6 Essentials: what to see and do in Belem (Lisbon) in 1 day

Un sightseeing trip to Lisbon, riding a Portugal, must have as an essential stage the visit of the monuments that are concentrated in Belem.

This neighborhood located on the estuary of tagus river, on the route that takes you to tourist places such as Estoril o Cascais, brings together various corners of great interest, some of them totally essential.

If it's the first time you travel to the Portuguese capital, in the travel plan you must reserve almost one full day for your excursion to Belem, and I can tell you that you will not regret it.

The best things to see and do when visiting Belem in 1 day

Below I am going to point out the most notable monuments and corners to discover in Belem.

Visit Jerónimos Monastery in Belem

El Monastery of los jeronimos It is a great monument that has become one of the main attractions of a trip to Lisbon.

It began to be built at the beginning of the 16th century and is the best example of what is known as Manueline architectural style, a mixture of Gothic and Renaissance styles.

Before visiting the building you will have the opportunity to be surprised by the great artistic wealth of its imposing 300-meter-long façade.

Inside, your visit will focus on a walk through the cloister of the Jerónimos monastery enjoying its beautiful decoration and seeing corners like the refectory or the chapter house.

Visit Santa María de Belem Church

During your essential visit to the Jerónimos Monastery you must enter the church of Santa María de Belem.

There you can see the ornate decoration of this Gothic building where you can also find corners of Moorish style.

There you can see the graves of important personalities in the history of Portugal, such as Louis de Camoens y Vasco de Gama.

Do not stop go up to the choir Well, from there you will have the best views of the interior of the church of Santa María de Belem.

Visit and climb the Belem Tower

On the banks of tagus river and near the monastery you have the Belém Tower.

It is one of the fortifications that were built from the 16th century onwards to protect the entrance to Lisbon through the river estuary.

Also built, like the monastery, by order of the king Manuel I, is another example of Manueline style.

During your visit you will visit various rooms and you will be able to climb to the top of the tower, from where you have very good panoramic views of the Tagus estuary.

Visit and climb the Monument to the Discoveries in Belem

Right in front of the aforementioned monastery and also on the banks of the river you have the monument to the Discoveries, which was erected in 1960 to remember the great Portuguese navigators and discoverers in history.

In the monument there are numerous statues of the historical figures that are honored, including Magallanes, Vasco de Gama y Camoens.

From the top of the monument you will have excellent panoramic views of this area of ​​Belem, with a great Compass Rose in the foreground, and in the background the Jerónimos monastery.

Visit the Berardo Collection Museum in Belem

In the large open space where the monastery and the aforementioned monument to the Discoveries, you have the large and modern building of the Belem Cultural Center where the headquarters of the Berardo Collection museum.

Opened in 2007, this institution presents the highlights of the private collection of contemporary art of the Portuguese magnate and art collector Jose Manuel Berardo, who throughout his life has collected more than 40.000 pieces.

During your visit to the museum you will be able to see works by several of the most prominent artists of the 20th century, from Picasso but also Warhol.

What are Belem Pastelitos and where to eat them?

Just because it's the last recommendation doesn't mean it's any less important (even more so if you have a sweet tooth). visit to the traditional factory of the Belem cupcakes, an establishment located next to the monastery.

In fact, I am sure that this pastry shop is always a regular visit among tourists who spend the day in Belem.

If you have not yet tasted them, I can tell you that they are some sweets made with puff pastry and pastry cream sprinkled with sugar glass and cinnamon.

In this establishment you find, at the entrance. a pastry shop where you can buy the famous sweets.

But if you prefer, and I recommend, you can go inside where in various and always very busy rooms you can taste these delicious cream puffs.

Without a doubt it is the best way to complete (or start...) your visit of Belem Enjoy your meal!

Excursions to Belem from Lisbon

Regarding your visit, you should know that the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belem Tower are visits included in the tourist card Lisbon Card.

If instead of visit Belem on your own you prefer to sign up for a organized tour with a guide in Spanish, you have several options.

For example, you can sign up for this Tour of Belem de three hours long in which, in addition to visiting the interior of the Monastery of los jeronimos, you will pass by the Belém Tower and you will end up tasting the famous Belem cupcakes.

You can also sign up for a boat trip to Belem, three hours long.

Leaving the Lisbon Commerce Square, you will navigate the Tagus Estuary until we reach Belem, where you will walk next to the different monuments while a guide will inform you in Spanish about its history and curiosities.

At the end of the visit tasting some Belem cupcakes, then on your own you can visit the interior of the monuments you want.