Would you like to explore and admire some of the best things to do in Belem in Lisbon? Check out our list and pick your favourite – this beautiful district on the Tagus River offers more than delicious custard tarts.
This gorgeous district in Lisbon is proud of its rich historical heritage and culture.
But first, why is Belem in Lisbon famous?
Belem in Lisbon is famous because it has links with Portugal’s Golden Age. This iconic museum district was once the heart of Lisbon’s bustling marine trade. Today is home to two UNESCO-listed monuments – the Belem Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery. It’s also the birthplace of the pastel de nata.
This leafy district is also worth visiting because you can find some of the oldest architecture in Lisbon here. It also has many museums, famous monuments and an attractive riverside setting with cafes and a promenade. Belem is rich in history and is the site of maritime legends.
Why should you visit it? Because it’s one of the best neighbourhoods in Lisbon. It is easy to reach because it’s only a 30-minute tram ride from the centre. One day in Belem is the perfect time to visit its most famous sites. However, if you want to see more attractions, spend two days here.
Best things to do in Belem
If you plan a trip here and wonder what to do in Belem, you are in the right place. We have divided attractions into the top landmarks (which you cannot miss) and other sites you can visit if you have more time.
Top things to do in Belem
1. Jerónimos Monastery
You can’t take a trip to Belem in Lisbon without visiting the Jerónimos Monastery. Belem Monastery is one of the most famous monuments in the city. This beautiful building highlights the wealth of the Portuguese kingdom in the past. Why should you visit it? Exploring the Jerónimos Monastery is one of the best things to do in Belem because it is the finest example of Manueline architecture in Portugal. This convent is even a UNESCO World Heritage site.
It is hard to believe, but this religious site survived the infamous 1755 Lisbon earthquake without much damage.
Jerónimos Monastery Facts and History
You are quite right to think that the Jerónimos Monastery is a testament to Lisbon’s prosperity during the period of the Age of Discovery. King Manuel I of Portugal commissioned it at the beginning of the 16th century. He ordered its construction after Vasco da Gama returned from a successful voyage from India.
The discovery of the sea route to India lead to the spice trade monopoly. Exotic spices such as pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg were a great source of wealth for Portugal. The wealth also paid for the construction of this fine building.
The construction of Jerónimos Monastery took 100 years. After that, the king donated the monastery to the monks in return for prayers for his soul. The sailors would pray here before leaving on their long journeys. Also, the monks would pray here for their safe return.
The highlights of the monastery are the church, cloisters and the adjoining monastery, which are a great example of Manueline architecture.
If you do not know, this style flourished during the reign of Manuel I. It also continued after his death. In fact, it is a Portuguese variant of Late Gothic and has maritime motifs inspired by Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Popular motifs were twisted ropes, a navigational device or the Cross of the Order of Christ, which was the emblem of a military order. You can also see the organic detail and religious and royal symbols, which were also popular.
GOOD TO KNOW:
As of May 2024, the entry ticket to the Jerónimos Monastery Monastery costs €12 for an adult. You can buy a joint ticket with Belem Tower for €20, as of May 2024. Alternatively, get a ticket for the monastery, the National Museum of Contemporary Art and the National Museum of Ancient Art for €20. If you buy the Lisboa Card, your entry to the Jerónimos Monastery is free. Remember, you can also visit the monastery for free on the first Sunday of every month.
TIP:
- Buy your skip-the-line tickets to the Jerónimos Monastery online to beat the crowds. Visit it on weekdays early in the morning or in winter to avoid long queues.
- Jerónimos Monastery is not open on Mondays, 1st January 2025, Easter Sunday, 1st May 2025 and 25th December 2024. If you visit the Jerónimos Monastery between October and April, opening times are 10 am to 5.30 pm. May until September opening times for the monastery are 10 am – 6.30 pm.
2. Church of Santa Maria de Belem
Afterwards, do not forget to visit the Church of Santa Maria de Belem. This beautiful church adjoining the famous monastery has a separate entrance. Because of that, many people miss it. Why should you see it? Because the Church of Santa Maria de Belem is the most outstanding church in Lisbon. Plus, this church has a beautiful Portuguese Gothic Manueline style, a Latin cross layout and is also the necropolis of the Portuguese royal dynasty.
