The treasures of Lisbon’s Belém district

Lisbon is a city full of surprises. Once you’ve visited the city centre, made up of the Baixa, Alfama and Bairro Alto districts, head for Belém and its district steeped in history. Situated on the banks of the Tagus, today it is characterised by parks, squares and beautiful walks along the water’s edge. All set with some historic monuments not to be missed. So here’s what you need to see in this must-see district of the Portuguese capital.

A district with an established reputation

Mentioned in all Lisbon travel guides, the Belém district is one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations, even though it is not located in the city centre. In addition to its magnificent monuments built on the banks of the Tagus, the Belém district was the departure point for many Portuguese explorers who set out to discover the world. Vasco da Gama, for example, began his voyage to India here in 1497. It is also the district where the Belém National Palace is located, the former royal residence and current home of the Portuguese President.

Getting to Belém

The Belém district lies to the west of Lisbon city centre, around 6 km away. If you’re staying in the centre, you’ll need to use public transport to get there.

By tram: the E15 tram takes you to Belém in around 15 minutes. You can buy a ticket inside the tram, which will cost you €3 one way. It runs along the Praça do Comércio. Stop at “Belém-Jerónimos”, and you’ll be right next to the monastery.

By bus: perhaps a little less crowded than the tram, the bus is also a good option for getting to the Belém district. Lines 714 and 728 run from the Baixa district and Praça do Comércio, and cost €2 one way.

There is no metro service stopping in the Belém district.

Practical info: a 24-hour unlimited travel ticket costs €6.40 and can be picked up at any metro station. If you plan to take more than 2 public transport services in a day, this is a good option for keeping costs down.

What to see in the Belém district

1- The Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

The Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, or Hieronymites’ Monastery in French, is one of the monuments not to be missed on your visit to Belém. It’s a magnificent monastery built in the 16th century in a Manueline style that’s sure to be a sight to behold. It is linked to the history of Vasco da Gama, as it was built in his honour on his return from the Indies and now houses his tomb. It was built on the site of an old chapel where the navigator and his crew spent hours praying before their voyage.

It testifies to the great wealth of Portugal during this period: it is a magnificent building, elegant and imposing, demonstrating the greatness of the country, which grew rich thanks to the many explorations it undertook and the spice trade it established after its discoveries. Inside, as well as Vasco da Gama, are the graves of some of Portugal’s greatest figures, including King Manuel I and the poet Luis de Camões.

With all this, it is of course a UNESCO World Heritage Site!

Opening times

May to September: open Tuesday to Sunday, 9.30am to 6pm – last admission at 5.30pm

October to April: open Tuesday to Sunday, 9.30am to 5.30pm – last admission at 5pm

Closed on Mondays, 1 January, Easter Sunday, 1 May and 25 December, and occasionally for ceremonies.

Admission

• 10€
• Free admission for under-12s, people with reduced mobility and unemployed visitors (EU residents)
• Free admission during the European Heritage Days (Sunday) and International Monuments and Sites Day (18 April)
• Half-price for over-65s, students and family tickets

To avoid the long queues that await you on site, remember to book your entrance ticket in advance on the monastery’s website.

2- Belem Tower

The second UNESCO monument, the Belém Tower was built in the same century as the Hieronymites’ monastery, between 1515 and 1519. It therefore displays the same remarkable architectural style, with its many Manueline motifs. It was designed by the architect Francisco de Arruda. Located at the mouth of the Tagus, it was once used to defend the city, and later became a lighthouse and a prison. Today, it is one of the most beautiful monuments from this period.

Opening times

May to September: open Tuesday to Sunday, 9.30am to 6pm – last entry at 5.30pm

October to April: open Tuesday to Sunday, 9.30am to 5.30pm – last admission at 5pm

Closed Mondays, 1 January, Easter Sunday, 1 May and 25 December

Admission

• 6€
• Free admission for under-12s, people with reduced mobility and unemployed visitors (EU residents)
• Free admission during the European Heritage Days (Sunday) and International Monuments and Sites Day (18 April)
• Half-price for over-65s, students and family tickets

To avoid the long queues that await you on site, remember to book your admission ticket in advance on the monastery’s website.

3- The Monument of the Discoveries

The Padrão dos Descobrimentos was erected in 1960 to pay tribute to the Portuguese navigators and Prince Henry the Navigator, who was responsible for the discovery of the coasts of Africa and India. It was he who financed the Great Discoveries, which brought great wealth to the country and made Portugal the world’s greatest maritime power. This 52-metre-high monument features some of the greatest navigators, including Vasco da Gama, Bartolomeu Dias and Diogo Cão.

