Belém is a must-visit riverfront neighborhood rich in monuments, museums, and manicured parklands. It was from these shores, where the Tagus River kisses the Atlantic Ocean, that many ships including explorer Vasco da Gama’s fleet in 1497, left to map the world during Portugal’s powerful Age of Discoveries.
History is just one reason why this flat, riverfront suburb is more than worth the detour to Lisbon’s western fringe. Besides seeing two of Portugal’s most important buildings marking that era, you should make a pilgrimage to eat the OG pastel de nata at a bakery open since 1837.
I live in Lisbon and think any first-timer’s itinerary should include at least half a day exploring Belém. History lovers can’t miss the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, or Monument to the Discoveries. Art lovers can pop into the CCB/CAM for modern and contemporary art, or walk along the waterfront to MAAT for super new-age expression. Then there are museums dedicated to gilded horse-drawn carriages, the big earthquake, and maritime history to name a few.
I’ll outline a basic half-day or full-day itinerary for Belém, then share a list of museums, galleries and extra things to do in Belém for you to make a day of it in Portugal’s capital.
At the bottom I’ve included where to stay in Belém, and if you’re looking for where to eat in Belém I have another article covering my favourite tried-and-tested restaurants in Belém.
Tip: Don’t go on a Monday. Most of the museums and monuments will be closed.
Half-day and full-day itinerary for Belém
⏱️ In a hurry? Here’s what I’d do if I only had a morning or afternoon:
- Start at the Jerónimos Monastery. Either enter the free church, or buy advance timed tickets for the cloisters.
- Pop into Pasteís de Belém to try the original custard tarts. The queues are organised chaos, so find the table queue (it moves fast with 400+ seats inside) or get takeaway and enjoy in one of the parks.
- Walk to the Discoveries Monument, a mammoth 1960s artwork that symbolises the discovery of the “new world” (of course we now know it had already been discovered by the people living there). Cross the park and you’ll find an underground walkway here to cross the railway line.
- Next to the monument is a great oyster truck, Ostras Sobre Rodas. Stop for fresh oysters from Setúbal and Portuguese wine!
- Continue to the Belém Tower, a 16th-century mini fortress in the river and a symbol of the city. It’s a little out of the way but very beautiful – there’s no need to buy tickets to enter.
Don’t want to walk? ➡️ Book this tuk-tuk tour instead. Belém is quite spread out – think 30+ minutes of walking between the iconic and classic sights I’ve listed above. My suggestion is to book the two-hour Belém Tour with João’s Journeys (I highly recommend!), and explore with a licensed guide in an electric tuk-tuk.
Or extend the fun and make it a full-day Belém itinerary.
- From the Belém Tower, walk along the waterfront back towards the red bridge/downtown. There are lots of pop-up bars and good vibes here, and you’ll pass the MAAT gallery.
- Close to the bridge pillar lies the LX Factory, an artsy hub that has taken over an old textiles factory. Inside find restaurants, afternoon happy hour, shops, artisans and cool street art.
- Or continue the fun with a daytime or sunset sailboat cruise from the Alcântara Docas. Think two hours on the river admiring the sights from the water with a glass of wine in hand. I recommend Enjoy Tagus, which offers both small-group tours tours and private charters.
➼ Want someone to shortcut your Portugal research? ➼ Talk to me – I offer 1:1 video calls and can plan your perfect Portugal itinerary. Find out more here.
For more details on monuments, museums and other things to do in Belém, Portugal, read on…
Should you get the Lisboa Card for Belém?
What is it? A 24-, 48- or 72-hour pass that gives you free access to 51 museums, free public transport, fast-track entry to some monuments, and discounts.
Is it worth it? Yes, but you need to plan ahead to get value.
Should I get it for Belém? I’ve done the maths for you. These are the 2025 prices.
A 24-hour Lisboa Card is €31 for adults.
- Jerónimos Monastery – €18
- Belém Tower – €15 (currently closed for restoration)
- Monument to the Discoveries – €10
- Public transport to and from Belém – €6.20
Grand total: €49.20 – so a saving of up to €18.20 with the Lisboa Card if you want to step inside the three top attractions (though the Belém Tower is currently shut).
