Belém Things to Do

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The highlight of my visit to Belem in March 2011 was taking in the breathtaking views from the viewing platform on top of the Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos).

So much so, that when I returned to Belem again in December 2011 (this time with my girlfriend and her parents in tow) a return visit to the top of the monument was my first priority!

The Monument to the Discoveries is 52 metres tall and stands on the banks of the Tagus river. It is easily reached from the centre of Lisbon on tram number 15. We disembarked the tram outside Jeronimos Monastery and made our way across the road to the monument.

There is a ticket office inside the monument on the ground floor and a lift that takes passengers most of the way to the top. The lift goes as far as the fifth floor and then there are a couple of small flights of stairs to climb before reaching the open air, rooftop terrace. The terrace is small and becomes very cramped when there are more than a handful of visitors up there.

At the time of our visit, tickets for the viewing platform cost €2.50 (concessions: €1.50).

The views from the top are breathtaking. Facing the Tagus river and looking left, you will see Lisbon's famous 25 de Abril Bridge and, behind that, the Christ The Redeemer statue on a hilltop in Alameda. Looking to the right, you will see the unmistakable Torre de Belem.

Facing away from the river you will see the huge Jeronimos Monastery and, on the hillside behind it, the stadium of local football side Belenenses. You will also get a great bird's-eye view of the elaborately tiled compass and world map that lies in the square in front of the monument and the surrounding riverbank promenades and marinas.

Excellent panoramic views from the top of the Monument of the Discoveries! A must-see while in Belem!

After enjoying Lisbon take a bus, train or quaint yellow tram to Belem just outside the city. Bring you camera for photos of the Discoveries Monument, Tower of Belem, etc. Visit the Coach Museum or the Jeronimos Monastery.

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Before I review the Coach Museum, I want to say that if you visit this museum, do it when there is full sun, as I visited it this last time near the evening and it was difficult to see the many beautiful coaches. I am glad that this was my second visit.
Nothing had been changed in the past 35 years, except that they had added a few more items and there were some musical artifacts upstairs. This is one of the largest collection of coaches in the world.
If you have never seen those old coaches used by Royalty and the rich, this is a must see. You will marvel at the carvings and the careful way they made them. They were not just made for comfort, but made to show their power and money. These were a statement, just as nowadays some people make a statement with fancier cars and clothes.
You can spend an hour here, and then walk over to the waterfront and down to the Belem Tower.
Not expensive to enter, and after you can visit the famous pastry shop nearby.

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This large monument along the waterfront is called Padrão dos Descobrimentos. Erected in 1960 to honor the seamen of Portugal I found it to be sort of in a fascist style, but not being an expert in this sort of thing I just marveled to the many different carved men all in different actions. These are found on both sides of the monument.
You can go inside and take the stairs to the top for a great view of the Monastery and the Belem Tower, both within minutes of walking.
This area is very nice and lends itself to sitting and watching, or even a picnic. The city keeps it very clean and it has a pleasant view across to the other ports and also of the bridge in the direction of Lisbon.

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There are two tombs of Vasco da Gama (1460 or 1469 – 24 December 1524) in Lisbon, but only one holds his remains. The very and more modern tomb in the Pantheon is empty but was placed there to honor their greatest explorer.
The real tomb is in the jeronimos monastery and when you are there it will be difficult to get photos without other tourists. Made of marble, they carved the likeness of da Gama in a praying hands position.
He died of malaria in Cochin, India, and his body was interred several different times in history.
If you are any bit interested in history this is something you must see when in Lisbon.

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This will be one of the highlights of your visit! Originally begun by Henry the Navigator around 1459. King Manuel petitioned the Holy See in 1496 for permission to construct a monastery and when the gold and riches brought by Vasco da Gama the monastery became a place of prayer for the seamen venturing out on voyages from Portugal.
The monastery is massive, expect to spend at least two hours walking around and going up the stairs for many photo ops. There is also another museum to archaeology on the left of the main entrance. Separate fees for each.
You will marvel at the many carvings and architecture of the buildings, a style called Manueline. This complex is also designated a Unesco Site.
Closed (Mondays and on 1 January, Easter Sunday, 1 May and 25 December)
October–April 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
May–September 10:00 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
6 Euros

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This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Noted to be the jumping off place for the old explorers, this site is well worth a visit. It is best to walk along the waterfront as you can have many photo ops along the way, the bridge and ports across the river lending viewpoints.
The tower is open for visits and there is a charge. Going up the winding stairs is not for the feint hearted or older folks. Also if your body size is a bit larger than most I would not suggest going up. It is very difficult to pass folks coming down and it is also quite strenuous for folks not used to climbing those small European stairs.
It was later designated to be a prison, prisoners were kept in the dungeon, which must have been a very cold and damp place to be. After this the tower was used for many different purposes.
They have provided benches for folks who want to sit in the sun and take it all in. There is a grassy park behind these benches which would make a nice place for a picnic on the grass.
The famous Jerónimos Monastery is 10 minutes walking from here.
Closed (Mondays and on 1 January, Easter Sunday, 1 May and 25 December)
October–April 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
May–September 10:00 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

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In the eponymous square in Belem, you will find a large statue of Afonso de Albuquerque which was built in 1902 in neo-Manueline style by the artists Silva Pinto and Costa Mota tio.
The man himself was the first conqueror of India and his efforts established the Portuguese Empire in the Indian Ocean. He is remembered for being a very adept military man who utilised formidable strategies to forge diplomatic relations with the natives and erode the influence of the Turks in the region. He died in Goa in 1515 and his statue in Belem is a fitting tribute to him.
There are plenty of benches in the tree-lined square where you can sit and enjoy a drink or an icecream while looking at the statue and taking in the surroundings. If nothing else, it's a good opportunity to grab a breather before you move on to another of Belem's many sights.