How to Visit the Torre de Belém in Portugal: Travel Guide and Tips

Edson Amorina Jr

1 year ago

How to Visit the Torre de Belém in Portugal: Travel Guide and Tips

Explore iconic Belém Tower (Torre de Belém) in Lisbon, a UNESCO-listed fortress along the River Tagus, with a rich history of defending Portugal.

If you are planning a trip to Portugal, you should not miss the Torre de Belém, one of the most iconic landmarks of the country. The Torre de Belém, or the Tower of Belém, is a 16th-century fortification that stands on the banks of the Tagus River in Lisbon. It was built to defend the city from maritime attacks and to serve as a ceremonial gateway to the Portuguese explorers who sailed from here to discover new lands.

The Torre de Belém is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discovery. It is also a stunning example of Manueline architecture, a style that combines Gothic, Renaissance, and Moorish elements. The tower has four floors and a terrace, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the river and the city.

In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about how to visit the Torre de Belém in Portugal, including its history, location, transportation, opening hours, admission fees, accommodation, attractions, food, and itineraries. Read on and get ready for an unforgettable experience!

If you are traveling in the summer, be sure to visit the 7 Most Beautiful Beaches in the Algarve Region in Portugal or 5 Churches with blue tile facades in the city of Porto, Portugal.

If you are traveling in winter, the best itinerary is to get to know the The best Pastel de Nata de Lisboa in Portugal and the Pastel de Belém.

Belém Tower Entry Ticket – Visit one of Lisbon’s most iconic monuments with an entry ticket to the Belém Tower. Learn more about the UNESCO-listed fortress, built at the mouth of the River Tagus to defend the city from attack

Brief History of Torre de Belém in Portugal

The Torre de Belém was commissioned by King Manuel I in 1514 and completed in 1520. It was designed by Francisco de Arruda, a military architect who had worked in Morocco and was influenced by Islamic art. The tower was part of a larger defense system that included a fortress on the opposite shore and a chain that could be raised to block the river.

The tower also served as a ceremonial entrance to Lisbon for the ships that returned from the overseas expeditions. The tower’s façade is decorated with sculptures of Saint Vincent, the patron saint of Lisbon, and a rhinoceros, which was a gift from India to King Manuel I. The tower also has a chapel dedicated to Saint Mary of Belém, where the sailors prayed before their voyages.

Belém Tower witnessed many historical events, such as the earthquake of 1755 that destroyed much of Lisbon, the Napoleonic invasion of 1807 that forced the royal family to flee to Brazil, and the Carnation Revolution of 1974 that ended the dictatorship in Portugal. It was restored several times and opened to the public as a museum in 1983.

Where is Torre de Belém in Portugal

The Torre de Belém is located in the parish of Belém, about 6 km west of Lisbon’s city center. Belém is a historic district that was once the departure point for many Portuguese explorers, such as Vasco da Gama, Pedro Álvares Cabral, and Ferdinand Magellan. Today, it is home to many cultural and historical attractions, such as the Jerónimos Monastery, the Monument to the Discoveries, the Belém Cultural Center, and the National Coach Museum.

How to go to Torre de Belém in Portugal

There are several ways to go to Torre de Belém in Portugal from Lisbon’s city center. You can take public transportation, such as bus, tram, train, or ferry; you can rent a bike or a scooter; or you can join a guided tour or hop-on hop-off bus. Here are some options:

Bus: You can take bus number 15E or 728 from Praça da Figueira or Praça do Comércio and get off at Altinho or Mosteiro dos Jerónimos stops. The journey takes about 25 minutes and costs 2 euros.
Tram: You can take tram number 15E from Praça da Figueira or Praça do Comércio and get off at Altinho or Mosteiro dos Jerónimos stops. The journey takes about 25 minutes and costs 3 euros.
Train: You can take train from Cais do Sodré station and get off at Belém station. The journey takes about 10 minutes and costs 1.85 euros.
Ferry: You can take ferry from Cais do Sodré station or Terreiro do Paço station and get off at Belém station. The journey takes about 15 minutes and costs 1.25 euros.
Bike or scooter: You can rent a bike or a scooter from several locations in Lisbon and ride along the riverside path to Belém. The journey takes about 30 minutes and costs between 5 and 15 euros per day.
Guided tour or hop-on hop-off bus: You can join a guided tour or hop-on hop-off bus that includes Torre de Belém in its itinerary. The journey takes between 1 and 2 hours and costs between 10 and 25 euros per person.

Services that can help with your transfer and visit:

What are the best times to visit Torre de Belém in Portugal

The best times to visit Torre de Belém in Portugal are in the morning or in the late afternoon, when the sun is not too strong and the crowds are not too large. The tower is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (last admission at 5:30 pm). The tower is closed on Mondays and on some holidays, such as January 1, May 1, and December 25.

