Belém Tower
The sentinel of the Tagus, standing out over the water, from where the caravels sailed.
Duration
45 min – 1 hr
Best time
At opening
Open
Closed Monday
Entry price
8 EUR
Built between 1514 and 1520 to guard the mouth of the Tagus, the tower then stood in mid-river. The 1755 earthquake shifted the channel, and it now sits against the bank, reached by a walkway.
Inside it is tight: a single spiral staircase serves all five levels, and a traffic light governs one direction at a time. That, more than visitor numbers, is what makes the queue long.
Getting there
Tram 15E to Largo da Princesa, then ten minutes along the river from the monastery.
What the price covers
adult entry
What to bring
- Walking shoes
Rules on site
The staircase alternates direction and the climb can mean half an hour of waiting inside. The terrace view is much the same from the bank, without the climb.
Checked on 28 August 2026 at The Better Vacation — Belém Tower
Other places in Lisbon
Jerónimos MonasteryManueline at its purest, and the tomb of Vasco da Gama.
Santa Maria de Belém churchThe monastery nave, its palm vaults and the royal tombs — without paying for the cloister.
Alfama on footThe oldest quarter, all slopes, stairs and washing at the windows. Getting lost on purpose is the right method.
Sintra for the dayRomantic palaces and damp forest forty minutes away by train. Book the Pena Palace entry in advance.