There is a lot to see inside – the highlights are the nave and upper choir, with breathtaking views of the church. Also, do not miss the tombs of several important figures. There is even the Tomb of Vasco da Gama.
Find the tomb of Vasco da Gama carved with maritime motifs. If you do not know, Vasco da Gama was a famous Portuguese explorer and the first European who reached India by sea.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Entry to the Church of Santa Maria de Belem is free for everyone. Do not forget to cover your shoulders and knees if you want to visit the church.
3. Belem Tower
Belem Tower surrounded by water of the Tagus River
One of the first places most people head to is Belem Tower, and there is a reason for that. This iconic 500 years old monument is one of the main reasons why everyone comes to Lisbon. Its official name is the Tower of Saint Vincent.
Finding this tower is one of the best things to do in Belem in Lisbon because this famous structure is a symbol of Portugal’s great era of expansion. This gorgeous tower has extraordinary stonework and is one of two Lisbon’s attractions which are also UNESCO World Heritage sites.
The tower is famous for its historical significance and also the decoration of the exterior. Even though it is small, it is well worth a visit.
About the tower
You are right if you think this structure comes from King Manuel I’s period in the 16th century. Look closely and see that the Tower of Saint Vincent has a lot of Manueline symbolism, similar to the monastery. And here’s where it gets juicy: this famous tower is also one of the few buildings that have survived the catastrophic 1755 Lisbon earthquake.
It is hard to believe that this tower, which looks like a fairy-tale castle, was once a defensive structure. Many years ago, it was much further from the shores than today. It was part of a defensive system on the Tagus River and served as a military fortress and a lookout point to keep off any foreign attack by the sea. The locals made the river narrower and reclaimed land on the north river bank in the 19th century.
Belem Tower once defended the mouth of the river and served as Lisbon’s entrance and exit point. King Manuel I used cash from spice taxes for its construction.
The highlights of the tower are the dungeon with cannons, Moorish-style watchtowers and a large terrace inspired by Italian architecture. There is also a statue of the Virgin and Child facing the sea. It is a symbol of protection for sailors on their journey of discovery. Also, climb the narrow spiral staircase to the tower. The balcony offers breathtaking views of the river and waterfront.
GOOD TO KNOW:
- The tower is open every day except Monday, 1st January, Easter Sunday, 1st May, 13th June and 25th December. You can visit it between 10 am – 5.30 pm from October to April. If you come during the busy season (May – September), it’s open between 10 am and 6.30 pm.
- As of May 2024, entry ticket to the tower costs €6 for adults, but it is free with the Lisboa card. You can buy your tickets from the kiosk in the park. Buy skip-the-line tickets online if you do not have time or hate losing time in queues.
TIP:
Belem Tower is one of the most visited attractions in the city. Because of that, the crowds can be intense on weekends and during the summer. The tower is small, and only a limited number of people can visit it. Hence, arrive early in the morning and go straight to the kiosk to get an entry ticket.
4. Monument to the Discoveries
The Monument lies close to where the ships would leave on the trade routes or for explorations.
Next, find the Monument to the Discoveries standing on the waterfront. This caravel ship landmark pointing towards the River Tagus is one of the most popular attractions in the city. As the name suggests, this massive ship-like memorial celebrates Portugal’s Age of Discovery in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Henry the Navigator (first statue) and Vasco da Gama (third statue) on the eastern face of the Monument to the Discoveries.
What does the Monument to the Discoveries represent?
The 52 metres (170 feet) tall Monument to the Discoveries commemorates the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator. If you do not know, Henry the Navigator searched for new routes and discovered the Azores, Madeira, and Cape Verde. It also pays a tribute to other explorers.
These include royal patrons and Portugal’s most famous explorers, such as Vasco da Gama (discovered India) and Pedro Álvares Cabral (discovered Brazil). There is also a statue of Fernão Magalhães (Magellan). He was the first European who crossed the Pacific. Also, find the only woman – the Queen of Portugal. Philippa of Lancaster was the mother of Henry the Navigator and granddaughter of Edward III of England.
