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#6 out of 50 in Lisbon

Belém Tower

Nestled on the banks of the Tagus River in Lisbon, Belem Tower stands as Portugal's iconic architectural gem. Explore its intricate carvings, climb its ancient ramparts, and soak in panoramic views of the river. Belem Tower tickets offer you the chance to delve into Portugal's rich history while enjoying fast-track access and expert-guided tours.
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Belém Tower
Belém Tower
Couple taking a selfie on bikes at Commerce Square, Lisbon.
E-bikes parked near Belém Tower in Lisbon, Portugal.
Tourists on ebikes by riverside near modern architecture in Lisbon.
Cyclists ride along the waterfront under Lisbon's 25th of April Bridge.
Person riding e-bike near Jerónimos Monastery, Lisbon, on Belém Riverside tour.
Young people relaxing on marble steps at Cais das Colunas, Praca do Comercio, Lisbon.
Cyclists riding e-bikes through an arched corridor in Lisbon, Portugal.
Cyclists enjoying Lisbon e-bike tour near historic Belém landmark.
Monastery of Jerónimos in Lisbon with ornate architecture and manicured gardens.

Belém by the Riverside: Lisbon e-Bike Tour

Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
3 hrs

  • Explore Belém on an e-bike! Start at the city center and take a lap of the city, passing by key sites as your guide shares fascinating stories and facts.

  • Arrive just before start time, meet your guide in English, learn your electric bike controls, and gear up with a helmet and hair net for the ride.

  • Join a group of 2 to 12 guests, enjoy water, snacks, a Pastel de Nata custard tart, and relax knowing insurance and taxes are already included.

  • Stop at Cais das Colunas, 25 de Abril Bridge, MAAT, Jerónimos, the Discoveries monument, and Belém Tower with stories that color each stop.

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More details

  • Explore Belém on an e-bike! Start at the city center and take a lap of the city, passing by key sites as your guide shares fascinating stories and facts.

  • Arrive just before start time, meet your guide in English, learn your electric bike controls, and gear up with a helmet and hair net for the ride.

  • Join a group of 2 to 12 guests, enjoy water, snacks, a Pastel de Nata custard tart, and relax knowing insurance and taxes are already included.

  • Stop at Cais das Colunas, 25 de Abril Bridge, MAAT, Jerónimos, the Discoveries monument, and Belém Tower with stories that color each stop.

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from
€29

Pro tips to help you make a pick

According to a survey, more than 500,000 people visit the Belém Tower every year, making it the most popular tourist destination. The Belém Tower Ticket with Audio Guide offers a relaxed, flexible experience. You’ll be able to enter anytime on your chosen date, ideal if you’re looking to fit this UNESCO site into a busy itinerary.

The Belém Essential Combo: Belém Tower + Jerónimos Monastery Tickets is perfect if you’re planning to see two of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks in one day. This combo grants you access to both Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, just a short walk apart. It’s a great choice if you want a comprehensive view of Lisbon’s Age of Discovery.

The Lisbon Essential Combo: Jerónimos Monastery + Belém Tower + Pena Palace Tickets is designed for those looking to go beyond Belém Tower and experience Lisbon’s historical depth. This combo includes access to Pena Palace in Sintra, making it an ideal option if you’re interested in Portugal’s grand architectural legacy, from medieval towers to fairytale palaces.

With the Classic Lisbon Combo: São Jorge Castle + Belém Tower + Jerónimos Monastery Tickets, you’ll have the chance to see three heritage sites in one go. This ticket is perfect if you’re a history enthusiast wanting a comprehensive look at Lisbon’s transformation from a medieval kingdom to a seafaring empire.

The Belém Guided Walking Tour with Belém Tower & Jerónimos Monastery Tickets offers an enriching guided experience. With a small group, you’ll dive deep into Portuguese maritime history along the Tagus River, stopping at Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery. This tour is ideal if you enjoy a blend of storytelling and historical exploration, with a guide bringing Lisbon’s seafaring legends to life.

About Belém Tower

At Belem Tower, power and poetry collide in limestone and sea spray. From the intricately carved turrets that scream Manueline brilliance to the underground dungeons that whisper darker secrets, this tower wraps Portugal's Age of Discovery in stone-cold magnificence. Expect Renaissance architecture at its most theatrical, paired with views that make sunset chasers lose their minds, and maybe catch a glimpse of centuries spinning before your eyes.

AddressAv. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal
Also known asTower of Saint Vincent (Torre de São Vicente)
Year opened1519
Founded byFrancisco de Arruda (commissioned by King Manuel I of Portugal)
Visitors per year377780
Expected wait time - Standard1-2 hours (Peak), 30-60 mins (Off Peak)

Did you know?