If you really want to make the most of it, I think you could squeeze another 1-3 nearby sights in 24 hours – or get the 48-hour card for €51 and add Lisbon’s castle. Example of spots that are free with the Lisboa Card:
- Coach Museum, Belém – €15
- Ajuda National Palace – €15
- Treasure Museum, Ajuda – €11
- São Jorge Castle – €15
- Santa Justa Elevator, Baixa – €6
➡️ Buy your Lisboa Card here
Read next…. Where to eat in Belém: the best restaurants, snacks and bars
How to get to Belém from downtown Lisbon
Belém is a neighbourhood within Lisbon, and you can easily reach it in 15-45 minutes, depending on where you’re based in the city and your choice of transport. From downtown Lisbon (Baixa or Cais do Sodré) you can take the:
- Tram 15 – from Praça da Figueira, Praça do Comércio, Cais do Sodré or Santos. It’ll drop you in the heart of Belém, taking approx. 45 minutes with all the stops.
- Bus 728 – from Praça do Comércio. This is faster than the tram, taking around 25 minutes.
- Train – from Cais do Sodré it takes just 7 minutes.
- Uber, Bolt or taxi – about 15-20 minutes.
A nice alternative is a long, scenic walk along the river. The walk is really only scenic and gorgeous from the Alcântara Docas, near the LX Factory, so you could get off the tram, train or bus early and walk the flat waterfront for the half-hour from there – or return to the centre by foot until it gets ugly or your feet hurt.
Tip: To pronounce Belém right – the emphasis on the second vowel in the word with a very soft be to open and very soft m to end … “b-LEY-m”
Best things to see and do in Belém, Portugal
This neighbourhood is really Lisbon’s museums and monuments district. There’s a lot to see here, so I’ll outline the most important sights in Belém along with some more off-beat ideas that might align with your special interests. Vamos!
Jerónimos Monastery – commissioned by a king, funded by spices
Back in 1496, King Manuel I asked the Pope for permission to build a grand monastery close to where ships were departing for the “new world”. Some years after explorer Vasco da Gama discovered a sea route to India, he got his wish and in 1501 one of Portugal’s most important landmarks began construction. The 16th-century monastery is a masterpiece of Manueline architecture (Portugal’s symbolic answer to late gothic) and was funded thanks to the “pepper tax” – a 5% tax on profits from maritime trade with Africa and the East.
Before you pop into the UNESCO World Heritage site’s beautiful church, stop to admire the ornate facade. Look for the details carved into the limestone ropes, anchors, coral, sea monsters, exotic flora — they all symbolise Portugal’s far-reaching expeditions and discoveries. There are two queues and the church part is free to visit. inside you’ll find the tombs of Portugal’s most legendary figures: explorer Vasco da Gama and famous poet Luís de Camões.
You can also pay to enter the cloisters, which have a separate queue. Tickets are timed and you’ll want to buy ahead. If you’re short on time, just admire the extravagant outside and step into the grand church.
Closed: Mondays (plus January 1, Easter Sunday, May 1, June 13, December 25).
➡️ Buy tickets: Free with the Lisboa Card, or buy official entrance tickets here.
Torre de Belém (Belém Tower)
Jutting out into the Tagus River, the Torre de Belém is a postcard-perfect symbol of Lisbon and Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. Built in the 1500s, the UNESCO-listed fortress once guarded the entrance to Lisbon’s port, along with other defensive structures.
The five-storey limestone tower and hexagonal bastion is one of the best examples of Portugal’s Manueline architectural style. Admire the façade’s detail with carved ropes, nautical equipment, armillary spheres (celestial spheres), the cross of the Order of Christ and more. The lower level has 17 openings for cannons, and the dungeons below this first held gunpowder and from 1580 were used as a prison. This article has a great run-down of the tower’s history and symbols.
Fun fact: There’s a carved rhinoceros gargoyle on one of the watchtowers. Apparently a live rhino was gifted to the king and survived a four-month sea journey to Portugal, arriving at this tower in 1515 – the first in Europe since the Roman empire.
Visiting tip: Entrance to the Belém Tower is ticketed, but in all honesty it’s better from the outside – which is lucky as it is closed for restoration currently. I went inside in 2024 and while it is beautiful, you can see most of the details from the promenade and beach.
Plus, the landmark is not huge and the five storeys of tower are connected by a single-lane spiral staircase. There’s a traffic-light system to allow people up and down, but it gets slow. If you have the opportunity to enter, I recommend going at opening and making a B-line for the tower, exploring the bastion second.
