Belém

Travel Guide

Padrão dos Descobrimentos showing a monument, heritage elements and a river or creek
Padrão dos Descobrimentos which includes a square or plaza as well as a small group of people
Padrão dos Descobrimentos showing a river or creek, a bridge and sailing
Padrão dos Descobrimentos which includes a bay or harbour
Padrão dos Descobrimentos showing a garden, landscape views and a city

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, Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Centro Cultural Belém Stop or Lg. Princesa Stop to get around.

Restelo
Corinthia Lisbon
Corinthia Lisbon
5 out of 5
Avenida Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, 105, Lisbon
The price is €220 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
€220
2 Aug - 3 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,101 reviews)
"Loved the patio restaurant! Delicious food and excellent ambiance with a great piano player. Also loved the shuttle to old town."

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

Corinthia Lisbon
Locke de Santa Joana
Locke de Santa Joana
4 out of 5
18 Rua Camilo Castelo Branco, Lisbon
The price is €130 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
€130
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy an outdoor pool, 2 restaurants, and 3 bars/lounges. Popular attractions Avenida da Liberdade and Rossio Square are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,081 reviews)
"Well located"

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2025

Locke de Santa Joana
Radisson Blu Hotel
Radisson Blu Hotel
4 out of 5
Avenida Marechal Craveiro Lopes, 390, Campo Grande, Lisbon
The price is €119 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
€119
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (2,018 reviews)
"It was walking distance from Metro. Customer service was excellent. Gave us ideas food and places to visit."

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2025

Radisson Blu 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.
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, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (975 reviews)
"The apartment was spacious, comfortable and suitable for a family with small children. The staff was friendly and very accommodating which we appreciated…made us feel welcomed! However I was disappointed with the game room and the gym which had several broken machines"

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2025

Upon Lisbon Prime Residences
VIP Executive Eden Aparthotel
VIP Executive Eden Aparthotel
4 out of 5
Praça dos Restauradores, 24, Lisbon
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,508 reviews)
Nice apartment hotel.
"It was our second stay here. The apartment had everything I needed, and the cleaning staff was helpful when I needed fresh towels, etc. It’s not high tech like other hotels, but I like it that way. The air conditioning doesn’t work well, and the room gets uncomfortable, but I could withstand it because ..."

Reviewed on 6 Jul 2025

VIP Executive Eden Aparthotel
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 (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (745 reviews)
"I stayed here with a group of friends/families and we enjoyed everything about the hotel. It was a great stay from start to finish. Excellent location and very friendly and helpful staff as well."

Reviewed on 7 Jul 2025

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