7 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.