12 Best Sights in Belém, Lisbon

Cementing Belém’s reputation as Lisbon’s top destination for arts and architecture buffs, the ultra modern Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology (MAAT) is a striking sight on the banks of the Tagus. Opened in 2016, the curved white building houses immersive exhibitions from the likes of revered Portuguese street artist Vhils, and there’s a restaurant overlooking the river. A refurbished 1908 power station next door is part of the same museum complex, and it offers enlightening tours.

If you see only one historic landmark in Belém, make it this magnificent monastery. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a supreme example of the Manueline style (named after King Dom Manuel I), which represented a marked departure from earlier Gothic architecture. Much of it is characterized by elaborate sculptural details, often with a maritime motif. João de Castilho was responsible for the southern portal, which forms the main entrance to the church: the figure on the central pillar is Henry the Navigator. Inside, the spacious interior contrasts with the riot of decoration on the six nave columns and complex latticework ceiling. This is the resting place of both explorer Vasco da Gama and national poet Luís de Camões. Don't miss the Gothic- and Renaissance-style double cloister, also designed to stunning effect by Castilho.

Housed in the minimalist Belém Cultural Center, the Berardo Collection Museum is a showcase for one of Europe's most important private collections of modern art. Works from this treasure trove—which range from Picasso and Warhol to Portugal's own Paula Rego—are regularly rotated through the galleries, and there are also excellent visiting exhibitions. There are several bookstores, cafés, and gift shops in the complex, including a terrace café on the upper floor with lovely views.

The white, monolithic Monument of the Discoveries was erected in 1960 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Prince Henry the Navigator. It was built on what was the departure point for many voyages of discovery, including those of Vasco da Gama for India and—during Spain's occupation of Portugal—of the Spanish Armada for England in 1588. Henry is at the prow of the monument, facing the water; lined up behind him are the Portuguese explorers of Brazil and Asia, as well as other national heroes. On the ground adjacent to the monument, an inlaid map shows the extent of the explorations undertaken by the 15th- and 16th-century Portuguese sailors. Walk inside and take the elevator to the top for river views.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the openwork balconies and domed turrets of the fanciful Belém Tower make it perhaps the country's purest Manueline structure. It was built between 1514 and 1520 on what was an island in the middle of the river Tagus, to defend the port entrance, and dedicated to St. Vincent, the patron saint of Lisbon. Today the chalk-white tower stands near the north bank—evidence of the river's changing course. Cross the wooden gangway, walk inside to admire the cannons, and descend to the former dungeons, before climbing the steep, narrow, winding staircase to the top of the tower for a bird's-eye view across the Tagus River.

In a prime riverside location, this giant medical research and clinical facility designed by Pritzker Prize winner Charles Correa has become a pilgrimage site for architecture buffs. Darwin's Café restaurant is open to the public and has stunning river views, not least from its charming esplanade.

Portugal's oldest botanical garden—laid out in 1768 by the Italian botanist Domenico Vandelli (1735–1816)—is a relaxing place to spend an hour or so. Baroque fountains and stairways, Renaissance style terraced slopes, and meandering peacocks create a sense of splendor, and the aromatic "Scented Garden" adds to the sensory appeal.

Steps from Belém’s Manueline monastery, this tropical botanical garden offers shady respite from the heat and the crowds outside. Towering palm trees provide a grand entrance to a flower-filled space which was created in 1906 as the "Colonial Garden," housing some 600 species from Portugal’s tropical and subtropical former colonies. There are some grand colonial-style buildings, although most are closed to the public, and resident peacocks stroll amid the flowers and plants. Entrance is free on Sunday from 10 am to 1 pm.

One of Lisbon's oldest museums (it was founded in 1853), the Maritime Museum showcases the importance of the seafaring tradition in Portugal. With its thousands of maps and maritime codes, navigational equipment, model ships, uniforms, and weapons, the museum appeals to visitors young and old.

Designed by Brazilian Pritzker Prize winner Paulo Mendes da Rocha, the National Coach Museum has a dazzling collection of gloriously gilded horse-drawn carriages. The oldest on display was made for Philip II of Spain in the late 1500s. The most stunning are three conveyances created in Rome for King John V in 1716. The museum, one of the country's most popular, is right next door to the official residence of the president of the republic, whose Museu da Presidência tells the story of the presidency, profiles the officeholders, and displays gifts they have received on state visits.

Built in 1802 as a royal residence, the last regal occupant (Queen Maria) died here in 1911. Today, the ornate neoclassical building functions as a museum. Visitors can take a peek at how Portuguese monarchs lived, as well as admire 18th- and 19th-century paintings, furniture, and tapestries. It is also used for official ceremonies and functions by the Presidency of the Republic, and one wing houses the government's culture department. It's a 20-minute walk up Calçada da Ajuda from the Museu Nacional dos Coches.

The newly modernized Navy Planetarium is an immersive space presenting astronomical films with various themes several times per week. Headphones can be used to translate the presentations into English, and there are special sessions for kids. Check the website for a full schedule, as it's updated regularly.