Ultimate Belém Bucket List: 15 Things to Do in Belém, Lisbon
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you decide to make a purchase through my links we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Read about our affiliate policies here.
Belem is one of Lisbon’s most historically significant districts. During Portugal’s Age of Discovery, explorers like Vasco da Gama set sail from here to explore the world. Thanks to many iconic landmarks, Belem has become a beloved tourist spot.
Let these 15 things to do in Belem help you pick the best stops for your trip to Lisbon.
Thanks to their proximity, you can do many of these things in a single day. We’ve organized this list of things to do in Belem so you can follow it in order if you’d like; otherwise, pick your favorites and make your itinerary!
Free Download!
CHEAT SHEETS: LONDON, PARIS, LISBON, & ROME
Use one or use them all! Sign up & we’ll send you our cheat sheets for all 4 cities.
Get a jumpstart on your planning with an overview of each city: when to go, where to stay, can’t miss activities, and how to get around.
Check out our complete and FREE Lisbon Travel Guide to keep planning!
Where is Belem?
Although it feels like a completely different city, Belem is a district or neighborhood (Bairro) of Lisbon. It’s located roughly 5.5 miles (9 km) west of the central part of Lisbon (around Baixa). From Central Lisbon, Belem is a 25-minute drive by car or a 25 to 35-minute ride on the bus or tram.
The neighborhood of Belem starts at the river and extends up the hill toward Parque Florestal de Monsanto. On the eastern side of Belem, you’ll find the quaint Ajuda neighborhood and the iconic 25th of April Bridge.
Belem is the last westernmost neighborhood of Libson before the seaside suburbs start.
How to get to Belem
Belem is outside central Lisbon, but it’s still easy to reach if you want to visit for the day. Here are some transportation options for getting to these 15 things to do in Belem.
Tram
A tram is the most popular way from central Lisbon to Belem. The 15E starts in Baixa and runs parallel to the river, making this a popular and scenic way to see the city. However, it is also the most time-consuming option, with the ride from Baixa to Belem taking around 25 – 35 minutes (depending on which stop you get off at).
We recommend getting off at the Belem stop near the Coaches Museum. If you want to see the monastery and the Monument of the Discoveries first, you can ride one more stop to Mostiero Jeronimos (the monastery).
Trams operate from 6 AM to 1 AM and depart every 12 minutes.
Tickets are €3 per person and can be purchased on board from the driver. However, you can also use your Navagante card (purchased at a train station kiosk), a pay-as-you-go card allowing you to ride Lisbon’s metro, bus, and tram system.
With the card, you’ll only pay €1.80 per ticket. You can also get a Navagante card day pass, including unlimited rides for €6.80.
Bus
You can also take the bus to go to Belem from Lisbon. The 728 (formally the 28) travels along the water, so there are multiple places in central Lisbon where you can hop on, like Alfama, Praça do Comércio, and Cais do Sodre.
As with the tram, you can use your Navagante card for a lower price per ride. Without a Navagante card, bus tickets are €3 per person.
Train
Taking the train is our recommended method to reach Belem as it is the fastest.
If you are in a hurry, a train (not the metro!), takes only 7 minutes from Cais do Sodre Station to Belem. It drops you off at the Belem station right by the Coaches Museum (#12 in our things to do in Belem list). The train is more spacious than the tram, although it can be hectic in summer, as it’s the line most people use to get to the beaches.
If you have a Navagante card, you can also use it to take the train.
Taxi or Uber/Bolt
If you’re traveling with multiple people, taking a rideshare (Uber and Bolt are two of Lisbon’s most popular rideshare apps) can be a cost-efficient way to get to Belem. If there is no traffic, the 20 to 25-minute ride can be as cheap as €6.
Taxis are more expensive, but they don’t require Wi-Fi or cellular data like rideshare apps, so they’re convenient if you find one nearby. However, it’s essential that you have cash on you, as some may not be equipped to take cards.
Is Belem Worth Visiting?
While Belem isn’t necessarily a must-see for those traveling to Lisbon, it makes a beautiful day trip for those looking to explore somewhere outside the city’s central part. If you’re wondering if you should do some of these things to do in Belem, consider the following pros and cons.
Why you should visit Belem
- It’s walkable and flat: Compared to the hilly streets of Lisbon, Belem is surprisingly flat! However, there are lots of cobblestone sidewalks, which can be tricky.
