The first time I visited Lisbon I chose not to do this day trip because I was very short on time. So when I was planning my second visit to this wonderful city it was an absolute must!
Now that I’ve done it both ways, from my experience, unless you’re only there for one day you must visit Belém!
For one, you will be going to one of Portugal’s UNESCO sites: the Monastery of the Hieronymites and the Tower of Belém. It is also a perfect area for art, architecture, the home of pasteis de nata, and a lovely walk.
Before we begin, a tip: to choose the perfect day for your visit check the closure schedule for sites you want to see. The monastery is closed on Mondays and the MAAT on Tuesdays.
Now let’s get down to the exciting part!
Actually let’s first strap on our helmets, you’ll want to rent a bike or electric scooter for the day. However, it is definitely doable by foot, though it will leave you quite tired. Or you could choose to go by public transportation (there are tram and bus stops in front of each of these spots) but this way you will miss the lovely walks and gardens between the stops. Later in the post I will let you know when it might be a good time to switch over to the tram or bus.
Fundaçao Champalimaud
Our first stop is a special treat for architecture lovers. We stumbled upon this site when we missed our tram stop for the Belém Tower, and what a fortunate mistake!
Now you might find it a bit weird that I’m sending you to a private biomedical research center, but trust me. This place is definitely worth the visit. The striking white buildings are dotted with ovular windows through which you can see the sky and interior gardens. It’s a modern looking ensemble with a tube-like connecting structure between the buildings.
Plus, behind it you will find a lovely walkway waters edge that takes you to the rest of the stops.
As you could imagine this will be a fairly quick stop, as it’s only to explore the exterior of the foundation.
Monumento aos Combatentes
For the next place follow the walkway all the way to our second quick stop of the day: Monumento aos Combatentes do Ultramar (or Monument to the Overseas Combatants). It’s a monument to remember the Overseas War of 1961-1974 where as many as 9,000 soldiers died.
The design of the monument is incredible. There is a torch that is always kept blazing, a long wall with all the names of the soldiers behind it, and a little shallow lake and two columns jutting out over the torch. The effect of the full monument is very beautiful.
Torre de Belém
Right by this monument is the Belém Tower. This place was built in the 16th century as a fortification, but since then it has also served as a lighthouse and customs center. It’s a perfect example of the Portuguese architectural style called Manueline.
Little trick to impress other tourists: try finding the rhino gargoyle on the western façade. Fun fact about it: It depicts the first rhino to set foot in Portugal from India in 1513.
You can explore the inside of the tower so it might take you a little longer than the previous stops. I personally didn’t because I think the best part of this monument is the outside. Once you’re done here, keep down the walkway to reach the Padrão dos Descobrimentos (monument to the discoveries).
Pro Tip: the Belém Tower looks incredible during the sunset!
Padrão dos Descobrimentos
As you might know, way back when, Portugal was a powerhouse in maritime exploration. This monument celebrates the visionaries and explorers of the time. For all the mixed feelings this might bring, the monument is very imposing. And with views of the Ponte 25 de Abril in the distance, it is definitely a spot to check out. It also has an observation deck and great views over the area. This can be another short stop if you decide not to go up.
Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
So now you’re ready for the jewel of the day- the Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. Like the Belém Tower, this construction is also a grandiose example of the Manueline style. The monastery is incredibly detailed, with many ornate arches and a wonderful courtyard, so get ready to snap away like crazy–at least I know I did. This site is incredibly popular, one of the most visited places in Lisbon.
By the time we made it here it was late afternoon, near closing time. It was also off season, so we got lucky. There was no line and hardly anybody inside (*see the end of the post to find my recommendation for peak season).
You might noticed I’ve used two different names for this place, Mosteiro dos Jerónimos or Monastery of the Hieronymites. The Hieronymites is the order of monks that was selected by King Manuel I to reside here. The other name comes from Saint Jerome, the saint this order is devoted to.
By now, you might have worked up a bit of an appetite with all the walking, the posing and the picture taking. So the next stop: the home of the Pastéis de Belém, more commonly known as the Pastéis de Nata.
The origin story: during the 1820 liberal revolution the clergy was expelled and in an attempt at survival, someone from the monastery started preparing treats for sale and gave birth to the first Pasteis de Belém.
Lines can get a bit crazy here, but you have the possibility of sitting indoors. Check to see which will be the quickest option for you.
Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT)
Now, the visit turns to art!
If you walk back towards the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, you will come across the Museu Coleção Berardo, a contemporary and modern art museum.
Next stop is the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology, or MAAT, (little warning: it’s about a 20 minute walk in case you are feeling tired by now). This is the time you might start considering switching to public transportation. The stop Centro Cultural Belém is a short walk away and will drop you off right in front of the MAAT (Altinho- MAAT stop).
Even if you are not planning on going inside, I recommend you make a quick stop here. The exterior of the museum is a must visit for me. But you can judge yourself from the pictures 👇🏽The design was made to resemble the waves of the sea as a nod to Portugal’s past. The exterior is also covered with geometrical tiles in a fun pattern, creating a futuristic version of the traditional and ubiquitous Portuguese tilework. It is also next door to another lovely building, the Tejo Power Station (pictured at the end of the post).
Another 20 minute walk away you will find your last stop of the day: the Village Underground Lisboa.
Here you also have the option of public transportation: hopping back on at the same stop (Altinha-MAAT) and getting off at Rua da Junqueira.
The village is a great spot for street art. And you also have the LX Factory next door. As you can figure from the name this space used to a factory, now transformed to house restaurants, bars, stores and artsy spaces. You will also find an awesome bookstore called Ler Devagar with two bars and some awesome sculptures like its famous flying bicycle. And of course, tons of books.
Phew what a day huh?
Had I mentioned I love to jampack my days? No? Well, I guess now you know!
Obvs, you can always divide this day into two plans and take it slower. You may also think to skip some things but I think all of them are not to be missed!
*Pro tip: As I mentioned earlier, these places are very popular, so if you are visiting during peak season, make sure to plan accordingly, the monastery can get crazy busy and you might find an impossibly long line outside.
Thus you may want to play around with the order – starting here and then visiting the museums and then coming back. This works out perfectly because the first two stops I recommended are always open, so it won’t matter if you make it to them later in the day.
Loved this so much! Wish I could visit right now!! Thanks for all the pro tips!
I hope you are able to soon. I think you would really love it here! Lisbon is one of my all-time favorite destinations. This area is a huge reason why. When visiting the monastery I think I spent more than an hour getting a million and one shots lol
Wonderful recommendations and pictures. When I was there I missed the museum (MAAT), and looking at your pics I wish I hadn’t. But the monastery is definitely a must-see for anyone going to Lisbon.
Thank you so much. I could’t agree more about the monastery. It’s a shame about the MAAT but there’s always next time and I hope you now feel inspired to revisit ?
Dios… Cuanta belleza! Un lugar realmente espectacular! Ya lancè mi intenciòn al universo para disfrutar con calma y pronto, tanta magnificencia. Eternamente agradecida, Maite, por conducirme con tus impecables ilustraciones y tus cautivantes relatos a ese bello mundo. Sin duda lo disfrutarè. Besos.
Muchisimas gracias por este mensaje tan lindo! Me alegra mucha que te haya gustado el articulo. Lisboa es una de mis ciudades favoritas. Espero que la puedas conocer pronto ❤️