Things to do in Torre de Belém
Lisbon’s most photographed monument is without a doubt the majestic Torre de Belém. Also known as the Tower of Saint Vincent, the fortress tower located on the freguesia of Santa Maria de Belém also holds the status of UNESCO heritage site, and it is also the symbol of Portugal’s great past of exploration and discovery. Commissioned by King João II to be part of the defence system facing the Tagus river and also as a ceremonial gateway to Lisbon, the tower was actually built in the 16th century entirely with lioz limestone incorporating hints of several architectural styles but mostly Portuguese Manueline. Built on an island near the Lisbon shore, for many years it has been incorrectly stated that the tower was built in the middle of the Tagus and now sits near the shore because the river was redirected after the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. The Belém Tower was added on 7 July 2007 to the registry of the Seven Wonders of Portugal.
Our recommendations in Torre de Belém
Self-guided Discovery Walk in Lisbon’s Belém
Explore Lisbon's Belém during this interactive Discovery Game. Solve riddles that lead you through the city while learning about its history.
en, pt
Lisbon hop-on hop-off Belém and Castle lines with boat tour
Explore Lisbon's main sights and enjoy a boat tour on the Tagus with this hop-on and Hop-off tickets for Belém, Saint George's Castle, and Lisboat lines valid for 48-hours
en, it, fr, es, ar, +8 de, pt, ru, nl, ja, pl, zh, ca
Few capitals are as diverse as Lisbon. From the tightly packed alleys of the old town to the elegant boulevards of Baixa Pombalina, it's a city bursting with charm and life – and classic yellow trams. Gonçalo, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Much of Lisbon was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake, and was then rebuilt under the Marquis of Pombal's guidance into the first city with innovative earthquake-resistant designs – hence today's name for the district: Baixa Pombalina.'Things kick off reasonably early, allowing you to reach Lisbon in good time. Get ready for spectacular views over the city as you cross the Golden Gate-like 25th April Bridge over the River Tagus to the seafront district of Belém. You'll get to see Belém Tower, the Monument of Discoveries and much more. Gonçalo says, 'Belém Tower was built in the early 16th century and is an iconic symbol of Portugal's Age of Discoveries. It once stood on a small island near the riverbank, but as the river's course changed, it now sits near the shore. Over the years, it's served as a defense point, a lighthouse, a customs house, and even a prison.'Next, sightsee by bus passing by the Basilica Estrela among other sights. Your guide will then point out the best areas of the city to check out during your free time – whether you prefer to shop, dine or simply stroll streets lined with impressive buildings from Portugal's imperial days. You'll return to the Algarve via the Vasco da Gama Bridge – the longest in Europe.
Self-guided Discovery Walk in Lisbon’s Belém
Explore Lisbon's Belém during this interactive Discovery Game. Solve riddles that lead you through the city while learning about its history.
en, pt
Lisbon hop-on hop-off Belém and Castle lines with boat tour
Explore Lisbon's main sights and enjoy a boat tour on the Tagus with this hop-on and Hop-off tickets for Belém, Saint George's Castle, and Lisboat lines valid for 48-hours
en, it, fr, es, ar, +8 de, pt, ru, nl, ja, pl, zh, ca
Few capitals are as diverse as Lisbon. From the tightly packed alleys of the old town to the elegant boulevards of Baixa Pombalina, it's a city bursting with charm and life – and classic yellow trams. Gonçalo, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Much of Lisbon was destroyed in the 1755 earthquake, and was then rebuilt under the Marquis of Pombal's guidance into the first city with innovative earthquake-resistant designs – hence today's name for the district: Baixa Pombalina.'Things kick off reasonably early, allowing you to reach Lisbon in good time. Get ready for spectacular views over the city as you cross the Golden Gate-like 25th April Bridge over the River Tagus to the seafront district of Belém. You'll get to see Belém Tower, the Monument of Discoveries and much more. Gonçalo says, 'Belém Tower was built in the early 16th century and is an iconic symbol of Portugal's Age of Discoveries. It once stood on a small island near the riverbank, but as the river's course changed, it now sits near the shore. Over the years, it's served as a defense point, a lighthouse, a customs house, and even a prison.'Next, sightsee by bus passing by the Basilica Estrela among other sights. Your guide will then point out the best areas of the city to check out during your free time – whether you prefer to shop, dine or simply stroll streets lined with impressive buildings from Portugal's imperial days. You'll return to the Algarve via the Vasco da Gama Bridge – the longest in Europe.
How to get there
Torre de Belém
Lisbon
Portugal
Reviews Torre de Belém
“Could have been organized better. Went to the monastery and by the time Anna the tour guide explained in 3 different languages the Queue tripled in size. Should have queued straight away and she could have explained the History while the queue was moving.”
“Très intéressant”
“Despite losing out on day 1 of our 48 hour ticket ( Freedom day was so overwhelming with traffic jams) we only used our hop on hop off boat & bus lines for 1 day! It was all very enjoyable although we didn't have earphones to listen to the commentary! Alexandra in Lisbon office was wonderful.”
“Trotz im Januar gebuchten elektronischen Tickets über eine Stunde bei 29 Grad und praller Sonne anstellen müssen. ..Fast alle hatten auch elektronische Tickets. Preise vor Ort günstiger. ZB. Torre Belem 4 € vor Ort. Deshalb nie wieder.”
