Belém

Overview

Belém is the riverfront district where Portugal's maritime explorers set sail and where the grandest monuments to their legacy stand today. A cluster of UNESCO sites, museums, and waterfront parks make it Lisbon's most visited neighbourhood.

Highlights

• Jerónimos Monastery: The Manueline UNESCO masterpiece (see separate entry).
• Tower of Belém: The iconic fortified river tower (see separate entry).
• Pastéis de Belém: The famous bakery serving custard tarts from a secret 1837 recipe.

History

From this shoreline, Vasco da Gama embarked for India (1497) and Pedro Álvares Cabral for Brazil (1500). The resulting wealth funded the Manueline architectural programme that defines the neighbourhood.

Visitor Tips

• Morning strategy: Visit Jerónimos at opening, then Tower of Belém, then pastéis de Belém for an off-peak lunch.
• Tram 15E: Runs from Praça do Comércio directly to Belém.
• Duration: 3–4 hours for the full district.