Author: Carter Lowry

If you are considering traveling to Lisbon, you should check out the Belém District. One of the most popular things to visit in this district is the Belém Tower. However, there are a few other things you can do nearby. 

History of the Belém Tower

Belém Tower (Torre de Belem) was built in the 16th century by architect Francisco de Arruda. The original purpose of the structure was to be a fort to protect Lisbon from Moorish raids along the Tagus River. Later the building was the beginning point of voyages for the sailors.

How to get to Belém Tower?

Although the location of Belém Tower is not in the city’s heart, it’s very easily accessible. To get there, you can take the:

• TRAIN – take the Cascáis train line. It departs from the Cais do Sodré station. After three stops, get off at Belem station. Travel time is approximately 7 minutes.
• TRAM #s 15, 15E, or 127 – the trams depart from Praça da Figueira. They connect the central portion of the city to the Belem district. The travel time is approximately 30 minutes as you head toward Algés Jardim. You will want to off at either Largo da Princesa or Mosteiro dos Jerónimos. 
• YELLOW HOP-ON HOP-OFF BUS – the route is called the “Tagus Tour.” It departs from Praça da Figueira. Check the courses and get your pass here. 

NOTE: If you travel by car, please keep in mind there is limited street parking nearby.

Belem Tower Hours

October-April opening hours: 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. 

The last entry is at 5 PM.

May-September opening hours: 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM. 

The last entry is at 6 PM.

Closed on: Mondays, 1st of January, 1st of May, Christmas Day, and Easter Sunday.

Best time to go to Belem Tower

The tower opens at 10:00 AM, but I recommend getting there at least 1 hour earlier to explore the outside of the building and take some pictures (that’s when the sun is in front of the tower, not behind it, so that you can take the BEST photos). The tourist crowds will arrive late in the morning (usually 30 mins before opening time) and last until the afternoon. So, I recommend visiting as early as possible or at the end of the day, a bit before the previous entry – maybe you’ll catch the sunset too!

How long should you reserve for the visit: 45 minutes will be enough. No need to dedicate an entire day to it!

What can you see at Lisbon’s Belém Tower?

Even though many tourists choose only to see the exterior of Torre de Belem, I recommend exploring the inside as well, at least for the pretty views at the top! Or if you’re a history lover. But this is, of course, a personal choice. To help you out, I’ll list what you can see on both the exterior and the interior of Belem Tower below:

OUTSIDE:

• The beautiful ivory limestone used for the construction of the tower
• The lower bastion with its cannon openings
• The upper bastion with beautiful watchtowers constructed in a Moorish architecture
• The intricate carvings and filigree on the external walls, including the rhinoceros gargoyle
• The mix of architectural styles – Manueline, Moorish, Islamic, Italian
• The river – the spot where Vasco da Gama began his discovery voyage to India
• Bonus: if you arrive early in the morning, you’ll be able to take some stunning pictures of the tower in the sun

INSIDE:

• The narrow spiral staircase connects all four floors. 
• Lower Battery – with its 17 cannons
• The Governor’s Chamber
• The King’s Chamber – check out the views from the Renaissance-style balcony.
• Audience Chamber and the Chapel
• Tower Terrace – the highlight of the tower, with superb views of the river, the 25th April suspension bridge, and the statue of Christ the Redeemer
• Upper Battery
• The unique rhinoceros gargoyle on the western façade depicts a rhinoceros, which is relatively uncommon in Europe!

NOTE: The only way to access the floors is by using the narrow spiral staircase. If you need more mobility or feel claustrophobic, I would not recommend visiting inside the tower. The stairway can get quite crowded too.