Belém Tower Tours

Belem Tower which includes a sunset, heritage architecture and a bridge
Belem Tower which includes a sunset, heritage architecture and general coastal views
Belem Tower featuring heritage elements
Belem Tower which includes a river or creek and heritage architecture
Belem Tower which includes wildflowers, a garden and general coastal views


Lisbon constructed a fortification along a waterway to defend its riches. Now access the structure from the shore for lovely views. 

Belém Tower is an impressive structure on the shore of the Tagus River in Lisbon. The ornate fortification was built here over 500 years ago to fight off any hostile craft that came up the river. Gaze straight across the river from the top of the Tower Terrace to see St. Sebastian’s Fort, another fortification on the opposite shore. With the two towers in place, enemy warships could not achieve success in attacking the city.

Built between 1514 and 1520, Belém Tower has a storybook charm with a heavy influence of Moorish design. Notice how the structure incorporates the two features of a medieval tower and a military fortification.

Enter the building from the drawbridge that connects it to the shore. The carved rhinoceros at the base of one turret is believed to represent a live animal sent as a gift to Lisbon by an Indian governor. Cross the drawbridge to stand in the bulwark with 17 cannons pointing out to the river. Their strategic placement allowed cannon balls to skip across the water to extend their distance. Below this floor were the dungeons.

Climb the staircase to the bulwark terrace to see six turrets with lookout windows and a central opening to view the floor below. Admire the river-facing exterior from this terrace as it has the most detail to impress seafaring crews approaching Lisbon.

Go up another staircase to the Governor’s Room. Despite its name, governors stayed at a palace nearby. Notice the octagonal structure that collected rainwater for storage in a tank below. This room has access to turrets and another staircase leading to the top of the building.

Ascend to the King’s Room, which features a balcony with a commanding river view. The room’s other walls have Venetian-style balcony windows. The remaining rooms of the Belém Tower are the Audience Room and Chapel. Notice the holes in the balcony floors that allowed heavy objects to be dropped on the heads of attackers.

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TURIM Ibéria Hotel
Hotel Vincci Alfama
Rossio Terrace

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Best Lodging Options Near Belém Tower

Palácio do Governador - Lisbon Hotel & Spa

Palácio do Governador - Lisbon Hotel & Spa

5 out of 5
Rua Bartolomeu Dias, 117, Lisbon
Palácio do Governador - Lisbon Hotel & Spa
Wine & Books Lisboa Hotel

Wine & Books Lisboa Hotel

5 out of 5
Travessa da Memoria, 56, Lisbon
Wine & Books Lisboa Hotel
Help Yourself Hostels - Restelo

Help Yourself Hostels - Restelo

2 out of 5
R. Pedro de Sintra 17, Lisbon, Lisboa
Help Yourself Hostels - Restelo
 Pestana Palace Lisboa Hotel & National Monument - The Leading Hotels of the World

Pestana Palace Lisboa Hotel & National Monument - The Leading Hotels of the World

5 out of 5
Rua Jau 54, Lisbon
Pestana Palace Lisboa Hotel & National Monument - The Leading Hotels of the World
Hyatt Regency Lisbon

Hyatt Regency Lisbon

5 out of 5
RUE DA JUNQUEIRA 63, Lisbon
Hyatt Regency Lisbon
Corinthia Lisbon

Corinthia Lisbon

5 out of 5
Avenida Columbano Bordalo Pinheiro, 105, Lisbon
Corinthia Lisbon
Vila Gale Opera

Vila Gale Opera

4 out of 5
Travessa Conde da Ponte, Lisbon
Vila Gale Opera
MS Aparthotel

MS Aparthotel

4 out of 5
Rua Manuel da Silva Gaio, 2, Linda-a-Velha, Oeiras
MS Aparthotel
Holiday Inn Express Lisbon - Alfragide by IHG

Holiday Inn Express Lisbon - Alfragide by IHG

3 out of 5
Rua da Quinta do Paizinho, Lugar da Outurela, Alfragide, Oeiras
Holiday Inn Express Lisbon - Alfragide by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Belém Tower

When visiting Belém Tower in Lisbon, consider taking a guided tour to fully appreciate its historical significance and architecture. Don't miss the main sights nearby, like the Jerónimos Monastery and the Monument to the Discoveries. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront or join a walking tour to explore the area’s rich culture and history. A comprehensive guide to Lisbon can enhance your experience and help you discover hidden gems in this vibrant district.

