Belém

Travel Guide

Padrão dos Descobrimentos which includes a bridge, a river or creek and street scenes
Padrão dos Descobrimentos which includes a square or plaza as well as a small group of people
Padrão dos Descobrimentos featuring sailing, a river or creek and a bridge
Padrão dos Descobrimentos featuring a bay or harbor
Padrão dos Descobrimentos which includes a fountain, 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 which includes interior views

Restelo

The restaurants and museums are just a few things visitors like about Restelo. Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower are worthwhile spots to check out, and you can hop on the metro at Centro Cultural Belém Stop or Lg. Princesa Stop to get around the larger area.

Restelo
Radisson Blu Hotel

Radisson Blu Hotel

4 out of 5
Avenida Marechal Craveiro Lopes, 390, Campo Grande, Lisbon
The price is P6,631 per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
P6,631
P7,559 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
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! (2,033 reviews)
"Thank you"

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Radisson Blu Hotel
Locke de Santa Joana

Locke de Santa Joana

4 out of 5
18 Rua Camilo Castelo Branco, Lisbon
The price is P7,069 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P7,069
P8,023 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
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! (1,197 reviews)
"Nice concept with laundry washer in room"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Locke de Santa Joana
Corinthia Lisbon

Corinthia Lisbon

5 out of 5
Avenida Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, 105, Lisbon
The price is P13,262 per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
P13,262
P14,589 total
Aug 26 - Aug 27
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! (1,145 reviews)
"A little out of the way but close to transportation, in addition to the free shuttle. Excellent dining in the hotel, very comfortable and clean rooms. Staff was lovely and accommodating. Great gym and spa."

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

Corinthia Lisbon
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! (997 reviews)
"We stayed at Upon Lisbon hotel with the breakfast and they were a lot of choice with good varieties and different coffee and fresh juices. The bed was very comfy that it was hard to wake up for the breakfast."

Reviewed on Aug 10, 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! (2,519 reviews)
"Perfect location, rooftop pool and bar were great. Staff were very friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on Jul 21, 2025

VIP Executive Eden Aparthotel
Limehome Lisbon Defensores de Chaves

Limehome Lisbon Defensores de Chaves

2 out of 5
Av. Defensores de Chaves 95, Lisbon, Lisboa
Stay at this aparthotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, cable TV channels, and an in-room espresso maker. Popular attractions Avenida da Liberdade and Rossio Square ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (35 reviews)
"This was an awesome apartment. The location was great. we were able to walk to lots of nearby places, and the metro is only a block away for the further trips. Apartment was really clean, very spacious, and we were comfortable the two nights we were there. Had a little trouble communicating regarding ..."

Reviewed on Aug 5, 2025

Limehome Lisbon Defensores de Chaves
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.

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