18 Best things to do in Belem, Lisbon

Belém is a beautiful historic neighbourhood in Lisbon along the banks of the Tagus River. It’s home to some of the most popular things to see in Lisbon and is a must-visit whether you’re in Lisbon for 2 days or longer.

Belém holds great significance for Lisbon, unlike many other areas apart from Alfama, Belém miraculously survived the 1755 Lisbon earthquake and so has some of the oldest buildings in the city.

Despite being a short distance away from downtown Lisbon, Belém retains a unique and distinct character that sets it apart.

When you visit Belém is almost like you’ve left Lisbon and have headed on a day trip from Lisbon. And honestly, I think it kind of is a day trip, it’s a nice escape from the centre of the city, out towards some beautiful parks, waterfronts and museums.

There are so many things to do in Belem and so it’s a good idea to plan your day to get as much out of it as possible. Below, I’ve put together my list of the must-see sights and some additional museums and things to do in Belem that I’d also recommend.

While you wouldn’t get through all of these in one day in Belem, you can pick and choose what appeals most to you.

How to get to Belem from downtown Lisbon

Travelling from central Lisbon to Belém is super easy and there are multiple ways to go about it.

Since I was staying in Oeiras (about 20 minutes by train from Lisbon), I mostly caught the Cascais-Cais do Sodre train to Belem. However, I also took a bus from downtown Lisbon, and it would be super easy to get the trams to Belem or to scoot or bike there too.

Top tip: If you have the 24 hour Lisbon Card, you’ll get free public transport, including on the trams. Otherwise, buy a VivaViagem card at a metro station for €0.50 and top this up during your stay.

Train to Belem

The Cais do Sodre-Cascais line runs through Belem and there are a couple of stops you can get off at depending on which areas of Belem you want to visit first.

The Belem train station is nearest to the Belem Tower and the Monument of Discoveries, whereas the Alcantara-Mar station is closer to LX Factory and the Pillar 7 Bridge Experience.

Catch the train from Cais do Sodre if you’re coming from Lisbon.

Belem Trams

You can also get Tram 15 to Belem. This tram starts in Baixa and follows a similar route to the train just at a bit of a slower pace.

Buses to Belem

There are numerous buses throughout Lisbon and you can use your Viva Viagem card, or your Lisbon Card to pay for them (the same way you pay for the trams or the trains too).

Buses 727, 28, 751 and 714 all go through Belem and you can use Google Maps to find the best one for you.

Cycle or Scoot to Belem

Lisbon also has bike sharing and electric scooters which you can pick up using an app on your phone.

This is a good option for getting to Belem and is actually one of my top picks for getting around Belem since there’s a beautiful cycle path along the waterfront that also takes you past some of the top things to see in Belem.

Best guided tours of Belem

If you would prefer to have it all organised for you, then there are some great tours that leave from central Lisbon

Best things to do in Belem Lisbon

To make the most of your time in Belem, I highly recommend starting your day early especially if you want to visit some of the museums.

The top attractions in Belem such as the Belem Tower and the Monastery get super, super busy and you can expect queues if you wish to go in them. You can get skip-the-line tickets, but starting early is always my top tip when visiting popular attractions.

Map of Belem’s best things to do

The interactive Lisbon map below that I’ve put together includes all of the information mentioned in my Lisbon, Belem, Cascais and Sintra posts.

You’ll find recommendations for the top restaurants, places to see and more right on your phone.

Just click below (or here) to view it.

See the Belem Tower

The Belém Tower is a super cool fort/castle like structure surrounded by the Tagus River. Its construction began in 1514 with the tower being built mainly as a defensive fortress. It had cannons placed around the tower to protect the city of Lisbon from any potential attacks.

Visiting Belem Tower is top of the list for many people’s Lisbon itineraries!

Interestingly, I learned on my sailing tour, that the tower was actually in the middle of the Tagus River once upon a time!

These days, it’s most definitely the side of the river, but I didn’t realise before I saw it myself, that there’s actually a little beach area by the fort.

The outside of the Belém Tower is super impressive and it’s such a cool thing to see in Belem.

You can also go inside Belem Tower to get a cool view from a different perspective and some amazing views.

While going inside the tower is cool, when it comes to the question is the Belem Tower worth visiting? I think that at times it can be too busy to be enjoyable. Personally, I think viewing the tower from the water as part of a sailing trip is more worth your money.

• Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am – 5.30 pm
• Belém Tower tickets: €9, buy in advance here

Pilar 7 Bridge Experience

Another must-visit attraction in Belém is the Bridge Experience.

The Pilar 7 Bridge Experience is an immersive exhibition where you can learn about Lisbon’s iconic 25 de Abril Bridge which has so many similarities to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

You’ll learn about the bridge’s history, construction and its significance to the city of Lisbon and then get to head up for some panoramic views of the bridge and the surrounding area.

It’s a pretty unique experience to do in Lisbon and worthwhile.

