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What to visit in the Belém district of Lisbon? Located in the west of Lisbon, Belém Belém is much more than just a neighborhood: it's the cradle of Portugal's great discoveries, an open-air museum where every monument tells the story of Portugal's golden age. Whether you're passionate about history, architecture, or gastronomy, discover what to see in Belém with our comprehensive guide so you don't miss a thing in this iconic place.
Visiting Lisbon in 3 days: our complete guide so you don't miss a thing
Belém, witness to the Portuguese golden age
A stroll through Belém is like traveling back to the era of Portugal's great maritime discoveries. Every monument, every stone tells the story of an empire that stretched from Brazil to Asia. Even today, this historic district of Lisbon retains its majestic character, nestled between UNESCO World Heritage sites and tranquil gardens.
The Belém Tower, a symbol of the discoveries
Guardian of the Tagus estuary since the 16th century, the Belém Tower It is the unmistakable emblem of the neighborhood. This masterpiece of Manueline architecture elegantly combines Gothic and Moorish styles, creating a unique silhouette that has stood the test of time.
Practical information for the Belém Tower:
- Schedules : 10am to 6:30pm (closed on Mondays)
- Entrance : €6 (free with Lisboa Card)
- Attendance: Heavy between 11am and 4pm
- Access : Tram 15E or Bus 728, 714, 727
- Advice : Buy your tickets online to avoid queues.
The Jerónimos Monastery, an architectural gem
THE Jeronymite Monastery The Jerónimos Monastery is the most impressive example of Manueline architecture. Built to celebrate Vasco da Gama's return from India, it now houses the tombs of prominent Portuguese figures, including the famous navigator.
Practical information for the Monastery:
- Schedules : 10am to 5pm (October to May) / 10am to 6:30pm (May to September)
- Entrance : €10 (free with Lisboa Card)
- Audio guide: Available in French (€4)
The must-sees of Belém
1. The Pastéis de Belém
There Antiga Confeitaria de Belém Since 1837, they have been preparing authentic Pastéis de Belém according to a secret recipe. These delicious cream-filled pastries are an absolute must during your visit.
Practical information for Pastéis de Belém:
- Schedules : 8am to 11pm (daily)
- Price : approximately €1.50 per pastéis
- Advice : Avoid peak hours (11am-3pm)
- Address : Rua de Belém 84-92
2. The Monument to the Discoveries
THE Padrão dos Descobrimentos It pays homage to Portuguese navigators. Standing 52 meters tall, it offers a breathtaking view of the Tagus River and the surrounding neighborhood.
Left: The National Coach Museum. Right: The Belém Gardens at sunset
3. The National Coach Museum
The world's largest collection of royal carriages, testifying to the luxury of the Portuguese court.
4. The Belém Cultural Centre
A hub of contemporary culture, it houses the Berardo Museum and regularly hosts temporary exhibitions.
Ideal itinerary for visiting Belém
Our advice: To make the most of your visit, we recommend this Complete guided tour of Belém which will reveal all the secrets of the neighborhood to you.
Morning: UNESCO monuments
- Jerónimos Monastery (start early to avoid the crowds)
- Pastéis de Belém for a delicious break
- Belém Tower
Afternoon: Culture and relaxation
- Monument to the Discoveries
- National Coach Museum
- Belém Gardens
- Belém Cultural Centre
Practical tips on what to visit in Belém
- Transportation : Tram 15E from central Lisbon (Praça do Comércio)
- Lisboa Card: Cost-effective for visiting several monuments
- Best moment: Early morning or late afternoon
- Visit duration: Plan for a full day
Where to eat in Belém?
- Antiga Confeitaria de Belém: For the famous Pastéis
- Belém Enoteca: Refined Portuguese cuisine
- Darwin's Café: View of the Tagus river and contemporary cuisine
With Guidly, discover a different way to visit Belém! Our app guides you through the history of the monuments and reveals the secrets of the district.
FAQ
How to get to Belém from the center of Lisbon?
The most scenic way is to take tram 15E from Praça do Comércio. The journey takes approximately 20-25 minutes.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
It is advisable to book tickets online for the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower, particularly in high season.
The most beautiful viewpoints of Belém
