Belem is a very famous and touristy neighborhood in Lisbon, and I understand why! You can spend a whole day there, as there are so many monuments to visit! Historically, Belem was the location of docks and shipyards and it was from there that the great explorers of the 16th century set out to conquer India, Africa and Brazil. Today, you can still see the monuments built in honor of the great discoveries, bearing witness to Portugal’s maritime past. Let me show you what 10 things to visit in Belem!
First thing first: how to go to Belem?
Belem is located on the banks of the Tagus river, about 5km away from the center of Lisbon. There is no metro station, but the easiest way to get there is by tram (line 15E). You can take it in Praça da Figueira (Rossio) or Praça do Comércio. The trip is around 20 minutes and it costs approx. 3€.
You can also go to Belem by foot (which is the best option to me if you want to walk and enjoy the riverside). That’s what I do at least once a week as I live in Lapa, so relatively close to the bridge. I love to walk to clean my mind and enjoy the daylight (or the sunset) after a full day of work at home. So I choose my favorite sneakers and my best playlist, and I walk along the river for an hour or two. The area has recently been developed for pedestrians, runners and cyclists: for several kilometers you won’t come across a single car and the view over the bridge is amazing!
1. Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries)
As you walk towards Belem, you’ll come across the first monument: the Monument to the Discoveries, a tribute to Portugal’s history. It’s a large sculpture representing a caravel and all the symbolic figures who participated in the Portuguese Great Discoveries such as Vasco da Gama, who discovered the sea route to India, or Bartomoleu Dias who transformed the Cape of Storms into the Cape of Good Hope. Will you recognize them? 😄
2. Torre de Belém (Belem Tower)
Continue on your way to the famous Belem Tower. How to speak about Belem without talking about its tower? It was originally a fortification whose role was to defend the city. It was built between 1514 et 1519 and is now considered as a masterpiece of manueline style. If you want to enjoy the view and take beautiful pictures, I recommend you go early in the morning as it’s a popular tourist attraction. It could be your chance to admire the early morning light (and maybe take a traditional Portuguese breakfast before the next visit?).
3. Mosteiro dos Jerónimos (Jeronimos Monastery)
The Jeronimos monastery is very close to the tower. It is one the most visited monument in Lisbon so I recommend you buy the tickets before the visit (and still be prepared to wait a bit to go inside).
It is known as the site of the tomb of Vasco da Gama and was built by order of the famous navigator Infante dom Henrique in the 16th century. The place is grandiose and a true reflection of Portugal’s prosperous past!
Where? Praça do Império 1400-206 Lisboa
When? 9:30am-6pm
4. Praça do Império (Empire Square)
The square is large and pretty, it is more like a garden with fountains where you can relax and rest from walking and visiting. Note that on the first and third Sundays of each month, you’ll find a small flea market (Feira de Antiguidades, Velharias e Artesanato de Belém). Nothing impressive but you can find all kinds of objects for affordable prices. A good idea to buy unique souvenirs or antique crockery for your home. As always, bring some cash!
5. Museu dos Coches (National Coach Museum)
At first, I found it a bit strange to visit a museum to see coaches and I thought it could maybe be boring… But it was a very rainy Sunday, I was with a friend and we had no idea what to visit, so we gave a try to the National Coach Museum and I have to admit I was wrong! It is actually a pretty impressive place with one of the largest coach collection in the world! It’s a surprising and a unique place I recommend among the things to visit in Belem!
Where? Av. da Índia 136, 1300-300 Lisboa
When? Tue-Sun (closed on Mondays) from 10 am to 6pm
6. Pastéis de Belém
Who hasn’t heard about the famous “pastéis de Belém” yet? The whole world has spread the word and it is now one “monument” of Portugal that you have to try! Eat them Portuguese-style (sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar) or not, but always as soon as you buy them – or they will go soft. I personally prefer Manteigaria’s pastéis de nata (another factory you can easily find in the city center) but it’s a matter of taste. And now you have no choice but to taste both to compare and make up your own mind!
Where? R. de Belém 84 92, 1300-085 Lisboa
When? Everyday 8am-10pm
7. Jardim Botânico Tropical (Tropical Botanical Garden)
This garden is an oasis of serenity in the middle of a very busy area. Walk along the alleys and discover hundreds of tropical plant species, most of them brought back from colonial expeditions. You can even meet chickens or peacocks walking freely in the gardens during your visit!
Where? Largo dos Jerónimos, 1400-209 Lisboa
When? Everyday 9am-8pm
8. Museu de Marinha (Maritime Museum)
The Maritime Museum is actually inside the Jeronimos Monastery but at the different entrance door. It offers models and replicas of ships from different eras to understand the period of the Great Discoveries (yes, again!).
Where? Praça do Império, 1400-206 Lisboa
When? Everyday 10am-6pm
9. Museu Coleção Berardo
Another rainy Sunday afternoon, another museum! 😄 I’m really not a big fan of contemporary art as it’s always very confusing to me to see white canvases or piles of objects in a museum, but why not! The collection is very large and varied, in fact there is something for everyone, and the place is very modern and interesting! If you’re hungry between two visits, the museum even has a small restaurant/cafeteria.
Where? Praça do Império, 1449-003 Lisboa
When? Tue-Sund (closed on Mondays) from 10am to 6pm
10. Cordoaria Nacional
The Cordoaria Nacional was a former naval rope-making factory but today it hosts some great events. I’ve already been there for three amazing different art exhibitions and I always had a great time! The first time was Real Bodies a few years ago, then I went back in 2021 to see Ai Wei Wei’s work and also Steve Mc Curry’s inspiring photos (ICONS). I also recommend you buy the tickets in advance if you want to avoid the queue, especially if the artist is famous.
Where? Av. da Índia, 1300-598 Lisboa
When? There is no permanent exhibition so pay attention to the next event’s dates.
Bonus: Palácio Nacional da Ajuda (Palace of Ajuda)
Well, Ajuda is not exactly in Belem but it’s very close and the Palace is really a place you must visit!I have been there three or four times, and I always have the feeling that the royal family has just left and is about to return! The Palace is quite “new” since it was built in 1795 and it was the official residence of the royal family until the fall of the monarchy in 1910. Everything is very well conserved and left in its original state, there are not as many tourists as in some other places in Lisbon, so it’s quite calm and easy to imagine what life would have been like in the past.
Where? Largo da Ajuda, 1349-021 Lisboa
When? Thur-Tue (closed on Wednesdays) from 10am to 6pm
What do you think about these 10 things to visit in Belem? Please send your recommendations and personal tips in the community section!
