Belem: Tours and Guided Visits

Belém might not be famous internationally, but it should be — it’s from Belém that the seaward course to India was first mapped and the route around South America was completed.

And today, you can explore this historic neighborhood with a Belém tour in Lisbon.

Back in the day, this neighborhood was at the very center of the western world. It’s from this port that ships and explorers set off to find their fortune in the great unknown — returning with riches and tales of faraway lands.

With its museums, historical buildings and towering monuments, Belém remains at the top of the list when it comes to visiting Portugal’s capital.

It’s home to Belém Tower, Jeronimo’s Monastery, the Monument to the Discoveries and Belém Palace, which now acts as the President’s residence — making it the perfect destination for a day of sightseeing.

Here's everything you need to know about visiting Belém, one of the most captivating options for sightseeing tours in Lisbon.

What are the best Belém tours in Lisbon?

Finding the best Belém tour in Lisbon largely depends on a couple of factors. Firstly, the amount of time you are willing to spend — with Belém tours available as a short 1.5-hour jaunt as well as the more comprehensive 4 to 5-hour excursion.

Secondly, you should consider how you want to explore this historic neighborhood. Bikes, segway, and sailboats are all at your disposal or you may opt for the traditional and choose to explore the area on foot.

Finally, your budget will usually determine the tour’s duration, as well as the number of attractions visited. There are also a couple of free walking tours available in Belém, great news for travelers visiting Lisbon on a tight budget.

Belém Tower tour in Lisbon

Belém Tower, or the Tower of Saint Vincent as it is officially named, is probably the first image conjured up when Belém is mentioned — and a Belém Tower tour will allow you to explore all its nooks and crannies.

You will enjoy an audio-guided tour of the tower with access to all four of the internal rooms, including the King’s Chamber.

While there might be a bit of a queue to go to the uppermost floor, it should still be considered as it offers magnificent views of the Tagus River — great for unforgettable sunsets.

Belém small group bike tour in Lisbon

Exploring Belém on a bike tour is really convenient and it allows you to fit in many more sites than would be possible on foot. After a quick briefing, you’ll have a moment to get comfortable with the bike and your safety equipment before setting off on your adventure.

Your first stop is the Praça do Commercio, Lisbon’s commercial and historic heart where you’ll explore a traditional Portuguese market.

After sampling the wares and attending a short demonstration on Portuguese gastronomy, you’ll head towards an area featured on many Lisbon street art tours.

After enjoying the urban art on offer it’s onward to the Tagus River where you’ll find the Monument to the Discoveries — a commemoration of the role that Portugal played during the Age of Discoveries.

After that, you’ll visit one of the last sights that explorers saw when they waved Lisbon goodbye — the Belém Tower.

Spent some time admiring the craft and care that went into the building’s construction before visiting another architectural monument — Jeronimo’s Monastery.

Finally, it’s back to the starting point with the blissful knowledge that you’ve spent the day exploring Belém in an eco-friendly manner.

Segway Tour in Belém

A Belém segway tour follows roughly the same itinerary as a Belém bike tour with one crucial difference — it’s much kinder to your calves. That, and it adds the Belém Palace and the Baixa de Lisboa to the sights explored on the outing.

The Baixa de Lisboa was largely rebuilt after the earthquake of 1755 and stands as a monument to the people of Lisbon’s perseverance.

Zipping around on a segway is a great way of enjoying the comfort of automated travel with the perks that come with being on foot.

This 3-hour tour of the Belém district is extremely popular and tends to sell out quite quickly. Because of the nature of the segway, weight restrictions will apply.

Belém Sailboat Tour

The nautical is inseparable from Belém and sailing remains a popular activity to this day. A Belém sailboat tour offers you a glimpse of Belém that few get to see — the stunning sight of Belém Tower and the Tagus River as the sun sets gently in the Atlantic Ocean.

Before you reach your perfect sundowner spot, you’ll pass by many of Belém’s most famous landmarks.

