Belém

Travel Guide

Padrão dos Descobrimentos showing a monument, a river or creek and heritage elements
Padrão dos Descobrimentos showing 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 showing a bay or harbour
Padrão dos Descobrimentos which includes landscape views, a park 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
Radisson Blu Hotel
Radisson Blu Hotel
4 out of 5
Avenida Marechal Craveiro Lopes, 390, Campo Grande, Lisbon
The price is S$171 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
S$171
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! (2,002 reviews)
"Highly recommend oasis from the beautiful chaos outside"

Reviewed on 30 Jun, 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 S$221 per night from 28 Jul to 29 Jul
S$221
28 Jul - 29 Jul
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! (1,048 reviews)
"The hotel was really lovely, and the staff were super friendly and helpful. The area around it was nice too, with plenty of food choices and public transport options. The train station was close by, and it was convenient to get to all the spots you’d want to check out in Lisbon. Overall, it was a ..."

Reviewed on 30 Jun, 2025

Locke de Santa Joana
Corinthia Lisbon
Corinthia Lisbon
5 out of 5
Avenida Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, 105, Lisbon
The price is S$344 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
S$344
13 Jul - 14 Jul
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! (1,093 reviews)
"Everyone was friendly ! Front desk did everything to make our stay perfect!"

Reviewed on 29 Jun, 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! (968 reviews)
"Nice staff, pool, room, could not be happier"

Reviewed on 22 Jun, 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! (2,503 reviews)
"Very comfortable. The rooftop pool and view were lovely. Mario, at the bar by the pool was very friendly and helpful, recommending local restaurants. I loved that there were many doors. Being able to shut the door between the bedroom and hallway to bathroom and kitchen and the door to the kitchen ..."

Reviewed on 30 May, 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! (739 reviews)
"Very nice accommodation"

Reviewed on 25 Jun, 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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