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Top 10 attractions in Lisbon

Pena Palace

Pena Palace

Located in Sintra, Pena Palace is a fairy-tale castle perched on a hill, offering stunning views and unique architecture. It's a must-visit for those exploring Sintra's historic sites.

Distance from Belem Tower: 31 km (40-45 minutes by car)

Explore Pena Palace
Quinta da Regaleira

Quinta da Regaleira

Quinta da Regaleira, located in Sintra, is an enchanting estate with mystical gardens, secret tunnels, and beautiful architecture, providing a magical experience for visitors.

Distance from Belem Tower: 30 km (40-45 minutes by car)

Explore Quinta da Regaleira
Jerónimos Monastery

Jerónimos Monastery

Located in Belém, the Jerónimos Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its impressive Manueline architecture and historical significance, housing the tomb of Vasco da Gama.

Distance from Belem Tower: 3 km (5-10 minutes by car, 15 minutes by public transport)

Explore Jerónimos Monastery
Lisbon Oceanarium

Lisbon Oceanarium

Situated in the Parque das Nações district, Lisbon's Oceanarium is one of Europe's largest aquariums, showcasing diverse marine life from across the globe.

Distance from Belem Tower: 6.5 km (15-20 minutes by car or public transport)

Explore Lisbon Oceanarium
Castelo De São Jorge

Castelo De São Jorge

Castelo De São Jorge offers stunning views of Lisbon and dates back to the 11th century, originally built by the Moors as a fortress overlooking the city.

Distance from Belem Tower: 7 km (15-20 minutes by car or public transport)

Explore Castelo De São Jorge
Benfica Stadium

Benfica Stadium

The famous Estádio da Luz is home to the Benfica football team and one of Portugal's largest stadiums, offering tours and an immersive football experience.

Distance from Belem Tower: 9 km (20-25 minutes by car or public transport)

Explore Benfica Stadium
Royal Treasure Museum

Royal Treasure Museum

Located inside the Jerónimos Monastery in Belém, the Royal Treasure Museum houses a remarkable collection of Portuguese royal artifacts, including jewelry and clothing.

Distance from Belem Tower: 4.5 km (10-15 minutes by car or public transport)

Visit Royal Treasure Museum
Sintra Day Tours

Sintra Day Tours

Sintra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its romantic architecture and historical sites, with guided day tours from Lisbon offering visits to palaces and gardens.

Distance from Belem Tower: 30 km (40-45 minutes by car or bus)

Go on Sintra Day Tours
Lisbon Fado Shows

Lisbon Fado Shows

Fado is Portugal's traditional music genre, performed in various venues across Lisbon, primarily in the Alfama and Bairro Alto districts, offering an immersive cultural experience.


Distance from Belem Tower: Varies (typically 6-7 km for central locations, 10-20 minutes by car or public transport)

Visit Lisbon Fado Shows
National Coach Museum

National Coach Museum

Located in Belém, the National Coach Museum showcases a collection of royal coaches and other horse-drawn vehicles dating back to the 16th century, making it a fascinating stop for history buffs.

Distance from Belem Tower: 1.5 km (5 minutes by car)

Explore National Coach Museum

Discovering Belém Tower | An emblem of Portugal's nautical legacy

The Belém Tower, a majestic fortress-like structure, stands as an iconic symbol of Portugal's rich maritime history and architectural prowess. This UNESCO World Heritage site, located on the banks of the Tagus River in Lisbon, beckons tourists with its intricate Manueline design and historical significance. With Belém tower tickets, visitors can explore its fascinating history, soak in breathtaking views, and immerse themselves in this timeless landmark.

