If you’re visiting Lisbon, Portugal you can’t miss out on Belem. It is one of the most beautiful places in Portugal, and the best news is that it is very easy to visit. Most of its most famous attractions are all within walking distance of each other.
Belem
Belem has a long history. It’s been inhabited since the Paleolithic area (something I learned at the Museu Nacional de Arqueologia right in Belem). Belém is also where Vasco de Gama departed for his famous exploration where he discovered a route to India. In fact, Belém celebrates Portugal’s explorers with the Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Discovery Monument).
Belém really came to when King Manuel I had the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and the Torre de Belém built (they are both UNESCO sites).
Today, Belém has become ridiculously popular. It can be overcrowded (and usually is), but it’s such a special place you really should not miss it. Here are some of the things you should see and do in Belém.
Things to do in Belém to get some culture
My absolute favorite museum in Lisboa. Normally, I’d be afraid to share my ultimate fave, but this museum is always empty – which baffles me because their modern art collection is superb. There is surrealism, pop art, hyper-realism, minimalist art, conceptual art. It’s all represented there. There is Krasner, DeKooning, Pollock, Sherman, Picasso, Andre, all the greats are represented. A must for art lovers.
Tickets
Tickets cost €5, but if you are under 18 years old, over 65, or a student, you get 50% off. Kids under 6 can go in free.
Hours of Operation
Open daily 10am – 7pm. Closed Dec 25.
One of the most beautiful works of modern architecture in Lisbon, this museum also doubles as a miradouro, so it makes for a great way to get in some culture and to catch a beautiful sunset. Don’t miss out on the adjoining Tejo Power Station, especially if you have kids. This is a fantastic place to learn about science and about Lisbon’s history.
Pro Tip
The collection at the new building leaves a lot to be desired. If you’re here to see art, just go to Berardo or to one of the adjacent museums that are a part of the MAAT; Museu da Electricidade and the smaller building that usually houses furniture both are wonderfully curated.
Tickets
Tickets cost €9.
Hours of Operation
Open daily noon to 8 pm
Closed Tuesdays, December 25, January 1, and May 1.
This is one of the buildings that mark the golden age of Belem. It was built by King Manuel I in 1502 on the spot where Vasco de Gama spent the night praying before his famed voyage. The monastery was erected to thank the Virgin Mary for the successful voyage.
The Monastery was used by the Hieronymite monks who were to guide sailors and pray for the health of the King’s soul.
The architecture of this building is ridiculously beautiful in its Manueline style. The detail here is incredibly intricate and peppered with maritime and religious embellishment.
The monastery has been home to the remains of many of Portugal’s notables including Vasco de Gama, Luis de Camões, Fernando Pessoa, and of course – King Manuel.
Pro Tip
This is a very popular spot, so get there early. It gets very crowded, so get there early. You can visit the church for free, but the cloisters are paid. The church does close when there is mass, so keep this in mind. Don’t miss out on the museums that are housed at this building like the Museu da Marinha and Museum of Archaeology (superb imho).
Tickets
A single ticket is €10. You can buy combined tickets for this and a few other attractions for €12 to €25.
Hours of Operation:
October to May 10:00 am to 5:30 pm, May to September 10:00 am to 6:30 pm
Closed on Mondays and 1 January, Easter Sunday, 1 May, 13 June and 25 December
Another stunning work of Manueline architecture, the Tower of Belem was completed in 1520. The tower is both beautiful and powerful as it was built to guard Lisbon’s harbor. Its style not only shows the power of Portugal at the time but also its reach with the Moorish influences that decorate it. It is no wonder that it was classified as a UNESCO site in 1983.
Pro Tip
Get there before 10 am to be the first person on the line. It can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour if you actually want to go inside and only 150 people are allowed in at once.
Tickets
An individual ticket costs €6, but there are various combinations you can purchase if you want to see various monuments in Belem.
Hours of Operation
Oct to May 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., May to Sep 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Closed on Mondays and 1 January, Easter Sunday, 1 May, 13 June and 25 December
This is just the coolest monument. It looks like a ship waiting to depart and depicts some incredibly important historical figures such as King Manuel I, Vasco de Gama, and Magellan. If you choose to go inside, you’ll get a brief history of Lisbon and if you take the elevator, a great view of the city. If you do, don’t forget to look down at the mosaics, they are superb and show the places that Portuguese explorers used to frequent.
Pro Tip
You can reach this monument via underground passageway.
Tickets
€5 for a single adult, €12.50 for a family ticket (2 adults & 2 kids)
Hours of Operation
Mar to Sept 10:00 am – 7:00 pm, Oct to Feb 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
Closed Mondays (during March), Dec 25, Jan 1, May 1
Things to do in Belem to get some Sun
I’ve got a thing for botanical gardens and this one is lovely and unknown, that means you can roam around almost completely alone in here to get a little peace and quiet. There are tons of different species of plants, plenty of sculptures, and so many different animals for you to enjoy. The garden needs some love and probably investment, so go and visit. Your money will make a difference.
Tickets
Tickets cost a mere 2€
Hours of Operation
Jan 10am – 5pm, Feb & Mar 10am – 6pm, Apr 10am-7pm, May-Aug 10am – 8pm, Sep 10am – 7pm, Nov & Dec 10am – 5pm. Closed holidays.
Jardim Vasco de Gama
This public garden in Belem is gorgeous. Its fountain and trees are a great spot to cool down on the hottest days of Summer. It also offers some incredibly charming surprises like a Chinese style kiosk. So hit up this spot after picking up your Pasteis de Belem.
Tickets
None needed since it’s a public garden, it is free.
Hours
Whenever the heck you decide to go.
How to Get to Belem
Bus Lines: 727, 728, 729, 751, 714
Eléctricos (Trams): 15
Comboio (Train Line): Linha Lisboa-Cascais (estação de Belém)
Very informative, I’ll book mark it for next time I’m in Portugal
Glad you like it, Sarah. Any questions on Portugal or Lisbon, just ask.