If you wish, you can climb to the top of the monument for a superb view of the district and the surrounding area, and visit its museum and exhibitions.

Opening times

March to September: daily from 10am to 7pm

October to February: daily from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm

Closed on 1 January, Easter Sunday, 1 May and 25 December

Prices for visiting the exhibitions and the exhibition platform

• 10€
• 5 for young people aged 13 to 25
• 8€50 for over-65s and people with reduced mobility
• Free for children under 12

Admission to the exhibitionsalone

• 5€
• 2€50 for young people aged 13 to 25
• 4€30 for over-65s and people with reduced mobility
• Free for children under 12

4- The National Coach Museum

Inaugurated in 1905, this museum boasts an impressive collection of carriages from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries and period objects. It is one of the most important collections in the world, making it a very interesting place to visit. The museum is the brainchild of Queen Amélie d’Orléans, wife of King Charles I, who wanted to preserve the Royal Household’s car collection.

The museum is divided into two separate buildings: the main collection is housed in the newer one, while temporary exhibitions are held in the older building, known as the Picadeiro Real.

Opening hours of the main museum

Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm – last admission at 5.30pm

Closed on Mondays, 1 January, 1 May, Easter Sunday, 13 June, 24 and 25 December

Picadeiro Real opening times

Wednesday to Monday, 10am to 6pm – last admission at 5.30pm

Closed Tuesdays, 1 January, 1 May, Easter Sunday, 13 June, 24 and 25 December

Prices for the main museum

• 8€
• Half-price for over-65s, students and family tickets
• Free for under-12s, people with reduced mobility and unemployed visitors (EU residents)

Prices for the Picadeiro Real

• 4€
• Half-price for over-65s, students and family tickets
• Free for under-12s, people with reduced mobility and unemployed visitors (EU residents)

5- Ajuda National Palace

The Ajuda National Palace was the official residence of the Portuguese royal family from 1862 to 1910. It subsequently became a national monument and opened its doors to the public in 1968, allowing visitors to discover its sumptuous rooms and period decor. It is now one of the country’s most important museums of decorative art, with collections dating from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Opening times

Thursday to Tuesday, 10.00 am to 6.00 pm – last admission at 5.30 pm

Closed on Wednesdays, 1 January, Easter Sunday, 1 May, 13 June and 25 December

Admission

• 5€
• 2.50 for over-65s
• Free for children under 12

6- The Musée de la Marine

In 1863, King Dom Luis I created the Navy Museum in the Belém district. Dedicated to the history of the navy and shipbuilding in Portugal, it is an excellent way to retrace the development of the country’s ships, and to understand how the great discoveries and explorers enabled Portugal to become one of the most powerful countries in the world at that time. Models, archives, maps and letters will tell you all about this golden period for the country.

Opening times

May to September: open daily from 10am to 6pm – last admission at 5.30pm

October to April: open daily from 10am to 5pm – last admission at 4.30pm

Closed on 1 January, Easter Sunday, 1 May and 25 December

Admission

• 7€
• Half-price for children aged 4 to 12 and over-65s
• Free for children under 4
• Free admission on Navy Day (20 May), International Museum Day (18 May) and National Navy Museum Day (22 July).

7- Belém National Palace

This is the palace where the President of the Portuguese Republic resides. The building was constructed in the 17th century and is now a beautiful pale pink colour, facing the Afonso de Albuquerque square. With 5 centuries of history behind it, it can only be discovered on a guided tour, which gives you the chance to explore the many remarkable rooms it contains, as well as a patio and gardens.

Visits by prior arrangement on Saturdays: 10:30 / 11:30 / 14:30 / 15:30 / 16:30

The visit may be cancelled or modified due to presidential imperatives or events.

8- LX Factory

After visiting all the beautiful monuments for which the Belém district is famous, why not stop off at the unique LX Factory district? A little further away from the rest of Belém (around 3 km), this former Portuguese fabric factory has a lot to offer! Starting with a very unique, alternative atmosphere where urban art is everywhere, adding its own touch of colour and extravagance. Restaurants, bars, artists’ studios and boutiques of all kinds make up this dynamic and trendy place.

To get closer to LX Factory, take the same tram that goes to Belém (E15) and stop at the “Calvário” station. It’s just a few minutes’ walk to the factory.

In conclusion

As you can see, Belém is a must-visit district in Lisbon. You’ll find all the monuments and museums mentioned above, as well as great walks along the banks of the Tagus and shops selling the local speciality: Belém pastel, a must-taste!

Boa visita!