Ultimate Guide: Things To Know Before You Visit Belem Tower, Lisbon

Belem Tower (“Torre de Belem” in Portuguese) is located in Lisbon, Portugal and it’s one of the most famous tourist attractions in Portugal. If you’re planning a trip there soon, you’re in luck! My ultimate guide will tell you everything you need to know about this historic site – how to get there and when to visit Belem Tower, how much it costs, things to keep in mind and things to avoid. And more!

One thing to keep in mind: because it’s such a popular landmark, Torre de Belem is visited by thousands of people, so the queues to enter can be VERY LONG and the process of buying your ticket can be a bit tedious. No worries though – just follow my tips below for a smoother experience. You can thank me later for it!

Let’s go:

First of all, is Belem Tower worth visiting?

Melissa balances on a low wall outside Belem Tower in Lisbon Portugal
Melissa sits outside of Belem Tower in Portugal Lisbon

Yes, yes and yes. After all, Belem Tower is not the most iconic attraction in Lisbon for nothing, right?! The tower is 500 years old, it’s located on the northern banks of the Tagus River and it’s standing proof of Portugal’s glorious Age of Discovery. The tower was built in Manueline architecture (with hints of other architectural styles such as Italian, Islamic, Moorish and North African) and it’s truly stunning – both on the outside and on the inside. 

The Belem Tower has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 and it was inaugurated in 1521. Inside, there’s a spiral staircase to be explored, a rooftop terrace for incredible views and lots of intricate architectural details and beautiful rooms to admire. In short, Torre de Belem is a real gem worth exploring by anyone visiting Lisbon!

RELATED READ: 8 Places to Visit in Lisbon – A Complete Lisbon Travel Guide

Now that I’ve convinced you to check it out, let’s find out all the important things to know before visiting Belem Tower:

Everything you need to know before you visit Belem Tower in Lisbon

Torre de Belem at sunset

A brief history of Torre de Belém

Let’s start at the beginning. The construction of the tower began under the initiative of Francisco de Arruda (a military architect and sculptor) and it lasted from 1514 until 1520. The main goal was to create an imposing structure that would guard the mouth of the Tagus River, which was the main gateway to Lisbon. You can still see the cannons on the lower level today, which were placed there for this exact purpose – defence. 

The tower was first known as “Castelo de São Vicente de Belém” (Castle of Saint Vincent of Bethlehem). The purpose of the tower switched to be a state prison in 1589. This lasted about 250 years. Then Belem Tower became a customs port, then a telegraph station, then a lighthouse.

Belem Tower became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and it stands as proof of Portugal’s maritime powers and its Age of Discoveries. A full restoration and conservation took place in 1998, bringing Torre de Belem to the state you can see it in right now. Last but not least, the tower was classified as one of the “Seven Wonders of Portugal” in 2007.

Where is Portugal’s Belem Tower?

Belém Tower is located in the Belém district, around 9 km from Lisbon city centre.

ADDRESS: Avenida da Brasília, Belem, Lisbon, Portugal 1400-038
COORDINATES: 38.691854, -9.216083
WEBSITE: torrebelem.com

Here’s a map that will show you its exact location:

Map of lisbon with Belem Tower and Lisbon City Centre marked on the map

How to get to Belém Tower

Although Belém Tower is not located in the heart of the city, it’s very easily accessible. To get there, you can take:

NOTE: If you’re going by car, please keep in mind that there is limited street parking nearby.

Belem Tower opening hours

Belem Tower during sunrise

October-April opening hours: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The last entry is at 5 PM

May-September opening hours: 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM. The last entry is at 6 PM.

Closed on: Mondays, 1st of January, 1st of May, Christmas Day and Easter Sunday.

Best time to go to Belem Tower

The tower opens at 10:00 AM, but I recommend getting there at least 1 hour earlier in order to explore the outside of the building and take some pictures (that’s when the sun is in front of the tower, not behind it, so you can take the BEST photos). The tourist crowds will arrive late in the morning (usually 30 mins before opening time) and they last until the afternoon. So, I recommend visiting as early as possible or at the end of the day, a bit before the last entry – maybe you’ll catch the sunset too!

How long should you reserve for the visit: 45 minutes will be enough. No need to reserve an entire day for it!

Tickets for Belém Tower in Lisbon

Landscape with Lisbon hills and Belem Tower

Here is the complete list of Belem Tower ticket types:

WHERE CAN YOU BUY YOUR TICKETS:

NOTE #1: You’ll have to wait in line to enter regardless if you buy your tickets online or if you have the Lisboa Card. Only after you enter the site does the line split in two – one for the people who need to buy a ticket from the ticket counter and one for the online tickets.

