What to do in Belém, Lisbon's historic and monumental district

The neighborhood of Belém in Lisbon is home to some of Portugal’s most iconic monuments. We invite you to discover the history and landmarks of this charming neighborhood along the Tagus River.

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Free Walking Tour of Belém

Without detracting from other neighborhoods in Lisbon, Belém is one of the city’s most important areas and THE essential day trip from Lisbon.

Within its limits are historic buildings that evoke times of exploration, adventure, and conquest, where fears of invasion coexisted with religious fervor.

A stroll through Belém feels like traveling back in time while enjoying a delicious custard tart.

Currently, Belém is considered just another neighborhood of Lisbon, but it wasn’t always this way. There was a time when the Tagus River was a real barrier. Bridges were built, new lands were discovered across the ocean, and those riches transformed Belém forever.

You can start exploring this historic neighborhood by taking a Free Walking Tour of Belém, a two-and-a-half-hour tour, fully in English.

What to Do in Belém

Just 7 kilometers from the center of Lisbon lies Belém, with its cobblestone streets, monuments, the Tagus River, and centuries of history on display like an open book for those who want to discover it. It is, without a doubt, a tourist epicenter and an essential place to visit, even if you’re only in Lisbon for a weekend.

To fully explore it, you’ll need to dedicate an entire day, especially if you want to enter its main monuments, listed below.

1. Monument to the Discoveries, a Tribute to a Glorious Past

The Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos in Portuguese) is located along the north bank of the Tagus River and is one of Portugal’s most important monuments.

The monument is shaped like a ship’s bow and adorned with sculptures of prominent figures from Portuguese navigation history.

Made of concrete, it stands 52 meters tall and was built in 1960 to commemorate the death of Henry the Navigator, a significant figure in the exploration of the New World.

2. Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Jerónimos Monastery is located in Plaza do Império, across from the Monument to the Discoveries. It was built by Henry the Navigator to provide refuge to pilgrims. Later, in 1501, it was expanded to serve as a resting place for royalty and as a church for adventurers embarking on journeys in the footsteps of Vasco da Gama.

Over time, it became a historical symbol of the success of Portuguese sailors and was eventually declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Today, in addition to continuing to serve as a religious center, the Jerónimos Monastery also hosts exhibitions from the National Archaeology Museum and the Maritime Museum.

Get the chance to admire this landmark by joining our Best of Lisbon City Tour, a half day excursion with transport that visits Belém, along with many special places in Lisbon.

3. Belém Tower, Among the Most Visited Places in Portugal

Belém Tower was originally built to protect the city from potential invaders arriving via the Tagus River. Situated on a small island along the river’s north bank, this fortress was commissioned by Manuel I between 1515 and 1520.

Today, Belém Tower is one of Portugal’s most visited monuments. You can enjoy a panoramic tour of Belém at sunset, followed by a traditional fado show with dinner, a great chance to experience Portugal’s culture and folklore.

4. Pastéis de Belém, the Original Custard Tarts

Pasteles De Belem

Although you’ll find imitations throughout Lisbon and Portugal, you can only taste the originals at the Pastéis de Belém Factory. These pastries are made with a recipe that has been as secret as the Coca-Cola formula since 1837.

The Pastéis de Belém are a delicacy originating from the monastery, where monks first started making them to raise funds to sustain their existence. Over time, the pastry production became more organized through an industrial process, but the original recipe was always preserved.

Today, all employees at the bakery must sign a contract committing not to reveal the pastries’ original recipe.

How to Get to Belém from Lisbon

The best way to get to Belém from Lisbon is by tram. You should take line E15 from the center of Lisbon (stations Praça da Figueira, Praça do Comércio, or Cais do Sodré). The journey takes about 30 minutes and ends in Belém, so you don’t need to worry about missing your stop.

The Lisbon Tourist Bus is particularly convenient for reaching Belém, as it has a special route that covers Belém with stops at its main monuments. Additionally, the 48-hour ticket allows you to tour Lisbon from a panoramic deck.

There are parts of Lisbon that the tourist bus doesn’t reach, like Alfama. Fortunately, you can easily explore that iconic neighborhood aboard the Lisbon tourist tram, which also passes through Graça, Bairro Alto, and Chiado.

Lisbon to Belém by Boat

The Yellow Boat River Tour on the Tagus River is another fun option and surely offers the best views. You can explore Lisbon from the perspective of sailing along the Tagus River, making the trip as many times as you want over 24 hours.

The departure is from Terreiro de Paço, very close to Praça do Comércio, and the boat will take you directly to Belém. Another advantage of using this boat is that you can ride the Santa Justa Elevator and other funiculars for free, as well as receive discounts on admission to Lisbon’s monuments.

On your trip to Lisbon, you will discover that it is a beautiful city inhabited by friendly people who take pride in their past and have optimism for the future. Visiting the capital of Portugal will delight all your senses, and to ensure you don’t miss anything, we invite you to explore all the options for tours and activities in Lisbon.