Plan Your Visit to Belem Tower | Complete Guide 2023

What's The Best time to Visit Belém Tower?

Belém Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in Lisbon, Portugal, and a must-visit attraction for tourists. The tower is open year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your preference for weather, crowds, and events.

The peak tourist season in Lisbon is from June to September, and the crowds at Belém Tower are at their highest during these months. If you don't mind large crowds and warm weather, then this could be a good time to visit. However, if you prefer fewer crowds, then you may want to consider visiting during the shoulder season from April to May or September to October. The weather during these months is usually pleasant, and you can enjoy the tower without the crowds.

If you want to avoid the crowds altogether, then the low season from November to February is ideal. The weather during this time can be chilly and rainy, but you'll have the tower almost to yourself. This is also a great time to enjoy the holiday festivities in Lisbon, such as the Christmas markets.

Where is Belém Tower Located?

Address: Avenida Brasília, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal

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The Belém Tower is located on the banks of the Tagus River, in the Belém district of Lisbon.

Closest Landmark: Discoveries Monument (Padrão dos Descobrimentos)

Getting to Belém Tower in Lisbon

By Train

Closest Station: Belém Station

Belém has a train station that connects it to central Lisbon. Trains on the Cascais line stop at Belém station, and visitors can take a short walk to reach the tower. The journey from Cais do Sodré station in central Lisbon takes around 20 minutes.

By Bus

Closest Stop: Mosteiro dos Jerónimos

Visitors can also take a bus to reach Belém Tower. Bus lines 728, 714, and 727 stop at Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, which is a short walk away from the tower. The journey time varies depending on the starting location, but it usually takes between 20-30 minutes.

By Tram

Closest Station: Belém

Tram 15 is the most scenic way to get to Belém Tower. The route starts at Praça da Figueira and passes through the picturesque neighborhoods of Baixa, Alfama and Lisbon's historic center before reaching Belém. The journey takes around 30 minutes, and visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the Tagus River along the way.

How To Skip the Line at Belém Tower?

Belém Tower is a famous landmark in Lisbon, Portugal that attracts a large number of visitors daily. As a result, queues to enter the tower can be long and time-consuming. However, there are some tips and tricks that can help you skip the line and make the most of your visit.

Buy Tickets Online

The easiest and most convenient way to skip the line at Belém Tower is to purchase your tickets online in advance. This way, you can avoid the long queues and head straight to the entrance. Online tickets also often include a specific time slot for your visit, which helps to manage the flow of visitors and reduces waiting times.

Take a Guided Tour

Taking a guided tour is another option for skipping the line at Belém Tower. Many tours offer skip-the-line access and take care of all the arrangements, so you won't have to worry about anything. Additionally, you'll get the benefit of a knowledgeable guide who can provide insights and history about the tower.

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Visit Early or Late

Another effective way to avoid the crowds and skip the line is to visit Belém Tower early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Most tourists tend to visit during the middle of the day, so by going outside of peak hours, you'll be able to enjoy the tower without the hassle of large crowds.

Skip-the-Line Tickets

In addition to purchasing tickets online, you may also want to consider investing in skip-the-line tickets. These tickets provide immediate access to Belém Tower, allowing you to bypass any queues altogether. Many skip-the-line tickets also include additional benefits, giving them excellent value for money.

Know Before You Go To Belém Tower

Information Center: Visitors can obtain information on the Belém Tower's history, exhibits, and events at the Information Center.
Gift Shop: The gift shop offers a wide selection of souvenirs, books, and other merchandise related to the Belém Tower and its history.
Café: A café is available for visitors to relax and enjoy refreshments or a light meal while taking in the views of the surrounding area.
Restrooms: Restrooms are available throughout the Belém Tower, including facilities for people with disabilities.
Parking: Paid parking is available for visitors who drive to the Belém Tower.
Lost & Found: Visitors who lose something at the Belém Tower can report it at the Information Center or fill out a report online.

Ramps and elevators: The Belém Tower has ramps and elevators that provide easy access to visitors with mobility impairments.
Audio guides: The tower provides audio guides for visitors who are blind or visually impaired. These guides provide detailed descriptions of the tower's history and architecture, as well as the surrounding area.
Tactile models: The Belém Tower has tactile models that allow visitors who are blind or visually impaired to explore the tower's architecture and features through touch.
Braille signage: The tower has Braille signage in different locations, including entrances, restrooms, and exhibition rooms, to help visitors who are blind or visually impaired navigate around the tower.
Wheelchair-accessible restrooms: The tower has wheelchair-accessible restrooms that are located on the ground floor.

