Torre de Belém
Torre de Belém
4
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 5:30 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
- Merve Y.Arnhem, The Netherlands98 contributionsTorre Belem, Architectural wonder?Tower Belem itself is a beautiful and detailed tower. However, there were a lot that I didn't like as much. First of all queue. I was there quite early in the morning, but still had to wait an hour. So expectations are high. Once inside you don't see much other than the tower itself. I at least expected some information boards and some old photos from that time. As a result, I was out after half an hour. Finally, traveling by public transport from the center of Lisbon to Belem is not easy. You take the metro, train and a long walk. If you like Architecture, Belem Tower is fantastic, but going inside is not worth the wait and price. Then looking from the outside is sufficient.Visited February 2024Traveled with friendsWritten February 29, 2024
- Laina83 contributionsVery busy but worth a visit.A cool building in a very nice area. We didn't go inside as there is not much to see, however the queue outside was insane and this was in Feb, so I cannot even imagine what it is like in high season. My advice is to go, take some photos and grab a drink by the waterside by one of the vendors or the cafes.Visited February 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 3, 2024
- Ed S57 contributionsBeautiful from outside, not worth the line to get in.First of all, it’s a beautiful and historically significant masterpiece. Must go to see at least the outside. Inside, however, underwhelming if you’ve been to other fortifications. Line is at least two hours long, as few people can be inside at a time (narrow passageways and staircases). DO NOT book any so-called audio tours, no such thing.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 6, 2024
- adv1977Turin, Italy763 contributionsCharacteristic and charmingTruly fascinating and characteristic tower of Lisbon, located on the estuary of the Tagus river, in the westernmost part of the city and therefore closest to the ocean. In the opinion of many, the internal visit is not very worth it, but seeing it from the outside is absolutely recommended. In its vicinity there is a large pedestrian area with gardens, monuments (such as the one dedicated to the discoveries) and a beautiful monastery (dos Jeronimos). I recommend setting aside at least half a day for this part of the city.Visited February 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 15, 2024
- HolidaymakerfromHoveBrighton and Hove, United Kingdom2,894 contributionsBeautiful tower built just off the shore………..We visited the tower on a trip from central Lisbon to the Belem area. We caught the 728 bus from Comercio. Approx 30 mins by bus. The tower is beautiful, magical like something from a fairytale. There is an underpass that goes under the very busy road. We did not pay to go inside but were happy to see it. Lots of hawkers selling baseball caps, sunglasses, jewellery etc No issues with any of them. Highly recommended. Worth going out of your way for.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 16, 2024
- Ed CBirmingham, United Kingdom148 contributionsLong wait!Long queue! V narrow stairs inside so there is a limit on numbers in tower at any one time. The first level is probably the best - wide open space like a ships deck. If the queue is huge, you’re not missing lots by just admiring from the outside.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 19, 2024
- Sara-MeminellaVenice, Italy245 contributionsIconicWe went on a weekday around 4.30pm. We showed the Lisboa card at the ticket office and were given two tickets. Queue to enter is about 30 minutes. The interior is practically empty but the view from the various terraces is very beautiful. We liked it a lot.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 21, 2024
- Ftr4 contributionsVery beautifulI had read a lot of reviews here about long queues so I was under the impression that we would not enter the tower. It was a Friday morning at 9:30 am that we arrived and the tower turned out to be already open (opening hours are stated at 10 am) and also completely empty! No queue for tickets and no queue for the tower! However, at 10:30 am buses of tourists started arriving and the square was suddenly full, I think we might have been lucky! Beautiful tower with nice views! If there had been a long line I certainly wouldn't have gone in.Visited March 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 22, 2024
- gifty62Switzerland332 contributionsNostalgy of 15th century braveryBeautiful from outside and very nostalgic to see how this tower played part in globalisation in 15th century. Vasco de Gama set sail from here opening the Atlantic voyages to the world. There are no frills to the tower so depends what thrill one is looking for. Didn’t go inside and had not planned to. If you like history, please do visit.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten March 26, 2024
