Belém

Travel Guide
Padrão dos Descobrimentos which includes a square or plaza as well as a small group of people
In this Portuguese city, travel back to times of global discovery. Tour this historic launch point for explorers seeking distant riches.

Belém district defines Lisbon as a historic gateway for voyagers beginning quests for precious goods from distant lands. Hop on trams snaking through the area or walk the black-and-white tiled sidewalks known as calçadas. Belém means Bethlehem in Portuguese.

Lisbon’s history revolves around the ocean and the Tagus River, which runs past Belém. As you wander along the riverfront, notice the 25th of April Bridge. Arrive at a towering marble monument dedicated to Portugal’s seafaring importance. The Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Discoveries Monument) shows the country’s principal Age of Discovery figure Dom Henrique leading notable people toward the ocean and distant shores.

Walk beyond the monument to a small castle along the riverbank. The Torre de Belém (Belém Tower) fortification defended the area from attacks by sea.

Go inland to the Jardim da Praça do Imperio (Imperial Square Garden). Admire the magnificent fountain at the center. Look across the park at the sprawling 16th-century Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, one of the city’s most visited sites. The monastery was erected with funds from the lucrative spice industry.

Also near the park is El Centro Cultural de Belém, housing the Coleção Museu Berardo, one of Lisbon’s finest museums. Travel beyond this popular area toward downtown and look for the large pink building surrounded by trees, Belém Palace, the residence of the country’s presidents.

A short distance farther is the Museo Nacional dos Coches (National Museum of Cars) with a collection of carriages used by European royalty and popes. Try Portugal’s national pastry, the pastel de nata, first made at the beautifully blue-tiled Pastéis de Belém bakery. Lines can be long but the custardy tarts are worth the wait.

Any visit to Lisbon must include Belém. Take the tram to this area quite easily. Alternatively ride the bus, which is often less crowded and not as likely to have pickpockets.

Where to stay in Belém

Maritime Museum featuring interior views

Restelo

Restelo is well liked for its restaurants and museums. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Centro Cultural Belém Stop or Lg. Princesa Stop to get around.

Restelo
Radisson Blu Hotel
Radisson Blu Hotel
4 out of 5
Avenida Marechal Craveiro Lopes, 390, Campo Grande, Lisbon
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €125 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
€125
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,421 reviews)
"size of room nice bed and bath"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Radisson Blu Hotel
Holiday Inn Lisbon Continental, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Lisbon Continental, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
Rua Laura Alves 9, Lisbon
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €140 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
€140
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,018 reviews)
"Good value. Excellent breakfast"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Holiday Inn Lisbon Continental, an IHG Hotel
EPIC SANA Marques Hotel
EPIC SANA Marques Hotel
5 out of 5
Avenida Fontes de Pereira de Melo, 8, Lisbon
The price is €255 per night from 11 Apr to 12 Apr
€255
per night
11 Apr - 12 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,010 reviews)
"The hotel was fantastic and well appointed. The room was super clean and incredibly comfortable."

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

EPIC SANA Marques Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Lisbon Serviced Apartments - Estrela
Lisbon Serviced Apartments - Estrela
4 out of 5
Rua de Buenos Aires, 8, Lisbon
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and a flat-screen TV. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (172 reviews)
"The property was great and the communication prior to arriving was excellent - really easy to find, easy to gain access and in a nice, safe area. The self check-in process was quick and simple. The apartment itself was clean, spacious and modern with kitchen facilities. The bed was comfy and even ..."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

Lisbon Serviced Apartments - Estrela
Upon Lisbon Prime Residences
Upon Lisbon Prime Residences
4 out of 5
Rua Luciana Stegagno Picchio, 12, Lisbon, Lisbon
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (740 reviews)
"Near Benfica stadium"

Reviewed on 12 Mar 2024

Upon Lisbon Prime Residences
Altis Prime Hotel de Apartamentos
Altis Prime Hotel de Apartamentos
4 out of 5
Rua Rodrigo da Fonseca, 4, Lisbon
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9/10 Wonderful! (585 reviews)
Good for families
"Great accommodation for families allowing for self catering. Hallways can get noisy with small children running around. Lighting is dull at night and full length mirror needed in apartments. Good supermarkets close by. Overall it’s a good location that allows flexibility."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Altis Prime Hotel de Apartamentos
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do