No smoking is allowed inside the tower.
Visitors are not allowed to touch or climb on any of the historic objects or structures in the tower.
Visitors must wear appropriate clothing when entering the tower. This means no swimwear, shorts, or revealing clothing. It is also recommended to wear comfortable shoes as there are many steps to climb.
Food and drink are not allowed inside the tower.
Visitors are not allowed to bring large bags or backpacks into the tower.
Photography is allowed inside the tower, but the use of flash photography is prohibited.

The Belém Tower in Lisbon also has a gift shop that offers a range of souvenirs and gifts. Located on the ground floor of the tower, the shop offers an array of items such as postcards, magnets, keychains, and miniature replicas of the tower.
Visitors can also find traditional Portuguese handicrafts, such as ceramic tiles and handmade jewelry. The shop is a perfect stop for those who want to take a piece of Portuguese history and culture back home.

Visitors can enjoy a meal at the tower's café, which serves traditional Portuguese cuisine such as codfish cakes, grilled sardines, and pastel de nata. The café offers both indoor and outdoor seating, with views of the tower and the Tagus River.
For a quick snack or drink, there are also several vendors selling local treats and refreshments in the area.

Jeronimos Monastery: A UNESCO World Heritage Site located next to Belém Tower, famous for its ornate architecture and historical significance.
Discoveries Monument: A monument that celebrates Portugal's Age of Discoveries, located on the banks of the Tagus River.
National Coach Museum: A museum that houses a collection of horse-drawn carriages and other vehicles, providing a unique glimpse into Portugal's transportation history.
Belém Cultural Center: A cultural center that hosts art exhibits, theater performances, and music concerts in a modern setting.
National Museum of Archaeology: A museum showcasing Portugal's rich archaeological heritage, including artifacts from prehistoric times to the Middle Ages.

Budget: Casa Amarela Belém (1.9 km), Frank's House & Happy Belem (2.1 km), Cosy Bedrooms (1.7 km)
Mid-Range: Altis Belém Hotel & Spa (850 m), Palácio do Governador (2 km), Jerónimos 8 (3.3 km)
Luxury: Wine & Books Hotels (4 km), Pestana Palace Lisboa (6 km), Verride Palácio Santa Catarina (7.7 km)

Visitor Rules & Tips

Purchase tickets in advance to avoid long lines and ensure entry.
Bring comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for walking and potentially climbing stairs.
Visitors are permitted to take photos and videos for personal use, but not with selfie sticks or flash.
Food, drinks, smoking, and loud noises are not permitted within the tower.
Visitors must not touch the exhibits or artwork.
Professional tour guides with permits are the only ones allowed to speak publicly in the tower.
Lockers are available for storing belongings, but large bags and suitcases are not allowed inside.

Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Belém Tower in Lisbon

What are Belém Tower opening hours?

Belém Tower is open every day except Mondays from 10 AM to 5:30 PM (October to May) and 10 AM to 6:30 PM (June to September).

What is the best time to visit Belém Tower?

March to May are the best months to visit the Belém Tower, as the city slowly blooms into summer and the weather is still pleasant.

Can I enter Belém Tower anytime during the operating hours?

Yes, visitors can enter Belém Tower anytime during the operating hours as long as they have a valid ticket.

How much time does it take to visit Belém Tower?

The time it takes to visit Belém Tower varies depending on the individual's pace and interest, but typically it takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Can I enter Belém Tower once I exit?

Once you exit Belém Tower, you will not be able to re-enter with the same ticket.

Where is Belém Tower located in Lisbon?

Belém Tower is located at Avenida Brasilia, 1400-038, Lisbon, Portugal.

What is the best way to get to Belém Tower?

The best way to get to Belém Tower is either by taking a taxi, bus, tram, or train. The closest train station is Belém Station, which is a 10-minute walk from the tower.

Is there a dress code to be followed at Belém Tower?

There is no specific dress code to be followed at Belém Tower, but it is recommended to wear comfortable clothing and shoes.

Are prams allowed in Belém Tower?

Yes, prams are allowed inside Belém Tower.

Is photography permitted inside Belém Tower?

Yes, photography is permitted inside Belém Tower, but the use of flash or tripod is not allowed.

Is there a cloakroom at Belém Tower?

Yes, there is a cloakroom at Belém Tower where visitors can store their belongings.

Will my luggage be allowed inside Belém Tower?

Large luggage is not allowed inside Belém Tower, but visitors can store their belongings in the cloakroom or lockers.

Are strollers/wheelchairs available at Belém Tower?

Yes, strollers and wheelchairs are available for visitors with disabilities or mobility issues.