22 fantastic things to do in Belém Lisbon 

Whether you’re visiting Lisbon, Portugal, for the first time or have been to Belém many times before, you’ll keep coming back to this place with so many sights! The neighbourhood is located in the western part of the city, and you can reach it by train in less than 10 minutes from central Lisbon.

Belém is known for the Jerónimos Monastery, the famous landmark from which the pastel de nata originates. Other highlights include the Belém Tower and the Monument of the Discoveries. Most sights are located directly on the shores of the Tagus River, and you can finalise your day with a sailing trip on the water.

As as Lisbon local, I often visit Belém, Lisbon. I love the museums, but also the tropical botanical garden and many parks. I’ve also photographed countless families and couples at the famous landmarks, including engagement shoots.

In this Lisbon travel guide, I will highlight the best sights in Belém so you can easily make plans for your Belém itinerary. I recommend at least half a day, but you’ll notice pretty quickly that you can spend a whole day discovering many things to do in Belém!

There are fun activities for families, but Belém is also fantastic if you love history and architecture! And how about trying the original pastéis de nata? The district is simply not to be missed, and I will highlight some lesser-known places as well. And, of course, some restaurant recommendations!

Discover the best things to do in Belém, Lisbon

1. Belém Tower

The Belém Tower is one of Lisbon’s most famous landmarks. Once a fortification on the shores of the river Tagus, it’s now one of the most visited sights in Belém. Torre de Belém was built between 1516 and 1519, and it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983. 

Your ticket gives you access to the bastion and the tower during your visit. A ticket to enter Torre de Belém costs € 15,00 per person. It’s open from Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Monday and holidays) from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM, and the last entry is at 5:30 PM.

3. Monument to the Discoveries

The Monument to the Discoveries, or Padrão dos Descobrimentos in Portuguese, is a monument on the shores of the Tagus River. It was designed in 1940 as part of the Portuguese World Exhibition to commemorate the Portuguese Age of Discoveries. 

The 1940 structure was a temporary monument, and it was reconstructed in 1960. That was the time when Infante Dom Henrique (Prince Henry the Navigator) passed away 500 years ago. The monument has a viewpoint, and from the top, you have a stunning view over Belém and the river Tagus.

Entrance price to the Monument to the Discoveries:

• The ticket costs € 10,00 for the exhibition, viewpoint and film – the exhibition only costs € 5,00
• Children from 13 to 25 years old pay € 5,00 
• Free for children under 12 years old
• Free with the Lisboa Card

4. The Tropical Botanical Gardens in Belém

Close to Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and behind Pastéis de Belém, you can visit the Tropical Botanical Gardens in Belém. It’s an oasis of peace with plenty of peacocks roaming the grounds. If you’re looking for a quiet spot and some shade during the busy summer months, this is the place to be!

The garden was created in 1906, and the size is about 5 hectares. The park is a National Monument, and since 2015, it’s been part of the University of Lisbon. You’ll spot plants from different continents, mostly of tropical or subtropical origin, and species from Portugal’s former colonies. Back in 1906, the garden was called the Colonial Garden, which was later changed to the Tropical Garden

The garden features some tile panels and busts, which were included in the Portuguese World Exhibition in 1940. You can also see the marble sculptures by Giuseppe Mazzuoli and Bernardino Ludovici at Calheta Palace.

Opening hours:

• The Botanical Garden is open daily apart from Christmas and New Year.
• Winter time: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Summertime: 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM
• Last admission: half an hour before the garden closes
• Free access on Sundays from 10:00 to 13:00

6. Monument to the Overseas Combatants

The Monument to the Overseas Combatants (Monumento aos Combatentes) is located between the Torre de Belém and the Bom Success Fortress. The monument is a tribute to those who risked their lives for their country. However, the Monumento aos Combatentes do Ultramar was created explicitly to address the losses suffered in the Portuguese Colonial War.

More than 9,000 Portuguese soldiers lost their lives during the Overseas War between 1961 to 1974. This war caused some significant changes politically. The public went against fascist leader Antonio de Oliveira Salazar and ended up in the 1974 military coup. The monument is a reminder of what war costs on a human level and stands for peace.