• Opening hours: Daily, 10 am – 7 pm
• Tickets: €5, get them in advance here.

Take a sailing trip

This was one of my favourite things we did in Lisbon and I highly recommend booking a sailing trip when you visit Belem or at some other point during your Lisbon visit.

The sailing trip in Lisbon wasn’t as expensive as I had thought it might be and gives you a unique perspective on the city and the top attractions in Belem.

It’s the best way to really see the Monument of Discoveries and the Belem Tower since you can only see the front of them from the water.

On the sailing trip we did, we spend 2 hours going up and down the Tagus River from Belem Tower to Alfama and were given snacks and drinks along the way. We also had a guide who told us more about the city and, even though I’d already done two walking tours at that point, I still learned new information from her.

Not only is a sailboat cruise feel like a little luxury, but it’s also super relaxing and such a fun thing to do in Belem, Lisbon.

Book your Lisbon sailing tour here

Embrace the cool vibes at LX Factory

Technically just outside of Belem, but a place many people visit at the same time they head to Belem, the LX Factory is a fun place full of art galleries, shops, restaurants and bars.

What was once a former industrial complex is now a trendy hub with a cool industrial-chic vibe.

It’s well worth visiting to pick up some souvenirs from your trip to Lisbon or enjoy a drink on the rooftop bar at LX Factory.

Find a moment of peace in the Botanical Garden of Lisbon

Visiting the Botanical Garden of Lisbon near Belem is another popular Belem attraction and the gardens are just a short stroll away from the Jerónimos Monastery and the Pastéis de Belém store.

The Botanical Garden has some beautiful 18th-century Italian sculptures, artwork from the 1940 Portuguese World Exhibition, and you can also take a break by the ponds to watch the ducks, geese, and swans as they do their thing.

The gardens are a lot quieter than some of the other things to do in Belem and so it’s a nice place to go if you’re looking for a little break while exploring.

• Opening hours: Daily, 10 am – 8 pm (5 pm closure in winter)
• Tickets: €5

Check out the Museu da Carris

If you’ve been enjoying watching, photographing or riding the trams throughout Lisbon, then perhaps you should check out the Museu da Carris, or the National Museum of Coaches in Belem.

While it may seem like an unusual museum to visit, it’s actually pretty cool.

The museum houses a huge range of trams and carriages some of which were used by the Portuguese Royal Family!

You’ll find carriages from the 17th to the 19th century and such a diverse range too with opulent royal ceremonial coaches to a mail coach and even a jail coach! As you wander through the museum, you’ll notice the evolution of design, with sleeker and simpler carriages appearing as the timeline progresses towards the arrival of “horseless carriages.”

Visiting the National Coach Museum in Belem is a unique thing to do during your trip to Lisbon and surprisingly fun!

• Opening hours: Monday – Saturday, 10 am – 1 pm & 2 pm – 6 pm
• Tickets: €4.50

MAAT

The MAAT is one of Lisbon’s most well-known museums with many people who visit Belem checking out the building from the outside only, missing out on the beautiful artworks inside.

The MAAT or to give it its full name, the Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology, was built across the old Tejo Power Station and its beautiful sweeping architecture stands out.

If you don’t have time to explore the museum’s interior, the exterior of the MAAT is worth a visit on its own.

The rooftop of the new building can be walked on and it’s well worth heading up to the top to check out the views of the Tagus River and Belem. It’s an especially beautiful viewpoint at sunset.

Inside the MAAT, you’ll find exhibits that include video, displays, sculptures and more and if you’re into modern and contemporary art you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained for a few hours.

• Opening hours: Wednesday – Monday, 10 am – 7 pm
• Tickets: €9

Terreriro das Missas

This is a super quick thing to see in Belem and you’ll likely see it as you explore the area anyway.

The Terreriro das Missas is a picturesque waterfront square that not only has a great view out to the river and of the 25 de Abril Bridge but also plays host to art exhibitions and other events throughout the year.

Get some Pasteis de Belem

If you’ve heard of the famous Portuguese tart, the pastel de nata, then a visit to Belém wouldn’t be complete without trying one from the renowned Pastéis de Belém bakery.

I tried a lot of pasteis while visiting Lisbon and the Pasteis de Belem were both my and my husband’s favourites. The pastry was so buttery and flaky and the flavour of the filling was lovely and vanilla-y and even better with a bit of cinnamon and sugar sprinkled on top.

Pasteis de Belém is home to the original pastéis de nata, crafted from a closely guarded secret recipe obtained from the nearby Jerónimos Monastery’s monks generations ago.

You’ll often find a long queue outside this shop but since I visited in the early evening there was no queue when I arrived. So, if you want to skip the queue go late afternoon/early evening instead.

Otherwise, you have two options. You can queue for takeouts, or elevate the experience and sit in the beautiful dining room areas of Pasteis de Belem.

There’s usually a shorter waiting time if you sit in and then you can enjoy your pasteis with an espresso or some tea instead.