- There are many historical sites: Belem is chock full of historical landmarks and monuments, many of which are testaments to the district’s maritime past.
- The views are breathtaking: If you wander along the waterfront, you’ll have panoramic views of the Tagus and the 25th of April Bridge!
- There is a nice riverside walk: On a nice day, there’s nothing more enjoyable than strolling along the wide pedestrian promenade next to the Tagus.
- There are some beautiful gardens and courtyards. Belem has a lot of green spaces, which is nice if you want to escape the bustle of the big city for a little bit!
Drawbacks of visiting Belem
- It involves a lot of walking. Belem feels like a city on its own. If you want to see all the main sites, be prepared for a lot of walking and sightseeing.
- It can get very hot. If you travel to Lisbon in the summer, be prepared to walk in the sun. Bring water, wear comfortable shoes, and go into restaurants or cafes if you need a moment to cool off.
At the end of the day, we think Belem is worth a visit if you have a free day in Lisbon. It’s not very far and so many different attractions will make your visit worthwhile. No matter what you decide, our Lisbon Travel Guide will help you make the most of your trip!
Things to Do in Belem
Belem is famous for its maritime heritage and is an excellent place for history buffs. But there’s so much more to see and do here besides visiting the different historical attractions. From delicious eateries to lush green parks, here are some of the things you won’t want to miss during your visit to Belem.
1. Jeronimos Monastery
The UNESCO-designated Jeronimos Monastery is right in the center of Belem and is by far the most popular site for visitors. For this reason, there’s usually a huge line before the monastery opens. We have some tips on the best times to visit in our Skip the Lines in Lisbon video.
The monastery was constructed in the 1500s to commemorate Vasco da Gama’s voyage to India and is considered one of the most impressive works of Manueline architecture. It has two main features – the Church of Santa Maria and the cloisters. We didn’t go into the church during our visit, but we highly recommend you do, as the vaulted ceiling of the nave is supposedly very beautiful! The church also houses the tombs of Vasco da Gama and Luís de Camões, a Portuguese poet and writer.
The cloisters were our highlight, heavily decorated with carved limestone motives and elements. This is also where you’ll find the tombs of the writer Fernando Pessoa and presidents Teófilo Bragaand Óscar Carmona.
Visiting the church is free, while tickets to the cloister are €10 per person. The monastery is open from 10 AM – 6:30 PM Tuesday through Sunday.
2. Pasteis de Belem
You have probably seen the pastel de nata (Portuguese custard tarts) all over Lisbon, but the ones at Pasteis de Belem are the best of the best. This famous bakery sells nearly 20,000 tarts every day! You can buy a single one for €1.40, although they’re so delicious that you’ll likely return to pick up a pack of 6 for €8.40.
Because they are popular with locals and tourists, there will probably be a line no matter what time you visit (it’s just on the corner to the east of the monastery). If you’re here in summer, we recommend coming when they open at 8 AM so you won’t have to wait in long lines in the sweltering heat.
You can get your tarts to take away, or you can sit inside. When we went, the line for an inside table was much shorter than the takeaway counter. They also sell drinks and sandwiches, so you can come here for a nice lunch or pit stop before or after the monastery (located just to the west of the bakery).
3. Quiosque Belem
This cute little kiosk is just a short walk from Pasteis de Belem. There are outdoor tables (with umbrellas to block the sun!) so we like coming here for a quick drink between sightseeing.
While you can get all sorts of beverages here, try the ginja. This is a sweet cherry alcohol that’s famous all around Portugal. It’s served in a chocolate cup, which enhances the flavor of the liquor! They also sell snacks and little pastries if you are hungry and don’t want to stand in line for a pastel at Pasteis de Belem.
Come here to drink, rest your feet, and enjoy the view of the Garden of Afonso de Albuquerque – the next Belem attraction on this list!
4. Garden of Afonso de Albuquerque (Jardim Afonso de Albuquerque)
This garden stands right outside the front of Belem Palace, which is the residence of the Portuguese President. In the middle of the square sits a statue of Afonso de Albuquerque, a general from the 16th century who is widely known for conquering Goa in India and expanding Portugal’s influence across the Indian Ocean.
Besides the monument, there’s not much to see or do here. But it’s a lovely park where you can rest on a bench or take a short stroll in between the different sites.
