Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos)

The basics

A striking feature of the Lisbon waterfront, the Monument to the Discoveries presents some of the city’s best photo opportunities. Ride a lift or climb up more than 260 steps to the rooftop viewpoint, which overlooks the Tagus River and the Belem district. Look for a large limestone compass mosaic in front of the monument, which illustrates just how well-traveled Portugal’s 15th- and 16th-century adventurers really were.

The monument is near several other crowd-drawing attractions, including Belem Tower (Torre de Belém), Belem Palace (Palácio de Belém), and Monastery of St. Jerome (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos), making it a popular spot for sightseeing tours. Because of its waterside setting, the monument can be easily seen on river cruises.

Things to know before you go

• The Monument to the Discoveries is one of the best lookouts in Lisbon, with panoramas that encompass top landmarks such as the 25th of April Bridge (Ponte 25 de Abril) and the Christ the King (Cristo Rei) monument.
• Use the pedestrian underpass to safely cross the busy road near the waterfront.
• There is no café at the site though street vendors at the waterfront sell drinks and snacks.

How to get there

The Monument to the Discoveries is located on the waterfront in Lisbon’s Belem district. To get there, ride the tram (line 15) or take the train from Cais do Sodré to Belem.

When to get there

The Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos) is open daily between March and September, and Tuesday–Sunday between October and February. Summer is busiest; go for opening (10am) to beat the crowds.

Identifying Portugal’s Explorers

Among the 32 figures depicted on the side of the monument are navigators, cartographers, missionaries, and other significant figures from the Age of Discovery, including Bartolomeu Dias, the first European to sail around the southernmost tip of Africa; Pedro Álvares Cabral, the first European to discover Brazil; and Afonso V of Portugal, the 15th-century king of Portugal.

Ways to explore

While it’s free to admire the monument from the outside, you'll need to pay a small fee to go up to the observation deck; entry is free with a Lisboa Card, which grants you free or discounted entry to other top Lisbon attractions. The Monument to the Discoveries is a staple of Lisbon sightseeing tours that visit the Belém district; tuk-tuks and electric bikes make light work of Lisbon’s steep hills. These excursions typically combine a visit to the monument with tours of the Belém neighborhood and the nearby Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Accessibility

While you can use a stair lift to access the lower ground floor exhibition space, the viewpoint is inaccessible for wheelchair users.

Age limits

None

What to pack

You’ll be at the mercy of the Atlantic breeze on the observation deck, so pack a windbreaker in case of cold wind.

What to wear

The viewpoint is only accessible via a narrow staircase with 42 steps, so wear comfortable shoes with good grip.

Not allowed

Smoking, drones, pets

Amenities

Exhibition space, terrace

Address

The Monument to the Discoveries is in the attraction-packed neighborhood of Belém, so it’s a stop on many hop-on hop-off sightseeing tours. You can also take tram number 15 from the city center.

Driving

Head west out of central Lisbon—follow signs for Belém on the N6‑1/Avenida da Índia. Stay on this road, which runs parallel to the Tagus River, into Belém. You’ll pass the Jerónimos Monastery on your right before you arrive.

Public transportation

You can take the train from Cais do Sodré in Lisbon to Belém; the journey takes approximately 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can take bus routes 717, 727, 728, 729, and 751.

Best times to visit

The monument is a spectacular place to watch the sunset over the Tagus River, so visit during the early evening to catch the golden hour.

Best days to visit

Visit Tuesday–Thursday to avoid the long weekend crowds visiting from other European countries.

Best months to visit

The Monument to the Discoveries stays open later from March through September, when daylight lasts longer.

Special events

The Grande Arraial de Belém festival, held in June, features a lively program of music and dancing, along with kid-friendly attractions.