In front of the monument, you will see the armed guards that watch over the eternal flame. On the 180 bronze plates, you’ll see the names of the soldiers who lost their lives in the Portuguese Colonial War. The monument is free to visit and open all day long. In Forte de Bom Sucesso, you’ll learn more about the dark history of Portuguese conflicts and the Overseas War.

7. Bom Sucesso Fortress

Behind the monument, you can visit the Bom Sucesso Fortress. It’s a pretty small museum, but a recommendation if you’d like to learn more about Portuguese history and the former colonies. The museum is located in a fort that was built in the 1780s.

There are several exhibitions about different wars. The museum is open daily between 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM, and tickets are available from € 5,00 for adults and € 3,00 for kids (2022 prices). Children under 5 years of age can enter for free.

Hire me as your photographer in Belém!

I have photographed many people in Belém over the years! It’s a popular spot for a surprise proposal but also fun for families, solo travellers and couples! Learn more about the photoshoots in Lisbon, or contact me for availability.

8. Big Raccoon by Bordalo II

Scattered all over Lisbon and other cities worldwide, you’ll discover unique works of art by Bordalo II. In Belém, you’ll spot the big raccoon on the side of a building. Artur Bordalo’s work is always colourful, and if you look closely, you’ll spot everyday objects in his pieces. His works question the materialistic and greedy society with the continuous use of “garbage”.

9. Vasco da Gama Aquarium

There is also an amazing place for kids in Belém, and their highlight will most likely be the Vasco da Gama Aquarium. Here, you will discover many unique species, including tropical marine fauna and Portuguese marine and freshwater species.

Tickets are € 6,00 for adults and € 3,00 for children between 4 and 12. The Lisboa Card provides a 20% discount.

10. Jardim da Praça do Império

Belém also has some beautiful public parks, and Jardim da Praça do Império is in the heart of the district. The Empire Square and Imperial Garden are located between the Belém Cultural Centre (Centro Cultural de Belém) and the Tagus River.

There are many benches to rest on, and in spring, the park has many colourful trees. You will also find some fountains, and through Garden Vasco da Gama, you’ll reach the Garden of Afonso de Albuquerque. A lovely place for a stroll or a rest!

11. Belém Palace

The National Palace of Belém is the official residence of the President of the Portuguese Republic. It was also the former royal residence of the Portuguese Royal Family. The pink complex consists of several buildings.

In Palácio de Belém, you’ll learn more about the Portuguese Republic, the President, and national symbols. Several exhibitions contain paintings, sculptures, and tapestries. It’s recommended to join the English tour, which will explain more about Portuguese history. You’ll also visit the Sala das Bicas, the Golden Room, the Empire Room, and the Chapel.

Opening hours:

• Closed on Mondays, January 1st, Easter Sunday, May 1st, and Christmas
• December 24th and 25th
• Tuesday to Friday: from 10 AM until 6 PM
• Saturday and Sunday: from 10 AM until 1 PM and from 2 PM until 6 PM

12. Ajuda Palace

As the name already suggests, Palácio Nacional da Ajuda is in Ajuda, but I will still include it here as it’s so close! The Ajuda Palace is one of my favourite palaces in Lisbon! The Portuguese Royal Family used to live here until they fled to Brazil because of the French invasion.

You’ll visit many rooms inside the palace and the amount of details is mesmerising! From the wall decor to furniture and the floors and ceilings. You can combine your visit with the Jardim Botânico da Ajuda, the botanical garden in Ajuda.

Tickets for Ajuda National Palace are € 15,00 per person and € 7,50 for seniors and children between 13 and 24. Entry is free with the Lisboa Card.

13. Sunset sailing tour on the Tagus River

To end your day full of activities in Belém, Lisbon, there is no better way than to finish it with a boat tour on the river Tagus! With a drink of choice, you’ll sail along Lisbon’s coast.

You get the best viewpoint over the city, Cacilhas, and the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge. The sun will slowly sink into the ocean, and after a couple of hours, the sailing trip will end in Belém.

