Things To Do In Belém: A Can’t-Miss Day Trip (Plus Pastéis De Belém)
Pretty as a picture, Belém is a can’t-miss day trip while visiting Lisbon. A small western suburb of Lisbon, Belém was once an escape for Lisbon’s elite from the poverty of the city, just like Sintra was an escape for royalty (we’re seeing a trend here!). Its historic roots go much deeper than that: due to Belém’s ideal location on the northern banks of the Tagus River, many of the 14th century adventurers and explorers set sail from here, and there’s a monument to prove it.
If you are building your Lisbon itinerary, this guide pulls together the best things to do in Belém. Belém is also one of the easiest day trips because the main sights are close enough to connect on foot once you arrive. And yes, pastéis de Belém absolutely deserves a dedicated stop.
Planning Guide
Quick Details
- Where to stay: My Story Hotel Ouro in Lisbon (Belém is a day trip from Lisbon)
- Flight details: Fly into Lisbon Portela Airport (LIS), then take Tram 15 to Belém from Lisbon
- Time of year visited: Summer
- Time in Belém: 1 day
- Portugal itinerary: Day trips to Belém and Sintra, 3 days in Lagos and Lisbon, 2 days in Porto, a road trip through the Douro Valley (2 weeks off of work!)
How To Get To Belém From Lisbon
Most people visit as a day trip, and it is straightforward. Tram 15E is the classic option, and it also drops you right where you want to start if Jerónimos Monastery is on your list of things to do in Belém. If you are trying to keep the day easy, aim to arrive earlier than you think you need to. Belém can feel calm one minute and packed the next, especially around the headline sights.
Save this map to use on your trip
- Click the star to the right of the map title
- Open the Google Maps app on your smartphone
- Click on the three lines in the upper left corner and select “Your Places”
- Select “Maps” and the map will be saved there for you to use on your trip. Have fun!
Things To Do In Belém
Jerónimos Monastery
You’ll hear about the Late Gothic Manueline style of architecture while visiting Portugal, and Jerónimos Monastery is one of the most prominent examples (think richly ornate portals, windows, columns, and arcades, giving you so much to see and photograph!). Because of its important position on the river where the voyages of discovery would depart, Jerónimos Monastery used to be inhabited by monks whose sole mission was to give spiritual guidance to sailors. You can still see the maritime theme reflected in coils of rope, sea monsters, coral, and other sea details in the architecture.
If you are picking only one interior stop, this is the one I would center your things to do in Belém plan around. Give yourself time to slow down, look up, and take in the details. This is also a great first stop because it sets the tone for why Belém matters historically, not just as a pretty neighborhood outside Lisbon.
Don’t Miss
If you’re visiting Belém from Lisbon, Tram 15E will drop you off right before Jerónimos Monastery, the perfect location for picking up a pastéis de nata (custard tart) at Pastéis de Belém, which has been creating the treat since 1837 from a recipe found at the Monastery. The line will be massive for both dining in and takeout, but the takeout line will move quickly, and it’s worth the wait.
Logistics
When you approach the Monastery, there will be three lines: one for tickets, which was the front left when I visited (always buy your tickets online in advance to avoid the lines!); one to enter the Church of Santa Maria de Belém at the front right; and one at the back left to enter the Monastery. Let a security guard know you have a ticket, and you should be able to skip right to the back left to enter the Monastery. You can visit the Church of Santa Maria de Belém when you’re finished, or skip it. You get a bird’s eye view of it from areas within the Monastery.
Pastéis De Belém: The Original Bakery
Pastéis de Belém is the original spot, and it’s not just a bakery you pop into, it’s part of why Belém is on so many Lisbon itineraries. They’ve been making these custard tarts since 1837. Even if you are not a big dessert person, this stop is worth doing once.
Address: Rua De Belém 84-92, Lisbon 1300-085 Portugal
How To Fit Pastéis De Belém Into Your Day
- Best timing: right after Jerónimos Monastery, before you start the longer waterfront walk
- If the line is long: commit to takeout and keep moving
- If you want a sit-down break: treat it like your mid-morning pause before the rest of your things to do in Belém list
What To Order
Keep it simple. Pastéis de Belém is the headliner, and coffee makes it an easy snack stop that does not slow your day down.
