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Belém

Lisbon

The riverside district west of the centre, home to Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries and the original pastéis de Belém.

Best for Families · First visit

Transport
3/5
Sights
5/5
Value
4/5
Quiet
5/5
Food
3/5

Typical mid-range hotel ~$175/night · 25 min to Rossio

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Belém on the map

Why stay here

  • Lisbon's great monuments and museums
  • Riverside walks and parks
  • Calm and spacious

Who should stay here

  • Families
  • History lovers
  • Travellers wanting quiet

Not ideal if…

  • You want nightlife
  • You want to walk to the centre
  • You want old-town atmosphere

What it's like

Belém is where Portugal's explorers set sail, and its monuments celebrate the Age of Discovery: the Manueline Jerónimos Monastery, the fortified Belém Tower in the river and the giant Padrão dos Descobrimentos. Museums include MAAT and the Coach Museum, and the Pastéis de Belém bakery has sold custard tarts since 1837.

It's a calm, spacious base with riverside walks and parks. It's 20–30 minutes by tram from the centre, and quiet at night.

Best streets and sub-areas

  • Rua de Belém

    Street of the famous bakery.

  • Riverside promenade

    Walk from the Monument to the Discoveries to the tower.

  • Praça do Império

    Gardens in front of Jerónimos.

Getting around

Nearest stations
Tram 15E to Praça do Comércio, trains from Cais do Sodré to Belém station, and buses.
To Rossio
About 25 minutes
From Lisbon Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS)
About 30 minutes: taxi from LIS; public transport needs two changes.

Nearby attractions

  • Jerónimos Monastery

    UNESCO-listed Manueline masterpiece.

  • Belém Tower

    16th-century fortress in the river.

  • MAAT

    Museum of art and technology on the waterfront.

  • LX Factory

    Creative hub of shops and restaurants, on the way back to town.

Where to eat and drink

  • Pastéis de Belém

    The original custard tarts, since 1837.

  • Docas

    Riverside restaurants under the bridge.

Where to stay in Belém

A few hotels we'd book in this area, at different budgets.

Luxury pick

Altis Belém Hotel & Spa

Why we like it: Modern design hotel on the river with a rooftop pool.

Typical luxury rate in Belém: ~$350/night

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Luxury pick

Pestana Palace Lisboa

Why we like it: 19th-century palace hotel with gardens and pools, between Belém and the centre.

Typical luxury rate in Belém: ~$350/night

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Best value

Hotel Jerónimos 8

Why we like it: Modern hotel next to the monastery.

Typical mid-range rate in Belém: ~$175/night

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Hotels in BelémMid-range from ~$175/night

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