Things to Do in Belém for Your First Visit

If you’re planning a trip to Lisbon, Portugal and want to mix in some history, pastries, and sunshine, this list of things to do in Belem will give you a good starting point.

After a few days exploring the steep streets of Lisbon’s Alfama district (and Porto before that), I was ready for something flat. I hadn’t walked on level ground in a week!

That’s one of the reasons I decided to spend half a day in Belém. It’s one of Lisbon’s most interesting neighborhoods. It’s full of history, monuments, and waterfront views, but it’s also easy to explore on foot without feeling like you’re hiking uphill the whole time.

Best Things to Do in Belem

To help you plan a day in Belém, here’s a quick look at the main spots you’ll want to see.

Everything is close together and easy to reach on foot, so you can take your time and enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.

This list follows the same order as my walk, which makes it simple to use as your own route.

1. 25 de Abril Bridge
2. Pasteis de Belem
3. Jeronimos Monastery
4. Empire Square Gardens
5. Pedestrian Tunnel
6. Monument to the Discoveries
7. Belem Tower
8. Monument to the Overseas Combatants
9. Pedestrian Bridge
10. Belem Lighthouse

Map of Belem

If you’re a visual person like me, this map will help you get your bearings before you go. It shows all the main spots in Belém plus the walking routes between them, so you can see how close everything really is.

How to Use This Map: Click the tab in the top left corner of the map to see a list of the points of interest and to turn the layers on/off. Click the icons on the map to get more information about each point of interest.

To save this map, click on the little star next to the title of the map. That will add it to your Google account. Next, go to your Google Maps app, select ‘Saved’ and then select ‘Maps’. The map title will now appear in your list.

The 25 de Abril Bridge

One of the first things you’ll spot as you approach Belém is a huge red suspension bridge that looks strikingly familiar. That’s the 25 de Abril Bridge, and yes – it looks just like the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.

The resemblance isn’t a coincidence. The 25 de Abril Bridge was designed by the same company that worked on the San Francisco – Oakland Bay Bridge, and it opened in 1966. It connects Lisbon to Almada across the Tagus River and stands as one of Portugal’s most recognizable landmarks.

If you’re arriving by train, you’ll travel right past it before reaching Belém. It’s a beautiful sight in the morning light, especially if you’re heading west from the city.

Pastéis de Belém

Outside Pasteis de Belem

Pasteis de Belem and coffee

My first stop in Belém was breakfast at the legendary Pastéis de Belém, home to the original custard tarts of Portugal. These flaky, creamy pastries date back to the 1830s, and the recipe is still a closely guarded secret passed down by monks from the nearby Jerónimos Monastery.

It’s only about a 10-minute walk from the train station, and thankfully, there are no hills along the way. I got there early and walked right in — no line! I grabbed a table inside and ordered two pastéis de Belem with coffee.

The inside of the café is worth taking in. The blue azulejo tiles cover the walls, the pastry counter is full of delicious treats, and the smell of freshly baked tarts fills the air.

Prices are very reasonable. I spent around €5 for coffee and two tarts. They take credit cards, and cinnamon is already on the table if you want to sprinkle some on top yourself (I skipped the powdered sugar).

Since these pastries are an absolute must-try for anyone visiting, you should check out this post of What to Eat in Portugal: 15 Portuguese Foods to Try.

By the time I finished, the line was starting to form, so I definitely recommend going early!

Jerónimos Monastery

After breakfast, I walked over to Jerónimos Monastery, just a few minutes away. This is one of Lisbon’s most famous landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The monastery is also where the recipe for the Pastéis de Belém originated.

Built in the early 1500s, it’s an impressive example of Manueline architecture. I had no idea what that meant, so I looked it up. Manueline is a Portuguese style known for elaborate details inspired by the sea, like twisted ropes, shells, and carved anchors. Now you know.

It was built to honor Vasco da Gama’s successful voyage to India, and his tomb rests inside the monastery today.

I didn’t go inside, though. The line outside was incredibly long and stretched into the full sun with no shade at all. If you want to visit, I strongly encourage you to buy your tickets in advance and go early. Otherwise, it’s free to walk around the exterior, which is still spectacular.

