Self-Guided Walking Tour of Belém

All of the top attractions in Belém are conveniently located within walking distance. I’ve put together this self-guided walking tour covering the best things to do in Belém, following the exact route I took on my own trip to Lisbon.

This route avoids unnecessary backtracking, includes plenty of tips to help you avoid mistakes I made, and can comfortably be completed in 2–3 hours or over half a day. 

Route Overview
Stop 1: Belém Tower (Torre de Belém)
Stop 2: Lisboa Sign
Stop 3: Tagus River Promenade
Stop 4: Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos)
Stop 5: Empire Square Garden (Jardim da Praça do Império)
Stop 6: Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos)
Stop 7: Pastéis de Belém

Walking Route Summary
Distance: 2 km
Allow: 2–3 hours 
Difficulty: Easy (mostly flat)
Includes: 7 of Belém’s top attractions
Finishes near tram and bus stops

I chose this route because it includes a scenic walk along the Tagus waterfront, and concludes near a tram and bus stop, making it easy to continue exploring Lisbon afterwards.

The route is approximately 2 km and took me around 2–2.5 hours to complete at a relaxed pace, including time to stop for photos. This doesn’t include time spent visiting the inside of Belém Tower or Jerónimos Monastery.

If you’re planning a visit to Jerónimos Monastery, I’d recommend booking an early morning entry time and making it your first stop of the day (well, second after stopping for a pastel de nata for breakfast, of course). 

I’d also recommend booking your ticket in advance, especially if you’re visiting during the busy summer months, as entry times do sell out. 

This self-guided walking tour can easily be followed in reverse, allowing you to finish at Belém Tower after visiting Jerónimos Monastery first.

1. Visit Belem Tower (Torre de Belém)

The Belém Tower (Torre de Belém) is one of Lisbon’s most iconic monuments. Built in the early 16th century, it originally served as part of the city’s defence system, protecting the entrance to Lisbon’s harbour.

The tower itself is beautifully designed in the Manueline style of architecture, which intricately blends Gothic, Renaissance and Moorish influences. Its limestone exterior is decorated with carved statues, crosses, and twisted rope motifs that wrap around the fortress.

After a one year closure for restoration, the tower has recently reopened to visitors. If you’d like to go inside, you can purchase a timed entry ticket online.

Belém Tower is open from Tuesday to Sunday. I visited on a Monday, so it was closed. However, I was more than happy admiring it from the outside. I probably wouldn’t have purchased an entry ticket even if it had been open during my visit, as I think the €15 entry fee (as of July 2026) is quite expensive. 

If you’re planning to visit several of Lisbon’s paid attractions, the Lisbon Card (officially called the Lisboa Card), includes entry to Belém Tower. However, you’ll still need to reserve a dedicated Lisbon Card entry timeslot ticket online in advance.

2. Take a Photo with the Lisboa Sign

No matter where I am in the world, if there’s a city sign, I feel like no trip to that destination is complete without the obligatory tourist photo. It’s probably the most touristy photo you’ll take, but it’s a classic must do.

So of course, when visiting Lisbon, you need to get a photo with the Lisboa sign. This one is conveniently located right beside the Belém Tower, providing a scenic backdrop for your photo.

I also spotted another Lisboa sign at Praça do Comécio if you’re looking for another photo opportunity. However, this one had longer queues than the sign in Belém. 

I visited the Belém Lisboa sign in the late afternoon on a Monday and only had to wait for two other people to take a photo before my turn. I’d expect that on other days of the week, when the tower is open or during peak times of the day, you’ll need to be a little more patient. 

I’ve read that the Lisboa signs are temporary installations that occasionally move between different attractions around the city. However, they are usually found in both of these locations. 

3. Walk along the Belém Waterfront

There’s a lot to enjoy while walking along the Tagus River promenade in Belém. It has a vibrant atmosphere, with fellow tourists snapping photos, people relaxing in the nearby gardens, locals cycling and running along the path, and an array of street vendors.

For me, the local vendors were a highlight. I was excited to spot a stall selling piña coladas served inside pineapples, complete with chunky pineapple rings and a cocktail umbrella poking out the side. After a brief moment debating whether buying one was a tourist gimmick or a fun novelty, I happily strolled along the promenade with a cocktail in hand. It ended up being one of my favourite moments in Belém, just wandering along the waterfront with a drink. 

