Free tour

Belém Uncovered: Birthplace of the Age of Discovery

4.60

Acceptable(55)

Lisbon

Duration: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Languages: English

Guru: Hi Lisbon Walking Tours

PRO

Verified quality

Registered on 3 March 2018

Hi Lisbon Walking Tours is a local company founded to provide tours with small groups for a better experience of the city and take you out of the beaten track to show the authentic Lisbon. Our team of local guides, are very knowledgeable, well informed, entertaining and free to give their touch according to the expectation of each group. We are passionate about Lisbon and would like to share this love with you providing the best walking tours around the city and showing why Lisbon has become such a popular destination recently, with its charming streets, lovely architecture, colorful houses and fantastic weather.

Free reservation and cancellation

Pay-what-you-want tour, no set price, reservation and cancellation are free

Tour description

Join our Belém tour in Lisbon and explore the birthplace of the Age of Discovery

Portugal became the first global empire from this riverside district, where ships departed to explore Africa, Asia and the Americas. Today, Belém is one of the most visited areas in Lisbon and home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Belém Tour highlights

Jeronimos Monastery (Unesco World Heritage Site)
Tower of Belém (Unesco World Heritage Site)
Monument to the Discoveries
Presidential Palace
Imperial Square
The Compass Rose
Tasting of the famous original pastéis de nata

Belém combines history, architecture and gastronomy, making it one of the top attractions in Lisbon.

Highlights

What will we see on this tour?

Meeting point:

Jardim Afonso de Albuquerque

Look out for the guide with an orange umbrella at Praça Afonso de Albuquerque, next to the statue in the middle.

Outside visit

Belém National Palace

Immerse yourself in the opulent Afonso de Albuquerque Square and Garden, a verdant tribute to the brilliant Afonso de Albuquerque, Portugal's viceroy who expanded its eastern empire with unmatched strategic acumen. This square isn't just a space; it's a celebration of Albuquerque's legacy, adorned with sculptures that bring his epic tales to life, nestled amidst exotic plants that echo the voyages that connected continents.

Outside visit

Vasco da Gama Garden and Imperial Square

Praça do Império marks the site of the grand New State World exhibition of 1940, celebrating over 800 years of Portuguese resilience and innovation, from its founding in 1140 to its rebirth after Spanish rule in 1640. This sprawling plaza, with its monumental fountain and gardens, serves as a living museum of Portugal's enduring legacy and cultural pride, inviting visitors to ponder the indomitable spirit of a nation reborn.

Outside visit

Thai Pagoda

The Thai Pavilion stands as a testament to Portugal's far-reaching trade routes, stretching from the aromatic bazaars of India to the vibrant courts of Thailand and Sri Lanka. This exquisite structure symbolizes the cross-cultural exchanges initiated by Portuguese explorers, which eventually introduced tea to Britain, courtesy of Lady Catarina of Bragança. It's a poignant reminder of how Portugal stitched the fabric of global trade and culture.

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours don't have a fixed price. At the end, each person contributes to the guide the amount they consider fair based on their satisfaction. As a guideline, Guruwalk recommends between €15 and $50 per participant.