During the reign of King John II, there used to be a line of defence in place in the exact location where the tower is at. Later, his successor, King Manuel I believed that building a permanent tower would be more viable than having a ship on the water. This is how the construction of the Belem Tower commenced. The ship has multiple canons and this structure was replaced with a stone fortification

A fascinating Belem Tower fact is that it was constructed on a small outcrop of the Tagus River. Due to an earthquake that took place in 1755, the location of the Belem Tower shifted. The course of the river gradually moved due to the destruction and the small island got closer to the land, thus merging the two over time and making it all the more impressive. Today, the iconic structure just appea

In the year 1514, plans were in place to construct a tower, and the famous military architect Francisco de Arruda would lead the job. He was an experienced architect as he had built a lot of fortresses in North Africa earlier and was the right fit for the work. He was referred to as the ‘Master of the works of the Belem stronghold’ by the King himself and had managed to finish the tower in about 5

The Belem Tower is extremely impressive from the outside but is equally majestic from the inside as well. The first level is the Governor’s Hall, the second is the King’s Hall and the third level consists of the Audience Hall. The lower bastion consists of the canons that are kept facing over the sea to be ready to fire in case of any danger. Inside, there is a spiral staircase that can be explore

You can spot these figures on the base of the external facing turrets. It is the first representation of a rhinoceros in any Western European art. It is believed that the architects were very inspired by King Manuel I as he had gifted one of these animals to Pope Leo X in 1515. The figures are extremely small and intricately detailed.

Why visit Belém Tower?

Step back in time to the Age of Exploration

Built in the early 16th century, Belem Tower was a key part of Portugal's defenses during the Age of Exploration. Explore the tower's four levels, each with its own unique features, and imagine the ships that set sail from here to discover new lands. 

Marvel at the Manueline architecture

Belem Tower is a stunning example of Manueline architecture, a uniquely Portuguese style that blends Gothic, Renaissance, and Moorish elements. Look for the intricate carvings of nautical symbols, mythical creatures, and armillary spheres, which were used for navigation.

Enjoy breathtaking views of Lisbon and the Tagus River

Climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of Lisbon, the Tagus River, and the surrounding area. On a clear day, you can even see the Cristo Rei statue on the other side of the river.

Learn about Portugal's maritime history

The tower now houses a museum that tells the story of Portugal's maritime history, from the early explorers to the present day. Exhibits include maps, ship models, and weapons.

Experience the local culture

Belem is a charming neighborhood with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops. After visiting the tower, wander around the neighborhood, sample the local pastries (pastel de nata is a must-try!), and soak up the atmosphere. 

Highlights

Stairway

A major highlight of the Belem Tower is its open terrace at the very top. There is a single narrow, steep staircase that gives access to all the floors including the roof, but it can get quite crowded. Enjoy great views of the city from the terrace. There is a red-green traffic light system that controls when people can ascend or descend. As you wait, explore each floor on the way up or down.

Ground Floor

This floor was once known for housing the tower’s artillery, with cannons that were aimed across the river through the narrow window openings. A lot of those guns continue to remain in the same place to date. Below them lies the magazine, which was used for storing gunpowder, and other types of military equipment, which was then converted into a prison in later centuries.

Governor’s Chamber

The Governor’s Chamber is where nine successive governors worked over centuries. It is worth exploring the narrow tunnels at either end to get to the attached turrets. Get to see a stone sculpture of a rhinoceros head, that was created to commemorate the arrival of the first rhinos in Europe.

King’s Chamber

The floor above the Governor’s Chamber is the King’s Chamber. The room gives a glimpse into the Renaissance-style balcony that offers great views over the lower terrace and the river. Above that on the third floor is the Audience Chamber.

Rooftop

On reaching the top floor, you will be able to witness a sweeping view of the waterfront, river, and surrounding neighborhood. The Statue of Christ the Redeemer and the April 25 bridge are visible and it is a perfect spot to capture some iconic photographs.

Plan your visit

Address

Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal

Nearest Bus stop

Belém - Padrão dos Descobrimentos

Nearest Tram station

Praça Afonso de Albuquerque

Nearest Train station

Algés

Travel guides and tips

A first timer’s guide to visiting Belém Tower

A first timer’s guide to visiting Belém Tower

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What our guests say

Mustafa S

United Kingdom
Solo
Last week

+2 more

Castle was delightful, wonderful views, and so peaceful too. Peacocks an added bonus and walking around the surrounding area was also fab. Once inside the monastery .... wow oh wow oh wow. Breathtaking stonemasonary. But be prepared for the queues. It's supposed to be better after 4.00pm but can't confirm. Ps the famous pasteis de belem is next door.

Belém Essential Combo: Belém Tower + Jerónimos Monastery Tickets

Ines P

Ireland
Couple
2 weeks ago
The Monastery is definitely a must-see when in Lisbon; however, the organisation regarding tickets and the overall visit was very poor due to lack of information available online. The staff were extremely rude and seemed annoyed by tourists. There was very little information displayed, which was quite confusing, and there was not much information inside either. It is stated online that shorts are not allowed; however, many people were wearing them.

Belém Essential Combo: Belém Tower + Jerónimos Monastery Tickets

Domenico A

Group
Last week

+4 more

Huge gardens. Beautifull palace. The palace visit it's fast actually. But the gardnes needs time to be fully visited. Beautifull nature all around. To reach the palace you don't need to follow the main street with the direction: if you go to any other street, you'll reach the top in mostly the same time but with leeees people around.

Lisbon Essential Combo: Jerónimos Monastery + Belém Tower + Pena Palace Tickets

Isla M

United Kingdom
Couple
Last week

+4 more

My boyfriend and I had the perfect day exploring Sintra, the gorgeous fairytale palaces and of course, getting a workout in on the hills! A magical experience that was the highlight of our trip to Lisbon, the public transport was so straightforward and all the staff we met were extremely friendly and respectful.

Lisbon Essential Combo: Jerónimos Monastery + Belém Tower + Pena Palace Tickets

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