From the waterfront, you’ll have panoramic views of the Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge, which will have you questioning whether you’re in San Francisco or Lisbon.

The suspension bridge is strikingly similar to the famous Golden Gate Bridge and was, in fact, built by the same construction company, which explains why the two bridges look so alike.

I’d suggest walking from Belém Tower towards the Monument to the Discoveries. It’s worth noting that the waterfront path is interrupted by the marina, so you’ll need to walk around its perimeter before continuing along the river. I didn’t realise this at first and ended up doubling back once I reached the end of the path.

4. Visit the Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos)

The Monument to the Discoveries commemorates Portugal’s Age of Discoveries and the explorers who helped shape the country’s maritime history. 

Located on the edge of the Tagus River, it’s an impressive ship-shaped monument featuring intricately carved statues of significant figures from the Age of Discoveries, all facing the river. I’d recommend walking around the monument to admire it from both sides. 

It’s also possible to go inside the monument and access the viewing platform, which offers panoramic views over the Tagus River, Ponte 25 de Abril Bridge and the surrounding area.

Entry to the monument costs €10 (as of July 2026), or is free with the Lisbon Card.

5. Stroll Through Empire Square Garden (Jardim da Praça do Império)

Empire Square Garden (Jardim da Praça do Império) is conveniently located between the Monument to the Discoveries and Jerónimos Monastery.

To reach the garden from the monument, take the staircase down to the pedestrian underpass, which will take you safely to the other side of the road. 

The garden is a lovely green space to take a break and relax. Stroll through and admire the water features, manicured gardens and local birdlife. My boyfriend even snapped a couple of photos of the ducks here for the Merlin Bird ID app. He tells me they were Muscovy ducks.

I found the garden surprisingly peaceful considering it’s right between some of Belém’s busiest attractions.

It’s also one of the best places to photograph Jerónimos Monastery. Unfortunately, during my visit, much of the monastery’s exterior was covered by scaffolding as restoration works were underway, which are expected to continue until 2027.

6. Admire Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos)

Visiting Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos) is one of the most popular things to do in Lisbon. Like Belém Tower, it’s a prominent example of Manueline architecture and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Construction began in the early 16th century and continued for more than 100 years. Once you see the size of the structure and intricate design, it’s easy to understand why it took so long to build. 

If you’re planning to visit the inside of Jerónimos Monastery and see the cloisters, you’ll need to book a timed entry ticket in advance. Queues are notoriously long, so I’d recommend choosing a morning timeslot and arriving early (I’ve covered this in my self-guided walking tour notes above).

Alternatively, if you’d rather avoid the queues altogether, you can book a guided tour that skips the line.

If you’re also planning to visit Belém Tower and other paid attractions in Lisbon, the Lisbon Card can offer excellent value, as it includes entry to Jerónimos Monastery. However, you’ll still need to reserve a dedicated Lisbon Card timeslot ticket online in advance. 

Jerónimos Monastery is open from Tuesday to Sunday. I visited on a Monday, so I didn’t get the chance to visit the cloisters as I only had limited time in Lisbon. 

However, visiting on a Monday meant I was able to capture some beautiful photos of the exterior without crowds of people in the way. It’s also free to visit the Church of Santa Maria de Belém, so although I missed the cloisters, I still got to admire the spectacular architecture inside the church and without the crowds you’d normally find on other days of the week.

7. Eat a Pastel de Nata at Pastéis de Belém

No trip to Belém is complete without a visit to Pastéis de Belém for a pastel de nata, or as we call them back home, a Portuguese tart. 

A pastel de nata is a flaky pastry filled with egg custard and best served warm. During a walking tour, my guide told me that they originated from the monks and nuns at the monastery, who used egg whites to starch and waterproof their clothes, leaving them with leftover egg yolks. They then used these leftover yolks to create the famous custard tarts we know today.

Pastéis de Belém is the original bakery that still uses the monastery’s secret recipe. 