Did you know that you can go inside the Monument to the Discoveries? Yes, that is right, for a small fee, you can take a lift (or use steps) to the viewing platform at the top. The panoramic rooftop viewpoint offers the best views of the district and the river. You can see the famous Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge, Belem Tower, Jerónimos Monastery and other attractions from the top. There is also a museum inside where you can learn more about the revitalization of this district in the 20th century.
Also, do not miss a compass rose on the pavement. This 50 metres wide mosaic map of the world shows important dates and places of the Portuguese discoveries. You can find it in front of the landmark.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The Monument to the Discoveries is open between 10 am – 7 pm (summer) and 10 am – 6 pm (winter). Do not forget that this attraction is not open Mondays during the winter.
As of May 2024, entry fee for the Monument to the Discoveries and its viewing platform costs €10. If you have Lisboa Card, you will get a discount on your ticket. Visit on Saturday, Sunday or holidays, and you watch a short film at 11.15 am and 4 pm.
5. Pasteis de Belem bakery
If there is one more place you should visit when exploring this district, it’s Pasteis de Belem. Do not worry, you will not miss it – there will be a long queue. You will even find the name on the pavement outside of the bakery.
You have probably heard of the pastel de nata. This flaky custard tart is a famous Portuguese tart. It is synonymous with Lisbon. However, Pasteis de Belem has the most authentic version of these sweet treats.
Trying Pastel de Belem is one of the best things to do in Belem because this bakery has the original recipe for pastel de nata. In fact, this sweet egg custard tart became one of the 7 Culinary Wonders of Portugal in 2011. Here’s where it gets juicy: this 19th-century café sells the pastry made from a secret recipe that originated in the kitchen of the nearby monastery. Yes, that is right, monks from Jerónimos Monastery are the creators of this world-famous tasty tart. They were selling them to visitors because they needed to make money to survive.
DID YOU KNOW?
It is a tradition to dust pastel de nata with icing sugar and cinnamon. The cinnamon tradition started thanks to Vasco da Gama’s successful spice trade in India.
The owners of this family bakery are descendants of the original owners who bought the recipe from the monks. The closely guarded secret recipe remained unchanged to the present day. Only a few key members know the exact ingredients. Word has it that they do not travel on the same plane together. Today, this world-famous patisserie makes around 20,000 custard tarts every day. This number can even double during busy weekends.
This bakery with blue and white azulejos is a mandatory stop for everyone visiting Lisbon.
GOOD TO KNOW:
This famous bakery is open every day from 8 am until 8 pm. The bakery closes at 7 pm on the 24th, 25th, and 31st of December and the 1st of January. As of May 2024, expect to pay €1.40 for one tart or €8.40 for a packet of 6.
Do not let the long line on the street put you off – many customers buy their tarts takeaway.
6. National Coach Museum
If you have spare time, there is one more place you should visit in this part of the city. The National Coach Museum is one of the unique places to visit for everyone interested in the history of transportation. As the name suggests, the National Coach Museum has a world-class collection of more than 70 historical carriages. In fact, it has one of the largest collections of historical carriages in Europe.
Queen Amelia originally opened the Coach Museum in 1905. She housed it in the east wing of her palace, which was once the riding school. The museum moved to a new building after 110 years.
The coaches, which you can see here today, are very valuable and date back to the 17th century. Royal carriages used by the Portuguese family are a testament to the evolution of vehicles over the years. The royal family used many of them in important events, such as royal weddings, coronations or state visits. Some of them have beautiful ornaments, carvings and also luxurious fabrics.
The highlights are an 18th-century baroque coach given to King Phillip I by Pope Clement XI and the oldest coach used by Spain’s King Phillip II. Also, do not miss the Ocean Coach and the Crown Carriage last used by British monarch Queen Elizabeth II during her state visit to Portugal. You can even see one carriage with bullet holes – King Carlos and his heir were murdered in it.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The National Coach Museum is open between 10 am – 1 pm (last entry 12 pm) and 2.30 pm and 5 pm (last entry 4 pm). You cannot visit it on Mondays, 1st January, 1st May, Easter Sunday, 13th June, 24th and 25th December. As of May, entry ticket to the National Coach Museum costs €8 or is free with the Lisboa card.
