Things to Do in Évora, Portugal: Top Attractions in Alentejo
March 24, 2026
Content
Have you ever dreamed of spending a day exploring a corner of Lisbon filled with history, culture, and delicious treats? Then Belém in Lisbon is the place to be! This vibrant neighborhood along the Tagus River is home to iconic sights like the Torre de Belém and the stunning Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. Wander the winding streets, discover hidden squares, and indulge in the world-famous Pastéis de Belém. It’s no wonder visitors keep coming back! Here’s our complete guide with the best tips for making the most of your visit to Belém during a Lisbon city break.
What to do in Belém, Lisbon: explore the historic fishing village full of culture, sights and local delights
Want to find out why Belém in Lisbon is such a unique neighborhood? Just a short train, tram, or bus ride from the city center, this former fishing village is packed with history. Belém is famous as the starting point for Portuguese sailors’ voyages of discovery in the 15th century, and the area is filled with impressive monuments, many of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. Don’t miss the chance to wander the streets, soak in the history, and discover the charms that keep visitors coming back.
But Belém is far from just history: there is so much to see, taste, and experience that you could easily spend a whole day exploring this vibrant neighborhood. Below, we share the best things to do during your visit!
1. Visit the Mosteiro de Jerónimos
The most impressive sight in Belém is the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. This magnificent 16th-century monastery was built to commemorate Vasco da Gama's voyages of discovery and has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1983— and it’s easy to see why. Construction took over a century, which means you can admire a fascinating mix of architectural styles throughout the complex. The entire monastery is a true feast for the eyes, so bring your camera. You won’t want to miss a single angle!
Purchase your ticket for the Jerónimos Monastery online in advance to secure entry and save time during your visit.
2. Climb Torre de Belém
Torre de Belém is considered by many Portuguese people to be the most important and famous building in Portugal. This is because the tower stands on the exact spot from which Vasco da Gama, the world-famous explorer, began his expedition. The tower is located on the banks of the Tagus River, but in the past it stood in the middle of the river and was mainly used as a fort. Due to the shifting of the river’s mouth, Torre de Belém is now easily accessible. The fort dates back to 1515 and is the oldest monument in Belém. You can visit Torre de Belém and climb to the top for panoramic views. Next to the fort is the Jardim da Torre de Belém, a lovely park perfect for taking photos or relaxing with a view of the tower.
3. Taste a delicious Pastéis de Belém
A well-known Portuguese treat is Pastéis de Nata, but did you know that the traditional version is made in Belém? Since 1837, Confeitaria de Belém has been making these pastries according to a secret recipe, known only to the owner and two chefs. Officially, only the pastries from this bakery are allowed to bear the name Pastéis de Belém. It is estimated that around 10,000 are sold each day. And that’s exactly why Pastéis de Belém belongs on the list of the best hotspots in Lisbon.
4. Admire the Padrão dos Descobrimentos
The impressive Padrão dos Descobrimentos was built in 1960 as a monument to some of the most influential Portuguese sailors of the 15th and 16th centuries. The monument features numerous statues of explorers who are often celebrated for their voyages and discoveries. At the same time, many of these figures were involved in colonial expansion and the transatlantic slave trade, offering a more nuanced and complex perspective on their legacy. The monument itself is striking, and you can take an elevator to the 52-meter-high viewing platform for breathtaking views over the harbor and the Tagus River.
5. Explore Belém on foot or by bicycle
Biking is an ideal way to explore Belém and see its main sights fairly quickly, while also giving your legs a break from long walks. That said, strolling through the neighborhood on foot is just as enjoyable. Take your time to visit the famous landmarks, but don’t miss wandering the charming streets—this is how you’ll stumble upon the iconic street art piece, the “Big Racoon.”
Powered by GetYourGuide
This is how to get to Belém: discover Lisbon's historic district!
From the center of Lisbon, it’s just a short trip to Belém, a neighborhood packed with history, stunning monuments, and delicious treats like the world-famous Pastéis de Belém. Getting there is quick and easy. Here are the best ways to reach this must-visit part of the city:
Getting to Belém by train
From Cais do Sodré train station, hop on a train to Cascais and get off at Belém along the way. In just about 8 minutes, you’ll arrive in the heart of this historic district—the fastest and easiest way to explore Belém! Step off at Algés station and take a scenic stroll along the boulevard to the iconic Torre de Belém and the striking Padrão dos Descobrimentos. It’s the perfect way to dive straight into Belém’s history while enjoying stunning views of the Tagus River.
