What's in our tour?
When visiting Belém you will re-live the Age of Discovery – the sailing, the discovery of new lands, and the rewards. The feeling that something extraordinary happened here will get to you, and you will never want to leave this district again!
This tour is designed to bring you to some of the main highlights of Lisbon. Follow a local through the ins and outs of Lisbon’s must-see area: the district of Belém (or “Bethlehem”). Belém reflects all the grandeur and heroism characterizing the of Age of Discovery, as this was the start of nearly all of Portugal’s voyages of exploration. This area then, is packed with historical sites.
We start in front of the pink royal presidency palace (Palácio Nacional de Belém). Next, after crossing the grand Afonso de Albuquerque Square, we find ourselves in front of the famous Belém bakery, where monks once invented a type of pastry and started selling it. This allowed them to avoid having to close down their monastery; our next stop on this tour.
The stunning Jerónimos Monastery is a famous example of the Portuguese late-gothic architecture called Manueline, along with the equally famous Tower of Belém close by. These two buildings are definitely not to be missed when visiting Lisbon!
The finale is comprised of a walk through the splendid Imperial garden, leading us straight to the Monument to the Discoveries. This large monument is located right where the original 15th century docks used to be, providing you with the ultimate historical flashback – and a fantastic photo spot at the same time!
Highlights
- Stand where Vasco de Gama blindly set out to sea – and find out why Portugal turned Christopher Columbus down
- The Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belem – see what Portugal built with all that gold from the shipping trade
- The great Portuguese caravel sailing boat – and what was so great about it
- Enjoy Lisbon’s great parks, gardens and vistas – there is a a reason our President lives here!
- Find out why people make a detour for the famous Belém pastries!
Where and when?
Belem Tour start on time at 11 am – and last a leisurely 90 minutes.
every day at 11am, rain or shine
We meet in front of the pink Belém National Palace (Palácio de Belém) on Praça Afonso de Albuquerque plaza.
This tour ends near the Monument of Discoveries.
Why take this tour?
On our Lisbon Walking Tours you will feel the difference. Our native City Guides know what it’s like to live in Lisbon, are eager to take you around their favorite neighborhoods and glad to give you personal insights into life in our city – where to go out, shop, drink, dine and experience the city. An hour with a Discover Walks guide is like strolling around with a new friend.
Price
Free tour, pay what you want at the end of the tour.
Privatize this tour
Groups of friends, families, and school groups looking for an opportunity to share private time together often reserve a private guide.
A private tour is €95 for 90 min or €160 for 3 hours
Other information
Wheelchairs not advised on this tour, because of unavoidable flights of stairs.
