Planning a trip to Lisbon’s most historic waterfront district? This guide breaks down the absolute best things to do in Belém Lisbon, helping you map out a seamless itinerary without wasting time on overrated attractions.
Inside, you will find breakdown details of what is actually worth your time, hidden historical insights, and exactly how to navigate transit efficiently, assuming you’re staying in the center of Lisbon (plus a few hotel recommendations at the end if you decide to base yourself right in Belém overnight).
25 April bridge view from MAAT
*This post might include affiliate links, meaning I could earn a commission if you buy through my link, without any additional cost to you. But don’t worry because I only recommend products or services I genuinely believe in and think will add real value to you.Read the Privacy Policy for more information.
Yes, definitely! Belém has a wealth of history to explore. Since most of the navigators from the discovery era sailed from this point. It absolutely needs to be on your list when visiting Lisbon, even for a Belém day trip.
How to Get to Belém From Lisbon
Getting to Belém from the center of Lisbon is straightforward, and you have a few great public and private transit options:
By Rideshare: You can easily use a rideshare app. We tested both the Bolt app (a local rideshare app) and Uber during our visit to Lisbon, and we found that Uber was more reliable and quicker to assign a driver.
Pro Tip: If you purchase the Lisboa Card, you can use it for unlimited access to public transportation, which is exactly what we used to move to Belém. If you don’t have the Lisboa Card, you will need to purchase an occasional Navegante card (which you can buy at any metro station ticket office or machine) and fill the card with your ticket (you can see the public transportation card and trip costs here).
How to Move Around in Belém?
Once you get to Belém, you’ll find that most of the Belém attractions are within walking distance. We also rented scooters using the Bolt app to move around (we noticed scooters from the Lime app in Belém as well).
Saint Mary of Bethlehem in the Jeronimos Monastery
Saint Mary of Bethlehem in the Jeronimos Monastery
Votive Stand in Saint Mary of Bethlehem
Tip: Make sure you drop your scooter in the app-designated parking locations to avoid additional penalties.
When is the Best Time to Visit Belém?
Belém tourism is becoming super popular, and when we visited in April, it was already crowded. If you plan to visit Belém, definitely avoid May to July and even August, since that is the typical holiday month for locals. Also, avoid visiting on Mondays or Tuesdays, because some popular spots are closed to visitors.
Votive Stand in Saint Mary of Bethlehem
Top Things to Do in Belém Lisbon
This list serves as a comprehensive guide to Belém sights, but it is not intentionally structured as a strict one-day itinerary.
If you just have one day in Belém, you might be interested in our 3-day itinerary guide in Lisbon, where one of the days is a dedicated day trip to Belém, covering the must-see spots and even where to find plant-based food.
Note: Several of the places to see in Belém are included in the Lisboa Card, or you can get a discount if you hold one (which we will cover in detail).
1. Jerónimos Monastery
Hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 AM–5:30 PM (last entrance at 5:00 PM). Closed on Mondays.
The Jerónimos Monastery is a national monument and part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. The monastery took 100 years to build and is the most visited monument in Lisbon.
The Impressive Jeronimos Monastery’s Façade
Alexandre Herculano tomb at Jeronimos Monastery
The Impressive Jeronimos Monastery’s Façade
Once inside, you will go upstairs and be welcomed by the impressive cloister courtyard of the monastery. This area is where you see the Manueline style at its maximum splendor, with so many details in the ceiling, walls, and columns, filled with gargoyles and organic twisted lines. The four sides of the courtyard are basically the same, but you will find yourself spending a lot of time here looking for the best spots for Instagrammable photos.
Alexandre Herculano tomb at Jeronimos Monastery
After you finish the second level of the cloister, you will go down to the first floor, where you will find the tomb of Fernando Pessoa (the famous 20th-century Portuguese poet and writer whose iconic bronze statue sits outside Café A Brasileira in Chiado) and the tomb of Alexandre Herculano (the influential 19th-century Portuguese historian and novelist, which is located in the Chapter House). There is also a huge room covered with emblematic Portuguese tiles, which used to be the monks’ dining room, known as the Refectory.
Impressive Cloister in the Jerónimos Monastery
We did not book in advance because we purchased the Lisboa Card, which includes access to the Monastery. However, when we arrived, we had to wait in a dedicated queue exclusively for Lisboa Card holders, which is not timed and definitely wasn’t any quicker than the standard line. While most people don’t recommend booking ahead, we visited in April and would say that you absolutely must. There was a massive line to enter, even for those who had purchased timed-entry tickets in advance (though that line still moved significantly faster than the one for Lisboa Card holders).
