15 of the Best Things To Do in Lisbon Near the Bélem Tower

Perched on the edge of the Tagus River, the Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos) pays homage to Portugal’s 15th-century explorers. The enormous stone ship depicts 32 voyagers, including Vasco da Gama, and looks out onto the 25th of April Bridge (Ponte 25 de Abril). Delve deeper into the Age of Discovery on a walking tour designed with history buffs in mind, that departs just a 20-minute walk away from the Belém Tower.

One of the best attractions near the Belém Tower is the Monastery of St. Jerome (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos), a gorgeously grand symbol of Portugal’s wealth during the Age of Discovery situated just a 20-minute walk away. Get up close to stunning Manueline cloisters, Gothic architecture, and the tomb of Vasco da Gama on a small-group walking tour of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The recipe for pastéis de nata, the divinely creamy and crispy custard tarts that Portugal is renowned for, was born in Belém, so there’s no better place to sample the sweet treats. Pastéis de Belém is famous for selling the most delicious pastries in the city, so wait in line to eat inside or grab a box from the fast-moving takeaway section. Or, try your hand at making your own during a cooking class, a 20-minute drive from the tower.

Toward the top of the list of what to see near the Belém Tower in Lisbon is Belém Palace (Palácio de Belém), the powder-pink official residence of Portugal’s president. Built in the 16th century, the grand building is flanked by grander gardens and boasts opulent interiors you can see on weekly guided tours. If you can’t go inside, admire its exterior on a Belém tuk-tuk tour instead.

Wander along the Tagus River for 25 minutes or so and you’ll arrive at the Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology, which—with its minimalist, contemporary architecture—serves as a stark contrast to the historic buildings of Belém. Add the museum to your itinerary on a private tour that lets you explore at your own pace.

The Belém neighborhood is perched prettily on the banks of the Tagus River (Rio Tejo), so one of the most popular Lisbon activities near the Belém Tower is taking a cruise. Admire all of the area’s top landmarks from afar during a sunset cruise that comes with wine and snacks to make an evening on the water even sweeter. (This one departs from a dock just a few minutes' walk away from the tower.)

Just a few minutes’ walk from Belém Tower is a work of art by one of Portugal’s most revered street artists, Bordalo II. The Big Racoon Sculpture comprises trash, metal, and paint to create a 3D installation that begs to be photographed. Visit yourself, or find out more about the meaning behind the art on a street art tour that starts just a 15-minute drive from Belém Tower, and reveals that area’s most magnificent murals.

While the sun-drenched shores of the Algarve might be more famous for their beaches, Lisbon still has some lovely sandy stretches—and many are within easy reach of Belém. Jump on the train and ride two stops to Caxias, where Praia do Caxias boasts soft sand and turquoise water. Or, beach hop by boat on a luxurious private sailing tour that departs from a dock right next to the tower.

Just a 15-minute drive from the Belém Tower is Commerce Square (Praça do Comércio), one of the largest commercial squares in Europe. Highlights include the equestrian statue of King Jose I and the ornate Arco do Triunfo (Arco da Rua Augusta). Soak up its atmosphere and architecture on a walking tour that combines this historic space with the 14th-century Carmo Convent (Carmo Archaeological Museum) nearby.

Continue making your way through the list of must-sees near Belém Tower at the Santa Justa Lift (Elevador de Santa Justa), which offers much-needed respite from climbing Lisbon's grueling seven hills. This multi-attraction pass grants you access to the early 20th-century elevator, which saves you from breaking a sweat on your way to the elevated Barrio Alto.

Just a 20-minute drive from Belém is the Baixa District (Lower Town), a buzzing and bustling neighborhood that’s home to the main shopping street of Avenida da Liberdade. This neighborhood is also where you’ll find some of the capital’s best places to eat, so feast on local food and wine on a tasting tour that helps you discover local favorites.

Round the corner from Baixa, and just 15 minutes by car from the tower, is Lisbon’s premier nightlife destination. Pink Street (Calle Rosa) is recognizable by its bright pink floor, flanked by bars and clubs that blare music late into the evening. It’s the perfect place to enjoy an evening of revelry—get the inside scoop on exactly where to go on a pub crawl that includes drinks.

One of the top nearby attractions to Belém Tower for foodies is Ribera Market (Mercado da Ribeira)—better known as the Time Out Market Lisboa—which is just steps away from Cais do Sodré, the train station which has a line that connects Lisbon proper with Belém in just 11 minutes. Stop by for a bite and to learn more about Portuguese cuisine on a bike tour that ends up back in Belém.

No Lisbon guide of things to do near Belém Tower would be complete without mentioning Sintra, where forest-shrouded landscapes are studded with fairy-tale palaces. Its UNESCO–listed historic center is just a 20-minute drive from Belém; however, this stress-free day trip covers all of the highlights and takes care of transport, departing from the city center.

Either 15 minutes by car or 30 minutes by train from Belém, Estoril is a luxurious coastal resort that feels worlds away from the bustling capital. Its main attraction is its casino, which was featured in the James Bond movie On Her Majesty’s Secret Service. Estoril is most often visited as part of day trips to the magical Sintra and the golden beach town of Cascais.