I’d read a lot about the queues before visiting, so I was fully prepared to wait. However, there was no queue when I visited on a Monday evening at around 7 pm. I did have to wait a few moments for a fresh batch of tarts to come out of the oven, which was well worth it. 

You can choose to dine in or order them to take away. 

I’d recommend trying them with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top. I hadn’t tried them with cinnamon before my visit, but it really added to the flavour.

Practical Tips for Visiting Belém

How to Get to Belém

Belém is located around 7km from Lisbon city centre and is easily reached by tram, train or Uber. 

Tram

Take tram 15E from Praça do Comércio in the direction of Algés and get off at the stop, Lg. Princesa. From there, it’s a short walk through the park to Belém Tower. 

The total journey, including the short walk, takes around 40 minutes and trams depart every 10 minutes. 

If you don’t have a Navegante card (Lisbon’s reloadable public transport card), you can simply tap your credit or debit card when boarding. However, fares are cheaper when using a Navegante card. 

If you’re spending more than a day or two in Lisbon, I’d recommend getting one. I didn’t because I wasn’t intending to use public transport very often. However, Lisbon is much more spread out than you might expect, and the hills are steep, so you’ll probably end up using trams more than you think. I certainly did, and ended up paying far more for public transport than I needed to.

A Navegante card is easy to pick up from ticket machines or ticket offices at most metro and train stations before you start exploring the city. 

If you have a Lisbon Card, public transport is free with the card.

Tip: If you’re following this self-guided walking tour in reverse to visit the monastery first, get off the tram at the Mosteiro Jerónimos stop instead

Train

While it includes more walking, it’s possible to take the train to Belém. Walk to the train station Cais do Sodré and take the train towards Cascais. Ride 4 stops and get off the train at Algés. From there it is an approximately 15 minute walk to Belém Tower. 

Algés Station is closer to Belém Tower than Belém Station, you’ll save around 5 minutes walking by getting off here. 

Based on walking to the station from Praça do Comércio and then the walk from Algés Station to the tower, the journey via train is around 40 minutes. 

Payment is also via the Navegante card or credit/debit card and free with the Lisbon Card. 

NOTE: If you’re following this self-guided walking tour in reverse to visit the monastery first, get off the train at Belém station instead and walk approximately 13 minutes to the monastery.

Uber

I personally opted to take an Uber to Belém as the travel time is only around 20 minutes from the city centre via car. 

Uber is relatively affordable in Lisbon, particularly compared to other capital cities.

At the time I booked my Uber, there was surge pricing due to higher demand, so I paid €13.95. Under normal conditions, I’d expect the standard fare to be closer to €10.

How Long Do You Need?

I’d recommend adding half a day in Belém to your itinerary to allow enough time to visit all of the attractions without rushing. 

If you’re following this self-guided walking tour and making quick photo stops at each location, you should allocate approximately 2–3 hours.

Best Time to Visit Belém

I would recommend visiting Belém early in the morning or later in the afternoon. The middle of the day is when the neighbourhood is busiest with tour groups and you’ll be most likely to encounter longer queues. 

It’s important to note that the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery are closed on Mondays. 

Many blogs and travel guides will advise you not to visit on a Monday, but controversially I think it’s the best day to visit if you’re short on time, travelling on a budget and willing to compromise. 

I visited on a Monday and while I missed out on going into the cloisters at Jerónimos Monastery, I still got to enter the Church of Santa Maria de Belém and didn’t need to queue at all. I also got some great photos of the exterior of the monastery without queues of people standing in front. It also meant there were generally fewer crowds visiting the neighbourhood.

Is the Lisbon Card Worth It?

If you’re planning to visit attractions, use public transport and you have plenty of time with a flexible schedule, the Lisbon Card is a great option.

However, even with a Lisbon Card, you must reserve a timeslot to visit Jeronimoes Monastery and Belém Tower. You won’t be able to reserve the timeslot until you have physically collected your Lisbon Card, as you’ll need to enter the card details during the reservation process. It’s also worth noting there are limited ticket allocations for Lisbon Card holders and they do book out quickly and in advance. 

Therefore, I’d recommend keeping your itinerary flexible if you’re planning to use the Lisbon Card, as you’ll need to work around the available reservation times. 

