Belém Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Padrão dos Descobrimentos featuring a bridge, heritage elements and a river or creek
Padrão dos Descobrimentos showing a square or plaza as well as a small group of people
Padrão dos Descobrimentos featuring a river or creek, sailing and a bridge
Padrão dos Descobrimentos showing a bay or harbour
Padrão dos Descobrimentos featuring a garden, a city and landscape views

In this Portuguese city, travel back to times of global discovery. Tour this historic launch point for explorers seeking distant riches. 

Belém district defines Lisbon as a historic gateway for voyagers beginning quests for precious goods from distant lands. Hop on trams snaking through the area or walk the black-and-white tiled sidewalks known as calçadas. Belém means Bethlehem in Portuguese.

Lisbon’s history revolves around the ocean and the Tagus River, which runs past Belém. As you wander along the riverfront, notice the 25th of April Bridge. Arrive at a towering marble monument dedicated to Portugal’s seafaring importance. The Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Discoveries Monument) shows the country’s principal Age of Discovery figure Dom Henrique leading notable people toward the ocean and distant shores.

Walk beyond the monument to a small castle along the riverbank. The Torre de Belém (Belém Tower) fortification defended the area from attacks by sea.

Go inland to the Jardim da Praça do Imperio (Imperial Square Garden). Admire the magnificent fountain at the center. Look across the park at the sprawling 16th-century Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, one of the city’s most visited sites. The monastery was erected with funds from the lucrative spice industry.

Also near the park is El Centro Cultural de Belém, housing the Coleção Museu Berardo, one of Lisbon’s finest museums. Travel beyond this popular area toward downtown and look for the large pink building surrounded by trees, Belém Palace, the residence of the country’s presidents.

A short distance farther is the Museo Nacional dos Coches (National Museum of Cars) with a collection of carriages used by European royalty and popes. Try Portugal’s national pastry, the pastel de nata, first made at the beautifully blue-tiled Pastéis de Belém bakery. Lines can be long but the custardy tarts are worth the wait.

Any visit to Lisbon must include Belém. Take the tram to this area quite easily. Alternatively ride the bus, which is often less crowded and not as likely to have pickpockets.

Where to stay in Belém

Maritime Museum showing interior views

Restelo

Restelo is well liked for its restaurants and museums. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Centro Cultural Belém Stop or Lg. Princesa Stop to get around.

Restelo
Radisson Blu Hotel

Radisson Blu Hotel

4 out of 5
Avenida Marechal Craveiro Lopes, 390, Campo Grande, Lisbon
The price is AU$204 per night from 26 Aug to 27 Aug
AU$204
26 Aug - 27 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,050 reviews)
"It was a great location, and very welcoming and clean."

Reviewed on 4 Aug. 2025

Radisson Blu Hotel
Locke de Santa Joana

Locke de Santa Joana

4 out of 5
18 Rua Camilo Castelo Branco, Lisbon
The price is AU$224 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
AU$224
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy an outdoor pool, 2 restaurants, and 3 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Avenida da Liberdade and Rossio Square are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,164 reviews)
Young, relaxing and large hotel!
"Great stay, such a cute hotel, great location if you’re willing to walk a bit to get to the touristy area. Close to the mall and great restaurants! Would be great for solo travel, everyone was fairly young and friendly, also great if you’re looking for a hotel to work from, solid WiFi and lots of ..."

Reviewed on 1 Aug. 2025

Locke de Santa Joana
Corinthia Lisbon

Corinthia Lisbon

5 out of 5
Avenida Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, 105, Lisbon
The price is AU$394 per night from 29 Aug to 30 Aug
AU$394
29 Aug - 30 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,131 reviews)
"XO"

Reviewed on 3 Aug. 2025

Corinthia Lisbon
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Upon Lisbon Prime Residences

Upon Lisbon Prime Residences

4 out of 5
Rua Luciana Stegagno Picchio, 12, Lisbon, Lisbon
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (991 reviews)
"It was as is always a great experience"

Reviewed on 25 Jul. 2025

Upon Lisbon Prime Residences
VIP Executive Eden Aparthotel

VIP Executive Eden Aparthotel

4 out of 5
Praça dos Restauradores, 24, Lisbon
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,519 reviews)
"Perfect location, rooftop pool and bar were great. Staff were very friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on 21 Jul. 2025

VIP Executive Eden Aparthotel
limehome Lisbon Defensores de Chaves

limehome Lisbon Defensores de Chaves

2 out of 5
Av. Defensores de Chaves 95, Lisbon, Lisboa
Stay at this aparthotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, cable TV channels, and an in-room espresso maker. Popular attractions Avenida da Liberdade and Rossio Square ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (34 reviews)
"The staff was really helpful and friendly."

Reviewed on 27 Jul. 2025

limehome Lisbon Defensores de Chaves
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Cities near Belém