For more than five centuries the Belém Tower has watched majestically over the banks of the Tagus in Lisbon. A masterpiece of Manueline architecture, this iconic monument, listed as UNESCO World Heritage, is a must on your visit. With the Lisboa Card, entry is free — all you have to do is book your visiting time slot!
Reopened! After more than a year of restoration, the Belém Tower reopened on 27 May 2026, its white stone beautifully restored. Visits now run in timed slots for a more pleasant experience, without the crowds. With the Lisboa Card, booking your slot is free and is done online as soon as you collect your card.
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Manueline style
Unique architecture blending Gothic and Renaissance, a symbol of the Age of Discovery.
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Included with the Lisboa Card
Entry included in the pass. Just book your time slot online after collecting your card.
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Panoramic view
Rooftop terrace with a spectacular view over the Tagus and the Belém district.
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Accessibility
Ground floor accessible to visitors with reduced mobility. Upper floors by spiral staircase (93 steps).
Why visit the Belém Tower?
A powerful emblem of Lisbon, the Belém Tower is one of the essential monuments of the Portuguese capital. Built between 1514 and 1519 on the initiative of King Manuel I, it once served as the gateway to the city and defended it against invaders thanks to its strategic position on the Tagus.
Listed as UNESCO World Heritage since 1983, the tower represents an important part of the history of Portugal and of the Age of Discovery. Together with the Jerónimos Monastery, it formed the two major monuments of that glorious period.
If you are keen on architecture or history, the Belém Tower will delight you. But even without that, the monument is worth visiting if only to admire the view over the Portuguese capital from its panoramic terrace.
Architecture of great beauty
Despite its defensive appearance, the architecture of the Belém Tower was meticulously crafted. Its construction was entrusted to Francisco de Arruda, a renowned architect who enhanced the façade through the Manueline style, named directly after King Manuel I.
Manueline art draws essentially on Gothic design, but Renaissance touches are clearly visible on the tower, particularly around its loggia. The façades are decorated with knots, ropes and coats of arms. As you pass through the main entrance, note a fine armillary sphere, an emblematic motif of the Manueline style.
During the visit you will discover other elements typical of this elegant style: the cross of the Order of Christ, the statue of the Virgin and Child and the king's shield. Do not miss the curious rhinoceros-shaped gargoyle on the western façade: the first rhinoceros to reach Europe was landed in Lisbon in May 1515, come from India! The tower spans 5 levels and stands 35 metres tall including the terrace.
What is there to see in the Belém Tower?
The tower has 2 main sections: the tower itself and the Bastion. The latter sits lower down, behind the drawbridge. It once held all the artillery used to defend the city, including 17 cannons of impressive size.
The interior holds several rooms, some of which are particularly worth a look:
The Governor's Chamber: stands out for the basin installed at its centre. This system collected rainwater, which then met the building's needs.
The King's Room: on the floor just above, with its magnificent loggia offering a superb view over the Tagus estuary.
The Audience Room: where the governors passed judgement after hearing the complaints of their subjects.
The Chapel: before going up to the terrace, stop in this room, which holds important information about the monument's history.
The panoramic terrace: the highlight, with an extraordinary view over Lisbon!
The terrace: an exceptional panorama
The highlight: the panoramic terrace of the Belém Tower. In earlier times it housed the guards who watched for invaders in the distance. Today it is one of the finest viewpoints in Lisbon.
From this spot you will have an extraordinary scene before you, with the banks of the Tagus, the Belém district and the Jerónimos Monastery. Below, see how the tower seems to float on the water. The experience is even more magical if you visit at sunset.
⚠️ Closed on Mondays and public holidays (1 January, Easter, 1 May, 13 June, 25 December). Since the reopening in May 2026, visits run in timed slots: booking is compulsory, including with the Lisboa Card.
Lisboa Card: the smart way to visit the Belém Tower!
To make the most of your visit to the Belém Tower and to Lisbon in general, consider getting a Lisboa Card. This official city pass gives you access to many of the city's sites free of charge (51 sites in all), while simplifying how you get around.
With the Lisboa Card, entry to the Belém Tower is 100% free (a saving of €15 per person). The only formality: booking a time slot, free and compulsory. Once you have collected your card, go to the official ticket office (mmp.bymeoblueticket.pt), select "Torre de Belém - Lisboa Card", choose your date and time, enter your card code and receive your QR ticket by SMS. Daily admissions are limited, so book as soon as you collect your card.
Among the other activities included, you also get free entry to the Jerónimos Monastery (same time-slot booking system), the Ajuda National Palace, the Padrão dos Descobrimentos and many more.
