Torre de Belém
Torre de Belém
4
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
A 16th-century tower which serves as a monument to Portugal's Age of Discovery on both land and sea.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Belém
Belém is the "capital of the Portuguese Discoveries" and a photographer's paradise. You can spend an entire day exploring this neighborhood: monuments (Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, Monument to the Discoveries), museums (Coach Museum, Centro Cultural de Belém) and breathtaking views of the Tagus river will make your visit worth your time. Belém also offers a variety of restaurants and cafes, namely the famous - and delicious - "Pastéis de Belém" (typical Portuguese custard tarts; make sure you buy an extra box of those!). Easily accessible from Lisbon's historic center, Belém is a must-do, especially if you're spending more than one day visiting the Portuguese capital.
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See what travelers are saying
- Lydia O9 contributionsLong queue. Not much written detailWe queued for a long time to get into the tower and then we’re disappointed by the lack of information inside. However, it was great for views of the 24 April Bridge and the statue of Christ on the other side. Access to steps inside the tower was expertly managed by the staff.Visited March 2023Written March 19, 2023
- Casey CEssex, United Kingdom62 contributionsMust see but get there early!Got to the area early and was already quite busy. Waited around 20mins in a que to buy the tickets and then went over to the tower. We went straight in. We found we hand to que to get to every section which was frustrating and time consuming however there is only one set of stairs to get up and down the tower so ques are inevitable whilst one group goes up and another goes down. Could have done with some form information plaques round the tower as left still without knowing much. As we left the ques were horrendous, a massive que for tickets, an extremely long que to enter the tower and so on. So would highly recommend getting there no later than 10am!Visited March 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten March 20, 2023
- Geoff YPennsburg, Pennsylvania167 contributionsUnderwhelming site considering the strong reviews.We visited Belem Tower while in Lisbon this past March. Being that this was labeled as a must see site, we were alittle underwhelmed. The views are great and the architecture and history are unique, but overall its just okay. We're glad we had the Lisbon Cards so we could skip the lines going in. Even in March (off season) it was fairly crowded. And the line to wait to go to the top portion of the tower was a long wait, and honestly not worth it. There were other sites in Lisbon we enjoyed more than the tower.Visited March 2023Written March 29, 2023
- Rose50 contributionsbeautiful building in a nice locationEasy to get to by taking the E15 tram to the monastery then walking along the sea front. Tide was out when I got there so could walk right up to the building. Its really quite impressive but never went inside just enjoyed the view. Some nice little parks in the area to to sit and relaxVisited March 2023Traveled soloWritten March 31, 2023
- MerrowmumGuildford, United Kingdom1,284 contributionsQueues… not views!To be completely honest, the best part of the Torre for us was the outside view when queueing to get in (which you will do - when we went there was no differentiation between those with pre-purchased timed tickets and those buying from the booth on the day). Once inside, there is the downstairs level with replica cannons to see (ok, but very plain and just cannons), then a flight of stairs up to the open first level. Here you can take photos of the main part of the tower and out onto the river, but you are not high up. You then join another queue to wait to go up the tower. This turns out to be in several sections, the most interesting of which is the loggia balcony on the next level, which has good photo opportunities but is very small so crowded. You have to queue each time you change level, as the only access up or down is a single narrow spiral staircase. But you have to do every section once committed, even though to be honest those above the loggia, especially the chapel at the top, are nothing memorable at all. Then you queue to get back down to the open level (but luckily not for the final stairs to the entrance). So would I recommend this? Answer - yes, go see the outside but probably don’t bother going in unless it’s a really quiet day.Visited March 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten March 31, 2023
- Peter R4 contributionsFew days awayIts a great site and important site but paddling about on that little foreshore the sand is covered in litter and `other things`. They need a clean up as do the other little stretches back along the front - not enough litter control in such a wonderful place. Back towards the town the front cocktails bar is a bit of rip off! More alcohol in my big toe.Visited March 2023Written April 12, 2023
