Belém Tower (Torre de Belém)

The Basics

Belem Tower is a popular inclusion on sightseeing tours of Lisbon and can be visited on a walking tour or as part of a full-day private tour of Lisbon, Sintra, or Arrabida. Visitors can view the tower from the waterfront steps or enter to take in the views from the bulwark terrace, peek into the Governor's Room and King’s Room, and climb to the top of the tower. Its stately face can also be viewed on a river cruise.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Combined tickets are available for the Belem Tower, the Jeronimos Monastery, and the National Archeological Museum.

• The tower is closed on Mondays.

• The tower is only partially wheelchair accessible; those with limited mobility will only be able to explore the exterior and the lower battery.

How to Get There

Belem Tower is located in the Belem district of Lisbon, about four miles (six kilometers) west of the city center. The easiest way to get there is by tram—take the No. 15 from Praca da Figueira in central Lisbon toward Alges, and get off at Mosteiro dos Jeronimos (one stop beyond Belem). From there, it’s a short walk through the monastery gardens to the riverfront park, where you will be able to see the tower.

When to Get There

Belem Tower is open all year round but it can get crowded during the peak summer months, so you may want to arrive early (and opt for a weekday visit if possible). For the most atmospheric photo opportunities, visit at sunset or sunrise to admire the dramatic facade.

A Walking Tour of Belem

One of Lisbon’s most picturesque districts, Belem teems with historic monuments. After marveling at the tower and visiting the Jeronimos Monastery, take a stroll through the riverside gardens, visit Belem Palace, or browse the exhibits at the Maritime Museum or the National Coach Museum. Be sure to sample local delicacy pasteis de Belem (sweet pastries) while you’re in the neighborhood.

Is it worth going inside Belém Tower (Torre de Belém)?

Yes, it’s worth going inside the 16th-century Belém Tower (Torre de Belém), as it harbors a rich history. If you go inside, you can climb the spiral stone staircase to The Terrace, which overlooks the Tagus River mouth; take photos on the Rennaissance-style balcony of the King’s Chamber; and see original cannons and artillery on the Ground Floor.

How long should I spend at Belém Tower (Torre de Belém)?

Put aside 45 minutes to explore the interior of Belém Tower (Torre de Belém). However, even though you can book your admission tickets in advance, you don’t get a dedicated time slot, so you might have to wait in line to enter during busy times. Budget an extra 30 minutes in the line during the peak summer season.

What other attractions are nearby to Belém Tower (Torre de Belém)?

Other attractions near Belém Tower (Torre de Belém) include the ship=shaped Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos), a giant monument to Portugal’s 15th-century explorers, and the Monastery of St. Jerome (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos), UNESCO World Heritage Site hailed as one of Portugal’s grandest buildings.

Do any Lisbon sightseeing tours go to Belém Tower (Torre de Belém)?

Yes, lots of Lisbon sightseeing tours go to the UNESCO-listed Belém Tower (Torre de Belém). It’s almost always on full-day Lisbon sightseeing tours and electric bike tours. Sunset sailing tours also pass it; some history-focused tours combine it with an in-depth visit to the Monastery of St. Jerome.

How do you get to Belém Tower (Torre de Belém) from Lisbon?

From central Lisbon, take the number 15E tram from Cais do Sodré station to the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos stop, a little beyond. The journey lasts around 30 minutes. To reach the tower, you’ll have to cross a busy main road via an overpass bridge, which might mean you have to walk back to the tower after crossing.

What food should I try while I’m in Belém?

Belém is famous throughout Portugal for its custard tarts (pasteis de nata), so you can’t leave the district without sampling one. The most famous place to buy one from is Pasteis de Belem, where the sweet treats are made according to a secret recipe hundreds of years old. There are separate takeaway and eat-in lines.

Ways to explore

Admission tickets to Belém Tower grant you access to its defensive bastion with 17 cannons, dungeons, a panoramic terrace, and more. The tower is popular on Lisbon sightseeing tours and is often a stop on tuk-tuk tours of the capital. Belem-focused walking tours are also available, which help you delve deeper into the rich history of the intricately decorated fortress. You can also admire it from afar during a Tagus River cruise—opt for a sunset sail with wine and snacks for an extra special experience.

Accessibility

Belém Tower is not fully accessible to travelers using wheelchairs due to uneven surfaces and the spiral staircase leading to the top.

Age limits

None, though young children might not find it very interesting.

What to pack

A windbreaker jacket as it’s breezy at the panoramic lookout point.

What to wear

Closed-toe shoes to help you climb the spiral staircase.

Not allowed

Smoking, tripods, large luggage, outside food and drink

Amenities

Visitor center, accessible restrooms, café, gift shop

Address

Even though it’s 6 miles (9.5 kilometers) from central Lisbon, Belém Tower is easy to reach. It’s featured on several hop-on, hop-off sightseeing routes that allow you to customize your itinerary.

Driving

From central Lisbon, head west towards the riverfront, take Avenida da Índia and stay on the road for approximately 3 miles (4.8 kilometers). Arrive at Belém Tower on Avenida Brasília.​

Public transportation

You can take tram 15E from Cais do Sodré or buses 727, 728, 729, or 751. You can also ride the train from Cais do Sodré and disembark at Belém station, which is a 25-minute walk.

Best times to visit

Only a limited number of people can go into Belém Tower at once, so arrive early or from late afternoon to ensure you get in.

Best days to visit

You’ll find that Tuesday to Thursday are the quietest days to visit, as many travelers come to Lisbon for long weekends.

Best months to visit

The shoulder season months of March, June, and October offer fewer crowds and cooler weather for exploring outdoors.

Special events

The Music Days (Dias da Música em Belém) festival, featuring concerts and performances, usually takes place in spring.