Belém is located in the western part of lisbon and is along with the Tagus river(Rio Tejo) where it meets Atlantic Ocean.
It is only 20 minutes drive from baixa which is in central Lisbon. It is last neighbour to the west before you get to see cute seaside suburbs. It starts with the river and goes all the way to the hill. The east neighbourhood is Ajuda and then you can see the 25th of April Bridge.
Belém was the launching point for the Portugal’s age of discovery. In this article ,we will explore the beauty of Belém and it’s history.
How to reach Belém:
1. By Tram 15E:
It is the slowest and most popular ways to go but will be worthy. You can get the view of lisbon city. You have to wait a little bit more or you can avoid the rush hour which is between 8am to 10am.
2. By Train:
Train is the fastest means to reach the Belém. It will take only 7 to 10 minutes. You can get train in cais do sodré station and choose cascais line.
Tips:
If you buy the lisbon card, you can travel whole area and can also get free entrance to some of the best places. It is valid for 24 hours and will cost around 20 euro.
Best Places To Visit:
1. Jerenimos Monastery:
Jerenimos Monastery is probably the most popular and most visited place in Belém. It is right after the tram15E stop. It is also listed in UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Construction of monastery began in 15th century yet finishing touches took over a century. Its striking Manueline architecture (Portuguese late Gothic) tells stories in stone. And meaningfully, it replaced the Ermida do Restelo chapel, where Vasco da Gama and his crew once prayed before sailing into the African coast to india. It has very beautiful and cool designs inside. It is also the home of the the tomb of VASCO DE GAMA.
You can walk around get the experience of beautiful architecture and take an amazing pictures.
Additional Information:
Opening Hours: 10 am to 6:30 pm, closed on Monday
Charge: 10 euro for adults
2. Pasteis de Belém:
Pasteis de Belém is right next to the jeronimos monstery. This is one of the most popular place to have lunch and breakfast. The reason for people visiting there is, the origin of pasteis began in 18th century. The family who started the pasteis de belém, they still own it and run it today.
Monastery was going out of business,so the Monks made these famous custard tarts and they started selling. They still went out of business but the current owner bought the recipe from Monk. They have the secret recipe that’s why its worth going there. There will be the good crowd of people waiting for their turn to have a taste of Pasteis de Belém.
3. The Garden Of Afonso Albuquerque:
Right in the heart of the garden stands its star attraction,a grand monument built way back in 1902. This beautiful neo-Manueline structure pays tribute to “Afonso de Albuquerque” (1453–1515), the famous explorer who served as the second Viceroy of Portuguese India.
It's a real work of art which is crafted by sculptor Costa Mota with a base designed by Silva Pinto. Look closely, and you'll see incredible bronze statues and detailed reliefs all over it ,they're like a visual biography, telling the story of Albuquerque's life and adventures right there in the metal.
When Lisbon hosted the 1940 Portuguese World Exhibition, they gave this garden a lovely makeover.That's when four beautiful fountains by sculptor Barata Feyo were added, along with leafy pathways, shady benches, and gorgeous plants.
What's really special? Walk through it and you'll see it has kept almost all its 1940s charm like a peaceful little time capsule in the heart of Belém.
Additional Information:
Opening hours : Daily 10 am to 5 pm
Charges: 4 euros per adult
4. Monuments Of Discoveries:
It is one of the most visit place in Belém. It is located right along the riverfront. It is 170 feet tall and it is a monument the age of exploration in 15th and 16th century. They actually built this in 1960s and it has the statue of all the famous people who helped the portugal to be on the map. At front of it is Henry, navigator who was the first man to explore the map of world.
This is also the best place to get a view. You can easily go right up through elevator without waiting in the line. You can get the magnificent view of the Belém and the Bridge.
Additional Information:
Opening hours: 10 am to 7 pm
Charges: 6 euros per adult
5. Belém tower:
Belém tower also known as Torre de belem was built in 15th century. It is located in west of lisbon and Northern bank of Tagus River (Rio Tejo). This UNESCO World Heritage fortress began as Portugal’s armored embrace against invaders . But history, like the river, reshapes everything. It became a lighthouse for homesick sailors, a customs house tallying spices and silks, and even a prison where whispers clung to damp walls . Architect Francisco de Arruda poured Portugal’s seafaring pride into every Manueline twist,rope-like stone coils, armillary spheres, and that "mysterious rhino gargoyle*" (a nod to the first rhino in Europe, gifted to King Manuel I).
Pro Tips:
Visit at sunset when the stone glows gold. That’s when you’ll feel the weight of all those brave departures and understand why locals call it ‘Lisbon’s stone farewell.
Additional Information:
Opening hours: 9:30 am to 6 pm
Charges: 8 euros per adult
6. National Coach Museum:
When you enter inside Belém’s National Coach Museum ,you’ll find yourself surrounded by the world’s most dazzling parade of historic carriages. With over 70 golden, jewel-like coaches and sedan chairs from the 15th to 18th century, it’s not just Portugal’s most-visited museum,it’s a glittering sparkling tribute to royal artistry and the age of horse-drawn grandeur.
Additional Information:
Opening hours: 10 am to 6 pm, closed on monday
Charges: 8 euros per adult
After visiting Belém, it feels like closing a storybook brimming with adventures. You’ll carry the taste of warm pastéis, the river’s golden-hour glow, and whispers of explorers who once dreamed beyond horizons. From the lace-carved stones of Jerónimos to gilded carriages and towers kissed by tides, this isn’t just Lisbon’s heritage ,it’s where Portugal’s heart beats loudest.
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