Just a short ride from Lisbon’s city center, Belém is a historic and charming neighborhood brimming with iconic landmarks, delicious treats, and picturesque waterfront views. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know for the ultimate day trip to Belém, including how to get there, the best attractions to visit, and, of course, where to eat the world-famous pastel de nata.
Table of Contents
- Is Visiting Belém Worth It?
- How Much Time Do You Need in Belém?
- How to Get to Belém from Lisbon
- Top Things to Do in Belém
- Sample Itinerary for the Perfect Day in Belém
- Final Tips for Visiting Belém
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Is Visiting Belém Worth It?
Absolutely! Belém is one of the most culturally rich and picturesque areas just outside Lisbon. From iconic monuments like the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower to the famous Pastéis de Belém, this neighborhood offers the perfect mix of history, architecture, and food. It’s an easy escape from the city center, offering a slower pace and scenic riverside views—totally worth carving out a day for.
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How Much Time Do You Need in Belém?
One full day is all you need to explore the best of Belém. Most of the top sights are within walking distance of each other, making it super easy to check off the highlights without rushing.
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How to Get to Belém from Lisbon
Getting to Belém is straightforward and affordable:
- By Tram: Take Tram 15E from Praça da Figueira or Cais do Sodré. It’s a 20-30 minute ride, and tickets cost €3 one way.
- By Bus: Bus 728 from Praça do Comércio also gets you there in about 25-30 minutes for €2.
- By Train: Catch a train from Cais do Sodré to Belém station, which takes around 10 minutes (€1.50 one way).
- By Taxi or Ride-Share: A taxi or Uber from central Lisbon will cost around €8-€12.
Pro tip: Use the Viva Viagem card for public transportation to save on fares.
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Top Things to Do in Belém
1. Visit the Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos)
This stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site is a masterpiece of Manueline architecture, built to honor Vasco da Gama’s successful voyage to India. The intricate carvings, massive columns, and peaceful cloisters are mesmerizing.
- What to See: The main church, cloisters, and Vasco da Gama’s tomb.
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 5:30 PM (closed Mondays).
- Price: Around €12 for the monastery, free entry to the church. Click here to buy your Jerónimos Monastery tickets in advance.
- Lisboa Card: Activity included.
Tips: Arrive early to avoid long lines, especially during peak season.
My Personal Opinion: This monument is absolutely stunning and was my personal favorite—it’s definitely worth a visit. If you’re short on time while exploring Belém and can only fully visit one monument, I highly recommend making this your top choice.
2. Marvel at the Belém Tower (Torre de Belém)
An iconic symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discoveries, this fortress on the Tagus River is as beautiful as it is historic. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the river and surrounding area.
- What to See: Stunning views, cannons, and the King’s Chamber.
- Opening Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10 AM to 5:30 PM (closed Mondays).
- Price: Around €8 for entry. Click here to buy your ticket in advance.
- Lisboa Card: Activity included.
Tips: Visit in the late afternoon for great lighting and smaller crowds.
My Personal Experience: This monument boasts an iconic exterior that is undeniably stunning and might be enough for some visitors. However, I believe the interior is worth exploring, especially if you have the Lisboa Card. Take a look at the beautiful photos to decide if it’s worth the price based on your preferences, but for me, it was absolutely worth it—I loved it!
3. Explore the Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos)
This towering structure celebrates Portugal’s explorers who changed the course of history. You can take an elevator to the top for sweeping views of Belém.
- What to See: The monument itself, the compass rose map, and the view from the top.
- Opening Hours: 10 AM to 7 PM daily (summer), 10 AM to 6 PM (winter).
- Price: €6 for entry to the viewing platform.
- Lisboa Card: Activity included.
My Personal Opinion: Paying to enter this monument isn’t worth it. There’s not much to see beyond the view, which, in my opinion, isn’t particularly spectacular. However, if you have the Lisboa Card, entry is free—making it the only reason I would recommend going up. You still have to go grab a couple of pictures of the beautiful exterior, which is free!
4. Indulge in Pastéis de Belém
No trip to Belém is complete without stopping at the legendary Pastéis de Belém, the birthplace of Portugal’s famous custard tart. This bakery has been serving these delights since 1837 using a secret recipe. This is THE spot that most travelers debate as having the best pastéis de nata in all of Portugal.
- What to Try: Pastéis de nata, of course! Pair them with a hot coffee.
- Price: €1.30 per tart.
Tips: The line for takeaway can be long, but it moves quickly. For a more relaxed experience, grab a table inside.
My Personal Opinion: After indulging in countless pastéis de nata during my two-month trip to Portugal, I can confidently say they are undeniably delicious. That said, when it comes to whether the ones in Belém are the best in the entire country, I’m not convinced. They’re fresh, crispy, and flavorful, but I didn’t find the experience to be drastically different from other excellent coffee shops striving to serve the best versions of this iconic pastry. Despite that, no trip to Belém is complete without trying them and forming your own opinion on this much-debated question among travelers in Portugal. Besides, you can never have too many pastéis de nata!
5. Stroll Through the Belém Cultural Center (Centro Cultural de Belém)
This modern cultural hub hosts art exhibitions, performances, and even has a great terrace café. It’s a relaxing spot to unwind after sightseeing.
- What to See: Rotating art exhibits and the Berardo Collection Museum.
- Opening Hours: 10 AM to 7 PM daily.
- Price: Free entry to many exhibits; Berardo Collection Museum is €5.
Tips: Check the schedule for live performances or events.
6. Wander Through the Jardim Botânico Tropical
Escape the hustle and bustle with a peaceful walk through this lush botanical garden. It’s filled with exotic plants, ponds, and peacocks roaming freely.
- Opening Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM daily.
- Price: €3 entry.
Tips: Bring a book or snack to enjoy a quiet moment on one of the benches.
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Sample Itinerary for the Perfect Day in Belém
- Morning: Take the tram to Belém and start with the Jerónimos Monastery.
- Midday: Grab a quick lunch and a pastel de nata from Pastéis de Belém.
- Afternoon: Visit the Belém Tower, Monument to the Discoveries, and take a scenic walk along the river.
- Late Afternoon: Explore the Belém Cultural Center or Jardim Botânico Tropical for some downtime.
- Evening: Return to Lisbon or stay for dinner at one of Belém’s riverside restaurants.
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Final Tips for Visiting Belém
- Best Time to Visit: Weekdays are less crowded, and mornings are ideal for cooler temperatures.
- What to Wear: Comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking a lot.
- Budget-Friendly Options: Many sites have free entry on the first Sunday of the month.
- Bring Snacks and Water for the Day: While there are plenty of cafés, it’s handy to have something on hand, especially for the riverside walk.
Belém is the perfect blend of history, culture, and culinary delights. Whether you’re drawn by its iconic landmarks or simply want to taste the best pastel de nata in Portugal, this neighborhood offers a memorable escape from Lisbon’s bustling city center.
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What’s Next?
Now that you know everything about Belém, it’s time to plan your trip! Here are some articles that could be helpful :
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