Last Updated on May 18, 2025 by Soumya
Are you wondering how to get from Lisbon to Belem for that exciting one-day trip? You’re at the right place.
We have 6 different ways listed below, with details on how to do each one and loads of additional tips.
A day trip from Lisbon to Belem is probably pretty high on your list of things to do in Portugal. Home to the two most iconic monuments that define Portugal’s history – Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery, Belem in Lisbon is definitely a must-visit on every Portugal itinerary.
Here’s our ultimate Lisbon to Belem travel guide, where you will learn.
- How to get to Belem from Lisbon? – 6 great options to do that.
- The best things to see and do in Belem + an awesome 1-day Belem itinerary.
- Tips and tricks to make your Lisbon to Belem day trip absolutely memorable.
If you ever feel overwhelmed by having to plan your travel from Lisbon to Belem all on your own, feel free to look at this highly-recommended guided bike tour of Belem that includes traveling to Belem from Lisbon.
If you are comfortable with a DIY tour, read on to plan and execute your very own exciting day trip to Belem. This place is so historically rich that we recommend you see it even if you are in Lisbon for a short 2 days. If you can spend a night here, nothing better.
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How to Travel to Belem from Lisbon?
Belem is actually one of Lisbon’s main districts and, hence, very much a part of the city.
However, it is almost 7 km away from Central Lisbon. That means if you are staying anywhere in Baixa-Chiado-Alfama, you will have to set aside an entire day (or at least half a day) to explore Belem from Lisbon.
I recommend spending a whole day in Belem because there are so many fascinating monuments and museums in this UNESCO-listed neighborhood of Lisbon. Let’s see how to get there first.
Lisbon to Belem by Tram
The tram is by far the most popular way of traveling to Belem from Lisbon.
Take Tram 15E (same as Tram 15) going towards Alges Jardim from Praça da Figueira, right next to Rossio Square. Get down at Mosteiro Jerónimos for the monastery. Or go a little ahead to Largo da Princesa, which is closer to Belem Tower.
Tram #15 is sleek and new and goes by the riverside all the way to Belem. The journey takes around 30 minutes and is free with the Lisbon Card.
✦ Pro Tip: Get a print of the route and timetable of Tram 15E here.
Lisbon to Belem by Train
If you wish to ride the train, take the Lisbon—Cascais train from the Cais do Sodre Station. Get off the train at Belem. The journey takes only 7 minutes, and trains are quite frequent (every 20-30 minutes).
Tickets from Cais do Sodre to Belem cost €1.45. Again, you can ride for free with the Lisbon Card.
✦ Pro Tip: Check for train schedules and book your tickets on the official website of Comboios de Portugal here.
Lisbon to Belem by Bus
You can also take a bus (or rather a couple of buses) to Belem from Central Lisbon. Bus 723 is what you should be looking for. However, please check Carris’s (Lisbon’s public transportation company) website to plan the best bus route and schedule for yourself.
Honestly, it is much easier to take Tram 15E. There are no changes, and the tram provides multiple stops to get off in Belem.
Hop-on, Hop-off Bus to Belem from Lisbon
Hop-on, hop-off buses are a popular way to see Lisbon. If you are in Lisbon for a short two or three days, this is a good way to see the major highlights, including the main attractions of Belem.
Lisbon to Belem by Bicycle
Isn’t it great that you can now travel all the way from Lisbon to Belem on bicycles and explore the city pollution-free, all while enjoying the cool breeze of the River Tagus?
Yes, that’s right. Get to Belem while pedaling through Lisbon’s riverside.
Bicycle tours usually last 3-4 hours and involve the participation of a knowledgeable local guide. Plus, the terrain is mostly flat and descending. Here’s a great Lisbon bike tour if you wish to have a look.
They also have segway tours, yet another exciting way to explore Belem.
Taxi to Belem from Lisbon
You can always take a taxi from Lisbon to anywhere in Belem. It is the fastest and most comfortable way to get there, and the ride takes only 15 minutes.
You can either hail a taxi on the street or reserve an Uber. Cabs are affordable, making Belem an inexpensive day trip from Lisbon. Here’s an extensive guide on Lisbon taxis that you can refer to.
Should You Buy a Lisbon Card for the Belem Day Trip?
Absolutely, yes, if you plan to visit the popular monuments in Belem and wish to use public transportation to get there. With a Lisbon Card, you can ride on the tram, train, and bus for free.
Lisbon Card comes in one, two, and three-day varieties, so you can choose according to your needs.
Additionally, most of Belem’s attractions, including Jeronimos, Belem Tower, MAAT, the Coaches Museum, and the National Archaeological Museum, are free with the Lisbon Card. Plus, there are significant discounts on others.
✦ Pro Tip: Buy your Lisbon Card here.
Best Things to Do with One Day in Belem
There are so many wonderful things to do in Belem that you can easily cover in a day trip.
Here’s my choice of places and monuments to visit in Belem. If you are short on time, please feel free to pick and choose. Or refer to my one-day Belem itinerary at the end of the post.
Explore Jeronimos Monastery
If you have time to do just one thing in Belem, then it has to be a visit to the Jeronimos Monastery.
One of the important monuments of the Belem UNESCO ensemble, the Monastery of Hieronymites is one of the prettiest monasteries in Europe. I mean, look at all that gorgeous Manueline architecture—it’s too good to miss.
This is also where Vasco da Gama’s tomb lies. After all, Jeronimos Monastery is one of the most significant reminders of Portugal’s Age of Discoveries.
The church at Jeronimos is free to enter, but usually has a long queue. Visit after lunch hours or just before sunset to avoid the crowds.