5. Tropical Botanical Garden (Jardim Botanico Tropical)
Situated between the Jeronimos Monastery and the Belem Palace, the Tropical Botanical Garden is worth a visit if you have an hour or two to kill. It covers 12 acres and contains over 600 varieties of tropical, subtropical, and temperate plants. Some pretty cool marbled Italian sculptures and vintage-style greenhouses give the garden an old-school vibe.
The garden is also teeming with birds, including peacocks, Indian peafowl, swans, geese, and ducks. To visit the Tropical Botanical Garden, you’ll need to pay €4 per adult and €2 for kids aged 10 to 17 (kids under 10 are free, which is awesome).
6. Monument of the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos)
If you head to the marina, the Monument of the Discoveries is on the western side. It was completed in 1960 for the 500th anniversary of Henry the Navigator and featured a ship with 15th and 16th-century explorers on the east-facing side and famous supporters on the west-facing side.
While the outside is impressive, you can also pay to enter the monument. There’s an interesting exhibition on the main floor and a viewpoint at the top. It boasts panoramic views of the surrounding neighborhood and river, and you can also see the Belem Tower from the lookout (there’s an elevator if you don’t want to take the stairs).
A visit to the Monument of Discoveries lookout is the best way to see Belem from above. But more importantly, there are hardly any lines, so you can usually get right through!
7. Small-Group Walking Tour of Belém
Joining a walking tour is a great way to see Belem and learn about the area’s history and culture in depth. We like this small-group tour, which covers many things to do in Belem in three hours. You’ll visit the Church of Santa Maria at the Jeronimos Monastery and the Tower of Belem with your guide. You’ll even go to the world-famous Pasteis de Belem bakery (our #2 on this list) to try the famous Portuguese tarts.
If you do plan to do this tour, you can tick off a few of the major sites with your guide. You’ll meet at the Garden Afonso de Albuquerque, which is centrally located next to all the different attractions.
Want to explore more of Lisbon?
Alfama Walking Tours: 2 Great Tours & Pastel de Nata Tasting
Fado Tour: Dinner and a Fado Show with Lyric Translations
Lisbon Sailing Tour: Take in Lisbon’s History from the Water
8. Old Belem Lighthouse (Farol de Belem)
The Old Belem Lighthouse is another sight you can’t miss while walking along the Tagus from the Monument of the Discoveries to the Belem Tower. It may not look like much, but the layers of brick and stone give it a unique look for a lighthouse. Unfortunately, it’s not open to the public, but you can still admire the building from afar.
9. Belem Tower (Torre de Belém)
After the Jeronimos Monastery, the Belem Tower is the second most popular attraction in Belem. This 16th-century fortification once served as the embarkation and disembarkation point for Portuguese explorers, so many people consider it the gateway to Lisbon. The limestone structure is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a powerful symbol showcasing Portugal’s maritime and colonial importance throughout Europe.
The tower’s exterior is impressive, with watchtowers, bartizan balconies, and decorative Manueline elements. However, the interior is equally as stunning. You can purchase a ticket to go inside and see the artillery rooms, halls, and chapel. And there’s also a beautiful terrace at the top with amazing views of the surroundings.
Because the tower is so narrow, you must take a spiral staircase to access the different parts. It can be busy, but a traffic signal is set up to tell people when to go up and down the stairs.
We visited right before the tower closed, and there was hardly a line. Plus, we got to enjoy the sunset views from the terrace while all the other tourists left early to return to central Lisbon.
Belem Tower is just one of the many sites we recommend visiting during your trip to Lisbon. You can check out a list of other attractions on our free 1-day Walking Tour of Lisbon Itinerary!
Free Download!
CHEAT SHEETS: LONDON, PARIS, LISBON, & ROME
Use one or use them all! Sign up & we’ll send you our cheat sheets for all 4 cities.
Get a jumpstart on your planning with an overview of each city: when to go, where to stay, can’t miss activities, and how to get around.
10. Dinner at Restaurante O Frade
There are so many great restaurants in Belem (just like all over Lisbon), but Restaurante O Frade is one of our favorites! This small, fine-dining establishment has been around since 1966 and is named after the family that runs it.
They specialize in traditional dishes from Alentejo, a south-central region of Portugal, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. We had the Duck Rice, which was outstanding, although you can also find a wide range of gluten-free and vegetarian dishes.
The atmosphere and service are wonderful—we sat at the bar for a date night and really enjoyed the whole evening! So, if you’re looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion (or just an excuse to eat really good food), make sure to book your table at Restaurante O Frade.
