Belém is a touristy riverside neighbourhood in the west of greater Lisbon, known most famously as the starting point for the world voyages of Portuguese explorers like Vasco de Gama and Henry the Navigator.
Just a quick bus or tram ride out of the city, Belém offers a historical look into Lisbon's past, even claiming the former residence of the Portuguese royal family up until the 19th century.
Give yourself a day to explore and discover what brings tourists by the thousands to this fascinating niche of Lisbon:
Palácio Nacional da Ajuda
Up until the 19th century, the Portuguese royal family called this opulently decorated palace home. Ornate rooms take up the space where you are free to wander, spotting artwork, architecture and furniture from around the world lavishly filling the rooms.
Igreja Santa Maria de Belém
Attached to the famous Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, you can visit this church for free and enjoy its sweeping ceilings and intricate columns.
Padrão dos Descobrimentos
The famous column was built to commemorate 500 years since the death of Henry the Navigator, and detailed statues line the front of the monument resembling a ship looking out to see and all those who his voyages depended on. A map of the voyages Portuguese explorers undertook is in the plaza out front.
Torre de Belém
Built in the 16th century to defend Lisbon, this tower is now one of Belém's most well-known spots and a protected UNESCO site, too.
UPDATE: When I visited Belém, the Tower was closed to visitors, but when I returned to Lisbon in June 2022, the grounds had reopened. General admission is €6 and you can visit the four floors of this little tower in the sea.
CHECK OUT MY VLOG OF Belém HERE!
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Hi! I’m Jana, a Dutch-German-British-Canadian with a dream of seeing every country in the world. I am a storyteller, photographer and adventurer passionate about documenting and sharing my travels.