Find the Best Things to Do in Belém
By Paul Bernhardt
Lisbon Local Expert
About Belém
Photo courtesy of Paul Bernhardt
Located west of the city centre along an attractive stretch of the River Tagus, the pretty suburb of Belém is forever associated with the Discoveries, Portugal’s 16th-century era of maritime expansion and exploration. With two UNESCO world heritage sites, boutique hotels, and excellent restaurants, Belém remains a popular tourist destination.
See & Do
The Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, a beautiful early 16th-century monastery, and the dazzling Torre de Belém are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The modern art collection in the Museu Colecção Berardo and the carriages in the Museu Nacional dos Coches are stunning. For refreshments munch on delicious pastéis de nata (custard tarts) in the famous Antiga Confeitaria de Belém café. For fine views over the area, head for the top of the Padrão dos Descobrimentos.
Eat
Fine dining is brought to the fore at Feitoria Restaurant. This is Altis Belém Hotel & Spa’s in-house eatery where executive chef José Cordeiro has created an inventive menu of traditional Portuguese gastronomy with textured and spicy Oriental flourishes. His efforts have earned him a coveted Michelin star. The Enoteca de Belém wine bar in Travessa de Marta Pinto offers a tasty selection of tapas to complement the extensive wine list.
Stay
The Altis Belém Hotel & Spa is one of Lisbon’s most fashionable hotels. The luxury five-star property lies on the banks of the River Tagus near the Padrão dos Descobrimentos monument. This snazzy boutique bolthole overlooks a marina and is known for its Michelin-starred restaurant. Another stylish property, Hotel Jerónimos 8, is set across from Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. A four-star design hotel, this contemporary “urban resort” hides behind a traditional brick stone façade.