Belém is known as the historic district of the Age of Discovery. It was from its waterfront that Vasco da Gama and other explorers departed for their voyages, events celebrated today by grand monuments and museums in the neighborhood. The sensational architecture of the Tower of Belemand Jeronimos Monastery (both World Heritage Sites) is the result of the discovery of the sea route to India, the opening of trade with Japan, and the colonization of Brazil and parts of Africa and Asia. These monuments are adorned and embellished with motifs of exotic lands elaborately carved in stone, as are the heroes of the age on the colossalDiscoveries Monument. This is also Lisbon's museum district, with the one-of-a-kind Coaches Museum filled with royal fairytale vehicles, the Berardo Museum showcasing a world-class collection of international contemporary and modern art, and the iconic MAAT. Despite all these attractions, it's a pastry shop that receives the most visitors. At Antiga Confeitaria de Belém (simply known as "Pastéis de Belém" or "Belém pastries") you may devour one or several of Lisbon's famous custard tarts that originated on this site, and that are still unlike any others found around the country, made here from a secret recipe. Going up the hill through Calçada da Ajuda, you reach the neighborhood of Ajuda, home to the royal palace and a beautiful botanical garden.
GETTING THERE Eléctrico (tram) 15 Autocarros (buses) 714, 727, 728 Comboio (train): Belém MAIN STREETS Rua de Belém Rua Vieira Portuense
Top Neighborhood Attractions
1 | MOSTEIRO DOS JERÓNIMOS »
One of the most beautiful and singular cloisters in the world and the tomb of Vasco da Gama are just two of the things that you may admire at this 16th-century monument, classified as World Heritage.
2 | TORRE DE BELÉM »
A Lisbon icon and a reminder of the Age of Discovery, protected as a World Heritage Site.
3 | MUSEU COLEÇÃO BERARDO »
A world-class modern art collection of American, Portuguese and other European art, with works by artists like Andy Warhol, Dali and Picasso.
4 | MUSEU DOS COCHES »
A one-of-a-kind collection in the world. The carriages ridden by Portuguese and other European royalty.
5 | ANTIGA CONFEITARIA DE BELÉM »
The pastry shop where the famous custard tart was born, here called "Pastel de Belém."
6 | PADRÃO DOS DESCOBRIMENTOS »
A monument with colossal sculptures of the personalities related to the Portuguese Age of Discovery, being led by Prince Henry the Navigator.
7 | PALÁCIO DA AJUDA »
The last Portuguese royal palace, inhabited until 1910, and today presenting an extravagant interior.
8 | MAAT - Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology