Age of Discoveries Walking Tour in Belém, Lisbon
by Take Lisboa
Choose from 3 available options
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.€5.98Overview
Belém, a district in Lisbon rich with monuments from Portugal’s Age of Discovery, hosts this 2.5-hour walking tour. The tour starts in the Afonso de Albuquerque Gardens, a green space honoring the viceroy who expanded Portugal’s empire in the east. Participants then visit the Thai Pavilion, which symbolizes Portugal's historical trade links with Asia. Next, the group enjoys tasting Pastéis de Belém, the famous custard tarts made from a secret recipe. A walk along Chão Salgado Alley follows, highlighting the era of the Marquis of Pombal and his influence on Lisbon’s history. The tour continues to the exterior of Jerónimos Monastery, focusing on its Gothic architecture and ties to Prince Henry the Navigator. The nearby Praça do Império, site of the 1940 World Exhibition, is also explored. Visitors then see the Compass Rose mosaic, representing Portugal’s navigational achievements. The Monument to the Discoveries is viewed from outside, honoring Portuguese explorers. The riverside walk includes the Belém Lighthouse area with views of the Tagus River and landmarks like the 25th of April Bridge. The tour ends at the gardens surrounding Belém Tower, a historic fortress guarding Lisbon’s river entrance. The tour is guided on foot and includes an expert guide, but does not enter the interiors of Jerónimos Monastery, the Monument to the Discoveries, or Belém Tower.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Estatua de Afonso de Albuquerque
The tour begins at Afonso de Albuquerque Square and Gardens, a green area dedicated to the Portuguese viceroy noted for expanding the eastern empire. The square features sculptures commemorating his achievements and is planted with exotic species reflecting the maritime voyages that connected continents.
15 min
Thai Pavilion
Next, the group visits the Thai Pavilion, which represents Portugal's trade routes extending to India, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. This structure symbolizes cross-cultural exchange initiated by Portuguese explorers, including the introduction of tea to Britain by Lady Catarina of Bragança.
10 min
Pastéis de Belém
Participants taste Pastéis de Belém, a renowned local pastry with a flaky crust and creamy custard filling. The recipe is traditionally guarded by the monks of Jerónimos Monastery, making this pastry a culinary icon tied to Belém’s heritage.
10 min
Padrao Memoria do Chao Salgado
The walk continues through Chão Salgado Alley, a historic street linked to the Marquis of Pombal's rule. The alley recalls his controversial policies, including modernization efforts and the Távoras Massacre, marking a significant period in Portuguese history.
10 min
Jeronimos Monastery
The tour pauses outside Jerónimos Monastery, a Gothic-style building honoring Prince Henry the Navigator. The monastery’s detailed stonework and cloisters reflect Christian and maritime themes from the Age of Discovery. Only the church interior is accessible during the tour.
20 min
Jardim da Praca do Imperio
Visitors explore Praça do Império, the site of the 1940 New State World Exhibition. This plaza features a large fountain and gardens, commemorating over 800 years of Portuguese history, including the nation’s founding and independence restoration.
15 min
Rosa dos Ventos
The compass rose mosaic, known as Rosa dos Ventos, is viewed next. This 50-meter-wide artwork honors Portugal’s navigational achievements and maps the routes taken by explorers during the Age of Discovery.
10 min
Padrao Dos Descobrimentos
The Monument to the Discoveries is observed from the outside. This waterfront monument features statues of Portugal’s explorers looking toward the sea, paying tribute to their role in expanding the known world.
15 min
Belem Lighthouse
The walk follows the Tagus River bank near Belém Lighthouse. The area offers views of the 25th of April Bridge and the Christ the King statue, landmarks associated with Portugal’s maritime and aviation history.
10 min
Torre de Belem Garden
The tour ends in the gardens surrounding Belém Tower. These manicured lawns provide a peaceful setting for the historic tower, which once guarded Lisbon’s river entrance and symbolizes Portugal’s maritime past.
15 min
Torre de Belem
The final stop is the exterior of Belém Tower, a fortress with Manueline architecture standing at the mouth of the Tagus River. The tower represents Portugal's maritime exploration era. The interior is not included in the tour.
20 min
Meeting point
You'll meet our Free Tour guides with the Blue Umbrellas next to the statue.
End point
Our Free Tour ends next to the Belém Tower.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
Age of Discoveries Walking Tour in Belém, Lisbon
by Take Lisboa
Choose from 3 available options
How do you want to book?
