What to do in Belém

Activities, attractions and tours

A large monument with a curved base and a group of statues on top, overlooking a body of water with a bridge in the background.
A red bridge spanning a body of water with a sailboat in the foreground.
A marina with multiple sailboats docked.
A historic building with a large courtyard and a fountain.
A historic building with a large courtyard and a fountain.

Belém Attractions

Let Expedia help you to experience the best that Belém has to offer! If you’re planning a trip to Belém, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling to Belém with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Places of interest in Belém

Belém is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay in Belém, and make it a breeze to explore Belém and the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Belém to make sure that you enjoy your holiday to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit to Belém, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights in Belém.

Belém attractions

Belém has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions in Belém to keep you entertained. Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Belém.

Looking for things to do in Belém can be time-consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine of Belém or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Belém attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season. Happy trails!

Things to do

Castle in Lisbon

Day Trip to Sintra & Cascais with Admission to Pena Palace and Garden Walk

£69
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Day Trip to Sintra & Cascais with Admission to Pena Palace and Garden Walk
Small Group Tour to Sintra, Pena Palace, Cabo Roca and Cascais

Small Group Tour to Sintra, Pena Palace, Cabo Roca and Cascais

£60
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Small Group Tour to Sintra, Pena Palace, Cabo Roca and Cascais
City Sightseeing Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

City Sightseeing Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour & Optional Extras

£33
per adult
City Sightseeing Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour & Optional Extras
Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour with Optional Bus Tour Combos

Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Combos

£24
per adult
Lisbon Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Combos
The remarkable Pena Palace

Sintra-Cascais-Pena Palace 8-People Small Group Tour from Lisbon

£60
per adult
98% of travellers recommend
Sintra-Cascais-Pena Palace 8-People Small Group Tour from Lisbon
Sintra, Pena Palace and Cascais Full Day Tour from Lisbon

Sintra, Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira & Cascais Group Tour

£58
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Sintra, Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira & Cascais Group Tour
Belem Tower

Tour Lisbon: Belém Tower, the Cathedral & Parque das Nações

£66
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Tour Lisbon: Belém Tower, the Cathedral & Parque das Nações
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Top places to visit

1. Belém Tower

In the early 16th Century, this four-storey tower was built on basaltic rocks found by the Tagus River, in close proximity to the riverbank, with the intention of supplementing the existing fortification defences along the sea approach to Lisbon.
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A historic stone castle by a river, with a wooden bridge leading to it.

2. Jerónimos Monastery

The Jeronimos Monastery is an impressive monument with ornate façades and pointed spirals. The architecture is typical of the Portuguese late-gothic style and has Renaissance influences. The austere Hieronymite monks once worshipped here and prayed for the safety of Lisbon’s explorers.
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A courtyard with ornate arches and a central fountain.

3. Padrão dos Descobrimentos

Lisbon’s Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries) points out over the Tagus River. From this spot many sailing vessels followed the river out to the Atlantic Ocean to explore uncharted waters and discover new lands. View this concrete-and-limestone monument to study a 3-D mural of maritime figures. These people are recognized as Portugal’s leading individuals for introducing European customs and trade to distant regions.
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A large monument with relief sculptures, a red bridge, and a beach with people walking.

4. Pastéis de Belém

The recipe was invented by Catholic monks at the Jerónimos Monastery. Convents and monasteries used large quantities of egg-whites for starching clothes, and so the leftover egg yolks were used to make cakes.
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A bakery with freshly baked pastries on display.

5. Maritime Museum

The displays have been collected from a variety of sources, including the Portuguese navy, but one single important contributor to the collection was Henry Maufroy de Seixas, who donate his own valuable private collection. In 1962, 100 years after the maritime museum decree was issued, the Museum officially opened its doors. Since then, it has gained renown as one of the best Portuguese museums.
Learn more
A historic cathedral with two tall towers and a red-tiled roof.

Recommended things to do in Belém

Number of things to do
1546
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Exciting Free Walking Tour: Explore Iconic Landmarks & Stunning Viewpoints: £1
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Belém

Stay near popular Belém attractions

A historic stone castle by a river, with a wooden bridge leading to it.

Belém Tower

9.0/10 (17,118 reviews)
Belém Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located on the northern bank of the Tagus River in the Belém district of Lisbon.
See properties

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Belém

A coastal cityscape with colorful buildings and a prominent white dome structure.

Lisbon

A coastal fortification with a prominent tower, waves crashing against the shore, and a clear blue sky.

Oeiras

A coastal cityscape with terracotta-roofed buildings, a prominent white church, and a view of the sea and distant city lights.

Lisbon District

A densely packed cityscape with historic buildings and a prominent hill with a church.

Alcântara

A marble statue of a woman with a laurel wreath, standing in a classical architectural setting.

Ajuda

A coastal cityscape with a prominent bridge, dense greenery, and residential buildings.

Benfica

A coastal cityscape with colorful buildings, a prominent cathedral, and a beach in the background.

Amadora

Frequently asked questions

Is Belém worth visiting?
Renowned for its cafes and culture, finding fun things to do in Belém is a cinch. Be sure to add Ajuda National Palace to your trip itinerary when here.
How do I spend a day in Belém?
Once you've visited top attractions like Maritime Museum, spend some time discovering the food and retail options in Belém.
What is the top tourist attraction in Belém?
The top tourist attraction near Belém is Ajuda National Palace, so make sure to add it to your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Belém?
You'll have all the time you need to experience Ajuda National Palace, Quinta de Pancas and other top attractions around the area when you plan a three-day escape to Belém.
Is Belém a walkable neighbourhood?
Getting around Belém on foot is a breeze, with key attractions like Ajuda National Palace and Quinta de Pancas both within walking distance. Popular neighbourhoods like Alcântara and Restelo are also located only 3 kms (2 miles) and 2 kms (1 mile) from the centre of Belém, so you can see and do more — no wheels required.
What are some activities to do in Belém with kids?
Deciding what to do in Belém with kids has never been so simple. Whether you have little ones or teenagers, there are loads of family-friendly activities to keep them happy here.

What to do in Belém for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or outdoor explorer, there are lots of things to do in Belém for adults including Quinta de Pancas.
Are there free things to do in Belém?
One of the most popular free things to do in Belém is visit Berardo Collection. You can also stroll to nearby neighbourhoods and spend time in parks and other open spaces in the area. If you're looking for more ideas, just talk with a local tour guide.