Belém district in Lisbon
Belém is a charming district of Lisbon, located on the banks of the Tagus. It was here that Portuguese sailors set off on their incredible discoveries centuries ago. Today, Belém is a popular tourist spot for its historical monuments, gardens and museums. But it is also a great place to walk, relax and enjoy the famous “Pasteis de Belem”. There is so much to see and do, you will never be bored! 
Guided tour of Belém and Lisbon
Do you want to discover Lisbon from a different angle? The Belém district is a must for all history and culture lovers. The English-speaking guided tours will take you to the hidden corners of this historic district while entertaining you with amusing anecdotes about the Portuguese Golden Age. Whether you prefer to walk, take the bus, ride a Segway or an electric bike, there is a tour for you.
You can also opt for thematic tours to discover the best views of the city, taste the local cuisine, listen to live Fado and learn new things. Discover Belém in a fun and original way with this selection of the best English-speaking guided tours below.
How to get to Belém?
There are several ways to get to Belém, a historic district of Lisbon, using public transport.
- The bus is one of the most convenient ways to get to Belém. Lines 15E, 28E, 30E and 714 pass through Belém and serve the main tourist sites such as the Hieronymites Monastery and the Tower of Belém. It is important to note that the 15E bus is an electric bus and offers a panoramic view of the Tagus. It is advisable to check the bus timetable before setting off as it can vary depending on the season.
- The Lisbon metro is also a fast and efficient way to get to Belém. The red metro line (Linha Vermelha) runs from Santa Apolónia station to Belém via Alameda, Restauradores and Belém stations. It is advisable to get off at Belém station to visit the main tourist sites.
- Another popular way to get to Belém is by tram. Line 15E (Tram E) connects Praça da Figueira with Belém, passing by the main sights such as the Hieronymites Monastery and the Tower of Belém. It is advisable to check the tram timetable before setting off as it may vary according to the season.
- Tuk-tuks are also available to get to Belém, they are convenient for short journeys but can be more expensive than a bus or metro.
- Finally, taxis are a convenient option for getting to Belém, but can be expensive. It is advisable to check the fare before getting into a taxi and make sure the meter is on.
It is important to note that Belém is also accessible on foot from the centre of Lisbon via the Passeio das Tágides, a walk along the Tagus River that offers a great view of the Hieronymites Monastery and the Tower of Belém.
Visits and activities in the Belém district ?
Hieronymites Monastery
The Hieronymites Monastery, also known as Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, is a must-see for all lovers of architecture and history. This magnificent Gothic building was built in the early 16th century to celebrate the great Portuguese maritime discoveries and to honour the most famous navigators, such as Vasco da Gama. The Hieronymite Monastery is a true architectural masterpiece, with pointed arches, delicately decorated columns and hand-carved capitals.
The cloister, in particular, is a jewel of Manueline architecture, with pointed arches and delicately decorated white marble pillars. The monastery also houses many tombs of famous navigators, such as Vasco da Gama, as well as frescoes and paintings that tell the story of the great Portuguese maritime discoveries. The Hieronymites Monastery is also an active place of worship and houses a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
It is possible to participate in the masses and religious services that are celebrated there throughout the week. The Hieronymites Monastery is also an active place of worship and has a church dedicated to the Virgin Mary. It is possible to participate in the masses and religious services held there throughout the week.
The Tower of Belém
The Belem Tower is a must-see if you visit Lisbon. This fortified tower was built in the 16th century to protect Lisbon from enemy invasions by sea. It is a symbol of the golden age of Portuguese maritime discovery.
The Tower of Belém is an architectural masterpiece, with pointed arches, delicate designs and coats of arms in relief adorning the outer walls. It is also rich in symbols related to the time of its construction, such as the royal coat of arms and motifs inspired by Manueline art. It is an example of the military architecture of the time. When visiting the Belem Tower, you can walk around the different floors and discover the different exhibitions on display.
You can also climb to the top of the tower to enjoy a breathtaking view of the Tagus and the city.
Padrão dos Descobrimentos
It is a must-see place in the Belém district, where you can discover one of the most important symbols of the golden age of Portuguese maritime discovery. The Padrão dos Descobrimentos, or Monument of the Discoveries, is another must-see for history and architecture lovers. It was built in the 20th century to celebrate the great Portuguese maritime discoveries and the most famous navigators of the time, such as Vasco da Gama and Prince Henry the Navigator.
The Padrão dos Descobrimentos is an imposing building, located on the banks of the Tagus River, with panoramic views over the river and the city. It is designed like a ship, with a figurehead of Christopher Columbus at the top, symbolising the leadership and inspiration of the Portuguese navigators. The monument is also decorated with statues of famous navigators and decorative motifs related to the history of maritime discoveries.
By visiting the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, you can learn more about the history of Portuguese maritime discoveries, with interactive exhibits that trace the history of the navigators and discoveries. You can also climb to the top for a breathtaking view of the Tagus River and the city, as well as to admire the statues of famous navigators that adorn the monument. The Padrão dos Descobrimentos is a must-see for all lovers of history and architecture, where you can discover one of the most important symbols of the golden age of Portuguese maritime discovery.
It is located in front of the Belem Tower and can be reached on foot from the Hieronymites Monastery. It is also accessible by public transport, with many bus lines.
National Coach Museum
The National Coach Museum is a must for history and heritage lovers. It is housed in the Belém Palace, which was once the official residence of the kings of Portugal. It houses a collection of royal carriages that have been used by the Portuguese royal family over the centuries.