​About Belem Tower

Things to know before booking Belém Tower tickets

  • Book in Advance: During the peak season (April to October), it's advisable to book your Belém Tower tickets in advance. Booking ahead ensures you secure your preferred date and time, avoiding potential long queues and disappointment at the ticket counter.
  • Opt for Combo tours: The Belém Tower is located near several other popular tourist attractions, including the Jerónimos Monastery and St. George’s Castle. You can easily combine your visit to the Belém Tower with a tour of these other landmarks.
  • Get yourself a little treat: Pastéis de Belém, a bakery near the monastery, is the original site of Portugal's famed pastel de nata egg tart—after all, you deserve a reward after navigating those 200+ steps! Even if there's a long queue there, you won't regret it.
  • Open terrace: While the views from the open terrace at the top are certainly a highlight of the Belém Tower, don't feel pressured to rush through the rest of the structure to get there. Be aware that due to the single staircase, the visit follows a one-way path. To manage visitor flow, a red/green traffic light system controls whether people ascend or descend at a given time.
  • Bring a Valid Photo ID: To enter Belém Tower, you'll need to present a valid photo ID along with your ticket. Any official ID with a clear photograph of the visitor should suffice.
  • Book a day trip: If you want to explore more than just the Belém Tower and get benefits like round-trip transfers and an expert local guide, you can consider booking a day trip. The Day Trip to Sintra, Pena Palace, Belém Tower, Cascais & Lisbon covers multiple attractions in Sintra, along with Cascais, all in a single tour.

Why visit the Belém Tower?

Belem Tower Architecture
  • Represents Portuguese’s Age of Discovery: One of the most important cultural landmarks in Portugal, the Belém Tower is a standing testament to the city’s ancient maritime explorers who ventured into the unknown seas and changed history.
  • Gothic Architecture: Carved purely out of limestone, the Belém Tower is constructed in the Manueline style and is reminiscent of the country’s maritime adventures.
  • Maritime Facade: The Belém Tower has the first known representation of the rhinoceros in Western art. There are twisted ropes, anchors, and little spears tucked in between the stone calves. 
  • Splendid Views: The Tower Room offers a panoramic view of Lisbon and the Tagus river.
  • War Relics: The first floor of the tower is the cannon room, where a cannon is placed on every opening looking out the tower.
  • Cultural Significance: It's a UNESCO World Heritage site, embodying Portugal's rich seafaring heritage.
Plan Your Visit to Belém Tower

Which Belém Tower ticket is best for you?

Belem Tower Entry Tickets

Entry tickets

Duration: Flexible
Guide: Audioguide

  • Book the Belém Tower entry tickets to avoid long queues and spend more time exploring the maritime history, war relics, and stone carvings at the monument.
  • Make sure to visit every floor of the Belém Tower to witness cannons in the bastion, the King’s chamber, Governor’s room, Audience’s room, vaulted chapel, and Tower terrace. 

Recommended Tours:

Belem Tower Combo Tour

Combo tours

Duration: 2-3 hours

  • If you enjoy history then a Belém Tower combo ticket with other popular attractions in Lisbon such as Jeronimos Monastery and St George's Castle is ideal for you.
  • These combo tickets offer entry to more than one attraction and some tickets also include transfers for added convenience.

Recommended Tickets:

Pena Palace slope path in Sintra, Portugal, leading through lush greenery.

Day trips

Duration: 9 hours

  • A day trip is ideal if you want to cover multiple attractions in a single, day-long tour. 
  • You get convenient round-trip transfers in an AC coach from a common point in Lisbon. 
  • You can also choose between a tour in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and French based on your preference. 

Recommended tours: 

  • Day Trip to Sintra, Pena Palace, Belém Tower, Cascais & Lisbon
Book Lisbon to Belém Tower day trips

Cancellation Policy

Most Belém Tower tickets can be canceled 24-72 hours before the experience begins. However, combo tickets cannot be canceled or rescheduled. Please check your ticket for details at the time of booking.

Belém Tower highlights

Gothic Architecture in Belem Tower

Manueline Architecture

Discover Belém Tower's awe-inspiring Manueline architecture, adorned with ornate carvings and intricate detailing, a testament to Portugal's artistic prowess during the Age of Exploration.

Maritime Facade in Belem Tower

Gorgeous Facade

As a relic of Portugal’s maritime discovery period, the Belém Tower has a facade, dotted with twisted ropes, armor, and little spears. Near the turrets, you will see many rhinoceroses carved onto the wall.

Belem Tower Royal Court of Arms, Emmanuel I

Renaissance Loggia

The second floor of the Belém Tower opens to a King's Room. The most striking feature of this room is the Royal Court of Arms, Emmanuel I, placed above an elegant arc.

