Belém: Age of Discovery & Lisbon’s Maritime Glory Walking Tour

On this walk, we explore how ambition, navigation, and global exchange shaped both Portugal and the wider world. Along the Tagus River, you’ll encounter monuments, architecture, and stories that reflect this remarkable era.

Starting near the Museu dos Coches, we pass through Belém’s grand gardens before visiting highlights such as the Jerónimos Monastery, the Monument to the Discoveries, and the Belém Tower — ending where ships once departed into the unknown. Along the way, we’ll also stop at the famous Pastéis de Belém.

Highlights Museu dos Coches — world-renowned collection of royal carriages Empire Square Garden — grand landscaped space in the heart of Belém Thai Pavilion — symbol of Portugal’s historic global connections Jardim Vasco da Gama — peaceful garden dedicated to explorers Pastéis de Belém — home of Lisbon’s famous custard tarts Church of Santa Maria de Belém — resting place of Vasco da Gama Jerónimos Monastery — masterpiece of Manueline architecture Monument to the Discoveries — tribute to Portugal’s explorers Belém Tower — historic fortress guarding the river