14. Baja Bikes cycling tour

A fun and active way to explore Belém and Lisbon is by bike! A bike tour is a great way to combine a day in Belém, and the guides tell you loads of interesting facts along the way! Depending on your departure time, Baja Bikes offers fabulous tours from Belém to Lisbon’s city centre and vice versa.

The Highlights Tour leaves in the morning from Marques de Pombal to Belém. In the afternoon, it returns to the city centre, and the bike tour is a little shorter. The Private Tour is perfect if you want to create a tour and schedule your own terms.

Museums in Belém

Belém is THE place to visit museums, and you can easily spend a rainy afternoon in one of these many places. From art to history, there is something interesting for everyone! Let’s take a closer look.

15. Contemporary Art Museum – Centro Cultural de Belém

Art lovers should not miss visiting the Contemporary Art Museum – Centro Cultural de Belém (formerly the Berardo Collection Museum). The collection consists of modern and contemporary art devised over several exhibitions. Want to see what’s on today? Check it out here. 

16. MAAT, Museum of Art Architecture and Technology

MAAT is one of my favourite museums in Belém! Museu de Arte, Arquitetura e Tecnologia is another art museum with temporary exhibitions. The museum consists of two buildings; the modern and newly built complex and Central Tejo, the iconic repurposed power station along the river Tagus.

At MAAT, you can enjoy modern art exhibitions that change regularly. The contemporary building was built by British architect Amanda Levete. At Central Tejo, you can see the heavy machinery that used to operate in the former power plant, and kids will love this museum, too!

Opening times MAAT:

• Wednesday to Monday from 10 AM till 7 PM
• Closed on Tuesdays, January 1st, May 1st, Christmas and New Year

Tickets for MAAT:

• The tickets to visit Central Tejo + MAAT cost € 11,00 per person
• Teenagers (12+), Students, 65+ have reduced access for € 8,00 per person
• Children under 12 can visit MAAT for free
• The first Sunday of every month is also free for the general public (10 AM until 1 PM)
• With the Lisboa Card, you get a 15% discount

17. National Coach Museum

The Museu Nacional dos Coches (National Coach Museum in English) hosts an impressive collection of royal coaches. It was even the first coach museum in the world! Here, you’ll discover horse-drawn carriages from the 17th until the 19th century. The building is already worth a visit as it’s located in a former riding school.

Queen Amélia of Orleans and Bragança inaugurated the museum in 1905. The collection consists of vehicles belonging to former royals and other prominent figures. There is a horse-drawn carriage that once belonged to Philip II of Spain and even one that Pope Clement XI used.

The Royal Riding School used to be part of the Royal Palace of Belém, consisting of the old riding school and a new building. The new facility hosts permanent and temporary exhibitions, and there is a space for the conservation and restoration of vehicles. 

Opening times Museu Nacional dos Coches:

• Tuesday to Sunday: 10 AM until 6 PM – last admission 5:30 PM
• Closed on Mondays, January 1st, May 1st, Easter Sunday, June 13th, and December 24th and 25th

18. Lisbon Quake Museum

Lisbon Quake Museum is an immersive experience that takes you back to 1755. You’ll witness one of Europe’s most damaging earthquakes, which destroyed most of the centre of Lisbon. During this experience, you’ll learn about the history and science of earthquakes and walk Lisbon’s streets like it’s 1755 again.

Opening times:

• Daily from 10 AM until 6 PM. 

Entrance to the Lisbon Quake Museum:

• From €22.50 per person

19. Popular Art Museum + National Ethnology Museum

The Popular Art Museum is part of the ethnology museum in Belém. It’s worth a visit if you’re interested in folk and Portuguese history. Museu de Arte Popular, or the Folk Art Museum, has mostly temporary exhibitions, whereas the National Ethnology Museum hosts the permanent collection.

The National Ethnology Museum is located on Av. da Ilha da Madeira, whereas the Popular Art Museum is located along the shores of the river Tagus, close to the monument Padrão dos Descobrimentos. 