Closed: Mondays (plus January 1, Easter Sunday, May 1, June 13, December 25).
Tickets: Currently closed for restoration, but the view from the outside is better anyway
➡️ Let a local bring these places to life with this top-rated Belém walking tour. The half-day tour includes skip-the-line entry to the monastery and coach museum, tarts and coffee at the famous bakery, and a taxi ride to the Belém Tower.
➡️ Don’t want to walk? ➡️ Book this tuk-tuk tour instead. Belém is quite spread out – think 30+ minutes of walking between the iconic and classic sights I’ve listed above. My suggestion is to book the two-hour Belém Tour with João’s Journeys (I highly recommend João!), and explore with a licensed guide in an electric tuk-tuk.
Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries)
This mammoth, 52-metre-high (170 ft) sculptural monument pays tribute to Portugal’s Age of Exploration. A temporary original was constructed for the World Fair, held in Portugal in 1940. Then in 1960 the monument was remade with limestone, steel and concrete to mark the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator (Infante Dom Henrique).
The building represents a caravel, the ship used in the Age of Discoveries, with Infante Dom Henrique (1394 – 1460) at the front. He was the driving force behind the discovery of Madeira in 1418, the Azores in 1427, and Cape Verde in 1444. Behind him are 32 important historical figures from the era including King Afonso V, Vasco da Gama, Pedro Álvares Cabral, and Fernão de Magalhães.
In front of the statue, the pavement of the square is made up of the Wind Rose, a gift from the Republic of South Africa. This huge compass, made of black and red limestone, is some 50 metres (164 ft) in diameter and it maps the routes taken during the Portuguese age of expansion
Visiting tip: There is a viewing platform at the top of the tower, accessed by elevator. You’ll get sweeping views over Belém, the Wind Rose, the river and the Abril de 25 bridge. It’s good for a couple of photos but not essential – there are better free viewpoints in Lisbon.
Bonus tip: Next to the monument is a great oyster truck – Ostras Sobre Rodas. Sit with a view while slurping back local oysters from Setúbal paired with Portuguese wine! More ideas for where to eat in Belém here.
Closed: January 1, May 1, December 24, 25 & 31.
Tickets: Free with Lisboa Card – temporarily closed
Pastéis de Belém
Every day thousands of pilgrims trek out to Belém to worship at the altar of the Manueline-style Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and the counters of Pastéis de Belém. Open since 1837, this pasteleria is the spiritual homeland of the pastel de nata – although they tend to get a bit tetchy if you say pastel de nata instead of pastel de Belém. The recipe comes from the neighbouring monastery and is a very tightly guarded secret. Despite this, the bakers here make 20,000+ tarts every day.
I find the custard of a pastel de Belém is more savoury and eggy than others in Lisbon, and the pastry is super crunchy – it flakes off in huge crispy wisps. It’s a must-try.
Tip: You’ll spot the queues first – but don’t panic, this isn’t a tourist trap. There are three lines – two for takeaway and one for dine-in. Enter through the middle doors to find the queue for a table. It moves fast and soon you’ll be seated in one of the many tile-clad rooms. Everything they bake seems to be fantastic. Start with an imperial (beer) and empada de pato (duck pie) and finish with a pastel de nata and café (espresso).
Looking for lunch? Where to eat in Belém: the best restaurants, snacks and bars
Best museums and galleries in Belém
Belém is more than grand monuments and flaky custard tarts. You’ll find a handful of top galleries and museums – ideal for lovers of history, art, or those in Lisbon on a rainy day. Here’s what’s worth popping into.
Museu Nacional dos Coches (National Coach Museum)
A museum full of royal carriages – think gilded, over-the-top coaches that feel like something straight out of a fairytale.
Closed: There are two parts to the museum, and one is closed Mondays the other is closed Tuesdays. Also closed January 1, May 1, Easter Sunday, June 13, December 24 & 25.
Tickets: Free with the Lisboa Card, or buy official entry tickets here.
MAC/CCB – Museu de Arte Contemporânea & Centro Cultural de Belém
This mega, modern cultural complex includes rotating art exhibitions at MAC, regular concerts, plus little stores and cafés. It’s a creative precinct within the area. The main draw is the gallery, which has a solid walkthrough of 20th-century art movements.
