Belem is a lovely Lisbon neighbourhood famed for its historical monuments and delicious custard tarts. It’s easy to get to from the city centre: jump on the train from Cais do Sodré towards Cascais (it’s just three stops), take the number 15 tram, or (my pick) get up early, put on your walking shoes, and amble along the riverside for an hour or so.
Once you’re there, you’ll find plenty to do to pass a half day (or full day, or more!). Here are some top choices of what to put on your Belem itinerary.
Take a skip-the-line tour of the Jerónimos Monastery
The first time I visited the Jerónimos Monastery, I went by myself. I wandered around and saw an impressive building with sky-high vaulted ceilings and beautiful carvings – but beyond that, I didn’t have much clue as to what I was looking at. More recently, I took a guided visit, and let me tell you, it was a completely different experience. The visit tied together the history of the monument with the cultural significance of the Age of Discoveries, giving me an understanding of how deeply it shaped Portuguese culture. I heard stories about poets and kings, saw hidden symbols, and discovered what all those little carvings and motifs actually mean.
Booking a tour like this one with a licensed local guide also means you get skip-the-line access, which is a major bonus given how crowded the Monastery gets (especially in peak season, where queues to enter can easily last for an hour or more!). You definitely won’t regret it, because less time queuing means more time to…
Indulge in a Delicious Pastel de Belém
If you’ve ever tried a Portuguese custard tart and thought it was nothing special, it’s time you tried the real deal. Legend has it that the recipe for pasteis de Belém originates from the Jerónimos Monastery – a recipe that’s recreated every day by hand in the iconic Pasteis de Belém bakery. With every bite, you get the crunch of buttery, flaky pastry on the outside and warm, sweet custard on the inside. Don’t skip the cinnamon on top (trust me). If takeaway queues are long, you might have better luck grabbing a table inside – there are plenty of places to sit, and service tends to be fast.
Manteigaria just a few doors down is a more than worthy competitor, churning out hot, fresh pasteis de nata that many say rival the “originals”. Personally, I love them both – but given that Belem is the only place to try the famed pasteis de Belém (while pasteis de nata are common all over the country), I think it’s well worth a place on your itinerary.
Pick up a Lisbon Keepsake at Next Door Shop
I know what you’re thinking: a souvenir shop? But don’t worry, you won’t find cheap fridge magnets and mass-produced baseball caps here. Next Door Shop is a souvenir store that’s actually worth visiting, with products you’ll want to give as gifts or hang on your wall as keepsakes.
From hand-painted tiles to colourful ceramics, jewellery to olive oils, soaps and sardines… it’s all here and all in support of local artists and creators. As a bonus, you don’t have to go out of your way: Next Door Shop is right next door to the aforementioned Pasteis de Belém.
Take a Riverside Walk to the Monument to the Discoveries
The Tagus River stretches beautifully along the bottom of Belem, and on days with even a little sun (which, in Portugal, is most of them), it sparkles like a blanket of diamonds. From the main street, it’s an easy walk through the Praça do Império gardens and down the underpass to the riverside, where you can stand beneath the majestic prow of a stone caravel, otherwise known as the Monument to the Discoveries (“Padrão dos Descobrimentos” in Portuguese).
It’s a gorgeous monument that stands 52 meters (170 feet) tall and features a host of stone historical figures led by Henry the Navigator. If you have time, you can take the lift up to the top for a scenic view of Belem (expect to pay around €6.00 for a ticket). If not, just admire it and the river from ground level – it’s still worth the trip.
Take a Breather in the Jardim Botânico Tropical
If you’ve been jostling elbows with other tourists all morning, the Belem Botanical Gardens are the perfect place to get your zen back. You do have to pay an entry fee (currently around €5 for a full-price ticket), however, you’ll get your money’s worth in contact with nature. The plant collection here specialises in tropical flora, including some of the most gorgeous Moreton Bay fig trees you’ll ever see and an enchanting garden of giant cactuses that tower well over your head.
You really have two choices in here: wander around and admire all the different areas, or just sit on a bench, close your eyes, and breathe in the sweet smell of loquat trees and peace. Just don’t be surprised to find a curious peacock staring you right in the face when you open them again.
Author Bio: Tania Braukamper is an Australian-born writer living in Portugal, with over a decade of experience covering travel, culture, and lifestyle for international publications.
