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 centre. 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 further 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
Corinthia Lisbon

Corinthia Lisbon

5 out of 5
Avenida Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, 105, Lisbon
The price is AU$395 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
AU$395
25 Aug - 26 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! (1,158 reviews)
"It was a beautiful stay!"

Reviewed on 17 Aug. 2025

Corinthia Lisbon
Radisson Blu Hotel

Radisson Blu Hotel

4 out of 5
Avenida Marechal Craveiro Lopes, 390, Campo Grande, Lisbon
The price is AU$201 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
AU$201
25 Aug - 26 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! (2,045 reviews)
"Amazing staff service"

Reviewed on 19 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$257 per night from 21 Aug to 22 Aug
AU$257
21 Aug - 22 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! (1,205 reviews)
Great base for city breaks and more
"Apartment was excellent, great amenities and very well designed/decorated. Hotel layout took a little to memorise but bars/gym/pool area were all excellent. Great for our city break but could just as easily have stayed for 2 weeks or more. The only gripe would be that the pool was a little small, ..."

Reviewed on 18 Aug. 2025

Locke de Santa Joana
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.
Pensão Amor Madam’s Lodge

Pensão Amor Madam’s Lodge

4 out of 5
38 Rua Nova do Carvalho, Lisbon
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Popular attractions Rossio Square and Avenida da Liberdade ...
9/10 Wonderful! (123 reviews)
"It was a very cool experience! I loved my room. Felt very honored to stay and become integrated in the history. The only downside for me was the location since it was hard to find peace and quiet at times. But the property itself was absolutely worth it!"

Reviewed on 13 Aug. 2025

Pensão Amor Madam’s Lodge
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! (998 reviews)
"We stayed at Upon Lisbon hotel with the breakfast and they were a lot of choice with good varieties and different coffee and fresh juices. The bed was very comfy that it was hard to wake up for the breakfast."

Reviewed on 10 Aug. 2025

Upon Lisbon Prime Residences
The Visionaire Apartments

The Visionaire Apartments

4 out of 5
Praça da Figueira, 5, Lisbon
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (352 reviews)
"Large rooms with air conditioning. Great views of the plaza. Great restaurants within walking distance."

Reviewed on 16 Aug. 2025

The Visionaire Apartments
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