Relax in one of the parks

Belem has some beautiful part spaces that are well worth strolling through or taking a few hours to relax when your feet get tired from all the exploring.

Chilling out in parks, and enjoying some people-watching is fun and one of the top free things to do in Belem. Bonus points if you combine it with a snack break on some Pasteis de Belem!

One of my favourites was the Jardim da Praça do Império near the Jerónimos Monastery. The gardens are beautiful with trees, and open lawns and is right across from Jardim Vasco da Gama which has a lovely fountain and great views of both the river, the Monument of Discoveries and the Monastery.

Ride a bike along the waterfront

Riding bikes along the waterfront in Belém is one of the best ways to enjoy the beautiful surroundings. There’s a well-maintained cycle path right next to the waterfront and there are several food trucks and bars too so you can get some refreshments if you need them along the way.

As you cycle you’ll see the Belém Tower and the 25 de Abril Bridge as well as the Monument of Discoveries.

It’s easy to rent bikes since there’s a bike-sharing scheme throughout Lisbon, you just need the Bolt app and you’re good to go. If you prefer, you can also rent an electric scooter.

Padrão dos Descobrimentos

The Monument to the Discoveries, also known as Padrão dos Descobrimentos, is another of Belém’s most popular attractions.

The monument celebrates Portugal’s Age of Discovery and was erected in 1960 under the direction of dictator António de Oliveira Salazar. Though it should be remembered that this age of discovery comes with a history of colonialism too.

Along the side of the monument, you’ll see sculptures depicting 32 historical figures from the era. Then, there’s a 9-meter statue of Henry the Navigator holding a model of a carrack, a type of ship.

You can view the monument from both the outside and from the top by paying a small fee to go inside.

Inside there’s a museum with some information about the revitalisation of Belém in the 20th century.

The best thing about entering the monument though is enjoying the views from the top. You’ll climb up to the viewing point and get to see a different view of Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge, the Tagus River, the Belém Tower, the Jerónimos Monastery, and more.

• Opening hours: Daily, 10 am – 7 pm
• Tickets: €10 for viewpoint and exhibition

Jerónimos Monastery

The Jerónimos Monastery is Lisbon’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a must-visit during your trip to Lisbon.

It’s another place where you’ll often see long lines. The best way to avoid them is to get a skip-the-line ticket. If you have the Lisboa card you’ll also have to wait in line to get your ticket.

Constructed in 1501, the Jerónimos Monastery was designed to serve as a haven for sailors and explorers who departed from Belém during the Portuguese Age of Discovery. They would seek solace here and offer prayers before embarking on their perilous journeys.

Today you can go inside to visit the monastery and be wowed by the beautiful architecture and carvings which include a blend of nautical, religious, and royal symbols.

Even if you choose not to go inside, the outside of the monastery is worth getting up close to. The monastery was built in a beautiful Manueline Gothic style found throughout Lisbon and is similar to the Quinta de Regaliera in Sintra in that respect.

• Opening hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm
• Tickets: €10, buy in advance here

Visit the Church of Santa Maria de Belem

Next door to the monastery is the beautiful Church of Santa Maria de Belem. This is free to enter and usually has a shorter queue than the monastery but allows you to appreciate some of the beautiful architecture and carvings you’ll find in the monastery.

The church has super high ceilings and many tombs where significant figures throughout Portuguese history have been laid to rest.

These include King Manuel I, who played a pivotal role in promoting Manueline architecture; Luís de Camões, a beloved poet whose works continue to resonate through the ages; and the renowned explorer Vasco da Gama, famously known as the first European to successfully navigate the treacherous Cape of Good Hope and a voyage from Europe to India.

Museu de Marinha

The Maritime Museum, also known as the Navy Museum or Museu de Marinha, is home to a huge collection of over 17,000 artefacts all connected to sailing and ocean travel.

You’ll find actual boats too and plenty of information about how Portugal has been shaped by its connection to the sea.

Part of the museum is actually housed in the monastery, so it’s another great way to explore the monastery’s beautiful architecture.

• Opening hours: Daily, 10 am – 6 pm (Closes at 5 pm in winter)
• Tickets: €6.50

Check out the Centro Cultural de Belem

The Centro Cultural de Belém (CCB), a collaborative project by Italy’s Vittorio Gregotti and Portugal’s Manuel Salgado, is a vibrant cultural hub.

In the cultural centre, you’ll find various temporary exhibitions with a mix of dance, theatre, film, concerts and art in the Berardo Museum.

There’s also a bookstore and, on the first Sunday of every month, the central square hosts a market full of local products.

Final thoughts on the best things to do in Belem Portugal

Belém is one of the most popular places in Lisbon to visit. It’s full of beautiful architecture, history and some of the most popular Lisbon attractions.

From the Jerónimos Monastery to the iconic Belém Tower and peaceful parks and gardens, a visit to Belem in Lisbon is a must as there are so many top sights in Belem to see!

FAQs about what to do in Belem

Last Updated on August 9, 2024 by Hannah