Empire Square Gardens (Praça do Império)

Across from the monastery are the Empire Square Gardens, a lovely park filled with fountains, flowerbeds, and small ponds where ducks float around. It’s a relaxing spot to take a short break between sights.

The gardens were built in the 1940s during the Portuguese World Exhibition and are surrounded by palm trees and curved pathways. There isn’t much shade, so if you’re visiting in summer, take your time walking through and maybe stop for some water.

From here, I continued walking toward the waterfront.

Pedestrian Tunnel to the Waterfront

To reach the waterfront you have to cross the street. But you’re not actually allowed or able to cross the street in this area because of the busy road and train tracks, so you’ll need to use the pedestrian tunnel.

If you just walk toward the water, you’ll see everyone heading in the same general direction. They are walking over to the tunnel entrance. Just follow the people.

Inside the tunnel, look up! On the ceiling, there’s a tiled phrase that reads something like, “If a newspaper were published every 50 years, the headline would report how life expectancy rose by 20 years.” Most people walked right by without noticing, but it’s worth a glance.

When you come out the other side, you’ll be standing right in front of the Monument to the Discoveries.

Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos)

The Monument to the Discoveries celebrates Portugal’s Age of Exploration. Shaped like the prow (that’s the pointed front part) of a ship, it honors the navigators who helped put Portugal on the map in the 15th and 16th centuries.

On the sides of the Discoveries Monument, you’ll see statues of many famous explorers, including Prince Henry the Navigator, Vasco da Gama, Ferdinand Magellan, and Pedro Álvares Cabral, who discovered Brazil.

In front of the monument, there’s a massive marble world map inlaid into the ground, showing the routes Portuguese explorers took around the world. It’s fun to walk over and trace where they sailed from and to.

You can also go inside the monument and take an elevator to the top for panoramic views of Belém and the river. It costs €6, and entrance is included with the Lisboa Card. I didn’t go inside this time (I’m not big on waiting in lines), but if you’re patient, the views are supposed to be incredible.

Belém Tower

From the monument, I continued along the water to Belém Tower, which is about a 15-minute walk. This is one of the most iconic sights in Lisbon — and it’s where those explorers you just saw represented on the monument actually set sail from.

Built in the early 1500s, Belém Tower was originally a fortress that guarded the entrance to Lisbon’s harbor. Its Manueline-style details (remember Jeronimos Monastery?) with twisted rope carvings, watchtowers, and arched windows — make it one of Portugal’s most photographed buildings.

When I visited, it was undergoing renovations as part of a countrywide restoration project, so I couldn’t go inside. Normally, entry costs around €8, and it’s included with the Lisboa Card. Even with scaffolding, the view from the outside was still beautiful, especially with the river glistening behind it.

Monument to the Overseas Combatants

Next, I stopped at the Monument to the Overseas Combatants, located right near the tower. This site honors Portuguese soldiers who died during the Overseas War between 1961 and 1974.

The design reminded me of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. – the names seem to go on forever.

At the center is a flame-shaped sculpture rising from a shallow water pool. Along the back wall, you’ll see the entrance to a small chapel, and I definitely recommend going inside. There’s a narrow hallway in the back that leads to the memorial tomb, a quiet, moving space that’s easy to miss if you don’t know it’s there.

Entrance to the outdoor monument and chapel is free, but there’s a small museum inside where you can learn more about the conflict — that part has a small entrance fee.

Walking Back to the Train Station

After visiting the memorial, you have two options for getting back toward the train station.

Pedestrian Bridge

If you want a different view, there’s a pedestrian bridge right by Belém Tower that crosses over the road. It’s a bit of a climb up the steps, but it gives you a great look at the marina and the river below.

Waterfront Walk

I chose to stay along the waterfront and walk back to the pedestrian tunnel instead. Along the way, there are several benches, a few cafés, and plenty of joggers and cyclists.

There’s not much shade here either, but you’ll pass by some street vendors selling souvenirs like cork products and crafts.

I stopped for a piña colada served in a fresh coconut from one of the stands — a perfect little refreshment before heading back.

