Belém

Travel Guide

Padrão dos Descobrimentos featuring a river or creek, heritage elements and a bridge
Padrão dos Descobrimentos showing a square or plaza as well as a small group of people
Padrão dos Descobrimentos which includes a river or creek, sailing and a bridge
Padrão dos Descobrimentos which includes a bay or harbour
Padrão dos Descobrimentos which includes a city, landscape views and a garden

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 centre. 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 further 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 featuring interior views

Restelo

Restelo is well liked for its restaurants and museums. If you're hoping to get in some sightseeing, Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower are top spots, and you can jump on the metro at Centro Cultural Belém Stop or Lg. Princesa Stop to get around.

Restelo
Radisson Blu Hotel

Radisson Blu Hotel

4 out of 5
Avenida Marechal Craveiro Lopes, 390, Campo Grande, Lisbon
The price is HK$806 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
HK$806
HK$927 total
16 Nov - 17 Nov
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! (2,082 reviews)
"Staff was so friendly, helpful and kind, perfect area for a soccer match"

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Radisson Blu Hotel
Hotel Acta Moa- New Opening

Hotel Acta Moa- New Opening

4 out of 5
Avenida Almirante Gago Coutinho 30, Lisbon
The price is HK$610 per night from 18 Nov to 19 Nov
HK$610
HK$719 total
18 Nov - 19 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Avenida da Liberdade and Rossio Square ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (34 reviews)
"One of our most amazing experiences ever! This quaint new hotel checked all of the boxes. Clean, modern, amazing staff and perfect location, It is close to the airport and the center of town. We enjoyed several activities super close to the hotel. The staff made me feel so special they gave me a ..."

Reviewed on 12 Oct 2025

Hotel Acta Moa- New Opening
Locke de Santa Joana

Locke de Santa Joana

4 out of 5
18 Rua Camilo Castelo Branco, Lisbon
The price is HK$811 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
HK$811
HK$933 total
16 Nov - 17 Nov
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! (1,348 reviews)
"Great hotel with great amenities and friendly staff. Best hotel gym I’ve seen as well."

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

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.
Altis Prime Hotel de Apartamentos

Altis Prime Hotel de Apartamentos

4 out of 5
Rua Rodrigo da Fonseca, 4, Lisbon
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (785 reviews)
Great!
"I enjoyed my stay here. The front desk staff could not have been nicer and kinder and that really is the most important element. I found the hotel room itself to be a little dark and drabby but a totally livable space. Also the rooftop is quaint and gorgeous, and it was pleasant to hang out up there. ..."

Reviewed on 14 Oct 2025

Altis Prime Hotel de Apartamentos
VIP Executive Eden Aparthotel

VIP Executive Eden Aparthotel

4 out of 5
Praça dos Restauradores, 24, 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 bar in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,545 reviews)
"Dated but clean and welcoming."

Reviewed on 8 Oct 2025

VIP Executive Eden Aparthotel
Lisbon Colours Bairro Alto Apartments

Lisbon Colours Bairro Alto Apartments

4 out of 5
Travessa da Queimada, 46, Bairro Alto, Lisbon
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Lisbon. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and a 24-hour front desk. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (824 reviews)
"Apartment was great. We used the kitchen, which was adequately stocked with dishes and cookware, for tea and dinner some evenings which we picked up from nearby grocery stores. Wore ear plugs for sleeping and no issues. Lots of bars and dining options nearby. Stairs were no issue for us but I could ..."

Reviewed on 16 Oct 2025

Lisbon Colours Bairro Alto 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do