Bem vindo a Belém! Escape the hustle and bustle of Portugal’s capital city by taking a day (or weekend) trip to the leisurely district of Belém. Stoked in history from Portugal’s Age of Discovery, this district is where many explorers and traders set off on their voyages around the world.
Unlike the majority of Lisbon, Belém is strewn with lovely green spaces, tree-filled parks and lots of fresh air. At minimum 2/3 of your time in Lisbon should be spent immersed in the seafaring traditions of Portugal and the significance of the Age of Discovery during the 15th to mid-17th centuries.
Belém is a popular retreat for locals and tourists alike and becomes quite busy on the weekends and during the high season (lots of tour buses).
NOTE: The Torre de Belém, Padrão dos Descobrimentos, and Mosteiro dos Jerónimos are all closed on Mondays!
Belém is about 6 miles (9 km) from Lisboa’s Baixa which means (unless you’re super into fitness), you’ll need to either hire a car or take a tram. I’d recommend the trams. The yellow vintage trams in Lisbon definitely oozing old-world charm. To get to Belém from downtown Lisboa there are two tram options—tram 127 or tram 15 from either Praça da Figueira or Praça do Comércio. The number is 15 is more direct and takes about 25 minutes. Get off at Largo da Princesa, just two stops past the osteiro dos Jerónimos stop.
Tickets can be purchase onboard, just make sure you have exact change. A single, one-way ticket costs €3; although, you can purchase a Viva Viagem 24-hour public transit ticket from metro stations which costs €6,40 and include all trams, metro and buses in the city. The ticket also includes the Elevador da Glória and Elevador de Santa Justa which would cost €3,80 and €5,30 respectively. Alternatively you can call an Uber or taxi for a 25-ish minute drive.
Belém is very walkable and the main attractions are in close proximity to each other; however, there are several bike rental shops should you prefer to enjoy the day by bike.
Enjoy Free Walking Tour
Walking tours are a great way discover an area with a local guide, but can be quite pricey. Although both of the following tours are listed as “free” tours, it’s recommended you tip your guide what you thought the tour should be worth. I’d recommend at least a €12 per person.
- Hi Lisbon Walking Tours’ Belém Tour happens Tuesday to Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and is about two and a half hours in duration. The tour starts in central Lisboa and then you ride with the guide to Belém so if you’re nervous about using the public transit, this is a great option. Reservations are required.
- Free Tour Lisbon’s Belém Tour run every day 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The group will meet at the statue in the middle of the Jardim Afonso de Albuquerque park across the street from Palacio de Belem. The guide will be wearing a pink vest. Reservations are recommended.
Relax in One of Belém’s Many Green Spaces
Unlike downtown Lisboa, Belém has lots of green spaces. They’re the perfect place for a stroll, to relax, or to enjoy a picnic lunch. Especially on the weekend you’ll see lots of families out and about enjoying fresh air and the lovely tailed gardens.
Some great spots are:
- Jardim da Praça do Império
- Jardim Vasco da Gama
- Jardim de Belém
- Jardim Afonso de Albuquerque
- Jardim Botânico Tropical
Museu de Arte, Arquitetura e Tecnologia
Website | @maatmuseum | Address: Av. Brasília, 1300-598 Lisboa, Portugal
This is a project conceived for all kinds of public, of all ages, boasting an educational programme of multidisciplinary activities about art, architecture and technology – all initiatives which encourage creative thinking and new ways of acquiring and developing knowledge.
Portugal's most prominent examples of industrial architecture from the first half of the 20th century, building is art in itself
Centro Cultural de Belém
Website | @ccbelem | Address: Praça do Império, 1449-003 Lisboa, Portugal
With a performing arts centre, several auditoriums, four galleries, and educational centre, the Centro Cultural de Belém hosts a variety of events including ballet, opera, music and theatre performances as well as art, design, and photography exhibitions.
Torre de Belém
Website | Address: Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal
Previously serving as a fortress and ceremonial gateway from the Pacific Ocean to Lisbon, The Torre de Belém, also known as The Tower of Saint Vincent, was built during the height of the Portuguese Renaissance in the 16th-century (1519 to be precise). The four-story tower is a fine example of Manueline style—built of lion limestone and featuring elaborate carvings, ornate decorations, and maritime elements in honor of the voyaging history of the country.
Originally the tower was located in the middle of the Tagus River where harbor guards could monitor ships entering the harbor.
It’s worth a visit just to admire the exterior. Do note that if you plan on going inside it’s best to arrive early to avoid the tour buses. There is usually a bit of a queue and inside there are nearly 100 circular steps in a narrow path up the tower.
