Belém · Lisbon
Things to do in Belém
Belém is where Lisbon’s history meets the river: two UNESCO World Heritage monuments, great museums, quiet gardens and the original custard tarts, all within walking distance of the hotel. Here is what to do and how to get there, including the places most visitors miss.
13 ideas
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Jerónimos Monastery
Masterpiece of Manueline architecture and UNESCO World Heritage, with Vasco da Gama’s tomb. The church is free; the cloister needs a ticket. Go early or late in the day.
How to get there · 5 min on foot
On foot: on Praça do Império, facing the garden and the river.
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Pastéis de Belém
The original custard tarts, made to a secret recipe since 1837. Skip the takeaway queue: inside there are large rooms to sit in, usually with a shorter wait.
How to get there · 5 min on foot
On foot: on Rua de Belém, 3 minutes from the monastery towards the train station.
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Monument to the Discoveries
The giant stone prow by the river. Take the lift to the top for the view, and look down at the compass rose and world map set in the pavement.
How to get there · 10 min on foot
On foot: from the garden in front of the monastery, take the underpass beneath the railway.
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Belém Tower
The 16th-century tower in the river, symbol of Lisbon and UNESCO World Heritage. Beautiful from outside at sunset, even without going in.
How to get there · 15 min on foot
On foot: follow the riverside west past the Monument to the Discoveries, about 15 minutes; or tram 15E to Largo da Princesa.
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MAAT
Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology in a wave-shaped building by the river. You can walk over its roof for free: one of the best sunsets in Belém.
How to get there · 15 min on foot
On foot: along the riverside eastwards from the Monument to the Discoveries, about 15 minutes.
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Belém Cultural Centre (CCB)
Concerts, exhibitions and MAC/CCB, the contemporary art museum. Its terraces and garden are perfect for a quiet coffee.
How to get there · 5 min on foot
On foot: across Praça do Império, opposite the monastery.
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National Coach Museum
One of the world’s finest collections of royal coaches, gilded and painted, from the 16th to the 19th century. Great with children.
How to get there · 5 min on foot
On foot: on Avenida da Índia by Praça Afonso de Albuquerque, 5 minutes from Pastéis de Belém.
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Navy Museum
Ships, maps and royal barges in a wing of the Jerónimos Monastery: Portugal at sea, far less crowded than the monastery.
How to get there · 5 min on foot
On foot: in the west wing of the monastery, on Praça do Império.
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Tropical Botanical Garden
A hidden garden right next to the monastery: giant trees, ponds, peacocks and an oriental garden. Few visitors, wonderfully quiet.
How to get there · 5 min on foot
On foot: entrance on Largo dos Jerónimos, beside the monastery.
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Chapel of São Jerónimo
A tiny early 16th-century Manueline chapel at the top of Restelo, in a park with a view over the river and the bridge. Where locals watch the sunset.
How to get there · 20 min on foot
On foot: up through the Restelo neighbourhood behind the monastery, about 20 minutes uphill.
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Ajuda Palace and the Royal Treasure
A royal palace still furnished as the kings left it, and the Royal Treasure museum with the crown jewels. Rarely crowded.
How to get there · 20 min on foot
On foot up Calçada da Ajuda, about 20 minutes uphill; or tram 18E.
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Ajuda Botanical Garden
Portugal’s first botanical garden, from 1768, laid out in terraces with a view over the Tagus. A peaceful stop on the way to the palace.
How to get there · 15 min on foot
On foot up Calçada da Ajuda, about 15 minutes uphill; the entrance is on that street.
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Riverside walk or bike ride
A flat path follows the river from Belém to Cais do Sodré, about 7 km, past the docks and under the 25 de Abril Bridge.
How to get there · 5 min on foot
On foot: cross to the river by the underpass near the Monument to the Discoveries and head east.
Times are approximate, from the hotel. Please check opening days, hours and prices before you go.