Trip guides / Lisbon
Belem, Lisbon: Monastery, Tower and the Original Pasteis
Belém is where Portugal’s Age of Discoveries comes alive: the riverside district west of central Lisbon has the Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries, museums, gardens and, of course, the original custard tarts. Here’s how to spend a day in Belém in 2026.
Quick answer: take tram 15 from Praça do Comércio (about 25 minutes). See the Jerónimos Monastery (cloister €18, church free), Belém Tower (€15, timed tickets since it reopened in 2026), the Monument to the Discoveries, the MAAT (€11, roof free) and the Coach Museum (€15), and eat warm tarts at Pastéis de Belém. Don’t go on a Monday: the monastery and tower are closed.
Getting there
- Tram 15: from Praça do Comércio or Cais do Sodré, about 25 minutes. Use a navegante card.
- Train: the Cascais line from Cais do Sodré to Belém station, about 7 minutes.
- Walk or cycle the riverside from Cais do Sodré (about an hour on foot).
The sights
Jerónimos Monastery
A masterpiece of Manueline architecture, built with spice-trade wealth from 1501, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church (with Vasco da Gama’s tomb) is free; the stunning two-storey cloister costs €18. Go at opening to beat the queues.
Belém Tower
The 16th-century fortress on the river reopened in May 2026 after restoration, with timed tickets (€15) and a daily visitor cap, so book ahead. It’s lovely from outside at sunset too.
Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos)
A huge riverside monument shaped like a ship’s prow, with Henry the Navigator leading the explorers. Go up for the view down onto the giant compass-rose map in the pavement.
MAAT
The wave-shaped museum of art, architecture and technology (€11), with a free roof walk and views of the 25 de Abril bridge.
National Coach Museum
Gilded royal carriages from the 17th to 19th centuries (€15). Part of the old riding school is closed for works.
Pastéis de Belém
The bakery that has made the original custard tarts since 1837. Skip the takeaway queue and find a table inside. See the best pastel de nata.
Gardens
The Jardim da Praça do Império in front of the monastery, and the Tropical Botanical Garden nearby.
A perfect Belém day
- 10:00: Jerónimos at opening.
- 11:30: pastéis de Belém.
- 12:30: the Monument to the Discoveries and the riverside.
- 14:00: Belém Tower (timed ticket).
- 16:00: MAAT and its roof, then the riverside walk towards LX Factory.
Tips
- Mondays: Jerónimos and Belém Tower are closed.
- Lisboa Card: covers transport and some Belém sights. See is it worth it?
- Tours: a guided Belém tour explains the Age of Discoveries. See Belém tours.
More: things to do in Lisbon, 2 days in Lisbon and a quick history of Portugal. Stay nearby: places to stay in Belém.
See also: the Jeronimos Monastery guide.
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