Three Highlights Of Beautiful Belém, Lisbon

Three Highlights Of Beautiful Belém, Lisbon
Ellie
Ellie 
Updated
| 3 min read
Vania Silva
Endorsed by a Lisbon Local Expert
|
Vania Silva

Belém is an area in western Lisbon, spreading out around the waterfront and well known for its popularity with locals and tourists alike. It is a beautiful area to explore, to see the statues and monuments and look out across the river Tagus. However, the main reason the tourists keep coming is for the attractions, three of which stand out: the famous tower, the amazing Discoveries monument and the café where the delicious Portuguese custard tart originated. Everything is within walking distance from each other and Belém is the perfect place for a stroll.

See the historic Torre de Belém

three highlights of beautiful belém, lisbon | see the historic torre de belém

The historic Belém tower is one of Lisbon’s most famous attractions, and can be found in the centre of Belém, the river lapping against its sides. Dating back 500 years, it was originally a fort, aiming to protect the city of Lisbon from foreign invaders coming by sea. Nowadays, the tower is a vision in white stone, covered in turrets and carvings of shields and wild animals. See if you can spot the rhino hidden in its outside walls, a tribute to the first ever rhinoceros to make it to Europe! It was a gift from India to the Portuguese king, and is now immortalised in stone for visitors to spot.

This stunning tower is well worth seeing for its grandeur along, but for those interested in knowing more it is possible to access the terraces and the inside, where you can find ancient rooms like the audience room and the chapel. The base of the tower also tends to be surrounded by street vendors selling refreshments, making it the perfect place to stop and relax – you can feel very smug while lounging on a bench with the tower and the river in your sights and sipping on a cold glass of wine or a homemade lemonade!

Climb the Padrão dos Descobrimentos monument

three highlights of beautiful belém, lisbon | climb the padrão dos descobrimentos monument

The Monument of the Discoveries is a celebration of Portugal’s seafaring past. While much more modern than the Belém Tower, it is just as beautiful and unique, displaying the explorers striving towards the seas and the mysteries they hold. Its white colour against a blue sky and its imposing height make it extremely impressive and it is well worth a visit for this alone. However, it is also possible to climb to the terrace at the top, which boasts views across the area of Belém, the Tagus River and the 25 de abril Suspension Bridge.

See the Rose Compass

three highlights of beautiful belém, lisbon | see the rose compass

In front of the monument is another stunning creation, but this time you have to look down rather than up! The Rose was a gift from South Africa and displays a gigantic compass complete with a map of the world in the centre, markers showing you everywhere that Portugal once colonised. Cross from America to Australia in a few seconds and take a photo of yourself with your own country under your feet!

Pastéis de Belém, a cafe with a past

three highlights of beautiful belém, lisbon | pastéis de belém, a cafe with a past

Anyone who has spent time in Portugal will have heard of the famous pastel de nata – the Portuguese egg custard tart. However, did you know they originated from a monastery in Lisbon? The pastries were created to a secret recipe, and in 1834 when the monasteries were shut down, they began to be sold in a café next door. This café, Pastéis de Belém, still follows exactly the same recipe today, and they actually are the only place in the world licensed to use the name ‘pastel de Belém’ to refer to this tasty treat.

It is possible to order custard tarts (amongst their other specialities) to take away; however, I strongly recommend taking the time to sit in this historic café and soak up the atmosphere, maybe while enjoying a delicious Portuguese coffee with your custard tart! Pastéis de Belém’s interior is extremely pretty and is decorated in a typically Portuguese style, covered in blue and white tiles. You can even peep into the kitchens and see the hundreds of custard tarts sold every day being baked.

Lisbon Tour Guide

Ana-Cristina Paiva

Ana Cristina Paiva

I am an australian-born Portuguese living in Lisbon since I was 8 years old. I studied Tourism and became a Licensed Guide and I absolutely love my job! The Portuguese landscape, history, food, traditions have won me over and I hope to share all this with you! I live in an historical neighborhood and believe that the best way to get to know a city is by walking. During the tours I hope to answer your questions and curiosities, proving a memorable and fun learing experience.

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Lisbon Tour Guide

Francisco

Francisco

Hello!!! My name is Francisco, but my friends call me Chico, so, feel free to call me that! I was born, raised and live in Lisbon, but I am a well travelled person, as I work for almost 30 years in the Tourism Industry. I am a family man, father of 3 grown up boys, and my friends say I am a "Social Animal" as I easily make friends! I love sports ( especially soccer and rugby), walking the streets of Lisbon ( I always discover new things. . . ); talking to people; trying a new wine or a different type of food. With a degree in Social & Cultural Anthropology, and with the experience as a Tour Guide, I have learned to look and feel our City and its people with tourist's eyes and heart. I believe that Life is a wonderful gift and must be enjoyed every single day, and in every moment, so my Tours reflect this philosophy. You can expect I will inform you about facts, but I will tell you the stories that made these facts interesting. My favourite themes are History and Traditions, Art and Gastronomy, Sports and People. . . Lisbon People!!! My Tours are relaxed; they are made for people who seek to Know, but also, to Enjoy!!! Aahh. . . and I can customize any of my Tours according to your special interests. Just ask me. So, this is Me. . . I am waiting for your contact!