Pro tip: Unless you are just visiting the monastery to take photos, keep in mind that there is no audio guide included with the Lisboa Card. We really would have appreciated more context and explanations during our walk-through, so we highly recommend grabbing this Jerónimos Monastery E-Ticket with Audio Guide ahead of time. It allows you to secure a faster timed-entry slot and gives you a much deeper look into the history.
Church of Saint Mary of Bethlehem
Next door to the Monastery, you’ll find the Church of Saint Mary of Bethlehem, which is free to enter. The Church of Saint Mary of Bethlehem is impressive; it also features the Manueline style in the ceiling and walls. The church has dim lighting, so the stained glass windows are beautifully highlighted by the outdoor light.
Tomb of Luís de Camões
Saint Mary of Bethlehem Church
Tomb of Vasco da Gama
Saint Mary of Bethlehem Church
Tomb of Luís de Camões
Tomb of Vasco da Gama
When you enter the church, you will find the tombs of Vasco da Gama (the famous explorer who mapped the sea route to India) and Luís de Camões (considered Portugal’s greatest poet).
Note: If you want to visit the church, keep in mind that it is open for tourists Tuesday to Saturday, 10:30 AM–5:00 PM, and Sundays, 2:00 PM–5:00 PM.
2. National Archaeology Museum
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
The archaeological museum is located in the west wing of the monastery, and during our visit, it was closed due to renovations. The space that houses the National Archaeology Museum used to be the monks’ dormitories.
The museum holds jewelry, artifacts from the Roman era, and even an Egyptian mummy. It features the main archaeological exhibits of Portugal and is the perfect museum to learn about Portugal’s history.
3. Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos)
The Monument to the Discoveries is made of concrete and rose-tinted stone and resembles a caravel ship. It features several carved figures that represent the Portuguese overseas expansion.
Monument of Discovery
The figures are led by Prince Henry the Navigator, famous for leading voyages that discovered the Madeira islands and helped map the west coast of Africa. The discovery monument was inaugurated for the 500th anniversary of Prince Henry’s death.
Beside view the impressive exterior from the outside, you can also go inside and take an elevator up to the monument terrace to have a panoramic view of the Belém district and Tagus River (Rio Tejo) with the impressive April 25 Bridge and even the Sanctuary of Cristo Rei. During our visit, the air was foggy, and the bridge wasn’t looking super bright, but we were still able to capture breathtaking photos.
The view is stunning, though a heads-up for anyone with a fear of heights: getting up the monument might be a little frightening for people with a fear of heights, but don’t let your fear discourage you from getting to the terrace because it is completely worth it for the incredible views.
4. Belém Tower
Hours: From 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM (last entry is at 5:00 PM).
The Belém Tower was completed under King Manuel I in the 16th century during the Age of Discoveries. It used to serve as a military fortification to protect Lisbon, patrol the waters, store armaments, and protect the Jerónimos Monastery.
Belem Tower
Incredibly, the tower used to be on an island, but after the great earthquake of 1755, the Tagus River shifted, and now the tower is connected to the riverbank.
Unfortunately, during our visit, the tower was closed due to major renovations. The exterior was covered with scaffolding, and the renovation is tentatively scheduled for completion in summer 2026.
The tower features impressive ornaments reflecting the Manueline architectural style (an architectural style found in several structures in Lisbon that defines the Portuguese Age of Discovery). Our readers who have visited mentioned that inside the tower, you will have access to a terrace with beautiful views of the river and the Belém landscape. There are also artifacts inside related to maritime exploration.
5. MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology)
Hours: Wednesday to Monday from 10:00 AM–7:00 PM. Closed Tuesdays.
The Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT) resembles a sweeping wave covered with white tiles, which appear to change color between white, blue, or shimmering gold depending on the time of day you visit it.
MAAT museum
The museum comprises the new gallery building and the Central Tejo (the old power station building that tells the story of Lisbon’s evolution of electricity). The exhibitions inside are constantly changing and focus on contemporary art and emerging technologies.
Designed by British architect Amanda Levete, the waving facade is breathtaking and clearly designed so that part of the building is built underground to avoid blocking the historical Belém views. Even if you aren’t into art, you must visit the rooftop (Free access) for those stunning views (on sunny days, you can easily spot the Cristo Rei cross).
MAAT rooftop and overpass pedestrian bridge
6. Museum of Contemporary Art – MAC/CCB (Former Berardo Collection Museum)
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM (last entry at 6:00 PM). Closed Mondays.
The Museum of Contemporary Art houses contemporary Portuguese and international art, ranging from Cubism to Surrealism. Originally featuring the collection of multimillionaire businessman and philanthropist José Manuel Rodrigues “Joe” Berardo, you’ll find art from masters like Picasso, Andy Warhol, and Salvador Dalí. If you are an art lover, this gallery is an absolute must-visit during your time in the district.
7. Pastéis de Belém
Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM–9:00 PM.
