Belém is a historical riverside district in Lisbon and a UNESCO World Heritage Site with the finest museums and monuments.
The best part is that traveling from Lisbon to Belém is not too complicated and makes for a fantastic day trip with everything you can explore and see.
But how do you reach Belém? When I lived in Lisbon, I traveled to Belém often and have gathered some helpful information and tips you can follow.
Here is a summary of how you can reach Belém from Lisbon:
From downtown Lisbon, about 9 km (6 miles), you find Belém with some fantastic highlights you can visit, including Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery.
But there is way more here to see, and getting there is not too difficult.
Worthy Note: While you can travel by train, there are no metro lines on the western side of Lisbon or to Belém.
Bélem By Tram 15E
The best way to travel to Belém is by the tram, number 15, which departs from Praça da Figueira.
Tram 15 passes through Praça do Comércio and stops at Cais do Sodré train station.
Your journey will take 40 minutes, and the best part is that it is a scenic route passing underneath the Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge.
The Tram service is part of the Carris public transport system. You can buy the ticket onboard, but you will need cash.
Hot Tip🔥: A cheaper option is to use a € 1.47 zapping ticket, which you can preload on a Navegante card.
The problem is that you must preload your card at the metro station. You will find it at the start of the tram route at Rossio station.
Alternatively, you can invest in the Lisbon Card, which includes all public transport and free access to some of the major attractions in Belém.
Another interesting note is that, compared to the historic Tram 28, which runs through steep hills, Tram 15 moves on flat surfaces.
The tram ends its travels outside the city limits in Algés.
Bélem By Uber or Bolt
One of the most convenient ways to travel from Lisbon to Belém is with Uber or Bolt. Both offer the same services, and you will need either of the apps installed on your smartphone.
If you come from the western side of Lisbon, the roads are fast and mostly traffic-free; a journey from Cais do Sodré to Belém will take 15 minutes. The fare you pay will depend on the demand.
Hot Tip🔥: I recommend choosing the road south of Jerónimos Monastery for a drop-off point. It is the closest to the bus/tram stop.
Another important thing is to download your home app before traveling to Lisbon.
Also, ensure you have a bank card with an account that does not charge conversion fees, as you pay in Euros. Another piece of advice is to choose a pick-up point that is free of heavy traffic.
Bélem By Train
Another viable option to reach Belém from central Lisbon is by train. You can get the train at Cais do Sodré station.
The train stops between the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology and the Coach Museum.
You can then walk to Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower, which are included in the Lisboa Card, which offers free access to the train ride and these historical places.
The train travel is convenient. There are three departures every hour, and the journey is faster than the tram or a bus.
Alternatively, you can charge a Zone 1 ticket on your Navegante card if you do not have the Lisboa Card.
Worthy Note: The train station can get busy during the summer as everyone travels to the beach and you can find long queues at ticket offices.
You can skip the queues using a zapping ticket purchased at the metro station.
Then invest in a zapping ticket with €15, which will be helpful for your day trips.
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Bélem By Bus
You can find a bus route to Belém in most parts of Lisbon. Yet the number 728 bus displays Restelo when you head from the west and is the best way to reach Belém.
It is a circular route with convenient stops on the southern side of Praça do Comércio.
The 728 bus is also the only option to travel from Alfama from the eastern side to Belém.
You can buy a ticket on board that costs you €3, which is cash only or invest in a zapping ticket that costs €1.47, or you can buy a Lisboa Card that includes traveling.
Walking From Lisbon City Center to Belém
Another option, if you feel up to it, is to walk to Belém, which is one of the best day trips when taking a self-guided tour.
Hot Tip🔥: Did you know Lisbon is one of the most walkable cities? Yes, it is. Check out my post here and get tips on how to get around those hills.
It will take 1 to 2 hours, depending on your pace and all the places you stop. The walk is around 7 km (4.5 miles).
You can make your starting point from Rossio Square and head up to Rua Aurea, a main street in Lisbon. Then head to Praça do Comércio along the Tagus River to Cais do Sodré.
Follow Avenida 24 de Julho, which runs parallel to the river. Continue west to reach MAAT and walk further along the river to Docas de Santo Amaro.
You will be taken directly to Belém as you continue along the riverfront.
By Hop-on Hop-Off Bus
The last option to reach Belém is with a hop-on, hop-off bus. A few are available; the costs depend on your chosen bus service.
- Yellow Bus: The bus departs from Praça da Figueira and travels along the Tagus River. It visits several tourist attractions, including Belém.
- Red Bus: City Sightseeing operates the tour, which departs from Marquês de Pombal and visits the main attractions and landmarks in Belém.
Things to See in Belém
In Bélem, you can explore some of the following major attractions:
- Belém Tower is a well-known monument in Lisbon and one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- The Discoveries Monument is an easy walk along the river, and you can enjoy some food by passing the food trucks.
- The Discoveries Monument is directly across from Jeronimos Monastery. It is a busy street, and it is best to travel with the underpass to cross below it.
- Right next door to Jeronimos Monastery is the Church of Santa Maria, which is free to visit.
- Visit the famous Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge, similar to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. The bridge honors the Carnation Revolution in Portugal.
- Enjoy some Portuguese tarts at the legendary Pasteis de Belem. While you cannot find gluten-free pastels at this pastry shop, check out my guide to enjoying this everyday pastry treat.
- Other options are the Naval Museum, Belem Palace, The National Archaeological Museum, Tropical Botanical Gardens, and Coaches Museum.
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Tips For Traveling From Lisbon to Belem
- Tram 15: It’s best to use a zapping ticket or the Lisboa Card for discounts. You can preload your card at Rossio Metro Station.
- Uber/Bolt: I recommend choosing a drop-off near Jeronimos Monastery and using a no-fee currency conversion card.
- Train: Invest in the zapping ticket to avoid long queues, or get the Lisboa Card, which covers the train fare.
- For free public transport and access to the main attractions, invest in the Lisbon Card.
- The best time to visit the Belem attractions to avoid crowds is early morning.
- Invest in a combo ticket to visit Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery. Doing this will prevent you from standing in long queues at Jeronimos Monastery.
Wrap-Up: Lisbon to Belém
Belém is a must-visit in Lisbon. It perfectly blends history, culture, and stunning riverside views.
Whether you hop on the scenic Tram 15E, enjoy a quick ride with Uber or Bolt, or even take a leisurely walk along the Tagus River, getting there is a breeze.
You’re in for an unforgettable day with much to explore, from the iconic Belém Tower to the mouthwatering pastéis de nata at Pasteis de Belém.
So grab your camera, put on your walking shoes, and get ready to discover one of Lisbon’s most enchanting neighborhoods.