Opening times Popular Art Museum:

• Monday and Tuesday closed
• Wednesday to Friday: 10 AM to 6 PM
• Saturday and Sunday: 10 AM till 1 PM and 2 PM till 6 PM

Opening times National Ethnology Museum:

• Closed on Mondays
• Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM till 8 PM
• Closed on January 1st, May 1st, Christmas and New Year

Ticket prices:

• A ticket for the National Ethnology Museum costs € 5,00
• The Popular Art Museum entrance is € 5,00

20. The National Archaeological Museum

The National Archeology Museum, or Museu Nacional de Arqueologia, is the largest archaeological museum in Portugal. It is located next to Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and was created in 1893. The museum hosts permanent and temporary exhibitions.

The permanent exhibition covers more than five thousand years of history, from prehistory to Egyptian civilisation and the Greco-Roman Period. It displays a wide range of jewellery, Roman mosaics, glassware, ethnography, and metalwork 

• Opening hours: CLOSED UNTIL 2025

21. Museu de Marinha

The Museu de Marinha is the Navy Museum in Lisbon, and here, you’ll learn more about the Portuguese navigators and the World of Discoveries. King Luís founded the Navy Museum in 1863, and it’s located at the Jerónimos Monastery. The collection holds over 23,000 pieces, including navigational instruments, boat models, and replicas.

Opening hours of the Maritime Museum:

• Daily from 10 AM until 5 PM

Ticket prices:

• Children Free until (age): 3
• Children: € 4,00
• Adult: € 8,00
• Family: € 21,00
• Senior: € 4,00
• With the Lisboa Card, you get a 20% discount

22. Navy Planetarium

The Navy Planetarium is located behind the Jerónimos Monastery, and here, the world of astronomical science opens for you. You’ll learn about the cosmos’ mysteries, and an educational program is available for young children.

• Opening hours:
• Closed on Mondays, January 1st, Easter Sunday, May 1st, and December 25th
• Tuesday to Friday: 09:30 AM until 12 PM | 1:30 PM until 4 PM
• Saturday and Sunday: 10 AM until 12 PM| 1:30 PM until 4:30 PM

• Tickets prices:
• Standard tickets € 7,00 per person
• Children up until 17 years of age € 3,50
• Free for children under 12
• On the 1st Sunday of each month, the general public gets a 50% discount

Where to eat in Belém?

By now, you must be ready for a nice meal! Thankfully, Belém has a wide variety of places to eat. And not just Pastéis de Belém 😉

Miolo

Miolo is an excellent place for breakfast and lunch! Not only will you enjoy fun and colourful decor, but you’ll also love the food just as much!

Adega de Belém

Are you looking to end the day with a tasty Portuguese meal? Then Adega de Belém is the play to be. The restaurant has authentic decor, and there is plenty of meat and fish on the menu. It’s the perfect place for an affordable, traditional and easy meal.

Nosolo Italia

For an easy meal with your family, a visit to Nosolo Italia is perfect. They serve fabulous pizza, and the ice cream is fantastic! On top, you’ll enjoy a beautiful view over the river Tagus.

Feitoria

For an exquisite dining experience, Feitoria is the place to be. You can choose between 7 or 9 courses with matching wines. Dinner at Feitoria is an experience you won’t forget!

How much time do I need in Belém, Portugal?

The above list is not all there is to see in Belém! Belém is a district towards the west of Lisbons’ city centre and has some of the city’s most famous landmarks and museums. So you can imagine you might want to block some time for Belém itself.

Besides, Belém is lovely at night when visitors leave all day, and it’s a quiet and unique area in which to stay overnight.

As a minimum, half a day in Belém is a must. Depending on the queues, you might be able to visit the Jerónimos Monastery, have a look at the Tower of Belém and walk along the Tagus shore towards the Monument to the Discoveries.

As a maximum, in two days you’ll be able to visit most places, including some museums. So ideally, an entire day or two days is needed to see most sights or to get the most out of your visit to Belém. 

How to get to Belém

How to get to Belém from Lisbon? It’s super easy! There are several ways to get there: by bus, train, hop-on, tram, taxi, tuk-tuk, and hop-on-hop-of-bus.