If you’re only planning to visit Belém and don’t intend to enter the paid attractions, the Lisbon Card is unlikely to be worth the cost.

Current Lisbon Card Pricing (July 2026): 
24 hours = €31
48 hours = €51
72 hours = €62

If you’ve decided the Lisbon Card is a good fit for your itinerary, you can buy the Lisbon Card here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Belém

Is Belém worth visiting?

Yes, Belém is definitely worth adding to your Lisbon itinerary. It’s a neighbourhood full of history, iconic attractions and delicious food. It’s also incredibly easy to explore on foot as it’s almost entirely flat, unlike many other areas of Lisbon with their steep hills and cobbled streets.

What is Belém famous for?

Belém is famous for its role in the Age of Discoveries, serving as the primary point of departure and return for global expeditions. It is also known for its examples of Manueline architecture from the same period with the Belém Tower and UNESCO-listed Jerónimos Monastery. It’s also the birthplace of the famous pastel de nata (Portuguese tart).

How far is Belém from Lisbon city centre?

Belém is approximately 7km from Lisbon city centre which is around 20 minutes by car or 40 minutes by public transport.

How long do you need in Belém, Lisbon?

I would recommend allowing a half day in Belém. If you’re limited on time, you can visit all of the locations listed in this guide as a photo stop at a relaxed pace within 2–3 hours, if you don’t visit inside the attractions.

Is Belém walkable?

Yes, Belém is very walkable. Unlike much of Lisbon, the neighbourhood is almost entirely flat, making it easy to explore on foot.

What are the best free things to do in Belém?

The best free things to do in Belém include admiring Belém Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries and Jerónimos Monastery from the outside. You can also visit the Church of Santa Maria de Belém free of charge.

Is Belém worth visiting if you only have one day in Lisbon?

Yes, it is worth visiting Belém if you only have one day in Lisbon as it’s one of the most famous and historic areas of the city, and offers a completely different experience to neighbourhoods like Alfama or Baixa. If you follow the self-guided walk in this post you’ll be able to quickly see all of the best attractions in Belém within a few hours.

Can you visit Belém without a tour?

Yes, you can easily visit Belém without a tour. Simply follow the self-guided walking tour in this guide to see all of the best things to do in Belém at your own pace.

Continue Exploring Lisbon

If you still have time after exploring Belém, these are some easy ways to continue your sightseeing in Lisbon.

Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

If you’ve got limited time to explore Lisbon, a hop-on hop-off bus can be a convenient way to see the top attractions. 

This Gray Line tour has buses running on 5 different routes all over Lisbon, giving you the flexibility to explore at your own pace. You can choose from 24, 48 or 72 hour tickets. 

One of the routes also stops in Belém, making it easy to combine this walking guide with the sightseeing bus.

Tuk Tuk Sightseeing Tour

Similar to the sightseeing bus, tuk tuks are a really popular sightseeing tour option. I saw them everywhere I went during my time in Lisbon. 

Due to the steep and often narrow streets in Lisbon, tuk tuks are actually a very practical way to see a lot of the city without strenuous walking. They are also a nice private tour option compared to the big bus tours. 

I didn’t end up taking a tuk tuk tour but I did have many drivers approach me and a lot of them really put the pressure on with their sales tactics. I overheard one driver offering a couple a free tour, of course they were interested but he quickly clarified that it was only “free” if they weren’t satisfied and that he expected payment. 

Personally, I’d rather not get caught out by high pressure sales tactics or unclear pricing. If I took a tuk tuk tour, I’d arrange it through a reputable platform like Get Your Guide and book a tour like this one: Private Guided Tuk-Tuk Tour

Tagus River Cruise

It’s also possible to see some of the sights of Lisbon from the water, by joining a cruise along the Tagus River.

This Sailboat Sunset Tour offers a completely different perspective of Lisbon, passing landmarks including Belém Tower and Monument to the Discoveries and the Christ statue. It also includes a welcome drink and snacks. 

The tour is limited to a maximum of 10 people, so it’s a much more intimate experience than many larger cruises. You can avoid the crowds and enjoy a relaxing sunset cruise.