Other things to do in Belem
7. Navy Museum
If you want to soak up Portugal’s rich maritime past, visiting the Navy Museum is one of the best things to do in Belem. The Navy Museum houses an impressive collection of artefacts related to the exploration of the seas. It focuses on the period of the Portuguese Age of Discoveries, as well as models of modern Portuguese ships.
You probably do not know, but the Maritime Museum is in the chapel built by Henry the Navigator. Mariners used to take mass before going into unknown waters and exploring new lands. The Navy Museum has an excellent collection of 23,000 naval items, such as historical paintings and navigational instruments. The highlights are models of ships and vessels from the Age of Discovery and the 17th-century globe without Australia. You can even see replicas of 16th-century maps showcasing the world as they knew it then.
Do not miss the Discoveries Hall, which displays a wooden figurine representing Archangel Raphael. Some say that Vasco da Gama carried it on his expedition to India in the 15th century.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Even though the Navy Museum is in the west wing of the Jerónimos Monastery, you will need a separate ticket. The Navy Museum is open every day from 10 am until 5 pm. As of May 2024, entry ticket to the Navy Museum costs €7 for an adult. Do not forget to show a valid Lisboa Card, and you can get a discount.
8. Tagus River cruise
Would you like to enjoy unique views? Then take the Tagus River cruise and see this district and Lisbon from a different angle. There is no doubt that cruising along the Tagus River is one of the best things to do in Belem. It is because the Tagus River cruise offers breathtaking views of top attractions, such as the Belem Tower and the 25 de Abril Bridge. You will also see the Monument to the Discoveries and even the giant Cristo Rei statue overlooking Lisbon. What’s more, you can learn more about historical sites from the audio guide, which provides valuable information about Belem’s rich history.
GOOD TO KNOW:
There are various Tagus River cruises to choose from:
- The Christ tour takes you from this district to the Christ statue (beautiful views of Lisbon and the bridge). As of May 2024, the Christ tour lasts one hour and costs €25 per person (departure at 11 am).
- The Day tour passes the city’s neighbourhoods and allows you to see Lisbon’s monuments and buildings from a different perspective. The day tour lasts 2 hours, starts at 3 pm and costs €38 per person, as of May 2024.
- There is also a Sunset tour which lasts 2 hours and allows you to enjoy the city views as the sun sets over the bridge. Expect to pay €45 per person – departure is 2 hours before sunset, as of May 2024.
- You can also go on a night tour which departs after sunset and costs €45 per person, as of May 2024.
9. Palace of Ajuda
One of the popular attractions is also the Palace of Ajuda. This 19th-century neoclassical palace was once the official royal residence of the Portuguese royal family. The royal family decided to build this palace on the hill above Belem. They chose this location after the 1755 earthquake completely destroyed the previous royal palace on the waterfront in Lisbon.
Even though they ordered this palace in 1802, the Palace of Ajuda became the royal residence only in the 1860s. It is because the royal family had to leave the country and live in Brazil during the invasion of Napoleon’s troops. The Palace of Ajuda was the royal residence only for less than 50 years. After that, Portugal became a republic.
Today exploring the Palace of Ajuda is one of the best things to do in Belem because the palace offers a glimpse into the city’s history. What’s more, the Palace of Ajuda is notable for its architectural beauty and rich art collection. Today it is a museum which allows you to see the richly decorated royal apartments and staterooms.
The Palace of Ajuda has a vast collection of decorative arts, including furniture, tapestries and ceramics. They reflect the tastes of the royal family throughout the years. The highlights are the Throne Room and the Banqueting hall, which the President of Portugal still uses for state ceremonies. Also, do not miss the Louis XVI skeleton clock in the Audience Room. You can also find the only El Greco painting in Portugal in the Queen’s Chapel.