Shopping

In Belém Tower, you can enjoy shopping at Avenida da Liberdade, a vibrant area just 4 miles away, as well as Mercado da Ribeira, a lively public market. For a family-friendly experience, visit the Amoreiras Shopping Center, also 4 miles away, offering entertainment and dining options.

Recreation

At Estádio da Luz, immerse yourself in the energy of sporting events, just 5 miles from Belém Tower. Floresta de Monsanto Park, 2 miles away, offers serene trails for relaxation and wellness. Enjoy vibrant concerts at Coliseu dos Recreios, located 4 miles from the tower, for a lively entertainment experience.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of motor racing at Estoril Racetrack, located 11 miles from Belém Tower. For outdoor fun, try the zipline ropes course at Adventure Park, situated 3 miles away. Enjoy breathtaking views with the Telecabine Lisbon Cable Car, 9 miles from the tower, perfect for family adventures.

Nightlife

In Belém, the Calouste Gulbekian Planetarium offers family-friendly entertainment and a mesmerizing night sky experience just 0.5 miles away. For a dose of culture and romance, the Trindade Theater and São Luis Municipal Theater, both 4 miles away, present captivating performances in a charming atmosphere.

Find the best attractions near Belém Tower

While visiting Belém Tower in Lisbon, immerse yourself in cultural experiences by exploring nearby museums and art galleries. Enjoy stunning views from lookout points and discover the rich history of this famous landmark. Don't miss the chance to visit other Belém sights, including the iconic Tower of Belém, to enhance your city experience and embrace the vibrant outdoor atmosphere that this area has to offer.

  • Jerónimos Monastery: A UNESCO World Heritage site, this stunning monastery showcases Manueline architecture and rich history. Explore its intricately carved cloisters and learn about Portugal’s Age of Discovery, all while soaking in its serene cultural vibes, located 0.7 miles from Belém Tower.
  • Lisboa Congress Centre: A hub for international events, this modern venue features state-of-the-art facilities and a vibrant atmosphere. Enjoy the sleek design and dynamic business vibes, situated 2 miles away, perfect for networking or attending conferences.
  • 25th of April Bridge: This iconic suspension bridge, resembling San Francisco’s Golden Gate, offers stunning views of the city and Tagus River. Experience the bustling city vibes while walking or driving across this architectural marvel, located 2 miles from Belém Tower.

Best time to go to Belém Tower

Visitor numbers around Belém Tower is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Belém Tower can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Belém Tower falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Belém Tower falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January54.0°F (12.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March57.0°F (13.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April59.9°F (15.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May64.8°F (18.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
June68.2°F (20.1°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
July71.1°F (21.7°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
August72.0°F (22.2°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnySlightly HighAverage
September70.3°F (21.3°C)No Rain (Dry)SunnyAverageSlightly High
October66.9°F (19.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November59.9°F (15.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Belém Tower

To save money on your visit to Belém Tower, plan your trip between December and February for lower accommodation rates, and aim to book your hotel about a month in advance. Mondays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Fridays are the most expensive. Utilize Expedia’s search tools to filter by budget and consider booking a hotel that is eco-certified. You can also save by combining flights and activities with your hotel through Expedia packages. Lastly, join the One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn cash for future stays.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Belém Tower are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Belém Tower about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Belém Tower is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Belém Tower is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that are currently available. To discover the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Belém Tower with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.