
It hosts diverse events, including art exhibitions, music concerts, theater performances, and conferences.
With its contemporary architecture, the center contributes to the dynamic cultural scene of the Belém district, offering visitors a chance to engage with the arts in various forms.
7. Museu Nacional dos Coches (National Coach Museum)
The National Coach Museum showcases an extensive collection of royal carriages and coaches.
Housed in a modern building, the museum allows you to explore the evolution of transportation used by the Portuguese royalty.
The well-preserved carriages give you a glimpse into the past, making it a unique and intriguing cultural experience.
8. Palácio de Belém (Belém Palace)
The Palácio de Belém, or Belém Palace, is the official residence of the President of Portugal.
Beautifully landscaped gardens surround it, and the palace is an architectural gem that has witnessed historical events and political decisions.
While the interior is only open to the public on Saturdays, the surrounding gardens are accessible. If you’re into nature, you simply have to experience them. They’re beautiful.
Be aware: If the president is in the palace on Saturdays, it will be closed.
Tip: While exploring Belém, visit the Ajuda National Palace, another amazing place. Check out my detailed guide to explore this royal residence.
9. Museu de Marinha (Naval Museum)
The Museu de Marinha, or Navy Museum, is dedicated to Portugal’s maritime history.
The museum is near the Jerónimos Monastery and features an extensive collection of maritime artifacts, ship models, and historical navigation instruments.
It provides an insightful journey through Portugal’s maritime past, highlighting its exploration and naval achievements.
10. Jardim da Praça do Império (Garden of Empire Square)
The Jardim da Praça do Império is a beautiful garden surrounding the Jerónimos Monastery.
With its well-manicured lawns, beautiful fountains, and unique geometric patterns, the garden offers a peaceful retreat.
It’s an ideal spot to relax, take a stroll, or enjoy some quiet hours, contrasting with the historical monuments nearby.
Tip: Another spectacular place to visit is the Vandelli Botanical Garden, close to Belem.
11. Monumento aos Combatentes do Ultramar
Monument to the Overseas Combatants honors the bravery and sacrifice of those who served in the Portuguese Overseas War.
The war happened in the 19th century between Portugal’s military and the movements in Portugal’s African colonies.
It’s a sad part of Portuguese history, and it happened not that long ago, but that’s also why this monument was created.
It was finished in 1994 and is ready for the public. It’s a beautiful and unique monument.
12. MAAT
The MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology) in Lisbon is a remarkable contemporary structure that has become an iconic feature of the city’s skyline.
The museum is adjacent to a former power plant, now an exhibition space. The building’s shell-like design allows visitors to walk on top of it, where they get stunning views of the Tagus River and the 25 de Abril Bridge.
The museum’s exhibitions showcase the connection between art and technology, featuring works by both national and international artists.
I have a complete guide to the best museums in Lisbon if you want to explore more museums.
13. National Archaeology Museum
The Jerónimos Monastery’s former dormitory has been converted into a museum, which houses a unique collection of ancient artifacts discovered across Portugal.
The museum has a collection of treasures, including jewelry, sculptures, and mosaics, all dating back to the country’s Celtic and Roman past.
Visitors can also find a small but impressive exhibit of ancient Egyptian artifacts donated to the museum.
The museum offers a rare opportunity to explore the rich history of Portugal and its connections to other ancient civilizations.
14. Viewpoints in Belem
While Belém is not mainly known for its elevated viewpoints like the city center in Lisbon, it offers some scenic spots that provide beautiful perspectives of the surrounding area. Here are a few places where you can enjoy captivating views:
Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries): The terrace at the top of Padrão dos Descobrimentos offers panoramic views of the Tagus River, the 25 de Abril Bridge, and the surrounding area.
Belém Tower: The terrace on top of the building, which you can access through the spiraled stairs, is four floors up, but worth the walk. You get a beautiful close-up view of the river and the city of Belém.
Tagus River Waterfront: The waterfront along the Tagus River is a beautiful promenade with river views, passing boats, and the 25 de Abril Bridge. I love to ride electric scooters or bicycle along the river in Belém.
Tagus River Waterfront: The waterfront along the Tagus River offers a pleasant promenade with river views, passing boats, and the 25 de Abril Bridge. Strolling along the riverbank provides a different perspective of the area.
Where to Stay in Belém
Belém has a lot of different hotels, as well as Airbnbs and hostels.
Here are three hotels I can recommend staying at in Belém:
- Famous Crows Guest House: A simple, affordable guesthouse with comfortable rooms located near the Jerónimos Monastery.
- Jerónimos 8: A nice hotel with modern accommodations and mid-range pricing, also close to the Jerónimos Monastery.
- Altis Belém Hotel & Spa: Super luxury spa hotel near the Tagus River. It has lovely spa facilities and is only a 10-minute walk from all the monuments in Belém.
How to Get to Belém
The easiest way to reach Belem is by Tram 15, which departs at Praça da Figueira and passes through the Praça do Comércio.
The journey takes 15 minutes, and a tram ticket costs €3. However, you can buy a 24-hour unlimited public transport ticket for €6.80. But you can only purchase it from a metro station.
The tram stop for Belem is Belem-Jeronimos, found next to the Jeronimos Monastery. Tram 15E can get crowded, so alternatively, take bus 714 or 728, which connects Belem to the Baixa district.
A bus ticket will cost around €2.
I wouldn’t recommend staying in Belém, as it’s a bit far from the city center. If you’re unsure about accommodation, check my guide on where to stay in Lisbon.
Tip: Check out my easy guide on traveling from Lisbon to Belem.
History of Belém
The district has historically been significant in Portugal’s maritime and exploratory endeavors. This district in Lisbon has played a pivotal role in the country’s history, especially during the Age of Discovery in the 15th and 16th centuries.
During this period, Belém was a bustling port and the starting point for many maritime expeditions to explore and trade with foreign countries such as India, Brazil, and East Asia.
From here, renowned Portuguese explorers, such as Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan, started on their journeys that would lead to the discovery of new sea routes and territories.
Today, Belém is full of history, and you can really feel it in the city. It’s full of museums, monuments, historical parks and gardens. It is truly a wonderful historical place to visit.
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Wrap-Up
Visit Belém to get an understanding of Portugal’s rich history and try the famous Pastéis de Belém.
It takes 10-15 minutes to reach Belém from Lisbon, as it’s right “next door.” Belém is a UNESCO World Heritage Site today, which speaks for itself.
Plan your day ahead so you can experience as much as possible, from Belém Tower and Jeronimos Monastery to the famous pastry and many more things.
When you’ve visited Belém, then you can check out my guide to the best museums in Lisbon.
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