The admission fee to Torre de Belém is 6 euros for adults, 3 euros for students and seniors, and free for children under 12 and residents of Lisbon. You can also buy a combined ticket that includes Torre de Belém, Jerónimos Monastery, and National Archaeological Museum for 12 euros. You can buy the tickets online or at the ticket office near the tower.

The tower has a limited capacity of 150 people at a time, so you may have to wait in line to enter. You can also book a guided tour or an audio guide for an extra fee. The tower has stairs and narrow passages, so it is not accessible for people with reduced mobility or large luggage. The tower has a souvenir shop and a café on the ground floor.

Where to stay near Torre de Belém in Portugal – Resort, hotel, hostel and Bed & Breakfast

If you want to stay near Torre de Belém in Portugal, you have many options to choose from, depending on your budget and preferences.

Read our post Where to stay in Lisbon, Portugal – Tips for the best region and hotel!

You can find resorts, hotels, hostels, and bed and breakfasts in Belém or nearby areas, such as Alcântara, Ajuda, or Restelo. Here are some suggestions:

Resort: If you want to enjoy a luxurious and relaxing stay near Torre de Belém, you can book a room at Altis Belém Hotel & Spa, a five-star resort that offers stunning views of the river and the tower. The resort has a spa, a pool, a restaurant, a bar, and a terrace. The rooms are spacious and elegant, with modern amenities and balconies. The price per night starts from 200 euros.
Hotel: If you want to stay in a comfortable and convenient hotel near Torre de Belém, you can book a room at Hotel Jerónimos 8, a four-star hotel that is located next to the Jerónimos Monastery and within walking distance from the tower. The hotel has a contemporary design, with colorful rooms and artworks. The hotel has a breakfast room, a lounge bar, and a garden. The price per night starts from 100 euros.
Hostel: If you want to stay in a budget-friendly and social hostel near Torre de Belém, you can book a bed at Belem Hostel, a cozy hostel that is located in a renovated building in the heart of Belém. The hostel has dorms and private rooms, with shared bathrooms and kitchens. The hostel has a common area, a terrace, and free Wi-Fi. The price per night starts from 15 euros.
Bed and Breakfast: If you want to stay in a charming and authentic bed and breakfast near Torre de Belém, you can book a room at Casa Amarela Belém B&B, a family-run guesthouse that is located in a historic building near the tower. The guesthouse has four rooms, each with its own theme and decoration. The guesthouse has a breakfast room, a living room, and free Wi-Fi. The price per night starts from 50 euros.

There are also some other accommodation options in hotels, hostels and inns, be sure to check them out at Booking.com page.

What to do near Torre de Belém in Portugal

The Torre de Belém is located in the district of Belém, which is about 6 km west of the city center. You can easily reach it by public transport, such as bus, tram or train. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or rent a bike or a scooter.

Once you are there, you will find plenty of things to do and see near the tower. Here are some of the highlights:

Visit the Jerónimos Monastery, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive buildings in Lisbon. It was built in the same period as the tower and features a magnificent church and cloister. You can admire the elaborate carvings, sculptures and paintings that decorate its interior and learn about its history and importance.
Explore the Maritime Museum, which showcases Portugal’s naval heritage and achievements. You can see models, maps, instruments and artifacts related to the Portuguese explorers, such as Vasco da Gama, Magellan and Cabral. You can also visit the Royal Barge Pavilion, where you can see the lavish boats used by the Portuguese royalty.
Discover the Berardo Collection Museum, which houses one of the most important collections of modern and contemporary art in Europe. You can admire works by artists such as Picasso, Warhol, Dali, Mondrian and Kandinsky. The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and events throughout the year.
Enjoy the gardens and monuments of Belém Cultural Center, which is a complex of buildings that host cultural activities and events. You can stroll through its green spaces and fountains, see sculptures by artists such as Henry Moore and Alexander Calder, and visit its auditoriums, theaters and exhibition halls.
Taste the famous pastéis de Belém, which are custard tarts sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. They are a traditional delicacy that originated in this area and are still made according to a secret recipe by a bakery near the monastery. You can buy them fresh from the oven and eat them on the spot or take them away.

Lisbon: Jerónimos Monastery Entrance Ticket – Enjoy access to the Jerónimos Monastery with this entry ticket and marvel at the monument’s 16th-century Manueline architectural style.