NOTE #2: Yes, the lines can get quite long, that’s why I recommend arriving 30 minutes before the opening time if you’re not keen to wait around (especially in Summer!).

Should I buy a Lisboa Card for Torre de Belém?

Melissa sitting under the MAAT museum, one of the best places to visit in Lisbon

The Lisboa Card is the official city travel card for Lisbon and it offers you:

In short, it’s a transportation + sightseeing pass that costs 20€ for 24 hours, 34€ for 48 hours and 42€ for 72 hours. You can buy it online here.

GOOD FOR: Travellers planning to explore lots of attractions around Lisbon.

NOTE: To use it, you must exchange your online Lisboa Pass for the actual card (it looks like a credit card) at any Ask Me Lisboa office around the city.

Best organised tours of Torre de Belém

People on one of the best tours of Belem tower

If you want to visit the Belém Tower in Lisbon with a local, knowledgeable guide that will tell you lots of precious information about this 16th-century site, then I recommend booking a guided Belem Tower tour! Combined tours are also a good option if you’re short on time and want to see some other things on the same day. Here are my hand-picked recommendations so you won’t need to search anymore!

What can you see at Lisbon’s Belem Tower?

The inside of the Belem Tower

Even though many tourists choose to only see the exterior of Torre de Belem, I recommend exploring the inside as well, at least for the pretty views at the top! Or if you’re a history lover. But this is, of course, a personal choice. In order to help you out, I’ll list what you can see on both the exterior and the interior of Belem Tower down below:

OUTSIDE:

INSIDE:

NOTE: The only way to access the floors is by using the narrow spiral staircase. If you have limited mobility or you feel claustrophobic, I would not really recommend visiting inside the tower. The stairway can get quite crowded too.

Where to stay near Belém Tower, Lisbon

where to stay near belem tower

RELATED READ: In case you want to read more about the unique neighbourhood of Belem and Lisbon’s other top districts, I recommend checking out my dedicated article Where To Stay in Lisbon, Portugal – 7 Best Areas and Gorgeous Hotels

Belém district is a great area to stay if you’re looking for a laid-back experience away from the city crowds. I also recommend it to families with children. And if you find a hotel close to the tower, that’s even better! In order to make things easier for you, I’ve selected my top pick accommodations in Belem below:

BIG SPLURGE. Altis Belem Hotel & Spa – 500m away, views of the tower

BOUTIQUE HOTEL. Palacio do Governador – 400m away

MID-RANGE. Hotel Jeronimos 8 – 2 km away

BUDGET. Casa Amarela Belem – 1 km away

HOSTEL. Lar dois coracões – 1.6 km away

APARTMENT. Belém River Apartment II – 600m away

What to do near Lisbon’s Belém Tower

Jeronimos Monastery in lisbon during Sunset

Because the tower is not that close to the city centre, it would make all the sense in the world to explore some other cool attractions nearby while you’re there. Here’s what you can see near Torre de Belém:

TIP: Alternatively, you can book a Belem Neighborhood Walking Tour (entrance to the monastery included) or a Private 4-Hour Tour of Belém District.

BONUS: My best tips for visiting Lisbon’s Belem Tower

Melissa says visiting Belem Tower is one of the best things to do in Lisbon
ARRIVE EARLY.

At least 30 minutes before the opening time to avoid the crowds, ideally 1 hour if you want to take some pictures of the exterior.

DON’T MISS THE LAST ENTRANCE TIME

Remember that the last entry is 30 minutes before the closing time.

CHECK THE UPDATED INFORMATION.

I recommend checking the official website here in order to check the updated prices and opening times. They might change, especially during these weird times!

KEEP IN MIND THE STAIRS.

The only way of accessing the different levels of the tower and the terrace is by going up and down the one-way narrow spiral staircase. There are 110 steps in total and it can get quite crowded. Not recommended for people with claustrophobia.

DON’T STRESS.

If you don’t have a lot of time on your hands in Lisbon, you can always just admire the exterior of the building – it’s still impressive! Don’t be sad if you don’t get to see the interior too, maybe next time! 🙂

BONUS #2: Fun facts about Torre de Belém

Belem Tower on a blue sky

Let’s end this ultimate guide with some fun Belem Tower facts to get you all hyped up for your upcoming trip to Lisbon!

