Belém

Travel Guide

Padrão dos Descobrimentos showing street scenes, a bridge and heritage elements
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, sailing and a bridge
Padrão dos Descobrimentos which includes a bay or harbour
Padrão dos Descobrimentos showing a garden, landscape views and a fountain

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 showing 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
Corinthia Lisbon

Corinthia Lisbon

5 out of 5
Avenida Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, 105, Lisbon
The price is CA $317 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
CA $317
CA $348 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
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! (1,129 reviews)
Outstanding
"Exceptional service from check in to check out! More than a 5 star hotel! Will absolutely stay here again and refer others! Truly a delightful week spent!"

Reviewed on Jul. 29, 2025

Corinthia Lisbon
Locke de Santa Joana

Locke de Santa Joana

4 out of 5
18 Rua Camilo Castelo Branco, Lisbon
The price is CA $173 per night from Aug 21 to Aug 22
CA $173
CA $196 total
Aug 21 - Aug 22
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! (1,153 reviews)
"A must stay"

Reviewed on Jul. 30, 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 CA $158 per night from Aug 26 to Aug 27
CA $158
CA $181 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! (2,035 reviews)
"Excellent breakfast (expensive). Overall hotel looks a little worn in rooms and hallways, but it was a good stay for 1 night before a flight"

Reviewed on Jul. 29, 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! (990 reviews)
"It was as is always a great experience"

Reviewed on Jul. 25, 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
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! (759 reviews)
"Property was clean and in a great location. Staff was very friendly and helpful."

Reviewed on Jul. 22, 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.

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