14 Best Sights in Belém, Lisbon

Winemakers Catarina Moreira and David Picard turned an old car repair workshop into Lisbon’s only urban winery. Using grapes picked nearby and minimal intervention techniques, the family produces vibrant and lively small-batch wines. The winery tours are an accessible but rigorous journey into wine biochemistry.

If you see only one historic landmark in Belém, make it this magnificent monastery. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a supreme example of the Manueline style (named after King Dom Manuel I), which represented a marked departure from earlier Gothic architecture. Much of it is characterized by elaborate sculptural details, often with a maritime motif. João de Castilho was responsible for the southern portal, which forms the main entrance to the church: the figure on the central pillar is Henry the Navigator. Inside, the spacious interior contrasts with the riot of decoration on the six nave columns and complex latticework ceiling. This is the resting place of both explorer Vasco da Gama and national poet Luís de Camões. Don't miss the Gothic- and Renaissance-style double cloister, also designed to stunning effect by Castilho.  Lines can be especially long here; buy a timed ticket in advance.

An 18th-century palace between Alcântara and Belém was transformed into Europe’s first museum and five-star hotel under one roof. Opened in 2025, it showcases the vast private collection of Portuguese businessman Armando Martins. The permanent exhibition feature works by big name Portuguese and international artists like Paula Rego and Dan Graham. Themed temporary exhibitions tackle subjects like war, climate, and identity.

Housed in the minimalist Centro Cultural de Belém, the Museum of Contemporary Art showcases one of Europe's most important private collections of modern art. Works from the Berardo treasure trove—which range from Picasso and Warhol to Portugal's own Paula Rego—are on show in a more permanent exhibition that walks through various modern art movements. There are also excellent visiting exhibitions. The complex has several bookstores, cafés, and gift shops.

The curved, white, ultramodern building housing this museum is a striking sight on the banks of the Tagus. Inside you'll find immersive exhibitions from the likes of revered Portuguese street artist Vhils. A relaxed restaurant overlooks the river. The refurbished 1908 power station next door is part of the museum complex and offers enlightening tours.

The white monolithic Monument of the Discoveries was erected in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator. It was built on what was the departure point for many voyages of discovery, including those of Vasco da Gama for India and—during Spain's occupation of Portugal—of the Spanish Armada for England in 1588. Henry is at the prow of the monument, facing the water; lined up behind him are the Portuguese explorers of Brazil and Asia, as well as other national heroes. On the ground adjacent to the monument, an inlaid map shows the extent of the explorations undertaken by 15th- and 16th-century Portuguese sailors. Walk inside and take the elevator to the top for river views.

The openwork balconies and domed turrets of the fanciful Belém Tower make it perhaps the country's purest Manueline structure. The UNESCO World Heritage site was built between 1514 and 1520 on what was an island in the middle of the Tagus River to defend the port entrance, and it's dedicated to Saint Vincent, the patron saint of Lisbon. Today the chalk-white tower stands near the north bank—evidence of the river's changing course. Cross the wooden gangway to check out the cannons, then climb the steep, narrow, winding staircase to the top of the tower for a bird's-eye view across the Tagus. Then, descend to the former dungeons.

Portugal's oldest botanical garden—laid out in 1768 by the Italian botanist Domenico Vandelli (1735–1816)—is a relaxing place to spend an hour or so. Baroque fountains and stairways, Renaissance-style terraced slopes, and meandering peacocks create a sense of splendor, and the Scented Garden adds aromatic appeal.

Steps from Belém’s Manueline monastery, this tropical botanical garden offers shady respite from the heat and the crowds outside. Towering palm trees provide a grand entrance to a flower-filled space that was created in 1906 as the Colonial Garden, housing some 600 species from Portugal’s tropical and subtropical former colonies. There are some grand colonial-style buildings, although most are closed to the public, and resident peacocks stroll amid the flowers and plants. Entrance is free on Sunday from 10 am to 1 pm.

Founded in 1853, the Maritime Museum is one of Lisbon's oldest and it showcases Portugal's important seafaring traditions. With its thousands of maps and maritime codes, navigational equipment, model ships, uniforms, and weapons, the museum appeals to visitors young and old.

Designed by Brazilian Pritzker Prize winner Paulo Mendes da Rocha, this very popular museum has a dazzling collection of gloriously gilded horse-drawn conveyances. The oldest on display was made for Philip II of Spain in the late 1500s; the most stunning are three created in Rome for King John V in 1716. The museum was originally located at the nearby Royal Riding School, which still has exhibitions. It's right next door to the official residence of the president of the republic, whose Museu da Presidência tells the story of the presidency, profiles the officeholders, and displays gifts that have been received on state visits.

Built in 1802 as a royal residence, today the ornate neoclassical building functions as a museum, allowing visitors to see how Portuguese monarchs lived. Admire 18th- and 19th-century paintings, furniture, and tapestries, then pop into the neighboring Museu do Tesouro Real, a new addition filled with precious jewels, medals, and gifts. Both are a 20-minute walk up Calçada da Ajuda from the Museu Nacional dos Coches.

The Navy Planetarium is an immersive space that presents astronomical films with various themes several times per day. Headphones can be used to translate the presentations into English, and there are special sessions designed for kids.

In 1755 a catastrophic earthquake changed the face of Lisbon forever. This modern immersive museum aims to take visitors back in time to experience some of the horrors. Wander through a series of themed rooms that explore the quake, fires, and tsunami that rippled across Lisbon, and learn about the history and science of the event. Tickets are timed and the experience takes around 90 minutes.