Getting to Belém by bus
Buses also run to Belém, but since they often make multiple stops along the way, this isn’t the fastest option. You can catch bus 714 from Praça da Figueira, 728 from Cais do Sodré train station, or 727 from Rua Braamcamp at the Marquês de Pombal roundabout. You can buy a ticket directly from the driver, or use a Lisboa Card to tap in on the bus.
Getting to Belém by tram
You can also travel from the center of Lisbon to Belém by tram. Take tram line 15E, with central pick-up points at Praça Comérico, Praça da Figueira, and Cais do Sodré. If you want to visit the monastery first, get off at Mosteiro Jerónimos or Centro Cultural. To visit Torre de Belém, hop off at Largo da Princesa.
Getting to Belém by boat
In Lisbon, you can also take a hop-on hop-off boat that stops in Belém. It’s a fun way to get from the city center to this historic neighborhood while enjoying fantastic views of several of Lisbon’s landmarks from the water. Once you buy a ticket, you can use it all day with unlimited hop-on and hop-off access.
Staying in Belém: the best hotel tips
Although Belém is often visited just as a day trip, it’s also a very pleasant neighborhood in Lisbon to stay overnight. Belém is fairly flat, making it ideal for families with children, travelers with reduced mobility, and anyone who wants to explore more of the Lisbon area. Want to get to the city center? You can be there in just 10 minutes. Curious about all our recommendations for neighborhoods and accommodations in Lisbon? Check out our article on the best places to stay in Lisbon.
Although Belém is often visited as a day trip, more and more travelers are discovering that this neighborhood is also ideal for staying and working for a while. Curious what that looks like? In our article on living and working in Lisbon as a digital nomad, you’ll find out why Lisbon is so popular with remote workers and get practical tips if you want to take on this adventure yourself.
Traveling through Portugal by motorhome
Want to see more of Portugal after Belém? Then renting a camper is a relaxed way to continue traveling from Lisbon, stopping wherever you like along the way. From the city, you’ll quickly drive straight into the peace and quiet: think of the Alentejo region, with its vast vineyards, whitewashed villages and rugged coastline. It’s ideal if you want to combine a city trip with a few days of nature, beach and local eateries, without having to check in and out all the time.
More tips for a city break to Lisbon
During a visit to Lisbon, you’ll naturally want to make the most of your trip. It can be very useful to get a Lisboa Card, which allows you to visit many attractions for free and some at a reduced price. In addition, the card gives you access to public transport. You can choose a pass for 24, 48, or 72 hours. Want even more tips for your city break in Lisbon? Discover the best sights and things to do in Lisbon with our handy guide!
If you have a little more time, also check out our favorite day trips from Lisbon to places like Sintra, Cascais and Ericeira.
Tailor-made trip to Portugal
Do you want to explore the beauty of Portugal at your own pace? Let us create a tailor-made trip just for you. Discover Lisbon, savor the world-famous Pastéis de Belém, admire the stunning Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, and wander through the charming villages of the Portuguese countryside. We take care of everything down to the last detail. As your personal travel advisor, we’ll plan the perfect combination of flights, accommodations, excursions, and culinary experiences—completely customized to your wishes. Request your personalized travel proposal for Portugal today!
Travander
At Travander, we’re all about exploring hidden gems, unique destinations, and off-the-beaten-path travel experiences. Our motto, “Let’s Travel and Wander,” reflects our passion for discovering both local treasures and faraway adventures. As experienced travel bloggers and travel consultants, we share insider tips, personal stories, and practical advice to help you make the most of every trip. From city breaks and weekend getaways to tailor-made travel itineraries, we guide you to the most beautiful and inspiring places. Explore the world with Travander and let us spark your next unforgettable adventure!
The 7 Best Beaches in Aruba: Our Favorite Beaches & Hidden Gems
August 13, 2026
7 Best Things to Do in Tirana, Albania
July 22, 2026
More Portugal? Be inspired!
Portugal
June 3, 2026
