Top Things to do in Belem
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10 Things to Do in Belem That You Shouldn't Miss
Just four miles from the center of Lisbon, Belem (or Santa Maria de Belem) is best known for Belem Tower (or Torre), a 16th-century fortified lighthouse built to guard the port. This was, after all, the port from which famous Portuguese navigators like Vasco de Gama set off to explore the world. The area is also home to Belem Palace, built in the 16th century by King Manuel and now the official residence of Portugal’s president. Belem is also home to the magnificent Jerónimos Monastery.
Restaurants in Belem
1. Centro Cultural de Belem (CCB)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 352 reviews
This is a dynamic cultural space with art galleries, terrific views of the city, and a coffee shop.
Reviewed By RICK B - BILLINGS
The building that the Modern Art museum is in, is impressive to walk around. We went on Saturday and there was free admission to the museum. It was not crowded and had some very interesting pieces, including an exhibit on environmental issues from around the world. We are glad that we went there.
2. Santuario Nacional de Cristo Rei
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By alilon56 - Derbyshire, United Kingdom
We caught the ferry from Cais do Sodre 3 Euro return, then 101 bus to the statue,( they are every 30 minutes).
The back ground music is lovely, however we were disappointed with the actual grounds - a bit rough under foot and no Gardens to speak of - in places it looked like a building site.
The statue of Christ is awesome and beautiful, looking down on you.
We didn't realise that there were steps on leaving the lift, before reaching the top, plus before actually going outside , when you reach the top of the steps, the floor unexpectedly slopes and I nearly fell ( hubby just caught me) - there should be either a change of floor colour or warning signs. Outside there are good views.
3. The Cloister of Jeronimos Monastery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 674 reviews
4. Alfama
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Wonderful sights delight walkers at every turn in this culturally rich and charming part of Lisbon, which through its architecture reminds visitors of its Visigothic roots, Arabic influence and fishing port heritage.
5. Jeronimos Monastery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 22 reviews
No expense was spared when they built this masterpiece of Manueline and Gothic architecture in 1502, which was inspired by Vasco da Gama who is buried here with other great navigators of the past.
Reviewed By happy_in_paris_10 - Atlanta, Georgia
Downtown, on the waterfront in Lisbon is the beautiful massive historic monastery, Jeronimos Monastery. Built as a thank you by King Manual to celebrate maritime discoveries, it houses the ornate limestone tomb of Vasco De Gama This was my first encounter with Manualine architecture and decor, with twisted rope carved into many walls and above each archway. The decor also includes carved tropical fruit and animals. Afterwards, I looked for this style of decor in many churches and public buildings and found it! Interesting intellectually, stunning visually, and well worth a visit! Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds...
6. Museu Nacional dos Coches
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1 reviews
Located in an 18th-century riding academy attached to the royal palace, the museum features coaches and carriages dating back to the seventeenth century.
Reviewed By Skeney57 - Sydney, Australia
Very interesting Museum , filled with many ceremonial Royal coaches and other means of transport. Some extremely old of around 500 years and the workmanship is excellent. The other hall is devoted to the Lisbon Fire Brigade and is also interesting. My only complaint was that the upper Gallery filled with period paintings & portraits was closed for no apparent reason ??
7. Afonso de Albuquerque Square
Overall Ratings
4 based on 145 reviews
This dramatic statue commemorates the famous 15th-century explorer, Vasco da Gama.
Reviewed By Borzov - Rijeka, Croatia
The square in front of the Belem Palace (today the presidential residence) is named after Alfonso de Albuquerque, the Portuguese naval commander and statesman whose bronze statue stands at the top of the beautiful Neo-Manueline style monument.
8. Bairro Alto
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Reviewed By Maxim123153 - Nuneaton, United Kingdom
Take the Elevador de Gloria unless you like walking up steep hills. Very vibrant area - great area for shopping and cafe during the day and very lively restaurant and bar scene at night.
9. Casa da Cerca
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
Reviewed By pmartinslux - Brussels, Belgium
You can visit Casa da Cerca for free, and that's the first plus. The Exhibitions are not particularly interesting, at least when I visited, but they are a good support of added interest for the visit. The main feature however, undoubtedly, is the views of Lisbon, on the other side of the rive, and the peacefulness and harmony of the Gardens. What a wonderful place to spend an afternoon at one of the tables of the café, slowly drinking tea while Reading a book or just watching the views. It's relaxing, it's peaceful and it's beautiful, and well worth a visit when going through the old part of Almada.
10. Castelo de S. Jorge
Overall Ratings
4 based on 21 reviews
Open 7 days a week, Castelo de S. Jorge is now a place where you can enjoy our heritage, get to know a little about Lisboa’s History at the Permanent Exhibition, explore the traces of the Moorish neighbourhood dating back from the 11th century at the Archaeological Site, discover yet unseen sights over the city on the Camera Obscura, stroll across the Gardens and the belvederes, take a break at the Cafe do Castelo, participate of the guided tours or other didactical activities, or simply be enchanted by music, theatre, dancing and the talk shops on heritage that liven up your days at this remarkable Monument in Lisboa.
Reviewed By robww - London, United Kingdom
The castle is in a great spot, with commanding views of the city (no surprise there!) However the queue to enter it is long and the locality nearby is very interesting with small bars, viewing areas and hill climbing trams- so your time might be better spent exploring the area than waiting in a queue. (Perhaps queue jump tickets prebooked are available)
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