Cannons lined up in the Belem Tower

War Relics

The lower bastion of the Belém Tower has many canons lined up and positioned at the entrance. There are dungeons underneath the Belém Tower. Before the battle between Spain and Portugal in 1580, King Manuel I threw his captives in the prison cells of the Belém Tower that were used as prisons until 1830.

Belem Tower Governor's Room window

The Governor's Room

An ornate chamber with exquisite Manueline windows offering views and historical insights into the tower's purpose.

Belem tower Chapel

The Chapel

A small but intricately adorned chapel, reflecting the spiritual significance and artistic detail of the era.

Belem Tower terrace

The Terrace

Climb to the top for stunning panoramic views of the Tagus River and Lisbon's picturesque surroundings.

Belem tower Cannon

The Cannons

Observe the ancient cannons that once defended the harbor, providing a glimpse into the tower's military role.

Plan your visit to the Belém Tower

Woman taking a picture of Belem Tower
  • Timings
    October to April: 10 AM to 5:30 PM
    May to September: 10 AM to 6:30 PM
  • Last Admission Timings
    October to April: 5:00 PM
    May to September: 6:00 PM
  • Closed on: Mondays,1 January, Easter Sunday, 1 May, 13 June, and 25 December

Duration of the Visit: 2 hours
Best Time to Visit: March to May are the best months to visit the Belém Tower, as the city slowly blooms into summer and the weather is still pleasant. Try to wake up early and catch the sunrise from the Belém harbor nearby.

Belém Tower Opening Hours

Address: Avenida Brasilia, 1400-038, Lisbon, Portugal.

​Find on Maps

  • By Bus: Route No. 149, 729, 79B, 27, 28, 29, 43, 49, 51, 112
    Nearest Stop: Lisboa
  • By Tram: Line 15, 28 or 15E
    Nearest Stop: Torre de Belém
  • By Train: Direct trains from Cascais and Cais do Sodre
    Nearest Stop: Torre de Belém
  • By Hop-on-Hop-off-Bus:**
    Nearest Stop: Belém Tower
    Route**: Blue Route (City Sightseeing, Yellow Bus, Lisbon Sightseeing)
  • By Tuk-Tuk: Available near Belém City Center 
    Nearest Stop: Belém Towers
  • By Car: The distance between the Lisbon airport and Belém Towers is 15.7 km.
    Nearest Car Parking: Torre de Belém Car Park
  • Via a day trip: Book a day trip for seamless round-trip transfers from Lisbon.
Directions to Belém Tower
person on a wheelchair
  • Visitor Center: Provides information, maps, and guidance about the tower and its history.
  • Restrooms: Accessible facilities for tourists' convenience.
  • Souvenir Shops: Gift shops offering a variety of mementos and local crafts.
  • Cafeteria or Snack Bar: A place to grab refreshments and light snacks.
  • Audio Guides: Available for rent to enhance the visitor experience with informative commentary.
  • Wheelchair Accessibility: Ramps and elevators to accommodate visitors with mobility challenges.
Girls in a cafe
  • Pasteis de Belém: Signature Dish: Pastéis de Nata - These creamy, custard-filled pastries are world-famous and a must-try.
  • À Margem: Best Dish: Seafood Rice - Savor a flavorful seafood rice dish while enjoying scenic river views.
  • Cantinho Gourmet: Top Pick: Bacalhau à Brás - Experience Portuguese cuisine with this delicious codfish and scrambled eggs dish.
  • Restaurante O Poleiro: Highlight: Roast Chicken with Piri-Piri Sauce - Enjoy succulent chicken infused with spicy Piri-Piri flavors.
  • Museu da Cerveja: Specialty: Portuguese Craft Beers and Tapas - Relish local craft beers and traditional Portuguese tapas in a cozy setting.
stay

Budget

​Belém Hostel: A budget-friendly hostel offering dormitory and private rooms, conveniently located near Belém Tower.

Mid-Range

​Palácio do Governador: A charming boutique hotel housed in a historic building, providing a blend of luxury and history.

Luxury:

​Pestana Palace Lisboa: An opulent 5-star hotel set in a 19th-century palace, offering lavish rooms, gardens, and fine dining.

