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Belém Free Tour

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Belém Free Tour

Belém Free Tour

The Great Age of Discoveries

Belém free walking tour. Visit Jerónimos Monastery, Tower of Belém, and Monument to the Discoveries with expert local guides. Explore world changing culture.

Take Lisbon’s Belém Free Tour is a must for those who wish to immerse themselves in Portugal’s rich maritime history. Learn of Portugal’s role in the early days of global exploration and the exciting history that shaped the world while visiting these extraordinary landmarks like the Belém Tower on the shores of the Tagus River and Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to Portugal’s golden era.

Discover the pioneering spirit of the Portuguese Age of Discovery. Journey through time and history walking through Lisbon’s Belém district and receive a unique perspective on Portugal’s role in the early days of global exploration.

We begin the Belém Free Tour in the lush Gardens of Afonso de Albuquerque and learn about his genius strategy that changed the course of history. Then into the heart of the Belém district home to Lisbon’s most heavenly treasures, Pastéis de Belém – the pastel de nata. These custard tarts are a culinary emblem of Portugal.

There is so much more to discover. From the mysteries of the Treaty of Tordesillas and the significance of Vasco da Gama’s maritime spice route to innovations like the Portuguese caravel and the mariner’s astrolabe that propelled Europe into new eras of exploration. All while you’re surrounded by the amazing architecture, and the majestic scenery that makes this storied city something that can’t be missed.

The age of discoveries saw Portugal emerge as a global power. Walk in the footsteps of legendary explorers and feel the pulse of their adventurous spirit. Embrace the explorer spirit of Lisbon and take home memories of its grandeur and legacy.

You will be led by an enthusiastic expert local guide who loves to show you Lisbon’s iconic landmarks and authentic hidden gems and will recommend plenty of things to do for the rest of your stay.

Duration: Approximately 2hr 30min

Your Belém Free Tour meets at:

Look for our
beautiful Blue Umbrella!

Belém Free Walking Tour

Lisbon's Gateway to the Age of Discovery

The Belém Free Tour is like walking through the pages of an adventure novel. Let the spirit of discovery and the lure of the unknown come alive. This tour through Lisbon’s historic district is a journey back to the time when Portugal led the world into the Age of Discoveries.
If you’re fascinated by Portugal’s history in trade and discovery and tales of daring explorers and groundbreaking voyages, then this tour is for you.

We begin in the Gardens of Afonso de Albuquerque. Here, amidst the picturesque lush greenery, we share the story of this vice-Roy of India, whose strategic genius played a pivotal role in Portugal's dominance in the East. His Mare Clausum strategy was a masterstroke that changed the course of world history.

As make our way through the heart of the Belém district, we'll encounter one of Lisbon's most heavenly treasures: Pastéis de Belém – AKA pastel de nata. These custard tarts are a culinary emblem of Portugal. And while we are sworn to keep the monastic recipe a secret, we'll share everything else about these delightful pastries and their significance. They are so good it’s hard
to eat just one!

Next up is the Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to Portugal's golden era. This architectural masterpiece was a tribute to Prince Henry the Navigator by his nephew King Manuel I. It is a remarkable fusion of Christian and pagan symbols, celebrating the Age of Discovery in grand style.

But Belém is more than just pastries and monasteries. There is the legacy of the School of Sagres, founded by Prince Henry, and the innovations like the Portuguese caravel and the mariner's astrolabe that propelled Europe into new eras of exploration.

All of this will come into sharp focus as we stand over the immense compass rose facing the Monument to the Discoveries. Here, we'll reveal the mysteries of the Treaty of Tordesillas and the significance of Vasco da Gama's maritime spice route.

Your Belém Free Walking Tour ends near the iconic Belém Tower, where the serene Tagus River and the majestic 25 de Abril Bridge serve as the perfect backdrop.

As we gaze out over the water, it's easy to imagine the restless spirit that drove Portuguese navigators to venture into the unknown.

This tour is a panoramic exploration of Lisbon’s most storied district.

Your guide will be there to share insider tips and must-visit spots in Belém.

So come along on our Belém Free Tour, and take home a piece of Lisbon’s explorer spirit. It’s an experience that will ignite your own sense of adventure and leave you yearning for more.

Highlights of Your Belém Free Walking Tour

Each Belém Free Walking Tour is a unique experience. The stops listed in the highlights may change due to the guide leading the tour and other conditions such as weather and local events. If you are particularly interested about a specific item please ask your guide before the beginning of the tour to confirm it is on the agenda.

The Great Age of Discoveries

The era that transformed Portugal into a world power, marked by daring voyages and groundbreaking discoveries.

Afonso de Albuquerque Square and Garden

This picturesque square, celebrates the strategic genius of Afonso de Albuquerque, a key figure in Portugal's eastern expeditions.

Thai Pavilion

Portuguese trade routes extended all the way from India to Thailand and Sri Lanka. There wouldn’t be tea in Britain without the help of Lady Catarina of Bragança.

Custard Tarts – Pastéis de Belém

Savor the world-famous Pastéis de Belém aka pastéis de nata, a culinary legacy Belém. No visit to Belém is complete without tasting one.

Chão Salgado Alley

Learn the intriguing story of the Marquis of Pombal, whose ruthless policies, including the infamous Távoras Massacre, left an indelible mark on Portuguese history.

Jerónimos Monastery and Henry the Navigator

This architectural masterpiece, pays tribute to Prince Henry the Navigator, and blends Christian and pagan symbols to celebrate the Age of Discovery.

Praça do Império

The New State World exhibition of 1940 celebrating both Portugals founding in 1140 and its regained independence from Spain in 1640.

Compass Rose and Mappa Mundi (Rosa dos Ventos)

Marvel at the 50-meter diameter compass rose and the Mappa Mundi, illustrating the global impact of Portuguese explorations.

Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos)

This imposing monument, honors the memory of Portugal's greatest explorers and their contributions to the Age of Discovery.

The Tagus River Bank

During the tour we walk along the river where you will see the 25th of April bridge and the statue of Christ the King (Christo Rei) across the river in Almada. From here we can see the similarity to the statue in Rio Christ the Redeemer. You’ll also learn about Gago Coutinho, his many contributions to Aviation and his transatlantic flight.

Gardens of the Tower of Belém

The serene beauty of these gardens, offers a perfect backdrop to the historic Tower of Belém.

Tower of Belém

This iconic tower, is a sentinel overlooking the Tagus River and a symbol of Portugal's maritime adventures.