- Steve FEllesmere Port, United Kingdom156 contributionsGreat view and must see in LisbonFantastic views and lovely building with plenty on information throughout. Get there early to avoid queues and tickets are purchased at kiosks nearby. The waits tend to be longer inside the tower due to the single staircase which will be difficult for anyone with minor disabilities. Well worth a trip a must see for a visit to Lisbon.Visited April 2023Traveled with friendsWritten April 18, 2023
- Brijesh2 contributionsHistoric place - great to enjoy from the outside. Save time queuing and not visit the insideHistoric place at beautiful location. Spend time outside and enjoy the place. Will not recommend waiting in line to go inside. We waited 70 minutes to go inside and once inside, another 30 minutes to climb the small tower. Has some good views, but not worth the time spend queuing. You have to keep moving because of small spaces and hard to enjoy the historic nature of the building. Nothing against the tower, that’s how old places were built. Would recommend using the time saved to visit the Ajuda palace and Treasury, absolutely amazing.Visited February 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten April 18, 2023
- 23ritaDavie, Florida559 contributionsGreat Photo Op!What a beautiful site!!! Great photo ops! We did not go inside due to a very long line and noticed that only so many at a time were allowed entry. FYI: I just read that there are lines inside as well.Visited April 2023Written April 30, 2023
- Richard BRingwood, United Kingdom13 contributionsViewed from the riverWe visited via a cruise ship as the last port on our world cruise. The fort is one of the 1st significant things that you see and it is a delight. I cannot see that it ever served as a defensive fort but as an architectural conceit it is wonderful.Visited April 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 12, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Popular mentions
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37,978 reviews
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Mairwen1
United Kingdom9,567 contributions
Mar 2020
The question of whether it is worth going inside seems to crop up quite often. Although the tower is currently closed due to the pandemic, under normal circumstances I would say it is absolutely worth it. I thought it was excellent and having seen inside, I’d have been disappointed to miss it. The views from the watchtowers are stunning the views and it was amazing to be standing in an ancient tower, looking out across the water in exactly the same spot that sentries stood 500 years ago, guarding the entrance to the harbour.
TIPS:
* The joint Monastery/Tower ticket is no longer available. If I’d known earlier, I’d have bought the 1 day Lisboa card (€20) for our trip to Belem. This would have given us free travel and free entry to the tower, monastery and coach museum. This would’ve been a saving of at least €10pp and we could’ve joined the shorter lines for those with a card. Normal entry is €6
* It’s closed on Mondays. Actually don't plan to go to Belem on Monday at all because the Monastery is also closed
* It's difficult to tell which line is which. One is for tour groups, another for Lisboa card holders and another for those (like us) who were buying tickets on entry. Double-check that you’re in the right line because some poor people found themselves in the wrong line and had to start queuing all over again.
* There are a lot of narrow spiral stone staircases so it won’t suit anyone with bad knees or mobility issues. However you don't have to climb all of the stairs at once, like a bell-tower. There are 5 floors leading to a roof terrace but you only need to do one flight at a time to each level so you get a break in between.
* Information inside is very good
* Look out for the rhinocerous sculpture. It's a tragic story. Manuel I received the rhino as an extravagant gift from the Sultan Muzafar of India in 1515. The rhino survived a hazardous 4 month journey chained on the deck of a ship, but on arrival, Manuel thought it was a good sport to pit the rhino against an elephant in a fight and then, tiring of it, he dressed the animal up in a green velvet collar decorated with golden roses and carnations and shipped it off to Pope Leo X. Sadly the ship was wrecked and the poor rhino drowned. However you can still see the rhino head carved on the side of a watchtower.
TIPS:
* The joint Monastery/Tower ticket is no longer available. If I’d known earlier, I’d have bought the 1 day Lisboa card (€20) for our trip to Belem. This would have given us free travel and free entry to the tower, monastery and coach museum. This would’ve been a saving of at least €10pp and we could’ve joined the shorter lines for those with a card. Normal entry is €6
* It’s closed on Mondays. Actually don't plan to go to Belem on Monday at all because the Monastery is also closed
* It's difficult to tell which line is which. One is for tour groups, another for Lisboa card holders and another for those (like us) who were buying tickets on entry. Double-check that you’re in the right line because some poor people found themselves in the wrong line and had to start queuing all over again.