- TheLeongOhanaUnited States7,758 contributionsAn Empty TowerThis was our first stop in Belem as we started with the farthest attraction and worked back to the Monument of the Discoveries, Jeronimos Monastery and Pasteis de Belem. From the drop off point by our Uber driver, we first walked towards the ticket office and then onwards to the tower itself. We arrived within an hour after opening and by the time we left there was a line waiting to get in. As we wandered through the tower the rooms were rather empty and lacked much furnishings or decor to help visualize what it could have looked like. Signage could only help so much but hopefully this will be planned for the future. The single set of stairs only allowed one way up or down at a time and staff would sometimes manage access at the base of the stairs. The views of the bay and surroundings from the terrace were quite nice.Visited January 2024Traveled with familyWritten March 27, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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38,235 reviews
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5,252
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Javier G
42 contributions
Sep 2024 • Friends
The Tower of Belém is a symbol of Lisbon and a must stop for anyone visiting the city. The tower itself is small, but the detail in the architecture and history behind it make it fascinating. Climbing onto the terrace was an unforgettable experience, overlooking the river and the city. I recommend going early to avoid the crowds and take the time to read about your role at the time of the discoveries. It’s impressive to think about what one of the first places explorers saw when they returned from their trips was like.
Automatically translated
Written October 31, 2024
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.
milanista1985
Germany417 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
A beautiful tower on the Tejo river.
It was worth going there despite the long queue (with the free Lisboa Card).
We were amazed that the queue behind us was getting shorter and shorter, in the end when we got off we realized that due to the waves and the bad weather we were the last ones they let in. On the bridge we got completely wet up to our knees due to the high water. But it was worth it. You can go up to various floors and the organization is excellent, 150 people can enter. The view is nice. Those who have the Lisboa Card I recommend going there, those who don't: €8.50.
It was worth going there despite the long queue (with the free Lisboa Card).
We were amazed that the queue behind us was getting shorter and shorter, in the end when we got off we realized that due to the waves and the bad weather we were the last ones they let in. On the bridge we got completely wet up to our knees due to the high water. But it was worth it. You can go up to various floors and the organization is excellent, 150 people can enter. The view is nice. Those who have the Lisboa Card I recommend going there, those who don't: €8.50.

Written October 29, 2023
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.
Herbert C
1,881 contributions
Dec 2024 • Friends
You will need a lot of patience if you want to visit this 16th century fortification tower, undoubtedly Lisbon's most recognizable landmark. Only 150 people are allowed inside the Belem Tower at a time, so expect to queue outside for up to 2 hours. Despite this, it's hard to give this UNESCO World Heritage Site a miss given its historical significance to Portugal. It has been a symbol of Portugal's maritime prowess and colonial power, serving as the departure point for most of the discovery voyages that took Portugal's navigators to many previously uncharted territories around the world during the Age of Discovery. Apart from its historical significance, the tower's architecture is also a noteworthy reason to put up with the long queue. A prominent example of the Portuguese Manueline style, the Belem Tower features impressive stonework and turrets on a rectangular 30-metres tower and oddly-shaped bastion protruding out to the Tagus River. Patient visitors are rewarded with access to virtually the entire structure, including the ground floor with its 16 windows and cannons, the bastion and the 4-storey tower leading up to the roof terrace for a spectacular view of the Tagus River and the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge. This attraction is included in the Lisboa Card, but nevertheless, you would still need to redeem for a ticket at the ticket kiosk in the park about 100 metres away before getting into the queue.
Written February 6, 2025
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.
Amelia R
Cambridge, UK96 contributions
Jun 2024 • Friends
Don’t waste your time by going inside!!!!
The tower is extremely simple inside - hardly any information to read or anything to look at. A nice view but not worth the waiting or money. Take a photo outside instead and then leave!
We queued for 1hr 10mins and you’re forced to buy tickets before queuing so you can’t leave the queue without wasting money. The system they have for letting people inside is incredibly inefficient as there are only a few people allowed inside at one time which causes the massive queue.