The Pastéis de Belém is the home of an ancient secret recipe of the pastel de nata, which was passed down from the monks of the Jerónimos Monastery. The pastel de nata is a traditional Portuguese egg custard tart, and the pastel de nata bought here is the only one officially called a “Pastel de Belém.”
Pastéis de Belém
Since we are plant-based, we did not try any pastries here; we only admired the long queue of people waiting to buy them. We opted for a vegan version of pastel de nata at Vegan Nata in Chiado instead.
Note: You can check out our experience trying the plant-based pastel de nata and other spots in our guide for the best vegan restaurant in Lisbon. We also highly recommend subscribe to know when our upcoming post about Encanto, an upscale Michelin-star plant-based dining experience is live.
When you visit Lisbon, you’ll hear a lot about the devastating earthquake of November 1, 1755. Its impact has been passed down from generation to generation, and you can still see the aftermath in corners of the city, like the Church of Saint Dominic (Igreja de São Domingos), where you can still see the burned interior columns, or the Carmo Archaeological Museum, which is the church that lost its roof during the disaster and was never rebuilt. (Both are must-sees that we cover in our three-day itinerary in Lisbon).
What you might not know is that there is an interactive museum in Belém that covers every sequence of events from that day and the following aftermath. It includes an earthquake and tsunami simulator with special effects, where you can even feel the warmth of the fires caused in the city, providing an educational experience on what to do during a similar natural disaster.
The 25 April Bridge is a suspension bridge that connects Almada with the heart of Lisbon, and it is among the longest suspension bridge spans in the world. Originally named the Salazar Bridge (Ponte Salazar), it was renamed after the end of the dictatorship era on April 25. If you have been to San Francisco, you will notice similarities to the Golden Gate Bridge because both bridges are painted with the same “International Orange” color.
25 April Bridge and Tagus River
The bridge has six car lanes on its upper deck and two railway tracks on its lower deck for the Southern Line train. You cannot cross the bridge by bicycle or on foot, but if you want to get a better sense of it without driving, you can do the Pilar 7 Bridge Experience.
During the Pilar 7 Experience, you’ll ride up in a panoramic elevator that ends at a glass platform 72 meters high, giving you an incredible close-up view. You also get to see the history of its construction and view the massive suspension cables in the cable room. The view is stunning, though a little frightening for people with a fear of heights.
10. LX Factory
Hours: Monday to Friday 10:30 AM–10:30 PM, and Saturday to Sunday from 9:00 AM–10:30 PM.
Tickets: Free to visit
To get there: We crossed the MAAT pedestrian overpass bridge and took the bus 201 (alternative you can take 15E, 714, or 727 at this station) at the Altinho (MAAT) station and got off at the Estação Sto. Amaro.
Located in the Alcântara neighborhood, right between downtown Baixa and Belém. The LX Factory was an old industrial area that was refurbished into a creative hub filled with restaurants, bars, and shops. The vibe is so chill, and it reminds me so much of the Wynwood Walls in Miami.
Vibe in LX Factory
Vibe in LX Factory
Ler Devagar Bookstore at LX Factory
Ler Devagar Bookstore at LX Factory
The LX Factory is a destination meant for you to slow down and enjoy with friends or a partner, perfect for grabbing a couple of drinks or getting something to eat. During our visit, we explored the shops and found delicious vegan Portuguese chocolate and artisanal Portuguese gin.
Note: If you are looking for other incredible day trips out of the city center, be sure to check out our detailed 1 Day Trip to Sintra guide to maximize your time in Portugal.
Where to Stay Near Belém?
Belém is relatively close to the heart of Lisbon—about 25 minutes away. To easily visit all the sights, we decided to stay in Baixa at the Art Legacy Hotel, an upscale luxury spot, and Brown’s Central Hotel, a wonderful boutique hotel. Click the links to read our full, honest reviews so you can decide if these hotels fit your needs.
However, to fully immerse yourself in all the things to see in Belém mentioned above, you will need more than a day, and you might be interested in staying overnight right in the district. Some popular hotels that should be on your radar include:
Altis Belém Hotel & Spa: A member of Design Hotels, this modern-vibe property is within walking distance of the Discoveries Monument and offers stunning views of the Tagus River from its rooftop pool. (➡️You can check out guest reviews here).
Palácio do Governador: Built on the former home of the Belém Tower’s governor, located within walking distance of the Belém Tower. This hotel features a classy design with beautiful Portuguese blue tile details in every corner, alongside spacious and clean rooms. (➡️You can check out guest reviews here).
Planning your Lisbon itinerary? Pin this Belém guide for later!
I’m a dedicated travel blogger helping you experience luxury travel and exceptional vegan dining, from boutique hotels to plant-based restaurants and Virgin Voyages cruises. I do all the research so you can focus on packing.