* There are a lot of narrow spiral stone staircases so it won’t suit anyone with bad knees or mobility issues. However you don't have to climb all of the stairs at once, like a bell-tower. There are 5 floors leading to a roof terrace but you only need to do one flight at a time to each level so you get a break in between.
* Information inside is very good
* Look out for the rhinocerous sculpture. It's a tragic story. Manuel I received the rhino as an extravagant gift from the Sultan Muzafar of India in 1515. The rhino survived a hazardous 4 month journey chained on the deck of a ship, but on arrival, Manuel thought it was a good sport to pit the rhino against an elephant in a fight and then, tiring of it, he dressed the animal up in a green velvet collar decorated with golden roses and carnations and shipped it off to Pope Leo X. Sadly the ship was wrecked and the poor rhino drowned. However you can still see the rhino head carved on the side of a watchtower.
Written February 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cindy C
Atlanta, GA157 contributions
Jan 2020
This is a pretty cool spot - a building literally rising out of the sea. Once you get past the many women selling jewelry, scarfs, etc. (and they are everywhere!) take in the beauty of the structure. My kids toured the inside (they are 21 and 24) and told us the view from the outside was better. Grab a glass of wine (at the "Wine with a View" cart) or a beer (money back if you return the plastic cup!), enjoy the sunshine, people watch and look at the amazing stone fort!
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jefferson G
Reisterstown, MD203 contributions
May 2019
The Belem Tower is practically the symbol of Lisbon or its single most recognizable architectural feature, the way the Eiffel Tower is to Paris or the Leaning Tower is to Pisa. It's both a real fortification and a delightful and elegant architectural masterpiece. It reminded me of a giant rook that somehow escaped its chessboard.
But: it's small. They admit a maximum of 120 people inside at any time, and thus the lines at peak tourist times can be long and the wait for admission interminable. It closes at 2 p.m. on Sundays (which are very crowded in Belem when the weather is nice) and is closed on Mondays. My advice is: be there when it opens, and/or try and be there around high tide so you don't get pictures of it surrounded by mud flats.
But: it's small. They admit a maximum of 120 people inside at any time, and thus the lines at peak tourist times can be long and the wait for admission interminable. It closes at 2 p.m. on Sundays (which are very crowded in Belem when the weather is nice) and is closed on Mondays. My advice is: be there when it opens, and/or try and be there around high tide so you don't get pictures of it surrounded by mud flats.
Written April 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CMCPhiladelphia_PA
Abington, PA477 contributions
Feb 2020
It was off season and yet the lines were still very long. They only allow 80 people in every 30 minutes. We waited about an hour (even with the Lisboa card). The building is nice and the views are beautiful but overall I am not sure it's worth a long wait when there's so much to see in Lisbon. I am not sure we would have waited if we had to purchase separate tickets.
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travelling_Arabella
California311 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Holds so much history as it used to be a point of embarkation and disembarkation of Portuguese explorers during the height of Portuguese Renaissance. But it can get crowded with long lines since only a few people allowed inside at a time.
So if you are short on time, just take a few photos outside when touring around Belem area. Just short walk from Jerónimos monastery and Igreja de Santa Maria de Belem.
So if you are short on time, just take a few photos outside when touring around Belem area. Just short walk from Jerónimos monastery and Igreja de Santa Maria de Belem.
Written March 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lawdylawdy
Lincoln, UK916 contributions
Feb 2020
You'll need a taxi, tram or bus to get here, in all probability. The number of people allowed in at any one time is limited to avoid congestion; the narrow spiral staircase is the only way up the tower - and the only way down, too. There's a timed traffic light system to tell you when the stairs are for "up" use only, and for "down" use only though inevitably an unexpectedly large proportion of visitors think they know better and ignore the lights (looking at you, Euro-visitors!) and everything grinds to a halt.
