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 featuring 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$166 per night from 18 Dec to 19 Dec
AU$166
includes taxes & fees
18 Dec - 19 Dec
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! (1,739 reviews)
"It was nice, the room was clean but small, which was not a big deal as I was traveling alone. The halls on the upper floors were a bit rundown. The parking situation kinda sucked and I felt expensive."

Reviewed on 9 Dec. 2024

Radisson Blu Hotel
Corinthia Lisbon
Corinthia Lisbon
5 out of 5
Avenida Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, 105, Lisbon
The price is AU$363 per night from 4 Jan to 5 Jan
AU$363
includes taxes & fees
4 Jan - 5 Jan 2025
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! (1,005 reviews)
"Great hotel, friendly staff, and very clean"

Reviewed on 2 Dec. 2024

Corinthia Lisbon
Holiday Inn Lisbon Continental, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Lisbon Continental, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
Rua Laura Alves 9, Lisbon
The price is AU$195 per night from 16 Dec to 17 Dec
AU$195
includes taxes & fees
16 Dec - 17 Dec
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,429 reviews)
"Great staff. A one breakfast which had a lot of variety. Highly recommend."

Reviewed on 5 Dec. 2024

Holiday Inn Lisbon Continental, an IHG Hotel
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.
Lisbon Serviced Apartments - Estrela
Lisbon Serviced Apartments - Estrela
4 out of 5
Rua de Buenos Aires, 8, Lisbon
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Rossio Square and Avenida da Liberdade ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (206 reviews)
"Check in was easy considering there was no front desk. Place was cozy and clean. Only issue was there was no reply when I had questions during our stay."

Reviewed on 6 Oct. 2024

Lisbon Serviced Apartments - Estrela
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, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (861 reviews)
"Reception staff were amazing"

Reviewed on 17 Nov. 2024

Upon Lisbon Prime Residences
Lisbon Serviced Apartments - Mouraria
Lisbon Serviced Apartments - Mouraria
4 out of 5
Rua São Pedro Mártir, 38, Lisbon, Lisboa
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Rossio Square and Castle of São Jorge ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (201 reviews)
"Great place, location is a bit meh"

Reviewed on 9 Dec. 2024

Lisbon Serviced Apartments - Mouraria
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