From a former fishing village to the home of Portuguese nobility, Belém has seen the rise and fall of the world's first global empire. This beautiful and ancient settlement sits on the banks of the River Tagus, and tells the story of the beginning of globalization, and of history's greatest explorers. Join us and stroll along the riverbanks, taking in iconic views like the Discoveries Monument and UNESCO World Heritage sites like the Belém Tower and the Jeronimos Monastery.
Your Belém Tour starts by the monument at Afonso de Albuquerque Square. Discover how a country which lost its last colony in 1999 once had territories covering 60 modern sovereign states. We never cancel; tours run rain, hail or shine.
See the riverbanks that launched Portugal’s greatest explorers
The Portuguese Age of Discovery was a time in world history where explorers ventured out to the ends of the earth. Once you arrive, you'll explore the waterfront of Belém by foot and you will walk in the very footsteps of many great explorers before you. See the massive Monument of Discoveries, which features great explorers like Henry the Navigator, Luís de Camões and Vasco da Gama.
Discover the Portuguese Empire
The Portuguese Empire was one of the largest and longest reigning empires in world history. On this tour you will learn about the great conqueror, Afonso de Albuquerque, who stands prominently on his namesake's square by the waterfront.
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Belém
The two most prominent monuments that people travel to Belém to see are the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery. Your guide will recap some of the dramatic battles that this tower has seen and you will also learn about the history of Jerónimos Monastery and the lives of the people who are remembered there.
The Belém Tour starts by the monument at Afonso de Albuquerque Square.
Learn about the Age of Discovery and Portugal’s great explorers
See the impressive 25th of April suspension bridge and hear about the important date it commemorates
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Belém Tower and the gardens that surround it
Marvel at the impressive Monument of Discoveries that stands on the banks where the great voyages began
Look at the Wind Rose marble map that shows the most famous routes of the great explorers
Visit Empire Square Gardens built for the Portuguese World Exhibition in 1940
See the impressive Jeronimos Monastery which is the final resting place for some of the great Portuguese explorers
TOUR SCHEDULES
Today
3:00 PM
3:30 PM
PHOTOS
Inclusions & exclusions
What’s included
Local English-speaking guide
Additional Information
Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible
Our business is connecting great guides and smart travelers, and we're proud that so many local guides employ us to welcome travelers like you on their journey through some of the world's best cities. No two tours are alike, and the sites, stories, and length of the tour will vary depending on what your freelance guide decides is best. That's why the tours we promote never get stale or feel scripted, and why both independent guides and savvy travelers prefer SANDEMANs
MAP
The Belém Tour starts by the monument at Afonso de Albuquerque Square
Tour starts here
Tour usually ends here
Tour usually covers
Customer reviews
Sophia's Belem Tour & Free Walking Tour are AMAZING!
I did the Belem Tour with Sophia & absolutely loved it - she was personable, funny, had lots of intetesting stories and information for us and was honestly just the most lovely person. I loved that we got to stop for Pastéis de Belém (the original & amazing custard egg tart), and after the tour our group all sat and enjoyed a beer together. Her tour was so great that I then did her walking tour the next day & loved it just as much too! She's definitely the best guide I've had so far in my travels, so thank you Sophia! Highly recommended.
Wonderful experience walking around the neighborhood with a small 7-person group led by the awesome tour guide Eduardo! We recommend the tour even though it's not "free" like other tours - but it is definitely more detailed and specialized and therefore it broadens the knowledge about Lisbon.
If you want the best experience of visiting Belem, go on a tour with Fred! He is an excellent tour guide and extremely passionate about the history of Portugal! Would go on his tour again if I visit Portugal again. BEST TOUR EVER!
My friends and I went for a free walking tour, guided by Jaime, a very well English-spoken guide. The tour was so good that we decided to follow him to the next tour, which was the Belem tour. He was like an ultimate history book and explain every single thing that we wish to know during the tour. Strongly recommended!
We went on the free walking tour with Fred, and enjoyed it so much we ended up booking the Belem tour for that afternoon (also with Fred!). Both tours were well set up, and although involved some walking were easy to manage. The information was given with passion and enthusiasm, and Fred was able to answer all the questions from the group. Thank you!
Select Tours focus on a particular area or district of a city, a certain aspect of its history or culture, or take you outside the city on a day trip. Select Tours are perfect for those who have enjoyed an introduction to the city and wish to delve deeper into the stories the city has to offer. These tours often venture further afield and make use of local public transport.
As with the Free Tour, Select Tours are provided by local freelance guides in partnership with SANDEMANs NEW Europe, who bring their personal flair and expert knowledge to these specifically themed tours. Select tours have a fixed ticket price - we recommend purchasing your ticket in advance, either during a Free Tour or online.
Enjoy a comprehensive overview of Lisbon's fascinating history and must-see sites with your private ...
Info & Booking
€ 350
Customise Your Private Tour!
Tell us the landmarks, stories or parts of the city you want to see, how long you have to see them and when you want to go, and we’ll build an itinerary that suits you.
Enjoy a comprehensive overview of Lisbon's fascinating history and must-see sites with your private ...
Info & Booking
€ 350
Participation in tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe is strictly on a voluntary basis. Neither SANDEMANs NEW Europe, nor the self-employed freelance guides who are the providers of the tours promoted by SANDEMANs NEW Europe, will be held responsible in any way for injuries to body or property incurred during tours. The tour guides reserve the right to deny participation in any tour, to any person, for any reason. Thank you for your understanding.
Tour starts here
Tour usually ends here