Good stonework, striking building, interesting location, not expensive to enter. But you will have to queue and wait at busy times.
Good stonework, striking building, interesting location, not expensive to enter. But you will have to queue and wait at busy times.
Written February 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jonahNJ
Pennington, NJ11,562 contributions
Sep 2019
One of the highlights of my journey around Lisbon, was visiting the Belem Tower. This limestone constructed tower appears to sit magically on the northern bank of the Tagus River. While visitors can line up to visit the interior of the tower, folks can also enjoy great views of the tower by walking around the complex. There is even a small scale model of the tower that allows visitors to see the a small reproduction of sections of the tower before walking over to the actual tower. This was a great place to visit under a clear blue sky on a sunny September afternoon.
Written March 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rhi21
Arlington, VA451 contributions
Jan 2020
This tower is a bit out of downtown Lisbon, my husband and I attempted to walk but it was getting late and we ended up hopping in a tuk-tuk. We enjoyed the views of the tower, the water as it came ashore. There is an option to get tickets to go to the top of the tower (I am sure even more beautiful views) but we did not want to wait in line (wait was about 13 minutes). We enjoyed a stroll around and taking lovely photos.
Written March 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rash_Chris
Colombo, Sri Lanka110 contributions
Feb 2020
I've enjoyed the view very much. It is not a very huge tower, but has a notable 16th century architecture. Good to see and learn the defense methods applied during that era by the monarch.
I would recommend tourists to buy the Lisbon card and visit the tower which is more reasonable since you may visit other attractions as well. The ticket shop at the tower, too sell these. I purchased the 48hr valid card and visited many attractions within 2 days. [This was a good offer since it included fee public transport as well. The Lisbon card allowed free entry to Some attractions. Some allowed discounts. ]
I would recommend tourists to buy the Lisbon card and visit the tower which is more reasonable since you may visit other attractions as well. The ticket shop at the tower, too sell these. I purchased the 48hr valid card and visited many attractions within 2 days. [This was a good offer since it included fee public transport as well. The Lisbon card allowed free entry to Some attractions. Some allowed discounts. ]
Written March 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David M
Chapel Hill, NC394 contributions
Nov 2019 • Couples
A landmark in Lisbon worthy of a tour. The architecture is impressive and the views are incredible.
Would recommend starting the morning there and spending a couple of hours.
The circular stairways are tight but manageable and the staff does an excellent job in crowd control.
Tickets can be bought on the grounds
Would recommend starting the morning there and spending a couple of hours.
The circular stairways are tight but manageable and the staff does an excellent job in crowd control.
Tickets can be bought on the grounds
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Luiz Fernando M
Sao Paulo, SP40 contributions
Não é possível visitar/conhecer a torre do lado de fora de noite? Chegarei 17 horas no aeroporto de Lisboa e fico só uma noite mas queria tanto visitar
Marisa Pace
Malta4 contributions
Can you translate in English pls?
weekak
Edinburgh, UK1,081 contributions
Is it worth going inside?
ArttravellerGuide
Rome, Italy21 contributions
I personally did not go because of the l'ing queue.
Caroline T
6 contributions
Bonjour, et merci pour vos commentaires concernant Lisbonne. Petite question concernant Belem, entre autre, avec la Lisboa card l'entrée est gratuite, mais faut il faire la queue pour obtenir un billet d'entrée? ou y a t'il une file spéciale?
Merci pour votre retour!
MARAYAStgoChile
Santiago, Chile865 contributions
entrada gratis a los museos incluidos pero no hay fila especial
Elisha T
Johannesburg, South Africa26 contributions
Is Torre de Belem open on Christmas Day?
George G
5 contributions
The visit inside the Torre is anticlimactic. If you are coming from the monastery, you will feel let down. It is a gem of a site on the outside. Inside is two or three floors of small stone rooms, and nothing more. If you must wait in line as well, you may question your judgement.