Closed: Mondays
➡️ Buy tickets: At the museum – 20% off for Lisboa Card.
Sunday market – Every first and third Sunday of the month an antiques and artisans market pops up in the garden in front of the monastery in Jardim Vasco da Gama. The Feira de Antiguidades, Velharias e Artesanato de Belém runs from 9am – 5pm in winter, and until 7pm in summer.
Quake – Earthquake Museum
Relive Lisbon’s most dramatic events: the 1755 earthquake. Quake is an interactive museum that takes visitors back in time on a 90-minute tour through 10 immersive rooms. I’ve visited, and while it was fun to explore history and science in this way, I’d say it’s a strong museum for families.
Closed: Tuesdays, plus January 1, May 1, December 24, 25 & 31.
Tickets: Buy official tickets here.
MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology
Modern MAAT hugs the river in a sleek, wave-like building – and within you’ll find rotating contemporary exhibitions. There’s a second part to the gallery, set within the neighbouring historic powerhouse, and even if you don’t go inside, walk across the rooftop for epic views.
Closed: Tuesdays, plus January 1, May 1, December 24, 25 & 31.
➡️ Buy tickets: Buy official tickets here.
Maritime Museum (Museu de Marinha)
Set within the long hall of the Jerónimos Monastery, this museum is filled with old maps and beautifully preserved model ships and shares details of Portugal’s glory days at sea.
Closed: Only January 1, Easter Sunday, May 1, December 25.
Tickets: At the entrance.
Folk Art Museum (Museu de Arte Popular)
This lesser-known gallery exhibits traditional ceramics, textiles, costumes, and everyday objects of Portugal. Right now there is an excellent exhibition on Portuguese basketry.
Closed: Monday and Tuesday, January 1, Easter Sunday, May 1, June 13, December 25.
➡️ Buy tickets: Buy official tickets online here.
Palace & Museum of the Presidency (Museu da Presidência)
Portugal’s president lives in the pink Palácio Nacional de Belém, and while you can’t enter his home you can explore the former coach house. The museum takes you on a journey through the history of Portugal’s republic, with details about the lives and legacies of its leaders.
Bonus tip: There’s a symbolic Changing of the Guard ceremony outside the palace on the third Sunday of each month at 11am. It’s a beautiful military ceremony with 160 cavalry including a band that play on horseback.
Closed: Currently closed to the public for renovations.
Tickets: At the entrance.
Tropical Botanical Garden
This quiet garden is a bit of a forgotten world. Different from the expansive manicured gardens of Belém, you’ll find overgrown paths, towering palms, and peacocks wandering between plants collected from former Portuguese colonies. A peaceful, wild escape from the crowds.
Closed: Mondays and public holidays
Tickets: At the gate.
More cool things to do near Belém
Neighbouring Belém are the charming, more local suburbs of Ajuda and Alcântara. Both have a handful of top sights and museums worth adding to your day.
LX Factory
A short walk (or scooter ride) from the main Belém strip, this artsy hub is housed in a former textiles factory. Think boutique shops, one of the world’s coolest bookshops, rooftop bars, artisan markets, and street art galore. An ideal spot for late afternoon snacks, shopping, or a pre-dinner drink.
Read next… Local’s guide to the LX Factory, Lisbon’s creative micro neighbourhood
Sailboat river cruise
A sailboat cruise along the Tagus River is one of Lisbon’s most magical experiences. You’ll drift past Lisbon’s famous landmarks, including the Belém Tower, the Discoveries Monument, and under the Abril de 25 Bridge as you venture towards downtown’s Praça do Comércio. It’s even better at sunset when golden light casts its glow across the skyline.
Most cruises last about two hours and include a glass of wine or two, with options ranging from relaxed small-group sails to private romantic charters. I’ve created a guide to the best boat tours in Lisbon here. TL;DR – Enjoy Tagus is a personal favourite who do small-group or private charters with maximum 10 guests from the docks in Alcântara (near the bridge). Or try Lisbon By Boat which leaves from the docks at Belém, close to the Discoveries Monument.
Read next… Best boat tours in Lisbon
Portuguese School of Equestrian Art
Just around the corner lies the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art. You can watch morning training sessions at the Henrique Calado Riding Ring on Calçada da Ajuda, where you’ll see riders in 18th-century costume work with beautiful Lusitano horses. The school also hosts performances, where choreography showcases the grace and discipline of classical dressage.