Duration
Adults
Children
24 hours
€31
€21
48 hours
€51
€28
72 hours
€62
€35
This card also offers free and unlimited access to public transport in the capital: buses, metro and trams. You can also take the famous tram 15E for free to reach Belém.
You can also easily visit Sintra and Cascais on the trains, which are included in the pass too, and enjoy extra discounts in many restaurants and shops.
Tuesday to Sunday: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Closed on Mondays and public holidays (1 January, Easter, 1 May, 13 June, 25 December).
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Visit duration
Allow 30 minutes to 1 hour to explore the tower. Best time: in the morning before 11 AM or late afternoon after 4 PM for ideal light. With the Lisboa Card, book your slot online as soon as you collect your card.
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How to get there
Take tram 15E from Praça Figueira to the Lg. Princesa stop. Bus lines 714, 727, 728, 729, 751. Cascais line train, Belém stop. All transport is free with the Lisboa Card.
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Photo tips
Don't forget your camera! The tower's terrace is one of the finest viewpoints in Lisbon. For magical photos, go at sunset.
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Good to know
Access to the top is by a narrow spiral staircase (93 steps). Wear comfortable shoes. Since the 2026 reopening, timed slots limit the number of people inside: book your slot in advance, especially in high season.
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Address
Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal. The tower stands on the bank of the Tagus, in the Belém district, about 6 km from Lisbon's historic centre.
History of the Belém Tower
The Belém Tower was built between 1514 and 1519 on the initiative of King Manuel I. On completion it was named Torre de São Vicente in honour of Lisbon's patron saint. Only later did it take its official name.
It served as the gateway to the city and defended it against possible invaders. The tower also took part in protecting the Jerónimos Monastery. Together they formed the two major monuments of the Age of Discovery.
After its key role in securing the city, it was turned into a prison in the 16th century following the Spanish invasion. Over the centuries the tower also served as a lighthouse and as a barracks. It was then altered during the French invasions, before regaining its original structure in 1845.
It was in 1983 that its beauty was truly brought to the fore, the year it received UNESCO recognition as World Heritage of humanity. A remarkable fact: the Belém Tower is standing by a miracle — the terrible earthquake of 1755 shifted it without destroying it!
The latest chapter to date: closed in April 2025 for a major conservation and restoration campaign, the tower reopened to the public on 27 May 2026. Its freshly cleaned white stone once again catches the light of the Tagus beautifully.
Access
How to reach the Belém Tower?
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Tram
Take line 15E from Praça da Figueira (Baixa district) and get off at the Lg. Princesa stop. Journey of about 20-25 min.
€3.30/rideIncluded with the Lisboa Card
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Bus
5 bus lines serve the district: 714, 727, 728, 729 and 751. Stop close to the tower, with regular service.
€2.30/rideIncluded with the Lisboa Card
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Train
Cascais line from Cais do Sodré station. Get off at the Belém stop, then allow about 15 minutes on foot to the tower.
€1.60/rideIncluded with the Lisboa Card
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Good to know: No metro line serves the Belém district. You can also rent a car (from €8/day) and park in the paid car parks nearby. The tower is about 6 km from the historic centre, so 20-25 min by road along Av. Brasília.
Nearby
What to do around the Belém Tower?
Belém is a district full of activities that you can easily explore on foot. Historic monuments, museums, walks, restaurants… there is plenty to do in a day!
Included with the Lisboa Card
Jerónimos Monastery
A jewel of Manueline architecture listed as UNESCO World Heritage. It takes you back in time to discover Portugal's maritime history.
Included with the Lisboa Card
Padrão dos Descobrimentos
Monument dedicated to the great Portuguese explorers. Climb to its viewpoint for a unique view over Belém and the Tagus. Free entry with the Lisboa Card, even on Mondays!
Local speciality
Pastéis de Belém
The famous bakery selling the authentic Portuguese custard tarts since 1837. The queue is often long, but the taste is worth it!
Popular activity
Tagus river cruise
Make the most of being close to the river with a boat trip. The quay is a few minutes from the tower.
Contemporary art
MAAT
The Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology occupies a futuristic building on the riverside. Ideal for lovers of contemporary art.
Free
Walk along the Tagus
As soon as you leave the tower, follow the river on foot or by bike, or settle down facing the water to take in the scenery.
Ready to explore the Belém Tower?
The Belém Tower remains unquestionably a must-see in Lisbon, especially since its restoration. With the Lisboa Card, enjoy free entry + unlimited transport!
