Belém is a district of Lisbon where grand monuments whisper of Portugal’s maritime glory. It is a land of sun-drenched charm and sweet pastéis de nata. Once you’ve arrived, all the sights of Belém can easily be explored on foot so it’s perfect for a walking tour, but you may get tired before seeing everything so choose your battles wisely.
Read on for a free self-guided walking tour of Belém that you can do on your own time, using my outline. I’m including a Google Maps link for each of the stops to help you follow along and also so that if you want to enter any of the sites, you’ll be able to see when they’re open and buy your tickets online. Here’s the full map so you can see what you’re getting into before you start. Note that this map also outlines tours for Lisbon city center and Sintra that you may want to do another day.
This post may contain affiliate links and I may earn a small commission when you make a purchase using the links at no additional cost to you.
Where to Start
Start in Belém. If you ride a bike or take a rideshare there, you can head straight to the first stop. You can also take the train from Cais do Sodré and get off at Algés and walk to Belém Tower, enjoying the views along the way. Or you can take tram 15E towards Algés (Jardim) and get off at Lg. Princesa. Use the CityMapper app to determine the best transportation option for you.
1. Belém Tower
Climb the UNESCO World Heritage listed tower for views of Belém and the river. Regular admission is €8 purchased from the ticket booth in the park or online. Do not get in line to enter until you have a ticket. Go first thing to try to beat the crowds.
2. Belém Lighthouse
Also known as the Farol de Belém, this is a non-functional lighthouse (and has never been a functioning lighthouse). It’s simply a photogenic landmark that makes the walk to the next stop more interesting, and reminds us of Portugal’s maritime history.
- Hungry? Feitoria is a Michelin-starred Portuguese restaurant.
3. Padrão dos Descobrimentos
This 52 meter high monument celebrates the Portuguese Age of Discovery during the 15th and 16th centuries. It features a series of of statues of Portuguese explorers such as Henry the Navigator and Vasco da Gama. There is a viewing platform at the top, where you will get views in every direction: Belém Tower to the west, Jerónimos Monastery to the north, the April 25 Bridge and the Sanctuary of Christ the King-Portugal to the east, and the Tagus River to the south. Regular admission is €10.
4. Rose Compass
Also known as the Rosa dos Ventos, this is a colossal mosaic compass that sits in front of the Padrão dos Descobrimentos. It stretches 50 meters across, contains a 14-meter planisphere and a number of intricate details: five delicate compass roses, three blowing faces embodying the power of the wind, a mythical mermaid, and a fantastical fish. Even Neptune, the ruler of the seas, makes his appearance, wielding a trident and a trumpet and riding a magnificent marine beast. Dates and ships mark the daring Portuguese voyages of the 15th and 16th centuries. This mosaic was a gift from South Africa and is free to visit.
5. Museu Coleção Berardo
The Museum of Contemporary Art has a wide selection of works by Warhol, Picasso, Dali, Duchamp, Bacon, Pollock, and many other masters. Its permanent and temporary exhibits have works representing dozens of modern movements from the past century. We didn’t get to visit so it’s on my list for my next trip to Lisbon. Regular admission is €12, and free on Sunday until 2 p.m.
- Hungry? There are a number of food trucks in front of Praça do Império Garden. You might be able to find tacos, pizza, burgers, pina coladas. Take your food to the next stop to take a short rest before continuing on with your Belém walking tour.
6. Praça do Império Garden
This large formal garden has symmetrical flower beds, a large circular fountain, some smaller fountains, a duck pond, and plenty of statuary. It was built in 1940 for the Portuguese World Exhibition and is now a public park and is free to visit.
7. Jerónimos Monastery
Construction of this UNESCO World Heritage site began in 1501 and it took over 100 years to complete. It was designed in the Manueline style (also known as Late Portuguese Gothic). The monks from the Order of Saint Jerome were primarily involved with helping sailors and mariners who anchored offshore, so look out for maritime designs and influences in the architecture. But they are also said to be responsible for inventing the pastel de nata. It is no longer an active monastery, but you can tour the massive buildings and grounds. Regular admission is €12 and you should purchase your tickets online before getting in the entrance line. Go early or late in the day for potentially smaller crowds.
8. Pastéis de Belém
Hungry? Get a small, flaky, buttery, golden crisp pastry nest with caramelized sugar on the bottom. Filled with rich and smooth custard cream with just a hint of sweetness and lightly dusted with cinnamon. Slowly savour every last delicious morsel.
This restaurant has a take-out area, a counter-service area, and a table-service area so pay attention to the signs. We found that it was quick to get a table (the place is way bigger than it looks) and service was quick so I’d definitely recommend this option if you’d like to get off your feet for a few minutes.
9. MAAT
The Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology is one of Lisbon’s newest museums. It is housed in a massive, futuristic building beside an old industrial power plant (which you can also tour). The museum champions contemporary art, architecture, and thought leaders, offering a glimpse into the city’s vibrant cultural scene. We didn’t get to visit here either because I desperately needed a nap but it looked really cool from the outside. Regular admission is €11.
This was the last stop on your Belém walking tour so when you’re ready to head back to Lisbon city center, catch the train at Belém station back to Cais do Sodré. Or catch tram 15E towards Pç. Figuera from Belém (Museu Coches) or Mosteiro Jerónimos. Or grab a bike or rideshare.
Leave a Reply