Pena Palace
  • Pena Palace: The Pena Palace in Lisbon is famous for its 19th-century Renaissance-style architecture. The historic villas, estates, gardens, and extravagance led to it being classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
  • Moorish Castle: The most ‘ruin-like’ castle of Sintra will appeal to anyone with a knack for history. The Moorish Castle is a fortified medieval-style castle with the Tower of Homage and GateHouse being its most dominant attractions. 
  • National Palace of Sintra: The Palacio Nacional Sintra is a medieval castle in Portugal, preserved as best as possible. It was a favorite of Portuguese nobility and the minimalist Gothic exterior of the National Palace of Sintra is worth your time. 
  • Queluz National Palace: The trimmed and sculpted historical gardens of this 18th-century Queluz National Palace also includes an azulejo-lined channel for boating. It was designed as a summer palace and once housed two royal generations of Portugal.
Tips to Note When Visiting the Belem Tower
  • The Belém Tower has many levels and involves lots of walking. Wear your most comfortable, closed shoes when touring the Belém Tower.
  • The long winding staircase leading from the King’s room to the Tower terrace is quite steep. It is best not to rush and tread slowly here, also make sure to wait in line and let others pass. 
  • Try booking your tickets online to secure your seat in advance and enjoy great deals and discounts. 
  • Visit in the late afternoon to witness a breathtaking sunset over the Tagus River.
  • If you want to explore multiple attractions in a single tour, consider booking a day trip. You get a guided tour of the Belém Tower along with other attractions, and convenient round-trip transfers from Lisbon. 
  • There is no storage facility for your luggage at the tower, so make sure you pack light. 
  • If you find yourself chasing sunsets every time you travel, you should visit the tower later in the afternoon to catch one over the Atlantic’s horizon.
Belém Tower Facts

Frequently asked questions about Belém Tower tickets

How much is a ticket to Belem Tower?

Belem Tower ticket prices begin at €8.

How to book tickets to the Belem Tower?

You can purchase tickets to the Colosseum online or at the venue. Online purchasing allows you to skip the long queues at the ticket office. Additionally, some combo tickets offer access to other popular attractions like Jeronimos Monastery, providing a more comprehensive experience.

What do Belem tower tickets include?

A standard entry ticket to Belem tower includes entry to the attraction and an audio guide in five different languages.

What is the cancellation policy for Belem Tower tickets?

The cancellation policy depends on the type of ticket you choose to book. While some tickets offer a full refund on canceling tickets up to 48-72 hours in advance, others may not offer a refund upon cancellation. Please check the specific terms before you make your reservation.

What is the best way to reach Belem Tower?

The best way to reach the Belem Tower is to take the tram from line 15 or line 15E.

What is the best time to visit the Belem Tower?

March to May are the best months to visit the Belem Tower for the weather is pleasant and the city looks beautiful, warming up to the summer temperatures.

What are some attractions nearby Belem Tower?

The Pena Palace, the National Palace of Sintra, Moorish Castle, and Queluz National Palace are some attractions near the Belem Tower. All these tourist hotspots are situated amid Belem’s cultural hub.

When does the Belem Tower open for visitors?

The Belem Tower is open from 10 AM to 6:30 PM from May to September and from 10 AM to 5:30 PM from October to April.

Can you take pictures of the Belem Tower?

You are allowed to click pictures of any portion of the Belem Tower.

Is the Belem Tower wheelchair accessible?

The Belem Tower is only partially wheelchair accessible from the outside. The tower has no ramps or elevators, given its 16th-century Manueline style.

How much time do you need at the Belem Tower?

Belem Tower has many levels and a long winding staircase leading to the terrace. Make sure to explore it thoroughly for at least one to two hours.

Are there toilets in the Belem Tower?

There are no toilets in the Belem Tower.

Can I explore other attractions with the Belém Tower in a single tour?

Absolutely! You can book yourself a day trip that includes a tour of several other attractions over the course of an insightful 8-9 hour tour.

Do the day trips cover transportation?

Yes, if you book a day trip to the Belém Tower, you also benefit from round-trip transfers from Lisbon. This way, you don’t have to worry about bus schedules or driving around yourself, and you can fully immerse yourself in the tour’s attractions.

More Reads

Inside Belém Tower

Inside Belém Tower

Belém Tower Facts

Belém Tower Facts

Belém Tower History

Belém Tower History