The tower is extremely simple inside - hardly any information to read or anything to look at. A nice view but not worth the waiting or money. Take a photo outside instead and then leave!
We queued for 1hr 10mins and you’re forced to buy tickets before queuing so you can’t leave the queue without wasting money. The system they have for letting people inside is incredibly inefficient as there are only a few people allowed inside at one time which causes the massive queue.
Written June 15, 2024
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.
ppoess
Munich, Germany275 contributions
May 2024 • Family
Great facility that the king had built so that he could see the ships coming and going. It's worth climbing up the floors.
Tip: Buy a Lisbon City Pass, which can be purchased for 24, 48 & 72 hours, and includes public transport and many sights, such as this one. The tickets at the kiosk were already sold out for that day, but with the Lisbon card we were still allowed to queue and visit the tower.
Tip: Buy a Lisbon City Pass, which can be purchased for 24, 48 & 72 hours, and includes public transport and many sights, such as this one. The tickets at the kiosk were already sold out for that day, but with the Lisbon card we were still allowed to queue and visit the tower.

Written May 22, 2024
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.
Escape03502349659
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Family
Lousy organization to visit the Belem Tower, which after going twice has been impossible.
Last Sunday we went and the Tickets were sold out, we had a Lisboa Card so the ticket had to be redeemed to access, when we asked for tickets for yesterday, they indicated that they could not be given in advance and we had to go the same day for the redemption which was no longer possible because of the validity of the card.
Still, we decided to purchase them online and so we did, the Reservation told us that the time was at 10 a.m. Upon arrival yesterday and after 20 minutes from opening, the queue was 2 hours and about 40-50 people ahead in the queue. Due to our limited schedule, we could not be 2 hours waiting to enter and less in full sun after 8 days traveling, waiting for buses that do not end up passing or that pass more than 30 minutes late and walking 14-15 km daily.
We have travelled all over Europe and had never found ourselves in a situation of having paid to not be able to visit something. The information and organization for this visit to the Belem Tower is dire and is a pity because the monument has appeal.
I've really felt ripped off and the staff is very uncut. I understand that space may be limited inside so giving a maximum time of stay inside and hours of entry for the visit would solve tourism to be able to organize your visit without having to go several times and with such long queues.
I have been to the Colosseum in Rome, the Vatican, the Eiffel Tower, London Eye and other busy places and the organization and information is much better and I have always been able to visit what I have paid for.
Finally, for the claim there were no papers, I have been provided with a post because they no longer had a claim book. The mail provided by the girls at the entrance of the Tower was wrong, consequently my opinion cannot be more negative in terms of organization and service, regrettable in my understanding in an EU country.
Last Sunday we went and the Tickets were sold out, we had a Lisboa Card so the ticket had to be redeemed to access, when we asked for tickets for yesterday, they indicated that they could not be given in advance and we had to go the same day for the redemption which was no longer possible because of the validity of the card.
Still, we decided to purchase them online and so we did, the Reservation told us that the time was at 10 a.m. Upon arrival yesterday and after 20 minutes from opening, the queue was 2 hours and about 40-50 people ahead in the queue. Due to our limited schedule, we could not be 2 hours waiting to enter and less in full sun after 8 days traveling, waiting for buses that do not end up passing or that pass more than 30 minutes late and walking 14-15 km daily.
We have travelled all over Europe and had never found ourselves in a situation of having paid to not be able to visit something. The information and organization for this visit to the Belem Tower is dire and is a pity because the monument has appeal.
I've really felt ripped off and the staff is very uncut. I understand that space may be limited inside so giving a maximum time of stay inside and hours of entry for the visit would solve tourism to be able to organize your visit without having to go several times and with such long queues.
I have been to the Colosseum in Rome, the Vatican, the Eiffel Tower, London Eye and other busy places and the organization and information is much better and I have always been able to visit what I have paid for.
Finally, for the claim there were no papers, I have been provided with a post because they no longer had a claim book. The mail provided by the girls at the entrance of the Tower was wrong, consequently my opinion cannot be more negative in terms of organization and service, regrettable in my understanding in an EU country.