Public restrooms are available in this area too, but note that they usually charge around €0.50 to use.

If You Have More Time in Belém

If you’re spending a full day visiting Belém, there are a few more places worth checking out -most are within walking distance of the main sights and included with the Lisboa Card.

National Coach Museum

Located near the Belém train station, and free with the Lisbon Card, this museum has one of the largest collections of royal carriages in the world. You’ll see beautifully restored coaches used by kings, queens, and popes — some are over 400 years old! It’s an easy stop if you’re arriving or leaving by train.

Navy Museum

Right next to Jerónimos Monastery, the Navy Museum showcases Portugal’s long maritime history. Inside, you’ll find detailed ship models, navigation instruments, and even parts of royal vessels. The Lisbon Card has a 20% discount on tickets too. The museum is a great follow-up if you’re interested in the stories behind the explorers featured at the Monument to the Discoveries.

MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology)

A short walk east along the river, the MAAT sits in a sleek, wave-shaped building that’s a piece of art on its own. The rooftop is supposed to have great views of the bridge and the Tagus River. It’s also got a 15% discount with the Lisboa Card and is a nice modern contrast to Belém’s historic side.

Getting To Belem

Belem is only about 6 miles from the center of Lisbon so, getting to Belém is super easy. You can take a taxi or rideshare service like Uber or Bolt. You can take the tram or train. Or you can book a tour that takes you there.

Book a Tour to Belem

If you’re not wanting to get there yourself, it’s super simple to book a tour to Belem and there are several options. You’ll find everything from tuk-tuk tours to walking tours.

You can even get picked up from your hotel in Lisbon and have your own private tour of Belem.

Taking the Tram to Belem

You can catch Tram 15 or 15E from three easy spots in Lisbon: Praça da Figueira, Praça do Comércio and Cais do Sodré. Look for the tram headed to Algés (Jardim). They run often, usually every 10 to 15 minutes.

The ride from Praça da Figueira near Rossio Station to Belém takes about 25 minutes. You can hop off at the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos stop for the monastery and the main sights, or stay on two more stops to Largo da Princesa, which puts you closer to Belém Tower.

The tram is free with the Lisbon Card. You can also purchase tram tickets on board for about €3.20. Another option is the Navegante card which you purchase at the metro station and preload with the tram fare.

Taking the Train to Belem

I took the morning train from Lisbon’s Cais do Sodré Station — it’s about a 10-minute ride and only costs around €4 round trip. Belém is the third stop on the train that heads to Cascais.

The train station in Belem isn’t as close to everything as the tram stops are though. It’s about a 10-minute flat walk to the main area where you’ll find the all of the best things to see in Belem.

The train to Belem is free with the Lisbon card or you can use the Navegante card. You cannot purchase tickets on board the train.

Marble map in front of the Monument to the Discoveries

FAQ

How much time do you need in Belém?
Half a day is enough to see the main sights if you go early, but you could easily spend a full day if you visit museums or stop for lunch along the river.

What’s included in the Lisboa Card?
The train and Tram 15 rides are free, and it also includes entrance to Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, Coach Museum, and the Monument to the Discoveries.

Are things open every day?
Many places are closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.

Is Belém easy to walk around?
Yes! It’s flat, pedestrian-friendly, and perfect for exploring at your own pace. Just bring sunscreen and water because there isn’t much shade.

Are there tours of Belem?
Absolutely. You’ll find organized tours, walking tours, and even tours by electric tuk-tuk! You can find several types of tours of the best things to see in Belem.

Are the Lisboa Card and the Lisbon Card the same thing?
Yes, they are the same. Lisboa is just Lisbon in Portuguese.

Is Belem Worth Visiting?

Yes. If you’re ready for a break from Lisbon’s steep streets, Belém is an easy win. It’s flat, walkable, and packed with history tied to Portugal’s Age of Exploration. Add in the original custard tarts, wide river views, and space to slow down, and it makes for a relaxed half-day trip that still feels meaningful and memorable.

Looking for more Portugal inspiration? Visit my Portugal Travel Guide for itineraries, day trips, food guides, and destination tips.