Top 10 tourist attractions near Torre de Belém in Portugal

If you have more time to spend near the Torre de Belém, you can also check out these other tourist attractions that are worth a visit:

Monument to the Discoveries: A monumental sculpture that depicts figures from Portugal’s history of exploration, such as Henry the Navigator, Pedro Álvares Cabral and Fernão de Magalhães. It was built in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of Henry’s death and offers a viewpoint on its top.
MAAT: The Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology is a modern building that showcases innovative projects and exhibitions related to art, science and society. It has a distinctive curved shape that reflects on the river and blends with the landscape.
National Coach Museum: A museum that displays a collection of historical carriages used by the Portuguese royalty and nobility from the 16th to the 19th century. You can see examples of different styles and functions, such as ceremonial, travel or hunting carriages.
Ajuda National Palace: A royal palace that was built in the 19th century after an earthquake destroyed the previous one. It has a neoclassical facade and an opulent interior that features rooms decorated with furniture, paintings, tapestries and porcelain from various periods and countries.
Botanical Garden of Ajuda: A botanical garden that was created in the 18th century as a scientific and educational institution. It has a variety of plants from different regions of the world, such as tropical, subtropical and Mediterranean. It also has a historical greenhouse, a fountain and a viewpoint.
Belém Tower Beach: A small beach that is located next to the tower and offers a nice spot to relax and enjoy the sun and the water. You can also see the 25 de Abril Bridge, which is a suspension bridge that connects Lisbon to the south bank of the river.
Electricity Museum: A museum that is housed in a former thermoelectric power plant that was built in the early 20th century. It displays the machinery and equipment that were used to produce electricity and explains how it works and how it changed the city’s life.
Combatant Museum: A museum that is dedicated to the Portuguese soldiers who participated in the wars and conflicts of the 20th and 21st centuries. It exhibits uniforms, weapons, medals and documents that tell their stories and experiences.
Tropical Botanical Garden: A botanical garden that was founded in 1906 as a research center for tropical plants. It has a collection of over 500 species from Africa, Asia, America and Oceania. It also has a palace, a chapel and a pond.
National Archaeology Museum: A museum that displays artifacts from various periods and cultures of Portugal’s history, from prehistory to the Middle Ages. You can see objects such as pottery, jewelry, coins, sculptures and mosaics.

Guided tours and tourist attractions in Lisbon, Portugal

Be sure to check out these offers and opportunities in Portugal, Lisbon.

Tip itineraries for 1 day to visit the Torre de Belém in Portugal

If you want to make the most of your day near the Torre de Belém, you can follow one of these suggested itineraries:

Itinerary 1: Start your day by visiting the Torre de Belém and admire its architecture and views. Then, walk to the Jerónimos Monastery and explore its church and cloister. Next, head to the Maritime Museum and learn about Portugal’s maritime history. After that, have a lunch break at one of the nearby restaurants or cafes and taste the pastéis de Belém. In the afternoon, visit the Berardo Collection Museum and enjoy its modern art collection. Finally, end your day at the Monument to the Discoveries and climb to its viewpoint.
Itinerary 2: Start your day by visiting the MAAT and discover its innovative exhibitions. Then, walk to the Electricity Museum and see how electricity was produced in the past. Next, head to the National Coach Museum and admire its historical carriages. After that, have a lunch break at one of the nearby restaurants or cafes and taste the pastéis de Belém. In the afternoon, visit the Ajuda National Palace and explore its royal rooms. Finally, end your day at the Botanical Garden of Ajuda and relax in its greenery.
Itinerary 3: Start your day by visiting the Combatant Museum and learn about Portugal’s military history. Then, walk to the Tropical Botanical Garden and enjoy its exotic plants. Next, head to the National Archaeology Museum and see its ancient artifacts. After that, have a lunch break at one of the nearby restaurants or cafes and taste the pastéis de Belém. In the afternoon, visit the Belém Tower Beach and relax on the sand or swim in the water. Finally, end your day at the Torre de Belém and admire its architecture and views.

Small Group Walking Tour of Belém – Explore Belém and Portugal’s rich maritime heritage on a 3 hour walking tour. Follow your guide through the banks of the River Tagus and visit sites like the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery.

Where to eat near Torre de Belém in Portugal – Tips for bars and restaurants

If you are looking for some places to eat near Torre de Belém in Portugal, you have plenty of options to choose from. Here are some tips for bars and restaurants that offer good food, service and atmosphere:

Pão Pão Queijo Queijo: A casual eatery that specializes in sandwiches made with fresh bread and cheese. You can also try other snacks such as salads, soups or pastries.
Nosolo Italia: A restaurant that serves Italian cuisine such as pizza, pasta or gelato. You can also enjoy its terrace with views of the river.
À Margem: A restaurant that is located on a dock on the riverfront. It offers contemporary Portuguese cuisine with seasonal ingredients and creative presentations.
Darwin’s Café: A restaurant that is part of the Berardo Collection Museum. It has a modern decor and a menu that features international dishes with a twist.
Estaminé 1908: A restaurant that is housed in a former tram station. It has a cozy atmosphere and a menu that features traditional Portuguese dishes with regional products.

Lisbon: Food and Wine Walking Tour – Savor the flavors of Portuguese food on a 3-hour tour of Lisbon’s traditional eateries. In the company of a culinary guide, get tips on wine, petiscos, food, and fado on a shared or private tour.

The Belém Tower, a Torre de Belém, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discovery. It is also a stunning example of Manueline architecture, a style that combines Gothic, Renaissance and Moorish elements.

General international travel tips

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