This is my complete guide to visiting Belem Tower, one of the best tourist sites in Lisbon and the rest of Portugal! In the article above I have told you everything you need to know before your trip – opening times, entrance fees, whether you should book a guided tour, what to discover in the surrounding area, how to get to Belem Tower from Lisbon and more. You won’t need to search anywhere else!

In case you need some helpful information and advice for planning your upcoming trip to Lisbon, I recommend clicking here to find all my related articles about this beautiful city.

xoxo,

Melissa

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Torre de Belem at sunset
Complete Guide to Visit Belem Tower in Lisbon Portugal

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8 Best Places to Visit in Lisbon – A Complete Lisbon Travel Guide

In case you’re planning a trip to the coastal capital of Portugal, you might be wondering about the BEST places to visit in Lisbon. I have the answer! This is the exact reason why I created this complete Lisbon guide that includes the 8 best places to visit in Lisbon, as well as precious information about accommodation, what and where to eat and how to get around the city as well.

Scroll down to find it!

There is a reason why Lisbon has earned its place on so many peoples bucket list, other than the fact that, like Rome, the city was built on seven hills. This unique capital has earned the description of being cool, quirky and alternative, making it one of Europe’s most popular travel destinations with over three million visitors each year.

As my boyfriend Guga is Portuguese, it’s a city that I have visited often! I am far from knowing all of the secrets it keeps within its winding, cobbled streets but this guide is filled with my most popular recommendations in Lisbon!

Lisbon map showing where Lisbon is located

Let’s find out all there is to know about this city in my Lisbon tourist guide below:

8 Top things to do in Lisbon, Portugal

Here are the best things to add to your Lisbon itinerary, in no particular order:

1 – Visit Torre de Belém

Melissa sits outside of Belem Tower in Portugal Lisbon
Melissa balances on a low wall outside Belem Tower in Lisbon Portugal

RELATED READ: Things To Know Before You Visit Belem Tower, Lisbon

My absolute no. 1 place if you want to do some high-quality Lisbon sightseeing is Torre de Belém! This tower should definitely be on your list of unmissable attractions in Lisbon, especially if you want to see a unique mix of architectural styles: Moorish, Mudejar, Romanesque and Gothic.

Vasco da Gama admired it and you should do the same.

2 – Visit Alfama District

Melissa sits in a tunnel filled with street art in the Alfama District of Lisbon
The cobbled streets of Alfama District in Lisbon Portugal

Cobbled lanes wind through the neighbourhood of Alfama, also known as the oldest part of Lisbon and a “survivor” of the earthquake of 1755. This is the place to go for local Portuguese restaurants, colourful tiled houses and evening fado bars. Alfama is the perfect place to lose yourself on a stroll!

TIP: Be prepared for steep slopes as this district is set on the hills between the Tagus river and the Sao Jorge Castle! And while you’re there, don’t forget to admire Lisbon Cathedral as well, also known as the Sé, and Cristo Rei – a monument known as The Sanctuary of Christ the King.

3 – No. 28 Tram Ride

28 tram rattles down the cobbled streets of lisbon portugal

I guess you already know about the symbol of Lisbon – Tram 28! The little yellow trams that zip across the city have become such an iconic landmark of Lisbon, and Tram 28 is the one you want to catch for the best route across the capital. This iconic one travels through the most popular barrios. Not a bad way to explore the neighbourhoods of the Portuguese capital, if you ask me!

4 – Visit (at least one) Miradouro

The vista of Miradouro de Santa Luzia in lisbon

Even though stunning viewpoints can be found all across the city (an advantage of building the capital across the hills), be prepared for some serious huffing and puffing while walking up to them in the Portuguese sun. My favourite is Miradouro de Santa Luzia for its pretty pergola and river views. 

TIP: Miradouro da Senhora do Monte and Miradouro da Graça are two others that should not be missed for great city views!

5 – Pink Street

Melissa twirls happily on the pink street in lisbon portugal
Melissa looks over her shoulder and smiles on the pink street of Lisbon.

Okay, this might not appear in a classic Lisbon city guide, but I just love it! Once Lisbon’s red-light district, Pink Street has been painted in a new light… and colour. Pink to be precise! Today, the Pink Street is the place to go for bars, restaurants and clubs. Oh, and Instagram pics with the bubble-gum pink street.