✓Confirmation before Wed, 9 Sept - card's only charged if it's a yes. If it's a no, still time to book on Viator.
Book on Viator Confirmed right away, but you pay full price.€5.98Overview
Belém, a district in Lisbon rich with monuments from Portugal’s Age of Discovery, hosts this 2.5-hour walking tour. The tour starts in the Afonso de Albuquerque Gardens, a green space honoring the viceroy who expanded Portugal’s empire in the east. Participants then visit the Thai Pavilion, which symbolizes Portugal's historical trade links with Asia. Next, the group enjoys tasting Pastéis de Belém, the famous custard tarts made from a secret recipe. A walk along Chão Salgado Alley follows, highlighting the era of the Marquis of Pombal and his influence on Lisbon’s history. The tour continues to the exterior of Jerónimos Monastery, focusing on its Gothic architecture and ties to Prince Henry the Navigator. The nearby Praça do Império, site of the 1940 World Exhibition, is also explored. Visitors then see the Compass Rose mosaic, representing Portugal’s navigational achievements. The Monument to the Discoveries is viewed from outside, honoring Portuguese explorers. The riverside walk includes the Belém Lighthouse area with views of the Tagus River and landmarks like the 25th of April Bridge. The tour ends at the gardens surrounding Belém Tower, a historic fortress guarding Lisbon’s river entrance. The tour is guided on foot and includes an expert guide, but does not enter the interiors of Jerónimos Monastery, the Monument to the Discoveries, or Belém Tower.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Estatua de Afonso de Albuquerque
The tour begins at Afonso de Albuquerque Square and Gardens, a green area dedicated to the Portuguese viceroy noted for expanding the eastern empire. The square features sculptures commemorating his achievements and is planted with exotic species reflecting the maritime voyages that connected continents.
15 min
Thai Pavilion
Next, the group visits the Thai Pavilion, which represents Portugal's trade routes extending to India, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. This structure symbolizes cross-cultural exchange initiated by Portuguese explorers, including the introduction of tea to Britain by Lady Catarina of Bragança.
10 min
Pastéis de Belém
Participants taste Pastéis de Belém, a renowned local pastry with a flaky crust and creamy custard filling. The recipe is traditionally guarded by the monks of Jerónimos Monastery, making this pastry a culinary icon tied to Belém’s heritage.
10 min
Padrao Memoria do Chao Salgado
The walk continues through Chão Salgado Alley, a historic street linked to the Marquis of Pombal's rule. The alley recalls his controversial policies, including modernization efforts and the Távoras Massacre, marking a significant period in Portuguese history.
10 min
Jeronimos Monastery
The tour pauses outside Jerónimos Monastery, a Gothic-style building honoring Prince Henry the Navigator. The monastery’s detailed stonework and cloisters reflect Christian and maritime themes from the Age of Discovery. Only the church interior is accessible during the tour.
20 min
Jardim da Praca do Imperio
Visitors explore Praça do Império, the site of the 1940 New State World Exhibition. This plaza features a large fountain and gardens, commemorating over 800 years of Portuguese history, including the nation’s founding and independence restoration.
15 min
Rosa dos Ventos
The compass rose mosaic, known as Rosa dos Ventos, is viewed next. This 50-meter-wide artwork honors Portugal’s navigational achievements and maps the routes taken by explorers during the Age of Discovery.
10 min
Padrao Dos Descobrimentos
The Monument to the Discoveries is observed from the outside. This waterfront monument features statues of Portugal’s explorers looking toward the sea, paying tribute to their role in expanding the known world.
15 min
Belem Lighthouse
The walk follows the Tagus River bank near Belém Lighthouse. The area offers views of the 25th of April Bridge and the Christ the King statue, landmarks associated with Portugal’s maritime and aviation history.
10 min
Torre de Belem Garden
The tour ends in the gardens surrounding Belém Tower. These manicured lawns provide a peaceful setting for the historic tower, which once guarded Lisbon’s river entrance and symbolizes Portugal’s maritime past.
15 min
Torre de Belem
The final stop is the exterior of Belém Tower, a fortress with Manueline architecture standing at the mouth of the Tagus River. The tower represents Portugal's maritime exploration era. The interior is not included in the tour.
20 min
Meeting point
You'll meet our Free Tour guides with the Blue Umbrellas next to the statue.
End point
Our Free Tour ends next to the Belém Tower.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.