Créé par Emilie, le 7 mai 2026
Votre guide Ryo
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Lisbon is a city full of surprises. Once you've visited its downtown area, made up of the Baixa, Alfama and Bairro Alto districts, head to Belém and its historically rich district. Located on the banks of the Tagus, it's now characterized by parks, squares and beautiful waterfront walks. All set with some unmissable historic monuments. So here's what you need to see in this essential district of the Portuguese capital.
A district with an established reputation
Mentioned in all travel guides to Lisbon, the Belém district, although not located in the city center, is one of the most touristy in the city. Beyond its magnificent monuments built on the banks of the Tagus, the Belém district was the starting point for many Portuguese explorers who set out to discover the world. Vasco da Gama, for example, began his journey to the Indies here in 1497. It's also the district where the national palace of Belém is located, former royal residence and current home of the Portuguese president.
Getting to Belém
The Belém district is located west of Lisbon's city center, about 6 km away. If you're staying in the center, you'll need to take public transport to get there.
By tram: it's tram E15 that goes to Belém in about 15 minutes. You can buy a ticket inside, which will cost you €3 for a single journey. It passes through 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 to reach the Belém district. Lines 714 and 728 go there from the Baixa district and Praça do Comércio, for €2 single journey.
There is no metro stopping in the Belém district.
Practical info: there is an unlimited 24-hour transport ticket for €6.40, available at a metro station. If you plan to take more than 2 public transports during the day, it's a good option to limit costs.
What to see in the Belém district?
1- The Jerónimos Monastery
The Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, or Hieronymites Monastery in English, is one of the monuments not to be missed during your visit to Belém. It's a magnificent monastery built in the 16th century in Manueline style that will amaze you. It's connected to the history of Vasco da Gama, as it was built in his honor upon his return from the Indies and today reveals his tomb. It was actually built on the site of an old chapel where the navigator and his crew spent hours praying before their journey.
It testifies to the great wealth of Portugal at this period: it's a magnificent building, elegant and imposing, which demonstrates the grandeur of the country that enriched itself through the numerous explorations it undertook and the spice trade it established after its discoveries. Inside, in addition to Vasco da Gama, rest some great Portuguese personalities, such as King Manuel I or the poet Luis de Camões.
With all this, it is obviously classified as UNESCO World Heritage!
Opening hours
May to September: open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30am to 6:00pm – last entry at 5:30pm
October to April: open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30am to 5:30pm – last entry at 5:00pm
Closed on Mondays, January 1st, Easter Sunday, May 1st and December 25th, and sometimes for ceremonies
Prices
- €10
- Free entry for under-12s, people with reduced mobility and unemployed visitors (EU residents)
- Free entry during European Heritage Days (on Sunday) and International Day for Monuments and Sites (April 18th)
- Half price for over-65s, students and family tickets
To avoid the long queue waiting for you on site, remember to book your entry ticket in advance on the monastery's website.
2- Belém Tower
Second UNESCO-listed monument, Belém Tower was built during the same century as the Hieronymites Monastery, between 1515 and 1519. It therefore displays the same remarkable architectural style, with numerous Manueline-type motifs. We owe it to architect Francisco de Arruda. Positioned at the mouth of the Tagus, it once served to defend the city, then became a lighthouse and a prison. Today, it's one of the most beautiful monuments from this era.
Opening hours
May to September: open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30am to 6:00pm – last entry at 5:30pm
October to April: open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30am to 5:30pm – last entry at 5:00pm
Closed on Mondays, January 1st, Easter Sunday, May 1st and December 25th
Prices
- €6
- Free entry for under-12s, people with reduced mobility and unemployed visitors (EU residents)
- Free entry during European Heritage Days (on Sunday) and International Day for Monuments and Sites (April 18th)
- Half price for over-65s, students and family tickets
To avoid the long queue waiting for you on site, remember to book your entry ticket in advance on the monastery's website.
3- The Monument to the Discoveries
The Padrão dos Descobrimentos, or Monument to the Discoveries in English, was erected in 1960 to pay tribute to Portuguese navigators and Prince Henry the Navigator, who initiated the discovery of the coasts of Africa and India. He was the one who financed the Great Discoveries, which brought great wealth to the country and made Portugal the world's greatest maritime power. On this 52-meter-high monument, we can see some of the greatest navigators, notably Vasco da Gama, Bartolomeu Dias and Diogo Cão.