6 – LX Factory

Melissa standing in the library of the LX Factory in Lisbon

If you’re looking for some unusual things to do in Lisbon, you’re in the right place – LX Factory! A former factory complex, this industrial space was given a make-over in 2008 to become a creative hub for Lisbon hipsters. This is the place to head for cool street art, trendy cafes, alternative fashion, crafts and trinkets, and a pop-up market which takes over every Sunday. 

LX Factory nightlife is also known for holding big music events, so if you want to go ‘out-out’ in Lisbon, make sure you check out their event calendar.

7 – Visit Sintra

The costal town of Sintra in Portugal

Sintra is another unmissable destination in the country and, luckily for travellers, it’s located less than an hour away by car (or train) from Lisbon. Sintra is a popular choice if you want to explore some Romantic 19th-century architecture, charming streets and more. In fact, this town has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, so you know it’s worth adding it to your bucket list!

8 – Visit Jerónimos Monastery / Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

Jeronimos Monastery in lisbon during Sunset

Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, also known as the Grand Jerónimos Monastery is simply this: grand! Lisbon is far from short on UNESCO World Heritage sites and this is just another one of them, located close to the Tagus River and built in the 12th century. Prepare to be impressed by the intricate carvings and overall architecture!

Entrance fee: 10€/person. You can buy your ticket online in advance here.

NOTE: Both the monastery and Belém Tower are located in the Belém neighbourhood (full of superb Manueline style buildings), so you can easily visit the two of them together in one day!

BONUS: Extra Lisbon attractions if you have more time

Melissa poses against the tiled walls of the houses in the streets of Lisbon
Melissa poses against the tiled walls of the houses in the streets of Lisbon

There are SO many wonderful attractions in Lisbon, I just couldn’t limit myself to only ONE list, so I made a bonus list with EXTRA places to visit in Lisbon. Isn’t that amazing? Rhetorical Question: It is.

Here are some cool spots to add to your itinerary if you want:

TIP: If you want to tick as many things to see in Lisbon from your bucket list, you might want to consider getting a Lisbon Card. This is basically a travel card available for 24, 48 or 72 hours that includes free entry to many Lisbon tourist attractions, as well as free use of the public transportation system. Its price starts at 20€ per person.

Best tours of Lisbon by type of traveller

Melissa smiles against the tiles, thinking of the best tours of Lisbon Portugal

I know, Lisbon is such a wonderful city offering SO many sights and attractions! If you’re not sure how to organise your itinerary in order to tick everything off your list, I recommend booking some organised tours in order to make your life easier.

Here are the best ones I could find for different types of travellers:

CITY TOURS:

BONUS: ORGANISED DAY TRIPS FROM LISBON

Sure, Lisbon offers a lot to see and do, but there are other cool areas to explore outside of the Portuguese capital as well! Here are the best places you can visit during your vacation, which are easily accessible with a day trip from Lisbon:

Where to stay in Lisbon

The accommodation of Dear Lisbon - Bordalo Palace Chiado

RELATED READ: For accommodation recommendations and a more in-depth look into which area to stay in Lisbon, I recommend checking out this article: Where To Stay in Lisbon, Portugal – 7 Best Areas and Gorgeous Hotels

Lisbon is a large city with neighbourhoods sprawled across a large, very hilly area. Even though Lisbon is pretty well connected with the Metro, some areas can be harder to reach and it can take some time to travel between the different neighbourhoods. And when it comes to the best hotels in Lisbon, rest assured that the city offers tons of options for all types of budgets and preferences.

Here’s my shortlist below:

LUXURY: Dear Lisbon – Bordalo Palace Chiado

MID-RANGE: Hotel Alif Avenidas

BUDGET: Chalet D’Avila

HOSTEL: Sunset Destination Hostel

ENTIRE APARTMENT: Residentas São Pedro

NOTE: Lisbon used to be a fairly cheap destination for travellers on a budget, but recently prices have sky-rocketed and it can be a real challenge to find a nice place to stay for a reasonable price. I’ve chosen my recommendation options to reflect a couple of different price ranges.

WHAT ABOUT THE BEST AREAS TO STAY IN LISBON?

Well, it’s important to think about the area of the city that you’d like to be based in to make sure you’re staying in the right place for you. Some neighbourhoods are more traditional, some are tailored towards nightlife and partying, and others are more alternative and bohemian.