This tour isn’t so much about sightseeing as it is about the experience of watching the sun go down while enjoying a refreshing drink. As such, don’t expect too learn much, and rather just sit back and take it all in.

What will I see on a Belém tour in Lisbon?

Belém Tower

Belém Tower acted as the first and last thing discoverers saw when they left and arrived back in Lisbon. It’s a building of elaborate design and detail, with ornate carvings covering its facade.

The inside of the tower is just as impressive with stretching arches, intricate columns and a cavernous courtyard. The tower was built in 1519 and still stands as a testament to Portugal’s colonial wealth and history.

The Tagus River

The Tagus River is the lifeline of Lisbon. It flows eastwards from central Spain before forming a fertile estuary and spilling into the Atlantic. The estuary and the abundance of food it offers played an important role in the city being colonized by the Phoenicians.

During Portugal’s colonial times, the river’s wide banks acted as the perfect highway for the country’s new-found wealth. Today,  its shores are dotted with eateries and cafes — just begging to be discovered.

Jeronimo’s Monastery

Jeronimo’s Monastery is now a secular building, but it still houses the remains of the explorer Vasco de Gama and the poet Luis de Camoes — as well as a number of Portuguese kings.

The building is a prime example of Portuguese Gothic Manuaeline building styles and it served as a monastery and a royal palace during its prime.

Alfama District

Alfama, Lisbon’s famous Moorish neighborhood is sometimes visited during a Belém tour — but this is usually only while passing through and the area should be explored on its own and in-depth.

It’s arguably one of Lisbon's most important districts and provides a precious peek into a time now lost.

Monument of the Discoveries

The Monument of the discoveries is a fairly new addition to Belém’s riverfront with the structure only inaugurated in 1960.

It stands to commemorate the progress made in international navigation by Portuguese explorers. It remains a popular tourist attraction with waves of travelers posing in front of its impressive bow.

What are the prices of Belém tours in Lisbon?

The cost of a Belém tour largely depends on its duration and the number of attractions visited.

A Belém Tower tour in Lisbon costs €9 per person making it the most affordable excursion by far. However, entry into no other attraction is included in the cost, and the accompanying audio guide must be purchased separately.

The Belém small group bike tour in Lisbon will cost €14 per person and includes all the necessary safety gear. The fact that this is a small group tour also adds value as the party is limited to 6 participants.

The Belém segway tour in Lisbon will cost around €40 per person, but this is a very popular tour and is likely to sell out.

A Belém sailboat tour also costs €50 per person and this includes a drink and some light snacks.

Is anything included?

The type of things included in a Belém tour usually depends on the tour in question. For instance, all tours featuring special transport like bikes, sailboats or segway will also include the necessary safety gear.

A sailboat tour will also include one complimentary drink and some light snacks. A cash bar will be available if you wish to purchase more drinks.

A typical Belém tour will include entrance to most of the attractions visited with one building usually being the exception. Most of the time the building excluded is the Belém Tower because it is a popular destination and is best explored on your own.

Where do tours start?

The starting point of a typical tour of the Belém neighborhood usually depends on the type of tour you undertake.

Tours using bikes or segway will start near the Praca de Comercio, while those taking place on foot will start nearby the Belém Tower. Always confirm the starting point of your tour when booking and again 24 hours before the excursion takes place.

How long do they last?

The duration of your Belém tour depends on how you choose to explore this historic neighborhood. If you only go on a tour of the Belém Tower, you can expect the tour to last anywhere between 1 and 1.5 hours.

For other tours, like the bicycle or segway tours, you should prepare for 3 to 4 hours.

When is the best time for a Belém tour in Lisbon?

Belém is best visited during the months of March and May and again from late August to October. During these periods you can expect pleasant weather while also encountering fewer travelers.

Popular attractions, like the Belém Tower, should be visited early in the morning and at the start of the week.

Travel tips

• Tours of Belém, especially the segway tour, are popular and tend to sell out quickly — make sure to book in advance
• No eating is allowed in most of Belém’s famous buildings.
• Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, especially when your tour involves walking.