Automatically translated
Written August 14, 2024
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.
Renato M
Naples, Italy52 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
Two hours in a row, standing up, to see a couple of completely empty rooms in the tower, plus you couldn't even climb to the top. The visit inside is done in 10 minutes on the clock, so I recommend you avoid the line and see it from the outside. However, from the outside it has its charm.
Automatically translated
Written November 26, 2024
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.
Michael F
Philadelphia, PA1,565 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
Belém Tower can be done in one of two ways. You can swing by for a view from the outside. This option is free of charge, does not require waiting in line, and allows for a few insta worthy pictures. Honestly, that’s no fun and admission was only around 8 euros.
If you opt for tickets, as I did, I recommend you come early as the queue grows over the day - especially on a Saturday. They meter folks in amazingly well. The self guided tour will take you 30-45 minutes and allow for more great photos, including across the water. The tower itself is 4 floors, each floor only includes a room or two.
I’ll stop short of calling it a must, however, it is highly recommended.
If you opt for tickets, as I did, I recommend you come early as the queue grows over the day - especially on a Saturday. They meter folks in amazingly well. The self guided tour will take you 30-45 minutes and allow for more great photos, including across the water. The tower itself is 4 floors, each floor only includes a room or two.
I’ll stop short of calling it a must, however, it is highly recommended.
Written October 2, 2023
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.
Jeff
Cardiff, UK23 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
Ticket office is situated well away from the attraction so check the que length before you decide to buy the 15 Euros per person ticket (7.5 euros if youre over 65). We had to que for 1 hour in sun (no seats) - in July would be horrendous.
Once inside, you have the pleasure of climbing 92 steps which is a medevil tight narrow circular staircase split into 3 sections without hand rails and then coming down the same steps again. If you have any slight leg, hip, ankle or foot problem before you ascend then you will know you have one after your descent. Not for the infirm or disabled.
Inside their is nothing to see except the view over the estuary which is the same as the view standing in the que. A few peashooter cannons which I'm not convinced are genuine.
Overall a waste of time and money - far better to go and buy an Aperol sprtitzer and view the attraction from outside in the shade sipping your drink and ending up in profit.
Once inside, you have the pleasure of climbing 92 steps which is a medevil tight narrow circular staircase split into 3 sections without hand rails and then coming down the same steps again. If you have any slight leg, hip, ankle or foot problem before you ascend then you will know you have one after your descent. Not for the infirm or disabled.
Inside their is nothing to see except the view over the estuary which is the same as the view standing in the que. A few peashooter cannons which I'm not convinced are genuine.
Overall a waste of time and money - far better to go and buy an Aperol sprtitzer and view the attraction from outside in the shade sipping your drink and ending up in profit.
Written January 18, 2025
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.
New_Yorker_In
new york32 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
Beautiful from the outside and pretty to see from your sunset cruise of Lisbon BUT do not pay to go inside. Do NOT pay to wait on line and most definitely DO NOT go up the spiral staircase …. My reasons …. We waited on line well over an hour as they only let about 20 people go in at a time as they wait for others to exit. Then the stairs all the way up is 20 stairs at a time and then u go out for a second on some of the floors and some you can’t go out and then u wait on line for the next 20 stairs and the next 20 stairs and it was the same going down since there is only one spiral staircase for entrance and exit . It’s like being in a rat maze. When we finally got out we felt like we were getting out of prison after 20 years. Again nice to see don’t waste your time to go in !!
Written August 31, 2024
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.
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
Written February 7, 2024
It's up to you! I didn't go inside because the line was really long and our tour guide told us there wasn't much to see, no tapestries, paintings or sculptures, just stone floors and cannons. I don't regret not going inside.
Written January 31, 2024
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!
Written March 28, 2023
entrada gratis a los museos incluidos pero no hay fila especial
Written April 4, 2023
Is Torre de Belem open on Christmas Day?
Written December 24, 2022
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.
Written December 27, 2022
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?
Written June 22, 2020
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.
Written June 23, 2020
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.
Written April 10, 2020
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.
Written April 11, 2020
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