Visitors can discover the various carriages on display, all of which are of great historical and artistic value. The carriages are adorned with gilding, paintings and delicate designs, some of them even dating back to the 18th century. Visitors can learn about the history and uses of the carriages, as well as the different eras in which they were used.
While visiting the museum, you can also discover the other collections of the Belém Palace, which also houses exhibitions on the history of the Portuguese royal family and life at court. The palace is a must-see for all lovers of history and architecture. The Royal Coach Museum can be visited with a guide or on your own.
National Museum of Azulejos
The National Museum of Azulejos is a unique place to discover Portuguese history and culture. It is housed in the Convent of the Madres de Deus, a historic building built in the 16th century. It houses the largest collection of Portuguese azulejos, colourful decorative tiles that have been used for centuries to decorate the walls and ceilings of buildings.
Visitors can discover the different periods and styles of tiles on display, ranging from Manueline tiles to tiles from the 19th and 20th centuries. The tiles are adorned with delicate patterns, paintings and designs that tell the story of Portuguese history, culture and beliefs. Visitors can also learn about the techniques used to make and lay the tiles. While visiting the museum, you can also discover the other collections of the Convent of the Madres de Deus, which also houses exhibitions on monastic history and life.
Botanical Garden of Belém
The Botanical Garden of Belém is a place of relaxation and discovery for all nature lovers. It is located in the Belém area, in the Discovery Park, and houses a wide variety of plants and flowers from all continents, with a large collection of exotic and rare plants.
The Botanical Garden of Belém is an ideal place for nature lovers, families and botany enthusiasts. It houses thematic gardens, flowerbeds, greenhouses, ponds and walking paths that allow visitors to discover the planet’s biodiversity. Visitors can also discover the different species of plants, thematic gardens, flowerbeds, greenhouses, ponds and walking paths. The Botanical Garden of Belém is open every day except Monday.
It is accessible by public transport or by car. It is also an ideal place for nature lovers, families and botany enthusiasts. It is a place where visitors of all ages can relax and enjoy nature.
Where to eat in Belém
The Belém district is famous for its rich and tasty gastronomy, which reflects the culinary influences of Portuguese history and culture. Visitors can enjoy traditional dishes such as the famous Pastel de Belém, a cake made with puff pastry and cream, or Cozido à Portuguesa, a steamed meat and vegetable dish.
For fish and seafood lovers, there are a variety of fresh fish dishes such as grilled sardines, cockles in cream sauce or fish caldeiradas. For meat lovers, there are dishes such as Leitão assado in Bairrada, a pork dish baked in the oven and served with potatoes. To accompany these dishes, visitors can taste local wines from the Lisboa region, such as Bairrada, Dão or Colares. Here is a list of the top 5 restaurants in the Belém district:
- Pastelaria de Belém – Rua de Belém 84-92, 1300-085 Lisboa, Portugal
- Restaurante Vistro – Rua de Belém, 79C, 1300-085 Lisboa, Portugal
- Adega do Teixeira – Rua de Belém, 81, 1300-085 Lisboa, Portugal
- O Fiel Torreão – Praça do Império, 1449-003 Lisboa, Portugal
- Osta do Bacalhau – Rua da Fábrica Nacional de Cervejas, 1349-022 Lisboa, Portugal
Belém: best hotels
The Belém district has a wide selection of hotels, ranging from luxury to budget hotels, to meet the needs of all visitors. The hotels in Belém are characterised by their privileged location, historical architecture and attentive service.
Here is a list of the top 5 hotels in the Belem district:
- Hotel Lisboa Plaza – Rua das Janelas Verdes, 1249-017 Lisboa, Portugal – This luxury hotel is located in a historic building and has a stunning view of the Tagus River. It offers spacious rooms, attentive service and an outdoor pool.
- Hotel Altis Belém – Doca do Bom Sucesso, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal – This luxury hotel is located in a modern building and has a breathtaking view of the Tagus River. It offers elegant rooms, attentive service and a spa.
- Hotel Jeronimos 8 – Rua dos Jerónimos, 1400-207 Lisboa, Portugal – This luxury hotel is located in a historic building and has a breathtaking view of the Hieronymites Monastery. It offers elegant rooms, attentive service and an outdoor pool.
- Hotel Real Palacio – Rua das Portas de Santo Antão, 1100-471 Lisboa, Portugal – This luxury hotel is located in a historic building and has a breathtaking view of the Hieronymites Monastery. It offers elegant rooms, attentive service and a spa.
- Hotel Casa do Alentejo – Rua Portas de Santo Antão, 1100-471 Lisboa, Portugal – This charming hotel is located in a historic building and has a breathtaking view of the Hieronymites Monastery. It offers comfortable rooms, attentive service and a buffet breakfast.
The architecture of Belém
The Belém district is known for its rich and varied architecture that reflects Portuguese history and culture. It is home to historic buildings from different periods, ranging from the medieval era to the 20th century, which bear witness to the evolution of Portuguese architecture. The most emblematic buildings in Belém are built in the Manueline aesthetic, an architectural style that emerged in Portugal during the period of the Great Maritime Discoveries.
The Hieronymites Monastery, the Tower of Belém, the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, the Palace of Belém and the Botanical Garden of Belém are all examples of this architectural aesthetic. One can also discover modernist buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, such as the Royal Coach Museum and the National Museum of Azulejos, which bear witness to the international influences that began to affect Portuguese architecture at that time.
Walking through the streets of Belém, one can also discover traditional azulejo houses, buildings from the colonial era as well as modern buildings that blend harmoniously into the urban landscape. All in all, the Belém district offers a wide variety of architecture to discover, ranging from historical buildings to modern constructions, which allow one to discover the evolution of Portuguese architecture over the centuries.
