Belém

Travel Guide

Padrão dos Descobrimentos showing a river or creek, heritage elements and a monument
Padrão dos Descobrimentos featuring a square or plaza as well as a small group of people
Padrão dos Descobrimentos which includes sailing, a bridge and a river or creek
Padrão dos Descobrimentos featuring a bay or harbor
Padrão dos Descobrimentos featuring a city, 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 NT$7,578 per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
NT$7,578
NT$8,316 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
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! (1,163 reviews)
"Great location and hotel"

Reviewed on 2025/8/25

Corinthia Lisbon
Radisson Blu Hotel

Radisson Blu Hotel

4 out of 5
Avenida Marechal Craveiro Lopes, 390, Campo Grande, Lisbon
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NT$3,538 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
NT$3,538
NT$4,034 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
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! (2,047 reviews)
Belle emplacement près de l'aéroport
"Belle hotel et belle emplacement pres de l'aéroport, les chambres son grande et confortable."

Reviewed on 2025/8/25

Radisson Blu Hotel
Locke de Santa Joana

Locke de Santa Joana

4 out of 5
18 Rua Camilo Castelo Branco, Lisbon
The price is NT$4,306 per night from Aug 28 to Aug 29
NT$4,306
NT$4,847 total
Aug 28 - Aug 29
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! (1,229 reviews)
"Overall a really good place to stay. Staff were friendly and helpful! Downsides are not enough beds around the pool area and a few showers/toilets out of order round the property"

Reviewed on 2025/8/25

Locke de Santa Joana
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.
Pensão Amor Madam’s Lodge

Pensão Amor Madam’s Lodge

4 out of 5
38 Rua Nova do Carvalho, Lisbon
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and 24-hour room service. Popular attractions Rossio Square and Avenida da Liberdade ...
9/10 Wonderful! (125 reviews)
Cool place to stay!
"Interesting experience!"

Reviewed on 2025/8/23

Pensão Amor Madam’s Lodge
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! (1,002 reviews)
"Pro: Our family enjoyed our stay for 1 week. Rooms were clean and it was great to have breakfast options. Supermarket across the street. Beach towel provided and repairs addressed promptly. Thoughtful welcome gift! Con: Was hoping the rooms would be ready prior to 3pm, but it was ready after 3:30pm. ..."

Reviewed on 2025/8/23

Upon Lisbon Prime Residences
The Visionaire Apartments

The Visionaire Apartments

4 out of 5
Praça da Figueira, 5, Lisbon
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, daily housekeeping, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (355 reviews)
"Great value"

Reviewed on 2025/8/24

The Visionaire Apartments
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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