The Waterfront
Take some time to wander from the Monastery to the Tower along the waterfront, past the Discovery Monument and marinas, or better yet, grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants surrounding Doca do Bom Sucesso and toast the sailors headed out to sea.
This walk is the part of Belém that makes the day feel relaxed. If you are traveling with kids, the waterfront stretch is a helpful reset between interior visits, and it gives everyone space to move.
Where To Pause Along The Way
Padrao Dos Descobrimentos
Padrão Dos Descobrimentos, also called the Monument to the Discoveries, is one of the easiest photo stops on the riverfront and one of the most iconic things to do in Belém because it ties directly into Belém’s Age of Discovery story. The monument was rebuilt in 1960 to mark 500 years since the death of Henry the Navigator, and it’s designed like the prow of a ship with figures from that era lined along the sides.
If you have time, it is worth going inside. There’s a lift and stairs up to the viewpoint, plus interior spaces used for exhibits, and the terrace view is a great way to see the Tagus and the rest of Belém laid out in front of you.
Before you move on, look down at the square in front of it. The pavement features a large compass rose and world map that helps connect the monument to the routes and places Portuguese explorers reached.
Doca Do Bom Sucesso
Doca do Bom Sucesso is the small marina area in Belém that sits near the riverfront sights, close to the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, and it’s an easy spot to weave into your list of things to do in Belém when you want a slower, scenic break between monuments. It was formerly connected to the Portuguese Navy and today it’s used mainly for pleasure craft, with berths for boats up to about 15 meters, so you’ll usually see rows of sailboats and leisure boats bobbing in place while you walk along the water.
If you want a simple lunch plan in Belém, this area works well because it naturally pairs a waterfront stroll with nearby places to grab a bite and sit for a minute before you keep going toward Belém Tower.
Belém Tower
Belém Tower is another architectural jewel from the reign of Manuel I. Sitting on the Tagus River (it presumably used to be on land), it has served as both an artillery/first line of defense for anyone sailing to Lisbon from the ocean and a dungeon for anyone who had crossed the crown. Now, it’s another place to get those fantastic vistas offered all over Lisbon.
Belém Tower is one of those things to do in Belém that works even if you are short on time. You can enjoy the area around it, take photos from different angles, and still feel like you “did” the sight even if you do not spend forever inside.
Don’t Miss
Make sure to wait in line to climb up to the Tower’s terrace. The views are outstanding!
If the terrace is on your must-do list, it is smart to place Belém Tower after you have already done pastéis de Belém and your waterfront walk. That way, if the line is longer than expected, you are not losing the rest of your day.
Logistics
There are two separate lines for ticket holders and ticket buyers, so buying tickets in advance is really important here. There’s a limited number of people allowed into the Tower at a time, so you’ll be able to get in much faster with tickets already in hand.
Tips For A Smooth Belém Day Trip
Timing Tips
- Start earlier to make the monastery and tower lines easier
- Keep your lunch timing flexible so you can adapt to crowds
- Treat pastéis de Belém as your built-in break point
What To Bring
- Comfortable shoes for lots of walking
- Water, especially in summer. We use these reusable water bottles for the kids, and these are for adults.
- Sun protection if you plan to spend a lot of time along the river
If You Are Visiting With Kids
Belém is one of the easiest day trips because it mixes big sights with open-air walking. A simple formula works well: one interior visit, then outdoor sights, then pastéis de Belém as the reward stop. That rhythm keeps the day fun and makes your things to do in Belém plan feel doable.
Final Thoughts
Belém is a can’t-miss add-on to Lisbon, especially if you want history, views, and an easy day that does not require complicated planning. If you only do a few things to do in Belém, make it Jerónimos Monastery, Pastéis de Belém, Belém Tower terrace views, and a slow waterfront walk.
And if you have any questions, feel free to send me a message on Instagram. I’m always happy to share more tips and insights.
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