GOOD TO KNOW:
As of May 2024, entry fee to the Palace of Ajuda costs €8 for an adult and is free with the Lisboa Card. The Palace of Ajuda is open every day except Wednesday, from 10 am – 6 pm. If you don’t want to walk 25 minutes from the centre in Belem, catch the local bus 727, or 729. You can also take tram 18E or bus 760 from Praca de Comercio in Lisbon.
10. Belem Palace
Before leaving this district, check out Belem Palace, which you can find only a short distance from Jerónimos Monastery. This 16th-century salmon house in Praca de Albuquerque is now the official residence of the President of Portugal.
This palace once belonged to the Portuguese royal family, and it was their official summer residence. Maybe you do not know, but when the 1755 earthquake struck and destroyed Lisbon, King Jose I and his family were there. Belem Palace served as the residence of various royals over the centuries. The Portuguese monarchy also had the last dinner here in 1910 before the country became a republic.
Most of the palace is off-limits to the public, but you can explore it on a guided tour. The highlights are beautiful gardens, a wood ceiling in the Golden Room, and also tapestries in the Empire Room. Do not miss Queen Maria I’s lion cages in the entrance courtyard and the Presidency Museum covering the history of the Portuguese Republic.
GOOD TO KNOW:
You can visit this palace on a guided tour on Saturdays only (10 am – 5 pm). It is available in Portuguese, English and French, but they have only 150 spots. The Presidency Museum is open every day except Mondays (10 am -6 pm).
11. Planetarium
If your little ones are interested in stars and astronomy, pop into the Planetarium, which you can find near the Navy Museum and the monastery. This building has modern equipment, including 32-star projectors, that can display over 9,000 stars during shows.
The Planetarium offers engaging shows that can take you on a journey through space. It also reveals the mysteries of the cosmos and explains the movement of the stars and our solar system. Whether you are a space enthusiast or just looking for things to do when raining, Planetarium is worth a visit.
GOOD TO KNOW:
- The Calouste Gulbenkian Planetarium is open every day except on Mondays. You can visit it between 10 am – 12 pm and 2 pm – 4 pm.
- Shows are in Portuguese, English, French and Spanish.
- The entry fee to the Planetarium costs €7 – you can get a discount with a valid Lisboa Card (as of May 2024). If you visit on the 1st Sunday of the month, children under 12 can go for free, and there is a 50 per cent discount for the public.
12. Tropical Botanical Garden
If you are looking for an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle, the Tropical Botanical Garden is the place to go. Did you know that this Tropical Botanical Garden has exotic foliage from all over the globe?
The Tropical Botanical Garden, which spread across 7 hectares, were once part of the palace. They were a research centre for tropical plants. This peaceful park has tropical plants and trees from Portugal’s former colonies. You can see trees, such as dragon trees (native to the Canary Islands and Madeira) or Monkey puzzle trees from South America. The gardens with ponds and peacocks offer a shady retreat on a hot summer day.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The other name of the Tropical Botanical Garden is the Jardim do Ultramar or the Garden of Colonies. The gardens are open every day except on Christmas Day and the 1st of January 2025. Admission to the Tropical Botanical Garden is €4 for adults (as of May 2024). Kids under 10 can visit the gardens for free.
13. Garden Vasco da Gama
Also, find Garden Vasco da Gama between the Jerónimos Monastery and the Monument to the Discoveries. Stroll through Garden Vasco da Gama lawns surrounded by trees and enjoy beautiful views of the monastery. This garden has numerous walking paths and offers a relaxing experience after touring the attractions.
The main feature of these gardens is the Thai pagoda, or Sala Thai, as the locals call it. This unusual building was a gift from Thailand to Portugal. It commemorates the 500th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries. This beautiful structure has a typical Southeast Asian golden roof and thousands of gold leaves. When a boat transported it to Lisbon, they used the same route Portuguese navigators took 500 years earlier.
The Thai pagoda is one of the quirky attractions because it is only one of four similar structures found outside of Thailand. Moreover, the Thai Pagoda doesn’t have a single nail, screw or metal. The Thai people used traditional methods when building it.
Now you know what to do in Belem in Lisbon!
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Last updated: 06/05/2024