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Plan Your Visit to the Iconic Belem Tower

Belém Tower Plan Your Visit

Visiting Belem Tower in Lisbon

Belem Tower is a must-visit attraction in Lisbon, Portugal. This 16th-century tower is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located on the bank of the Tagus River. Built to protect the city from invaders, the tower is a symbol of Portugal's Age of Discovery. Visitors can climb the tower to the top for stunning views of the river and the city.

Belem Tower | Visitor Information At A Glance

Belem Tower
  • What are Belem Tower opening hours?
    Belem Tower's opening hours are 10 AM to 6:30 PM in summer and 10 AM to 5:30 PM in winter.
  • Where is Belem Tower located?
    Belem Tower is located at Avenida Brasília, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
  • How many entrances does Belem Tower have?
    Belem Tower has only one entrance for visitors, which is located on the river-facing side of the tower.
  • How many number visitors does Belem Tower see per year?
    Belem Tower hosts approximately 1.5 million annually.



Book Tickets To Belem Tower

Belém Tower Tickets
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Belém Essential Combo: Belém Tower + Jerónimos Monastery Tickets
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€20.50
Lisbon Essential Combo: Jerónimos Monastery + Belém Tower + Pena Palace Tickets
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€40.50
Classic Lisbon Combo: São Jorge Castle + Belém Tower + Jerónimos Monastery Tickets
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€39.90

What Are Belem Tower Opening Hours?

  • From October to April (winter season): Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 5:30 PM.
  • From May to September (summer season): Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 6:30 PM.

Last Entry: 30 minutes before closing. The rooms will be cleared 15 minutes before closing.

Closure: Please note that Belem Tower is closed on Mondays and the following holidays: January 1st, Easter Sunday, May 1st, December 25th.

What's The Best time to Visit Belem Tower?

Belem 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 Belem 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 Belem Tower Located?

Address: Avenida Brasília, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal

Find On Maps

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

Closest Landmark: Discoveries Monument (Padrão dos Descobrimentos)

Getting to Belem Tower in Lisbon

Belem Tower

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.

Belem Tower

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.

Belem Tower

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 Belem Tower?

Belem 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.

Belem Tower

Buy Tickets Online

The easiest and most convenient way to skip the line at Belem 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.

Belem Tower
Belem Tower

Visit Early or Late

Another effective way to avoid the crowds and skip the line is to visit Belem 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.

Belem Tower

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 Belem 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 Belem Tower

Facilities
Accessibility
Rules
Shop
Eat
Nearby
Stay
Belem Tower
  • Information Center: Visitors can obtain information on the Belem 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 Belem 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 Belem Tower, including facilities for people with disabilities.
  • Parking: Paid parking is available for visitors who drive to the Belem Tower.
  • Lost & Found: Visitors who lose something at the Belem Tower can report it at the Information Center or fill out a report online.
Belem Tower
  • Ramps and elevators: The Belem 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 Belem 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.
Belem Tower
  • 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.
Belem Tower
  • The Belem 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.
Belem Tower
  • 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.
Belem Tower
  • Jeronimos Monastery: A UNESCO World Heritage Site located next to Belem 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.
  • Belem 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.

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 Belem Tower in Lisbon

What are Belem Tower opening hours?

Belem 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 Belem Tower?

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

Can I enter Belem Tower anytime during the operating hours?

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

How much time does it take to visit Belem Tower?

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

Can I enter Belem Tower once I exit?

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

Where is Belem Tower located in Lisbon?

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

What is the best way to get to Belem Tower?

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

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

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

Are prams allowed in Belem Tower?

Yes, prams are allowed inside Belem Tower.

Is photography permitted inside Belem Tower?

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

Is there a cloakroom at Belem Tower?

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

Will my luggage be allowed inside Belem Tower?

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

Are strollers/wheelchairs available at Belem Tower?

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