To visit the cloisters, a fee of €18 is required. Purchase your skip-the-line tickets here. Alternatively, you can use your Lisbon Card to enter for free.
Visit Belem Tower
The Belem Tower, or Torre de Belem, is another important monument that is part of the Belem UNESCO World Heritage ensemble. Along with Jeronimos Monastery, it forms an unmissable part of any Lisbon itinerary.
Belem Tower was literally where Portugal’s maritime explorers left for their journeys in the 15th century.
This iconic monument has served as a lighthouse, a customs port, a defense port, and, at times, even a state prison. From the top of the Belem Tower, you can get some stunning views of the city.
Purchase your Belem Tower skip-the-line tickets here.
✦ Pro Tip: Read our comprehensive guide to the Belem Tower to plan a memorable trip.
Try the Famous Portuguese Tart
You cannot leave Belem without having tasted the original Portuguese tart or the Pasteis de Nata. Can you?
Right beside the Jeronimos Monastery is a small café called Pasteis de Belem. It serves hot and fresh Pasteis de Belem throughout the day. Fragrant with the smell of butter and cinnamon, this place is an absolute heaven for foodies.
Appreciate Portugal’s Monument of Discoveries
The Monument of Discoveries is a fairly recent addition to the Belem skyline.
Built in 1960 to commemorate Portugal’s golden period of naval discovery, this monument is a tall, white structure that stands facing the River Tagus. On top of it stand 33 great Portuguese explorers led by Prince Henry, the Navigator.
This is a great spot for taking pictures. Lisbon’s 25th April Bridge is also visible from here. Most people just take photos from the outside and leave.
However, if you decide to go up to the terrace, then let me tell you that you will find one of the best viewpoints in Lisbon here. Splendid views of the Belem district as well as of the marina add an extra wow to your Belem day trip.
Visit one of Belem’s finest museums
One of the most interesting facts about Lisbon is that it is home to a diverse range of museums. The neighborhood of Belem has some of the finest ones. They cover art, archaeology, design, the history of coaches and carriages, and a range of other topics.
Here are some good museums in Belem that you might want to look at.
National Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum is located right next to the Jeronimos Monastery in the same monastery complex.
This museum has one of the most impressive collections of historical artifacts in Portugal. Its Egyptian and Islamic sections are especially well curated.
National Coach Museum
This is an interesting museum a little further away from the monastery. In fact, it is one of Lisbon’s hidden gems because hardly any tourist guide talks about it.
The Coach Museum has an extensive collection of ornate carriages, most of which were used by the Portuguese nobility. Some were gifts to state guests. There are also a couple of child coaches.
It is interesting to walk through the aisles of this unique museum in Belem and imagine the wealth and riches that the elite once enjoyed.
Belem Palace
Portuguese presidents live in Belem Palace, which has been their official residence since 1910. Portuguese kings also lived here, on and off.
The Presidential Museum is located inside the palace, open every day except Mondays. If you are keen to learn more about Portugal’s modern political history, this place is for you. Check out their official schedule before you plan your visit.
MAAT
The Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology, or MAAT, is the best place in Lisbon to experience contemporary art.
Apart from the four exhibition rooms that showcase various creations by modern artists, thinkers, and architects, the museum’s building is a sight to behold. Sleek and futuristic, it gives off positive vibes about the future.
Enjoy a cruise on the Tagus
Last but not least, end your day in Belem with a sunset cruise on the Tagus. Most cruises depart from the Marina at Belem and take you on a wonderful ride along the Tagus and Lisbon’s waterfront.
With a welcome drink in one hand and the fleeting medieval skyline of Lisbon bathed by the last rays of the sun in the other, there can be no better way to end your day in the UNESCO neighborhood of Belem.
✦ Pro Tip: Click here to book your sunset cruise now.
Suggested 1-Day Itinerary for Belem
- Begin with a tour of the Belem Tower because the morning light will allow you to take gorgeous pictures of this monument. Refer to our Belem Tower guide to plan your visit. Get your Belem Tower ticket here.
- Take a walk along the Tagus to reach the Discoveries Monument. You can appreciate it from outside or visit the terrace for a stunning view.
- Walk to Jeronimos Monastery right across the street from the Monument of Discoveries. Spend some time in the church or head directly to the cloisters if there is a long queue. Spend an hour exploring the Jeronimos cloisters. Get your Jeronimos Monastery ticket here.
- If you like museums, visit the National Archaeological Museum, located on the left of the monastery.
- Feeling hungry now? Head to Os Jeronimos or Taberna dos Ferreiros (both right next door) for a hearty lunch. Pasteis de Belem is nearby if you are in the mood for some excellent Portuguese tarts.
- Spend the afternoon in one of Belem’s top museums. The Coach Museum is interesting. MAAT is a great choice if you are keen on modern architecture.
- Walk the riverfront promenade or tour the many green spaces in Belem.
- Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Tagus and return to Lisbon with a box full of Pasteis de Belem. I’m telling you, you’re going to miss them the next day!
| Experience more of Lisbon and Nearby Read our posts on Best Things to Do in Lisbon | From the most popular attractions in Lisbon and the best hidden gems to stunning viewpoints and the charming alleys of Alfama, explore Lisbon with our perfect bucket lists. Lisbon Food | Wondering what to eat in Lisbon? Check out our epic Lisbon food guide, or try the best Portuguese desserts. Perfect Lisbon Itineraries | Explore Portugal’s capital with our perfect 2-day in Lisbon itinerary. If you’re visiting for a short time, then our 24-hour Lisbon itinerary is sure to help you. Lisbon Day Trips | Spend some more time around Lisbon with these epic Lisbon day trips. |
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