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Lisbon Tour Guide

Marta Côrte-Real

Marta Côrte Real

I was born in Lisbon and I'm forever in love with it! After my family, guiding is my greatest passion: I love what I do! I have a 5 year degree called Touristic Information, specifically to work as a Tourist Guide, as well as the Certificate of Competence acquired through a qualifying examination, in order to be able to exercise this regulated profession. I own and manage a tour company licensed by the Turismo de Portugal IP, Portugal's National Tourism Authority. Tour guiding has been my full time job since 2003 and it has always been incredibly rewarding. In 2021, I was recognized by the Wanderlust Awards as one of the world's "Best Specialist Guides", which I think is a result of doing what I love every day. Waking up knowing I'll meet enthusiastic people who are excited to discover my city makes me a very grateful and happy person. For almost two decades (how am I that old already?!) I travelled around the world as a tour guide and tour manager in Portugal, Europe, South and Central America. I stopped being so nomadic when my first child was born and in 2016, I became part of ToursByLocals' amazing team and since then I've been 100% dedicated to my lovely Lisbon and its surroundings. I am a mother of 3. I love planning family trips. I know how important it is to create special family memories. Travelling means getting to know new places and cultures, experiencing nature more closely, walking and playing more, discovering history through cities, monuments and palaces! Our childhood travel memories are often the sweetest and along with other remarkable moments, we build who we are and how we live in the world. So if you're in need of someone to guide you and your kids and have them thrilled about travelling, I'm your guide! I'm also very fond of small groups of friends, extended family trips and solo travellers. It's a much more personal approach and very interesting and grateful, too. It's so lovely to get to know you! My wish is to make you feel all the unique details of this fairytale country the way I proudly do, welcoming you as a friend, however always assuring professional, original and interesting tours. I offer walking tours or if you prefer to just sit and relax, I also provide tours with transportation included (private minivan, minibus, bus). You can choose from my many tours the one you're most interested in, or we can build together a tailored experience, everything at your pace. Once you send me a message, I'll try to answer right away, but if I'm delivering a tour or busy with my family, I'll let you know that I'll get back to you soon. I'll be happy to create a customized tour just for you and if you have a special request, if it's a family with different age ranges. . . let me know so we can build the best option for your group. Some of my tours can perfectly be combined. I can also help you plan the best timings to avoid the crowds and even buy your tickets, if needed. There are lots of magic places in Portugal: let me know about you, your interests and ideas and according to that I will work on your time here! The most recent experience has been incredible: the virtual tours. The idea came up with the 2020 pandemic scenery and I decided to keep them going in the future as they're such a pleasant way of travelling differently and sustainably. These tours are perfect to gather families and friends who live away from each other and for schools to complement their teaching, as well as to help those who cannot travel for many reasons, to be able to see the world. I believe we always need to make the best out of the worst. Portugal is a country to visit all year round: weather is wonderful and even during the winter you can enjoy the simple pleasures of life like sitting on an esplanade, absorbing each sunbeam! Plus, I love cooking and baking and I'm happy to share my recipes. Portuguese food is simply delicious and the wine is just perfect for a toast to celebrate life! Get ready to deeply fall in love with Portugal! Can't wait to meet you!

Tours by Marta

Lisbon Tour Guide

Beatrice Sacco

Beatrice Sacco

Hello! My name is Beatrice, I'm originally from Milan and I'm currently living in Lisbon. Travel, nature, music and art are among my passions. I'm curious and determined and I love meeting people from different countries. I moved to Portugal after finishing my studies in Art History. Now I'm putting into practice what I have learned by working as a tour guide. I love to share with people all the history, culture and local insights about the beautiful city of Lisbon and its surroundings! Come with me, if you want to go deep into the richness of this place!

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Lisbon Tour Guide

Rita Jardim

Rita Jardim

Rita has been a tour guide in Portugal since 2015. She is a passionate storyteller and a history buff whose goal is to immerse curious travelers in the beautiful Portuguese tale. Rita creates customized tours, cultural experiences, and food adventures in Lisbon, Belém, Sintra, Évora, and lesser-explored corners of Portugal. If you're looking for a genuine and immersive experience beyond the typical tourist route, Rita is your guide.

Tours by Rita

Try one for yourself!

try one for yourself!

Pastéis de Belém are unmissable; they are sweet, filled with smooth custard and surrounded by crunchy pastry. The Portuguese eat them sprinkled with cinnamon and icing sugar; they are so delicious, one may not be enough!

However, Pastéis de Belém has much more on offer than their famous tarts: there is a wide variety of drinks and lunch-style food available in addition to many other kinds of pastries. Do not imagine it would be an expensive treat either – in Portugal food and drink tends to be very cheap, and despite its status as Portugal’s most famous café, Pastéis de Belém sells its products for a very similar price to what you would pay anywhere else. The whole experience is one not to be missed; you’ll never forget your first pastel de Belém!

Belém is for everyone

Belém is easily accessed by either bus or train, both of which regularly travel from central Lisbon. This lovely area of the city has something for everyone, come and wander and eat and see for yourself!

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This article has been endorsed by Lisbon local expert Vania Silva

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I’m Ellie, I’m 22 and I spent the first 18 years of my life in Portsmouth, UK, before doing a languages degree in Exeter. I spent time in Santiago de Compostela and Valencia on my year abroad, and...Read more

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