Belém Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Padrão dos Descobrimentos showing a square or plaza as well as a small group of people
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, Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery 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 NZ$247 per night from 26 May to 27 May
NZ$247
per night
26 May - 27 May
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,486 reviews)
"Great spot close to the airport. Can easily hop on the Metro “Campo Grande” stop and be in the city center within 25 minutes. Also close to the Jose Alvalade Stadium. Nice and solid hotel, exactly what our family needed. Helpful staff as well."

Reviewed on 17 May 2024

Radisson Blu Hotel
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 NZ$273 per night from 18 Jun to 19 Jun
NZ$273
per night
18 Jun - 19 Jun
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! (1,079 reviews)
"Amazing"

Reviewed on 17 May 2024

Holiday Inn Lisbon Continental, an IHG Hotel
Corinthia Lisbon
Corinthia Lisbon
5 out of 5
Avenida Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, 105, Lisbon
The price is NZ$455 per night from 10 Jun to 11 Jun
NZ$455
per night
10 Jun - 11 Jun
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,006 reviews)
"Very clean and efficiently run. Services were very well maintained. Excellent choices in buffet breakfast and restaurant meals"

Reviewed on 18 May 2024

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.
Legendary Lisboa Suites
Legendary Lisboa Suites
4 out of 5
Rua Rodrigo da Fonseca, 44-50, Lisbon, Lisbon
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Avenida da Liberdade ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (550 reviews)
"Reasonably central. Breakfast timings good, staff friendly, but property in need of an up date."

Reviewed on 18 May 2024

Legendary Lisboa Suites
Altis Prime Hotel de Apartamentos
Altis Prime Hotel de Apartamentos
4 out of 5
Rua Rodrigo da Fonseca, 4, Lisbon
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (590 reviews)
"The apartment is as advertised. Room is clean and staff are very friendly. Parking is VERY tight in the underground."

Reviewed on 16 May 2024

Altis Prime Hotel de Apartamentos
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 breakfast and the pool in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (752 reviews)
"Staff were very friendly and helpful especially the female evening receptionist who spoke excellent English. hotel was modern and all you required for a pleasant stay. Apartment was clean modern and well equipped if you wanted to self-cater.Would definitely stay again."

Reviewed on 18 May 2024

Upon Lisbon Prime Residences
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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Belém