Andressa C
Sao Paulo, SP45 contributions
Olá! Sou fotógrafa e estarei visitando Lisboa pela primeira vez! Gostaria de saber: no final de agosto, o por do sol é melhor apreciado da Torre de Belém ou do Castelo de São Jorge/ Miradouros da Alfama?
Sousajorge
Natal, RN163 contributions
Olá! Acredito que do Castelo você poderia ter melhores fotos que enquadrem a cidade. Porém, eu sempre achei o castelo supervalorizado. Acho que para fotografias, você teria uma dinâmica melhor de espaço da Torre, até por que proximo uns 500m da torre você poderia ir ao MAAT - Museu de Arte, Arquitetura e Tecnologia que você pode subir ao terraço e tenha certeza que renderia ótimas fotos.
hi, this may be a strange question but does anyone have some in depth knowledge on the historical significance or architectural significance of the building. there is limited information online. the project is for my construction exam any direction or help is appreciated.
Caitermelon
Great Falls, MT18 contributions
I know anyone can put info on Wikipedia but Belem Tower is a UNESCO site and Wikipedia has a good bit of info on it.
If you scroll to the bottom of the Belem Tower page on Wikipedia, it has the references and the links for them so you might use those for more info.
Annalisa C
15 contributions
Quanto costa la Lisbona card?? Per quanti giorni dura? Con Lisbona card puoi usarla anche dall aeroporto al centro?
Maurizio B
Milan, Italy76 contributions
Anch’io non ho acquistato la Lisbona card. Mi dispiace
Boa noite,
Precisa como o ingresso antes?
Antonius van der Vorst
Breda, The Netherlands258 contributions
Je kunt het ticket binnen bij de kassa kopen!
Als u senior bent heeft u recht op korting op uw ticket.
Wel legitimatiebewijs laten zien.
Fijne dag toegewenst.
Brizio G
Calimera, Italy6 contributions
Per voi tutti che siete già passati da Lisbona, avendo 4 giorni pieni da dedicare alla visita della città, cosa mi consigliate di vedere?
MarleneLooe
Grosseto, Italy140 contributions
L alfama è il quartiere più vecchio, secondo me più bello perché più caratteristico. Con i tram poi è carino salire e scendere e fare a piedi le viuzze. Per cenare ti consiglio di mangiare qui. Puoi credo nel fine settimana trovare passando locali che fanno spettacoli di fado, il canto tipico. Assaggia poi la gingina, o nome del genere, che è liquore tipico. Feci una tessera che ti permetteva di usare i mezzi pubblici senza limiti, anche perché ci sono le salite.
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Claim your listingTorre de Belém - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Torre de Belém
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Torre de Belém:
- Belém and Jerónimos Monastery Guided Small Group Walking Tour (From $36.53)
- Lisbon Highlights Full Day Tour with a River Ferry Ride (From $76.65)
- Bike Tours Lisbon - Center of Lisbon to Belém (From $15.55)
- Lisbon Full Day Small-Group Tour: The Most Complete Lisbon City Tour (From $66.65)
- Tour to Sintra - Roca Cape - Cascais (From $98.87)
- Hotels near Torre de Belém:
- (0.31 mi) Altis Belém Hotel & Spa
- (0.28 mi) NAU Palacio do Governador
- (0.29 mi) Casa Amarela Belém
- (0.29 mi) Cosy Bedrooms
- (0.29 mi) The Lisbon-Way Apartments
- Restaurants near Torre de Belém:
- (0.05 mi) Cafe Do Forte
- (0.12 mi) Confeitaria Nacional Belém
- (0.27 mi) O Recanto
- (0.18 mi) Vela Latina
- (0.15 mi) Nikkei
- Attractions near Torre de Belém:
- (0.11 mi) Museu do Combatente
- (0.13 mi) Monumento aos Combatentes do Ultramar
- (0.21 mi) Feathers & Scales
- (0.15 mi) Magic Sail
- (0.23 mi) Taguscruises