Did we mention this restaurant has a Michelin Bib? Yeah, we’re not the only ones who think this place is fantastic!
11. Sailing Tour on the Tagus River
If you’re looking for a way to spend a sunny day in Belem, book a sailing tour on the Tagus River. There are lots of different cruise and boat tours available, but we really enjoyed this tour. It’s a small group, and the captain and crew were very knowledgeable about Lisbon. So, while this is a nice sightseeing tour, you’ll also learn a lot about the city’s history and current events.
Even if the weather is nice, it can still be windy on the water. So, in addition to your sunscreen and sunglasses, make sure also to pack a light jacket or windbreaker!
12. National Coach Museum (Museu Nacional dos Coches)
Lisbon is known for its colorful trams, but it was once famous for its horse-drawn coaches and carriages! The National Coach Museum was opened in 1905 by Queen Amelia to display the coaches owned by the Portuguese royal family. While the original museum was housed in the Royal Riding Hall (Picadeiro Real), it was moved to its current location in the Garden of Alfonso de Albuquerque in 2015. However, you can still see some carriages and other exhibits in the original location.
We didn’t know what to expect when going to the museum, but we were pleasantly surprised by how cool it was. There are coaches from the late 16th century up to the 19th century. Some are incredibly elaborate, especially the Barouqe ones designed for Pope Clement XI.
The museum is closed on Mondays, and tickets are €8 per person. You can also visit the original museum at Picadeiro Real for €4 per person.
13. Ice Cream! Santini
After you visit the National Coach Museum, go under the building to grab an ice cream from Santini. They’ve been in business for over 70 years and have opened up 13 different shops in Lisbon and Portugal.
We stopped here to cool off and grab a sweet treat, but it was so good we came back multiple times during our visit. All of their flavors are made using the original recipe from the 1940s, so there aren’t any additives, colors, or thickeners. Try one of their classic flavors like raspberry, hazelnut, or pistachio, or opt for something more unique like salted caramel peanuts, cinnamon, or egg jam with pine nuts!
14. Tejo Power Station: MAAT Central
The Tejo Power Station was once the site of a thermoelectric power station that supplied power to the entire region of Lisbon. It operated from 1909 to 1972, although it was mainly used as a reserve power station for the last 20 years due to the National Electrification Law prioritizing hydroelectric power instead. It now houses the Electricity Museum, part of the larger Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology located next door.
The exhibits inside are educational and interactive, so it’s worth going if you’re traveling with kids. They have repurposed a lot of the old plant, so you’ll be able to see how things used to work inside such a historic and architecturally impressive building!
15. Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT)
Next to the Tejo Power Station is the modern part of the Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology. Despite only opening in 2016, it’s quickly become one of the most famous museums in Lisbon. It features exhibits on contemporary art, innovative architecture, and technological advances, it’s great for kids and adults.
Don’t forget to head to the museum’s top to enjoy the rooftop terrace! With unobstructed views over Belem and the Tagus, it’s the perfect spot to snap a few photos! There’s also a lovely garden on the other side of the power station if you want a greener place to relax by the water.
The museums (along with the Tejo Power Station) are open from 10 AM to 7 PM, except on Tuesdays. Tickets are €11 for adults and €8 for kids and grant admission to both museums.
Bonus Activity! Alcantara District and LX Factory
The Alcantara district is conveniently located between Belem and central Lisbon, so we recommend stopping by here on your way back into town (if you’re taking the 15E tram, get off at the Calvario station). It’s a trendy neighborhood known for its modern dining, bar scene, and warehouse-turned-luxury apartments.
One of the hippest spots in Alcantara is LX Factory, a creative space comprised of different restaurants, bars, and retailers. It’s located inside a former wire and fabrication factory, so there are lots of cool, converted buildings and streets full of interesting shops and eateries to explore. Just as a heads up, we found very few public toilets while we were here, so make sure to go beforehand!
It’s open from 10:30 AM (9 AM on the weekend) to 10:30 PM, and we came for lunch and got a table immediately. It’s also worth checking out their calendar of events, as there are some pretty interesting talks, film screenings, and activities held throughout the month.
Free Download!
CHEAT SHEETS: LONDON, PARIS, LISBON, & ROME
Use one or use them all! Sign up & we’ll send you our cheat sheets for all 4 cities.
Get a jumpstart on your planning with an overview of each city: when to go, where to stay, can’t miss activities, and how to get around.