Closed: Weekends
➡️ Buy tickets: Book tickets here – session is 11am-1pm.
Ajuda Palace (Palácio Nacional da Ajuda)
A little uphill from Belém, the grand Ajuda Palace was once home to Portugal’s royals. Inside it’s a time capsule of 19th-century opulence – think velvet walls, chandeliers, a dramatic dining room. It’s surprisingly much quieter than other Lisbon sights – great if you love a bit of grandeur without the crowds.
Closed: Wednesdays, plus January 1, Easter Sunday, May 1, June 13, December 25.
Tickets: Book official tickets here, or it’s free with the Lisboa Card
Royal Treasure Museum (Museu do Tesouro Real)
Next door to the palace, the recently opened Royal Treasure Museum is filled with beautiful shiny objects. The royal family never finished the palace, so this modern, high-security vault on the back end is an ideal spot to showcases Portugal’s royal jewels and gold pieces.
Closed: Only December 25 an January 1.
➡️ Buy tickets: Book official tickets here, or it’s free with the Lisboa Card
MACAM – Museu de Arte Contemporânea Armando Martins
MACAM opened in March 2025 within a restored 18th-century palace. This private gallery showcases more than 600 works from collector Armando Martins. Plus, you can stay at the 5-star hotel above for a stay with art.
Closed: Tuesdays, plus January 1, Easter Sunday, May 1 and December 25.
➡️ Buy tickets: Book tickets here
Where to stay in Belém
By day Belém is very busy, but by night it’s a calm residential area to stay in. There are a select number of hotels, either set in historic renovated palaces, or luxurious new builds with rooftop views.
Altis Belem Hotel & Spa
Set right on the riverfront, the sleek and modern 5-star Altis Belem Hotel & Spa offers a quiet stay by the water. Within you’ll find the Michelin-starred Feitoria restaurant, indoor and outdoor pools (including one on the rooftop), a spa and a sun deck. Ideal to wake up somewhere peaceful yet in the heart of it.
➡️ Book Altis Belem Hotel & Spa
Palácio do Governador
This historic 5-star hotel sits within the former 16th-century Governor’s Palace, which was built above Roman ruins. All this history is on display in the common spaces, and the luxurious, recently renovated rooms make a solid base in Belém.
Geronimo Guest House Belém
For a more homely touch, the unique Geronimo Guest House in Belém has just six suites that share a beautiful sun terrace, leafy garden, and open-air bath. There’s also a yoga and fitness studio and you’ll stay on a quiet residential street.
Wine & Books Lisboa Hotel
Up the hill a little bit in the Ajuda neighbourhood, the chic 5-star Wine & Books Lisboa hotel is a modern hotel with a unique spin.
Famous Crows Lisbon Suites
A great budget-friendly option is the top-rated Famous Crows Lisbon Suites, which is on the main drag of Belém. Breakfast is not included here – which is no problem as the famous Pastéeis de Belém bakery is right next door.
➡️ Book Famous Crows Lisbon Suites
Hyatt Regency Lisbon
Closer to Alcântara, the 5-star Hyatt Regency Lisbon has large rooms and wonderful views over the bridge and river from the rooftop bar. From here it’s a flat 15-minute walk to Belém in one direction, or the LX Factory in the other.
➡️ Book the Hyatt Regency Lisbon
Pestana Palace Lisboa Hotel & National Monument
Feel like royalty when you stay at the 5-star Pestana Palace Hotel tucked in the backstreets of leafy Alcântara. The hotel is set around a restored 19th-century palace with private parklands, two pools, a sauna and wellness centre.
➡️ Book the Pestana Palace Hotel
That’s my guide to the best thing to do in Belém, one of the most important neighbourhoods in Portugal’s capital. Did you find this useful? Leave me a comment!
Keep reading…
- How to spend 48 hours in Lisbon
- Where to eat in Belém
- Local’s guide to Lisbon’s best restaurants: 41 great places to eat (2025)
- Where to find the best Portuguese street food and snacks in Lisbon
- Best places to eat octopus in Lisbon
- Lisbon restaurants open Sunday and Monday
- 13 best day trips from Lisbon
