• Belem District

A beautiful and highly popular historic neighbourhood in western Lisbon where the Tagus River flows to the sea. It’s from here that Vasco da Gama sailed to India in 1497 discovering a new sea route to the East, and where Christopher Columbus stopped in 1493 on his way back from the New World. Enjoy the city’s 16th century houses, the restaurants and outdoor cafes on Rua Vieira Portuense, and the nearby  Botanic Gardens near Jeronimos Monastery.
The Belem District is home to some of Lisbon’s iconic attractions including Jeronimos Monastery and the Belem Tower on the Tagus Riverfront, the Lisbon Cathedral, the impressive 25 April Bridge, and the Discoveries Monument.
Up hill in the Ajuda Neighbourhood visit the magnificent Royal Palace of Ajuda and its Botanical Gardens.
The district is home to many museums including the Coaches Museum filled with royal fairytale vehicles, the MAC/CCBA Modern and Contemporary Art Museum, the MAAT Museum with its iconic building and changing exhibitions, and the National Archaeology Museum in the former dormitory of the Jeronimos Monastery. Near the Monastery enjoy Lisbon’s Tropical Garden for a beautiful and peaceful retreat from the bustling city.
While in Belem be sure to enjoy the Pastel de Belém or Pastel de Nata, the famous sweet custard tart that the locals like to eat along with their coffee.
To reach Belem District, use Tram #15 from the central Praça do Comrcio,
Tram # 28 with its sightseen route of Lisbon’s attractions including Belem, or take the the hop-on/off riverboat from Cais do Sodre pier for a 45 minutes sail to Belem.

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Aerial view of Torre de Belem in Lisbon, Portugal

Monumento aos Descobrimentos, Monument to the Discoveries, built in 1960, on the banks of the Tagus River, in Belém, Belem Lighthouse, Lisbon, Portugal