What to do in Belém

Activities, attractions and tours

Padrão dos Descobrimentos featuring a bridge, heritage elements and a river or creek
Padrão dos Descobrimentos featuring a bridge, heritage elements and a river or creek
Padrão dos Descobrimentos which includes 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

Places to Visit in Belém

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Belém, Lisbon District while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Belém attractions from NZ$2, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Belém tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 1408 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Belém. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Top places to visit

1. Belém Tower

Belém Tower is an impressive structure on the shore of the Tagus River in Lisbon. The ornate fortification was built here over 500 years ago to fight off any hostile craft that came up the river. Gaze straight across the river from the top of the Tower Terrace to see St. Sebastian’s Fort, another fortification on the opposite shore. With the two towers in place, enemy warships could not achieve success in attacking the city.
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Belem Tower which includes heritage architecture, general coastal views and a bridge

2. Jerónimos Monastery

Visit the Jeronimos Monastery to see a stunning monument marked with decorative façades and spires. This architecture is a shining example of late-Gothic design with a hint of Renaissance ornamentation. Inside, walk the same halls once inhabited by the Hieronymite monks, a sombre Catholic sect that prayed for the safe return of Lisbon’s seafaring explorers.
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Jeronimos Monastery featuring a church or cathedral, a square or plaza and heritage architecture

3. Pastéis de Belém

Prepare your taste buds for an authentic experience in Portuguese sweets at the Pastéis de Belem. This world-renowned and wildly popular pastry shop attracts crowds that line up out the door for a bite of one of its home-cooked delights. Waiting is worthwhile: at the end you’ll experience the flaky crust and warm custard centre of a pastel de nata, Lisbon’s signature pastry.
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Pasteis de Belem featuring interior views and food

4. Padrão dos Descobrimentos

Lisbon’s Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries) points out over the Tagus River. From this spot many sailing vessels followed the river out to the Atlantic Ocean to explore uncharted waters and discover new lands. View this concrete-and-limestone monument to study a 3-D mural of maritime figures. These people are recognized as Portugal’s leading individuals for introducing European customs and trade to distant regions.
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Padrão dos Descobrimentos which includes street scenes, a monument and a river or creek

5. Maritime Museum

Get in touch with your inner sailor at the Maritime Museum. This nautical institution preserves the memory of Portugal’s pioneering explorers with displays of famous personalities, boat models and examples of their cartography. With a collection of 17,000 items, this is one of the most comprehensive exhibitions of maritime history from the Middle Ages on.
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Maritime Museum showing heritage architecture and a church or cathedral

Recommended things to do in Belém

Number of things to do
1408
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Exciting Free Walking Tour: Explore Iconic Landmarks & Stunning Viewpoints: NZ$2
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Belém

Discover the most popular places to visit in Belém

Rossio Square showing a fountain, street scenes and heritage elements

Rossio Square

4.5/5(66 reviews)

See the people-packed central square whose swirling wave-patterned cobbles are thought to have inspired copycat pavements across the rest of Portugal and beyond.

Rossio Square
Avenida da Liberdade featuring a city and a statue or sculpture

Avenida da Liberdade

You can find the perfect gifts to bring home when you visit Avenida da Liberdade, a popular shopping spot in Santo Antonio. Discover the charming cafes in this family-friendly area or seek out the local tours.

Avenida da Liberdade
Campo Grande which includes a pond and a park

Campo Grande

You can learn about the history of Alvalade when you stop by Campo Grande. While in this family-friendly area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Campo Grande
Belem Tower featuring general coastal views, a sunset and heritage architecture

Belém Tower

4.5/5(67 reviews)

Lisbon constructed a fortification along a waterway to defend its riches. Now access the structure from the shore for lovely views.

Belém Tower
Lisbon City Center showing a monument and a statue or sculpture

Marquis of Pombal Square

4/5(8 reviews)

Learn about the local history of Lisbon with a stop at Marquis of Pombal Square. Stroll along the riverfront or experience the fascinating museums in this vibrant area.

Marquis of Pombal Square
Castle of Sao Jorge showing a city, views and a castle

Castle of São Jorge

4.5/5(59 reviews)

See ancient stonework and enjoy the same views of the city that allowed Lisbon’s medieval royals to spot incoming invaders from miles around.

Castle of São Jorge
Lisbon Oceanarium featuring interior views and marine life as well as a small group of people

Lisbon Oceanarium

4.5/5(10 reviews)

Spot deep-sea dwellers and ocean birds from around the world in this enormous and diverse aquarium, found along Lisbon’s picturesque seafront.

Lisbon Oceanarium
Santa Justa Elevator which includes outdoor eating, night scenes and nightlife

Santa Justa Elevator

4/5(60 reviews)

Ride the elevator designed in the 19th century to connect the districts of hilltop Bairro Alto and downtown Baixa. Enjoy views from the café atop the gothic lift.

Santa Justa Elevator
Carcavelos beach in Lisbon, Portugal

Carcavelos Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Carcavelos Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Carcavelos. Amble around the area's seaside or seek out its surfing spots.

Carcavelos Beach

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Belém

Alfama Lisbon Cityscape

Lisbon

Miradouro de Santa Luzia showing a coastal town and a lake or waterhole

Lisbon District

Monsanto Forest Park showing landscape views and a small town or village

Benfica

Frequently asked questions

Is Belém worth visiting?
Renowned for its cafes and culture, finding fun things to do in Belém is a cinch. Be sure to add Ajuda National Palace to your trip itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Belém?
Once you've visited top attractions like Maritime Museum, spend some time discovering the food and retail options in Belém.
What is the top tourist attraction in Belém?
The top tourist attraction near Belém is Ajuda National Palace, so make sure to add it to your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Belém?
You'll have all the time you need to experience Ajuda National Palace, Quinta de Pancas and other top attractions around the area when you plan a three-day escape to Belém.
Is Belém a walkable neighbourhood?
Getting around Belém on foot is a breeze, with key attractions like Ajuda National Palace and Quinta de Pancas both within walking distance. Popular neighbourhoods like Alcântara and Restelo are also located only 3 kilometres and 2 kilometres from the centre of Belém, so you can see and do more — no wheels required.
What are some activities to do in Belém with kids?
Deciding what to do in Belém with kids has never been so simple. Whether you have little ones or teenagers, there are loads of family-friendly activities to keep them happy here.

What to do in Belém for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or outdoor explorer, there are lots of things to do in Belém for adults including Quinta de Pancas.
Are there free things to do in Belém?
One of the most popular free things to do in Belém is visit Berardo Collection. You can also stroll to nearby neighbourhoods and spend time in parks and other open spaces in the area. If you're looking for more ideas, just talk with a local tour guide.