Here are some basics to know:

What to eat in Lisbon & Best restaurants in the city

Portugal is well-known for its delicious cuisine and Lisbon is an amazing destination to taste and experience as many traditional dishes as possible. If you don’t want to leave Portugal feeling like you didn’t eat everything worth eating, here’s my list of Portuguese dishes to eat in Lisbon, together with some restaurant recommendations to try each of them:

PASTEL DE NATA

Pastel de Nata is by far Portugal’s most famous food! Custard tarts with a rich egg custard centre, surrounded by shatteringly crisp pastry – they are a must-try! It is said that they were created in Lisbon (in the district of Belém, to be more specific), but you’ll find them sold in practically every café across Portugal. My favourites are found in Pastelaria Batalha, an award-winning bakery situated in the Bairro Alto district of Lisbon. For those of you who become Pastel de Nata obsessed, they also hold cooking workshops where you can learn to make your own.

Delicious pastel de nata waiting to be eaten.

BACALHAU

It’s funny how Bacalhau (salted codfish) became the national dish of Portugal, as these fish are not native to the oceans surrounding the country. This delicacy became ‘a thing’ in the 16th century when the British created a trade alliance with Portugal, allowing the Portuguese fisher boats access to fish the colder northern waters in exchange for salt (a valuable commodity at the time!). The fish were then preserved in salt for the long journey home and BAM – Bacalhau became a thing! Go to A Casa do Bacalhau to try the best bacalhau in town.

salty bacalhau, the national dish of Portugal.

BIFANA

Bifana is a traditional Portuguese sandwich, prepared by stuffing thinly sliced, marinated pork cutlets into a soft bread roll. Casa das Bifanas is a tiny traditional Portuguese restaurant situated in the centre of Lisbon, and my personal favourite Bifana joint!

bifana in lisbon traditional portuguese dish

GRILLED SARDINES

The Portuguese dish of the summer, grilled sardines are a must-have, especially if you are visiting in June during their peak season. This one always reminds me of my mother, they are her absolute favourite. As a child, when we visited Portugal on a family trip, I was in awe of just how many she could eat in one sitting! She loved them! Salty, crispy and with a strong fish taste, these bad boi’s are often eaten whole. I recommend going to Lisboa Tu e Eu to try some of the best ones around.

grilled sardines in portugal

Getting around Lisbon

Melissa jumps for joy in the streets of Lisbon

Luckily for visitors all over the world, Lisbon is a super tourist-friendly destination, which means it’s easy to navigate using public transportation.

Here are the best ways of getting around the Portuguese capital:

WALKING. Yes, Lisbon is easily walkable, especially if your accommodation is located in the city centre! And, if you ask me, walking is the best way of admiring the views as well.

METRO. One of the easiest and most practical means of public transportation in Lisbon. They have 4 metro lines and plenty of stops that will take you to the most popular places to see in Lisbon.

TRAM AND FUNICULAR. Yep, Tram 28 is not only a must-do in Lisbon but also a very useful way to discover the city on seven hills. In fact, there are 6 tram lines and 3 funiculars that you can use in order to get around the capital.

BUS. Although the traffic might be a bit chaotic at times, buses are still a great way of visiting places that are not covered by the metro and tram system. Or you can buy a Hop-On Hop-Off bus pass valid for one or multiple days!

TRAIN. Especially good for day trips, as there are many trains that can take you to Sintra or Cascais, for example. Alternatively, you can also rent a car, take your time and make your own way across the Portuguese lands.

TIP: I mentioned the Lisbon Card earlier, but I’ll remind you about it again here – it’s a tourist pass which includes free entry to multiple attractions and free public transportation for 1 to 3 days. Could be useful if you’re planning on using public transport a lot!

Aaand that’s it, this was my complete Lisbon city guide for all you travellers out there! In case you’re planning to travel to Lisbon, Portugal soon, this list has you covered. Why? Hear me out: Above, I have talked about the top 8 things to do in Portugal, as well as not one, but 17 extra attractions. I’ve also provided you with useful information about where to stay in Lisbon, what to eat and how to get around as a tourist. I mean… what more could you wish for? 

I hope you’re ready to explore Lisbon as Vasco da Gama did and I’m sure you’ll have an excellent time there, regardless if you’re planning to munch on some pasteis de nata in the historic Bairro Alto, take a boat tour on the river Tagus or go to some museums instead.

And because Lisbon is not the only worthy destination in Portugal, I recommend checking out this section here in order to read more about my other adventures in this beautiful country.

xoxo,

Melissa

Want to know more about travelling to Lisbon?

Pin it for later!

Girl Around the world blog post - Incredible things to do in Lisbon
Girl Around the world blog post - Incredible things to do in Lisbon

Sign Up For My Newsletter!

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