Take a tuk-tuk tour to Belém

One of the best ways to explore Belém is by tuk-tuk! Why? You not only have transport to the famous Lisbon district, but your guide will also dive into Portuguese history! You will be driven to all the landmarks, and some guides offer tours inside the attractions.

The tram to Belém

If you want to take public transport, you can take the tram to Belém. Tram 15 departs from Lisbon’s city centre from Praça da Figueira, Praça do Comércio, and many stops in between. It’s easiest to exit the tram around the Jerónimos Monastery, and all the sights will be just a short walk away.

The downside is that the tram to Belém can be jam-packed, and it is slow! Often, there are new, larger tram rides between Lisbon and Algés, but sometimes you’ll be on one of the cute old trams Lisbon is famous for.

The bus to Belém

There are plenty of buses between Lisbon and Belém. They leave every few minutes and stop exactly where you want to be. The most effortless connections are the 714 from Praça da Figueira, the 727 from Marquês de Pombal, and the 728 from Cais do Sodré.

You can buy a ticket from the driver or use your Navegante Occasional Card or your Lisboa Card. The bus can be just as crowded and slow as the tram.

The Cascais train to Belém

The good news is you can also take the train from Cais de Sodré to Belém. They run less frequently, but you’ll arrive at the train station in Belém within 7 minutes! If that’s not a timesaver… Simply board the Cascais Line at Cais de Sodré and arrive in no time!

The hop-on-hop-off bus in Lisbon

Lastly, you have the option to take the hop-on-hop-off bus. The tickets are valid for 24 hours, and you can explore much of Lisbon. This option is best if you plan for no more than half a day in Belém. The Lisboa Card or public transport are cheaper options if you stay longer.

Benefits of the Lisboa Card

Public transport in Lisbon is pretty straightforward, and it’s easy to get from A to B. Tickets are relatively cheap with the Navegante Occasional Card, between € 1,66 (Zapping) and € 1,85 for the standard fee. If you travel to a few places on the same day, a day ticket for € 7.00 might be your best bet. Learn more about the public transport in Lisbon here.

To get the most discount possible in Belém, the Lisboa Card is a recommendation. You can use the public transport system for free, but you also have free entrance to the Tower of Belém, the Jerónimos Monastery and many more sights and museums! A 24-hour Lisboa Card costs € 27,00, and you can buy a card for multiple days. To recap the offers with Lisboa Card in Belém:

• Free public transport for 24 hours (or 48-72 hours)
• Free entrance to Jerónimos Monastery
• Free entrance Torre de Belém
• Free entrance to the Monument to the Discoveries
• Free entrance to the National Archeology Museum
• Free entrance to the National Ethnology Museum
• Free entrance to the Museu Nacional dos Coches
• Free entrance to the Ajuda Palace (very close to Belém)
• 20% discount at the Navy Museum
• 15% discount at the MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology
• 20% off at the Navy Planetarium

FAQ

Conclusion

As you can see, there are so many best Belém sights to add to your itinerary! Apart from the famous sights such as Mosteiro dos Jeronimos and the Belém Tower, there are many hidden gems to discover. The Tropical Botanical Garden is an oasis of peace, and the nearby Ajuda Palace is also less busy.

Cycling along the Tagus River is one of my favourite things to do in Belém, Lisbon, and there are cycling tours that can take you here. But the sailing trips are also amazing, and I usually go at least once a year! You can see Belém and the rest of Lisbon from the water!

Other things to see in Belém, Lisbon:

• MAAT Lisbon – Discover the city’s favourite art museum in Belém
• Inside Torre de Belém, a UNESCO masterpiece in Lisbon
• Book your sunset cruise in Lisbon today; an unforgettable experience!
• 22 fantastic things to do in Belém Lisbon 
• The National Coach Museum and the Old Royal Riding School in Belém
• Quake Museum Lisbon: A shaky but groundbreaking and fantastic experience!
• Explore Portuguese heritage in the Popular Art Museum in Lisbon
• The Tropical Botanical Garden Lisbon hidden gem in Belém

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