Caravels, spices, visionary kings and the world's most famous custard tart: Belém, where Portugal set out to conquer the oceans. Book for €1.50 and decide at the end what it was worth.
Fun fact: The Jerónimos Monastery was largely paid for by the "pepper tax": 5% of the riches arriving from Africa and the East.
Highlights
- The epic Age of Discovery, told where it all began
- Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO-listed Manueline jewel
- The (well-kept) secret of the pastéis de Belém
- The giant Compass Rose and the Monument to the Discoveries
- A picture-perfect finale at Belém Tower on the Tagus
Full description
This is where it all began. From this bank of the Tagus, the caravels set sail that redrew the map of the world, and your local guide takes you in their wake: Afonso de Albuquerque's brilliant strategy, Vasco da Gama's spice route, the carving-up of the planet at Tordesillas and the Portuguese inventions, like the caravel and the mariner's astrolabe, that sent Europe out to sea. You'll get up close to the Jerónimos Monastery, a Manueline jewel full of Christian and pagan symbols, discover the dark side of the Marquis of Pombal in the Chão Salgado alley and hear everything that can be told (and what can't) about the secret recipe of the pastéis de Belém. You'll stand on the giant Compass Rose facing the Monument to the Discoveries and finish at Belém Tower, with the 25 de Abril Bridge as your backdrop. How does it work? The €1.50 you pay when booking is just a booking fee: it saves your spot in the group, but it doesn't go to the guide. The tour itself is pay-what-you-want: at the end, you give your guide whatever you feel they've earned. Most people leave €15–20 per person, but here your smile sets the price, not a rate card.
Route
Duration: 2 h 40 min
- Meeting point
On foot
1Afonso de Albuquerque Garden
Guided visit · 15 min
Meeting point: the Viceroy of India and his mare clausum strategy
On foot (3 min)
2Thai Pavilion
Guided visit · 10 min
From India to Thailand… and how the English got their tea
On foot (3 min)
3Pastéis de Belém
Guided visit · 10 min
The story of the world's most famous custard tart (tasting not included)
On foot (2 min)
4Beco do Chão Salgado
Guided visit · 10 min
The Marquis of Pombal and the Távora affair
On foot (3 min)
5Jerónimos Monastery
Guided visit · 20 min
Manueline masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site
On foot (3 min)
6Praça do Império
Guided visit · 10 min
The 1940 Portuguese World Exhibition
On foot (5 min)
7Compass Rose
Photo stop · 10 min
The 50-metre map of the world
On foot (2 min)
8Monument to the Discoveries
Guided visit · 15 min
Vasco da Gama, Tordesillas and the spice route
On foot (10 min)
9Tagus Riverside
Pass by · 10 min
Views of the 25 de Abril Bridge and Cristo Rei
On foot (5 min)
10Belém Tower
Guided visit · 15 min
Finale by the symbol of Portugal's explorers
For reference only: the route and times may change on the day.
Duration: 2 h 40 min
Shared group
Up to 6 people
Guide / driver speaks
English
What's included
Local guide in English
Walking tour of almost 3 hours through Belém
Stories, curiosities and insider tips from a local
Not included
The pay-what-you-want contribution to the guide, at the end (average €15–20 per person)
Entrance fees (monuments seen from outside)
Food, drinks and transport
Meeting point
Lisboa, Portugal
The exact meeting point is provided in the booking confirmation.
Important information
Not suitable for
- Wheelchair users
What to bring
- Comfortable shoes
- Water and sun protection
- Cash for the tip
Not allowed
- Groups of more than 6 people, even if booked separately
Good to know
- Look for the blue umbrella with yellow "Free Tour" letters
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early
- The tour runs rain or shine
- At the end, tip what you think is fair, in cash
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to the start time of the tour: your booking fee is refunded. If your plans change, please cancel so another traveller can take your spot.
Company's general termsShowHide
Pay-what-you-want free tour: the €1.50 paid when booking is a booking fee and does not include payment for the guide. At the end, each person gives the guide what they feel is fair, cash only, in euros (the average is €15–20 per person). Maximum 6 people per booking: we do not accept groups of more than 6 people, even if they book separately. More of you? For larger groups we ask for a prepayment of €12 per adult and €5 per child, or you can book a private tour. Monuments are visited from the outside: entrance fees not included. Drinks, food and transport not included. Stops may vary depending on the guide, the weather or events in the city. Free cancellation up to the start time.
Questions and answers
Where is the pick-up?
At the hotel, rental or address you give when booking. The company confirms the exact spot and time.
Can I bring children?
Yes. Count children in the number of people. For child seats or other needs, write to the company through the booking messages.
Can we stop wherever we like?
On a private service the vehicle is just for your group: agree stops with the driver, within the service's duration.
Can I cancel?
Free cancellation up to the start time of the tour: your booking fee is refunded. If your plans change, please cancel so another traveller can take your spot.
How do I pay?
Online, by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. You get the confirmation by e-mail straight away.
What if I have more questions?
After booking, talk to the company through the booking messages. Before that, write to us at [email protected].