You have the possibility, if you wish, to go up to the top of the monument to enjoy a superb view of the district and surroundings and visit its museum and exhibitions.
Opening hours
March to September: daily from 10:00am to 7:00pm
October to February: daily from 10:00am to 6:00pm
Closed on January 1st, Easter Sunday, May 1st and December 25th
Prices for visiting exhibitions and viewing platform
- €10
- €5 for young people aged 13 to 25
- €8.50 for over-65s and people with reduced mobility
- Free for under-12s
Prices for visiting exhibitions only
- €5
- €2.50 for young people aged 13 to 25
- €4.30 for over-65s and people with reduced mobility
- Free for under-12s
4- The National Coach Museum
Inaugurated in 1905, this museum reveals an impressive collection of coaches from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries and period objects. It's one of the most important collections in the world, so it's very interesting to visit. We owe this museum to Queen Amélie of Orléans, wife of King Charles I, who wanted to preserve the collection of vehicles from the Royal House.
The museum is separated into two distinct buildings: the main collection is in the newer one, while temporary exhibitions are in the oldest building, called the Picadeiro Real.
Main museum opening hours
Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00am to 6:00pm – last entry at 5:30pm
Closed on Mondays, January 1st, May 1st, Easter Sunday, June 13th, December 24th and 25th
Picadeiro Real opening hours
Wednesday to Monday from 10:00am to 6:00pm – last entry at 5:30pm
Closed on Tuesdays, January 1st, May 1st, Easter Sunday, June 13th, December 24th and 25th
Main museum prices
- €8
- Half price for people over 65, students and family tickets
- Free for under-12s, people with reduced mobility and unemployed visitors (EU residents)
Picadeiro Real prices
- €4
- Half price for people over 65, students and family tickets
- Free for under-12s, people with reduced mobility and unemployed visitors (EU residents)
5- The National Palace of Ajuda
The National Palace of Ajuda 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 decoration. It's now one of the country's most important decorative arts museums, revealing collections dating from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Opening hours
Thursday to Tuesday from 10:00am to 6:00pm – last entry at 5:30pm
Closed on Wednesdays, January 1st, Easter Sunday, May 1st, June 13th and December 25th
Prices
- €5
- €2.50 for people over 65
- Free for under-12s
6- The Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum was created in 1863 in the Belém district by King Dom Luis I. Dedicated to the history of the navy and shipbuilding in Portugal, it's an excellent way to trace the entire evolution of the country's ships, and 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 in detail about this golden period for the country.
Opening hours
May to September: open daily from 10:00am to 6:00pm – last entry at 5:30pm
October to April: open daily from 10:00am to 5:00pm – last entry at 4:30pm
Closed on January 1st, Easter Sunday, May 1st and December 25th
Prices
- €7
- Half price for children aged 4 to 12 and people over 65
- Free for children under 4
- Free on Navy Day (May 20th), International Museum Day (May 18th) and National Maritime Museums Day (July 22nd)
7- The National Palace of Belém
This is the palace where the President of the Portuguese Republic resides. The building was constructed in the 17th century and today displays a beautiful pale pink color, facing Afonso de Albuquerque square. With 5 centuries of history, it can only be discovered through a guided tour, which allows exploration of the numerous remarkable rooms it contains as well as a patio and gardens.
Visits by reservation on Saturdays: 10:30am / 11:30am / 2:30pm / 3:30pm / 4:30pm
The visit may be cancelled or modified due to presidential requirements or events.
8- LX Factory
After visiting all the beautiful monuments that make the Belém district famous, why not stop in the unique LX Factory district? A little further from the rest of Belém (about 3 km), this former Portuguese textile factory has many things to show you! Starting with a very unique and alternative atmosphere where street art is everywhere and brings its touch of color and extravagance. Restaurants, bars, artists' workshops and shops 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 "Calvário" station. You'll then have a few minutes' walk to reach the factory.
In conclusion
As you can see, Belém is a district you absolutely must visit in Lisbon. You'll find all the monuments and museums mentioned above, but also beautiful walks along the Tagus and shops selling the local specialty: pastel de Belém, which you absolutely must try!
Boa visita!