- Small inside with a single narrow staircase, so expect queues
- Closed on Mondays
- Tram 15E or the Cascais train get you there from the centre
- Pair it with the Jerónimos Monastery and a pastel de nata
- Type
- Landmark
- Where
- Lisbon
- Time needed
- 1 hour (half a day for Belém)
- Admission
- from about €8-12 (2026), check current prices
The Torre de Belém was built between about 1514 and 1520 to defend the mouth of the Tagus and mark the departure point of Portugal's great sea voyages. Together with the nearby Jerónimos Monastery it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is one of the best-known images of Lisbon.
What you'll see
The tower is a textbook example of the Manueline style, Portugal's late-Gothic flourish. Look for carved ropes, armillary spheres and the cross of the Order of Christ on the walls, plus a stone rhinoceros under one of the watchtowers, said to depict the animal sent to King Manuel I in 1515.
Inside, you start on the bastion, where cannons once pointed across the water, then visit the vaulted rooms above. A single spiral staircase leads up through the floors to a rooftop terrace with views along the river to the 25 de Abril Bridge and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos.
Practical information
- Tickets: expect from about €8-12 for an adult in 2026. Prices for Portugal's national monuments have risen recently, so check current prices on the official site. Combined tickets with the Jerónimos Monastery may be available.
- Opening: Tuesday to Sunday; closed Mondays and some public holidays.
- Getting there: tram 15E from Praça da Figueira or Cais do Sodré, or the Cascais-line train to Belém station, then a 10-15 minute walk along the river.
- Best time to go: first thing in the morning, or late afternoon when the stone turns golden. The interior gets crowded because visitor numbers on the stairs are controlled by traffic lights.
If the queue is long, the outside is the best part. Walk the riverside promenade, take your photos, and spend the time at the Jerónimos Monastery instead.
Round off a morning in Belém at Pastéis de Belém, the bakery that has made custard tarts here since 1837. Our Portugal guide has more on planning a trip.
Where is Belém Tower?
Open in OpenStreetMap · 38.69167, -9.21611
Frequently asked questions
Is it worth going inside Belém Tower?
If you enjoy history and views, yes, but the rooms are small and largely empty. Many visitors are happy with the outside alone.
Is Belém Tower accessible?
Only the lower bastion is reachable without stairs. The upper floors are accessed by a narrow spiral staircase.
How far is Belém from central Lisbon?
About 6km west of Baixa. It takes 20-30 minutes by tram, bus or train.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
More from EmmaOpening times and ticket prices change often; check the official website shortly before you visit.