Belem and the pastries

Join me in this really pleasant but also educational walk (I wont even mention a certain type of pastries that you have most certainly heard about by now...). Yes, I will show you the picturesque Lisbon suburb of Belém which lies on the banks of the River Tagus on the western edge of the city. A leafy residential area blessed with wonderful parks and gardens, Belém is forever associated with the era of Discoveries, a period of maritime glory when Portuguese navigators embarked on long and perilous voyages to chart unknown seas and map new lands. It was from here, in 1497, that Vasco da Gama embarked on his historic expedition that led to the opening of a sea route to India.

Belem blossomed, and Portugal's king, Manuel I, ordered the construction of the vast Mosteiro dos Jerónimos and the Torre de Belém. Fortunately, these both survived the great earthquake of 1755 and today are two of the most cherished historic buildings in the country; both are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Also here is the impressive Padrão dos Descobrimentos, a contemporary monument to the Golden Age of Discovery that soars over the riverfront.

Complemented by a cluster of superb museums and a world-class cultural center, family-friendly Belem is easily reached from the city by train or tram. The wide esplanade that flanks the river provides a wonderful seaside stroll with excellent cafes and restaurants along the way.