The Ultimate Guide to Belem Lisbon Things To Do

Belem Lisbon Things To Do is a city guide for those visiting the city for the first time. Belem is a municipality in Lisbon, Portugal and is located on the coast of the Tagus River. It is a popular destination for tourists, with its mix of old world charm and modern amenities. As the birthplace of explorer Vasco de Gama, Belem has been a major port city since the 15th century. It is home to some of the most stunning monuments and architecture in Portugal, including the iconic Discoveries Monument, which celebrates the voyages of Portuguese explorers.

Belem is also known for its delicious seafood, its vibrant nightlife, its many parks and gardens, and its wide range of cultural activities. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an adventure-filled weekend, Belem has something to offer everyone. Read on for our ultimate guide to Belem Lisbon Things To Do.

Discovering Belem’s Historic Sites

Belem is home to some of Portugal’s most iconic heritage sites. The Jeronimos Monastery and Tower of Belem are two of the most popular sites in the city. The monastery was built in 1501 as a tribute to Vasco de Gama and his voyages. It is now a UNESCO world heritage site and is often referred to as the “Jeronimos Monastery”. The Tower of Belem, built in 1515, is another iconic monument in the city and was used to protect the port from invading ships.

Belem is also home to the Monument to the Discoveries, which celebrates Portugal’s role in global exploration. The monument was built in 1960 and features a large stone slab with carvings of Portuguese historical figures. The monument is located on the banks of the Tagus River and offers breathtaking views of Belem’s skyline.

Exploring Belem’s Gastronomy

Belem is home to some of Portugal’s best restaurants and bars. Whether you’re looking for traditional Portuguese cuisine or international dishes, there’s something for everyone. Popular restaurants include A Tasca da Esquina, which serves traditional Portuguese dishes such as codfish, grilled sardines, and pastel de nata (Portuguese custard tarts). For a more international menu, try Pandora Bistro & Bar, which serves French-influenced cuisine with Mediterranean influences.

Belem is also known for its delicious seafood dishes. Popular restaurants such as Sushimar serve up fresh sushi, sashimi, and tempura dishes. If you’re looking for something a little more traditional, try A Tasquinha do Marisco, which serves up classic Portuguese dishes such as grilled octopus and seafood stew.

Exploring Belem’s Parks and Gardens

Belem is home to some of Portugal’s best parks and gardens. The Eduardo VII Park is one of the largest parks in Lisbon and is known for its lush gardens and stunning views of the city. It is also home to a range of attractions such as a lake, a rose garden, a playground, and a café. The park is a great place to take a stroll or have a picnic on a sunny day.

The Jardim Botanico is another popular park in Belem. It features lush gardens filled with exotic plants, fountains, and sculptures. The park also has a colorful array of birds and other wildlife. There are also several restaurants located within the park, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a meal.

Experience Belem’s Cultural Scene

Belem is home to some of Portugal’s best cultural attractions. The National Museum of Ancient Art is one of the most popular museums in Lisbon and features an impressive collection of artwork from the 16th-19th centuries. There are also several other museums in Belem that focus on Portuguese culture such as the Berardo Collection Museum, which features works from contemporary Portuguese artists, and the National Coach Museum, which showcases vintage carriages from around the world.

The Gulbenkian Museum is another popular cultural attraction in Belem. It features an impressive collection of art from around the world including ancient Egyptian artifacts, Chinese pottery, and European paintings.

Popular Tours to Enjoy in Belem

When visiting Belem, it’s always a good idea to book a tour so that you can get to know the city better. There are many different tours available in Belem, ranging from walking tours to boat tours on the Tagus River. Here are two of our favorite tours in Belem:

Belem Sightseeing Tour

This half-day tour takes you around some of Belem’s most iconic sights including the Jeronimos Monastery, Tower of Belem, Monument to the Discoveries, and Eduardo VII Park. You’ll also get a chance to explore historic neighborhoods like Alfama and Bairro Alto. The tour includes round-trip transportation from your hotel as well as an English-speaking guide who will provide commentary throughout the tour. Book this tour here.

Tagus River Cruise

This two-hour cruise takes you along the beautiful Tagus River where you can admire views of Belem’s waterfront from aboard a traditional Portuguese sailboat. You’ll also get a chance to see iconic monuments such as the Monument to the Discoveries and Tower of Belem from up close. The cruise includes round-trip transportation from your hotel as well as an English-speaking guide who will provide commentary throughout the tour.Book this tour here.

Belem Food Tour

This three-hour food tour takes you around some of Belem’s best restaurants and bars where you can sample traditional Portuguese cuisine as well as dishes from around the world. Your guide will explain each dish to you as you sample it and provide commentary about local culture and customs. The tour includes round-trip transportation from your hotel as well as an English-speaking guide who will provide commentary throughout the tour.Book this tour here.

At the end of the day, there’s something for everyone in Belem Lisbon Things To Do! With its stunning monuments and architecture, delicious cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and wide range of cultural activities, it’s no wonder that Belem has become one of Lisbon’s most popular destinations for tourists and locals alike. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or an adventure-filled weekend, Belem has something for everyone!