A Local’s Guide to Belém, Lisbon
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Located along the Tejo River, about 30 minutes west of Lisbon’s city center, Belém has a special place in Portuguese history. From here, ships set sail to discover the new maritime routes that marked the Age of Portuguese Discoveries.
The neighborhood's character is defined by its imposing monuments and maritime legacy displayed in large open spaces. Despite being one of Lisbon's most visited areas, Belém maintains a calm, relaxed atmosphere with its wide avenues, river views, and green spaces.
If you're a history buff or simply eager to know more about Portuguese culture, you're in for a treat. Two of Portugal's most iconic monuments are here: the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and the Torre de Belém, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
But Belém goes beyond its imposing landmarks. The neighborhood is home to several museums, from the Museu dos Coches (Coach Museum) to the more contemporary MAAT - Museu de Arte, Arquitetura e Tecnologia (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology).
Even those who already know their way around Belém keep coming back to enjoy a stroll along the riverside, cycle along the Tejo, or just relax in the carefully tended gardens. And, of course, taste the famous Pastéis de Belém, Lisbon's iconic sweet.
Several public transport routes take you from the city center to Belém. You can take the tram 15 from Praça da Figueira, or Praça do Comércio, which leaves you at the edge of the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. The train from Cais do Sódré to Cascais also stops here, as does the 714 bus from Praça da Figueira.
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Table of contents
A brief history of the neighborhood
What to see and do
Where to stay
Restaurants to try
Tours of Lisbon with Ana Sofia
If you’re looking to explore Lisbon with a local, reach out to Ana Sofia for a guided tour!
Ana is a Lisbon native and she’s been running walking tours, food tours, and day trips to places like Sintra, Évora, and Óbidos for over a decade.
A fully licensed guide with years of university study under her belt, Ana has the knowledge to keep history buffs happy, but she still always makes her tours light, entertaining, and fun.
A brief history of Belem
Belém is directly related to the Age of Discoveries when Portugal stood out as a maritime power in the 15th century. It was from this neighborhood, located along the river, that many Portuguese navigators set off on the expeditions that led to the discovery of new trade routes and territories.
The Torre de Belém and the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, built in the 16th and 17th centuries, are the biggest symbols of the Portuguese exploration's golden age.
The construction of the Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries) and various museums in the 20th century further enhanced Belém's status.
Although much of Belém's allure lies in its older monuments and museums, the neighborhood hasn't walked away from the modern era, seeing the birth of institutions such as the Centro Cultural de Belém (CCB), inaugurated in the 1990s, or, more recently, the MAAT.
Belém has also seen the birth of new cafés and restaurants to welcome the ever-increasing number of visitors.
However, the neighborhood isn't just about monuments, museums, and beautiful gardens. As you move further away from the river, a residential area unfolds, populated by families seeking a tranquil part of the city to call home.
What to see and do in Belem
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
If you want to get to know and feel the past of the Portuguese Discoveries, Belém is the place to go.
Here, you'll find two of the country's most iconic monuments: the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and the Torre de Belém. The former is a majestic monastery that contains the tomb of Portugal's greatest navigator, Vasco da Gama, and the latter is a 16th-century fortified tower that marks the place where Portuguese ships departed to explore the world. Both are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
These monuments are joined by the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, an impressive stone structure shaped like a caravel (sailing ship) depicting prominent figures linked to the Discoveries, and the Palácio Nacional de Belém. The official home of the Portuguese President, this palace has a beautiful garden and an important museum that tells the story of the Republic and its various heads of state.
The palace is next door to the Jardim Botânico Tropical, a vast garden with around 600 species of tropical and subtropical plants from various continents.
Speaking of museums, Belém is a place where there's no shortage of them. There's the Museu Nacional dos Coches, with a unique collection of carriages from the 16th to the 19th centuries; the Museu da Marinha, with various items and vessels linked to the Portuguese navy, as well as a Planetarium, to look at the stars; and the Museu de Arte Popular, which displays objects related to Portuguese popular culture, from ceramics to musical instruments, and others.
Torre de Belém
The range of museums doesn't stop there. There's also the Museu Nacional de Arqueologia (National Archaeology Museum) and, in contrast, the modern MAAT - Museu de Arte, Arquitetura e Tecnologia, where you can see contemporary art exhibitions. It's worth a visit, especially if you climb to the top of that modern building with a river view.
The Centro Cultural de Belém is another excellent place to see an exhibition or a show. This cultural center has a complete program every month.
And because you'll be hearing a lot about the 1755 earthquake during your time in Lisbon, learn all about this dark episode in the city's history in the interactive Quake museum on the Cais da Alfândega Velha.
Don't leave this neighborhood without trying the famous Pastéis de Belém at the Antiga Confeitaria de Belém, next to the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, or visiting Adega Belém, a small urban winery 300m from Quake.
The Padrão dos Descobrimentos monument
Getting pasteis de nata pastries in Belém
If you want to see Belem like a local, our favorite guide Ana Sofia offers a private walking tour that takes in the main highlights along with some hidden gems.
Where to stay
Altis Belém - Facing the river, this luxury hotel features a Michelin-star restaurant, swimming pools and a spa ($350).
NAU Palácio do Governador - Set in a 17th-century mansion, this hotel is a short walk from Torre de Belém. Facilities include a restaurant, bar, outdoor pool, gym and spa ($275).
Jerónimos 8 - An affordable option right next to the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos offering modest rooms ($150).
Wine & Books Hotel - This 5-star, pet-friendly hotel, 15 minutes from the Jerónimos Monastery, offers modern, spacious rooms overlooking the Ajuda district. It also has a spa, a fine dining restaurant, and a bar with a generous wine list. (from $250)
Restaurants to try
Pão Pão Queijo Queijo — Serving a variety of baguettes, this is a great spot for a quick bite between sightseeing.
Taberna dos Ferreiros — A family-run restaurant with traditional cuisine, serving a few codfish-based dishes.
Prova-Enoteca — For petiscos paired with a vast selection of Portuguese wine
O Frade — A modern restaurant serving dishes inspired by the Alentejo region.
Darwin’s Café — With a terrace overlooking the river, this is a great place to catch the sunset while sampling contemporary Portuguese food.
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