Padrão dos Descobrimentos
Website | @padraodosdescobrimentos | Address: Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal
Padrão dos Descobrimentos (The Monument of Discoveries) is a monumental…well monument! :) Located just down the bank from The Torre de Belém, this monument celebrates the Portuguese Age of Discovery in the 15th and 16th century during which shapes departed to explore and arrived with traded goods from India and the Orient. It opened in 1960 for the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator. He leads the group on figures on the monuments all of which represent significant figures during the Age of Discovery—monarchs, cartographers, scientists, missionaries, and artists.
After admiring the 170 Ft (52 m) tall monument, don’t forget to look down. The plaza is designed as an extension of the monument—complete with a giant compass rose and medieval European map of the world with Portuguese routes of discovery, completely made of black, red, natural limestone.
You can also enter and take in the view from the top of the structure. We didn’t but lots of other people were doing it. :)
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
Website | Address: Praça do Império 1400-206 Lisboa, Portugal
Another couple hundred meters down and across the road from the Torre de Belem is the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, the most prominent example of Manueline style (a richly ornate style with naval-themed, maritime elements) architecture in Lisbon. Construction began in 1501, taking more than 100 years to complete. The former monastery was home to the Order of Saint Jerome who “prayed for the King’s eternal soul and to provide spiritual assistance to navigators and sailors who departed from Lisbon’s port to discover, explore, and map the world.”
You can enter the Church of Santa Maria for free, but you’ll need to purchase a ticket from the main entrance of the Museu Nacional de Arqueologia via a separate line to explore the rest of the complex including the cloisters.
Museu Nacional dos Coches
Website | Address: Av. da Índia 136, 1300-004 Lisboa, Portugal
With it’s large collection split between two buildings, Museu Nacional dos Coches (The National Museum of Coaches) is more than worthy of your time! It’s collection is among the finest of historical carriages in the world, housing carriages belonging to the Portuguese royal family and nobility that were not only made in Portugal but Italy, France, Spain, Austria, and England. The designs range from understated and practical for daily use to pompous and extravagant for ceremonial occasions.
The museum also showcases the technological advancements made in carriage construction throughout the late 16th through 19th centuries.
Hand-drawn and painted by Studioist. Check out my shop for all my Portugal pieces.
Fabrica dos Pasteis de Belém
Website | Address: R. de Belém 84 92, 1300-085 Lisboa, Portugal
You can’t say you've been to Portugal without tasting a pastel de nata, Portugal’s signature sweet treat. Pastel de natas are egg custard tarts dusted with cinnamon—flaky pastry crust filled with warm, sweet custard. Since 1837 the staff has followed the ancient recipe from the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos just across the road. Chances are there will be a queue (especially on the weekends), but it moves quickly.
Pao Pao Queijo Queijo
Address: Rua de Belém 126, Lisbon 1300-086, Portugal
Close to the attractions you’ll find the small yet bustling eatery of Pao Pao Queijo Queijo. It was recommended to us several times by different people and hit the spot perfectly. The food is a mix Middle Eastern/Mediterranean offerings including pitas, wraps, falafel, shawarma and more! Plus the vegan options are clearly marked on the menu. Hooray!
Prova - Enoteca
Address: Rua Duarte Pacheco Pereira 9E, Lisbon 1400-139, Portugal
This place was also recommended to us a few times though we didn't get to check it out. The lunch menu looked delicious and there was a queue out front which is a good sign. There was also a good size patio. Their vegan options were also clearly marked on the menu. I’d recommend making a reservation if possible to avoid the queue and be able to continue your Belém exploration.
Museu de Marinha
Website | Address: Praça do Império, 1400-206 Lisboa, Portugal
Located on the opposite end as the entrance to Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, The Navy Museum’s collection includes navigation instruments, maps, scale models of 15th century ships, historical paintings, archeological items, and other items related to the history of navigation in Portugal.
http://museu.marinha.pt
Museu da Presidencia da Republica-Palacio de Belem
Website | Address: Praça Afonso de Albuquerque, 1300-004 Lisboa, Portugal
Currently the official residence of the President of the Portuguese Republic, The Belém Palace was a former residence of the Portuguese Royal Family. The front pink facades in Mannerist and Baroque style face the Tagus River across Praça Afonso de Albuquerque. The complex includes several buildings, gardens, and courtyards added over several centuries.
http://www.museu.presidencia.pt
Escola Portuguesa de Arte Equestra
Website | Address: Calçada da Ajuda 102, 1300-006 Lisboa, Portugal
Located about a 15 minute walk up the road from Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, the tour of The Portuguese School of Equestrian Art, conserving the training and exhibition of Pure Blood Lustiano horses, includes a visit to the stables (with horses) as well as a “show”/training session for the horses and riders.
