Caravels, spices, visionary kings, and the world’s most famous pastel de nata: Belém, where Portugal set out to conquer the oceans. Book for €1.50 and decide at the end what it was worth.
Fun fact: Jerónimos Monastery was largely paid for with the “pepper tax”: 5% of the wealth arriving from Africa and the East.
Highlights
- The Age of Discoveries, told where it all began
- Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO-listed Manueline masterpiece
- The (closely guarded) secret of 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
It all began here. From this bank of the Tagus, the caravels set sail and redrew the map of the world. Your local guide will follow in their footsteps with you, exploring Afonso de Albuquerque’s ingenious strategy, Vasco da Gama’s spice route, the division of the world at Tordesillas, and Portuguese inventions like the caravel and astrolabe that set Europe sailing. You’ll get a close-up look at Jerónimos Monastery, a Manueline masterpiece filled with Christian and pagan symbols; discover the dark side of the Marquis of Pombal in Chão Salgado Lane; and hear everything there is to know (and what can’t be shared) about the secret recipe for pastéis de Belém. You’ll walk across the enormous Compass Rose in front of the Monument to the Discoveries and finish at Belém Tower, with the 25 de Abril Bridge in the background. How does it work? The €1.50 you pay when booking is just a booking fee: it reserves your spot in the group, but it doesn’t go to the guide. The tour itself is tip-based: at the end, you give your guide whatever you think they’ve earned. Most people leave €15–20 per person, but here the price is decided by your smile, not a price list.
Route
Duration: 2 h 40 min
- Meeting point
On foot
1Giardino Afonso de Albuquerque
Guided visit · 15 min
Meeting point: the Viceroy of India and his mare clausum strategy
On foot (3 min)
2Padiglione Thailandese
Guided visit · 10 min
From India to Thailand… and the Englishmen’s tea
On foot (3 min)
3Pastéis de Belém
Guided visit · 10 min
The story of the world’s most famous pastel de nata (tasting not included)
On foot (2 min)
4Beco do Chão Salgado
Guided visit · 10 min
The Marquis of Pombal and the Távora scandal
On foot (3 min)
5Monastero dos Jerónimos
Guided visit · 20 min
A Manueline masterpiece and UNESCO World Heritage Site
On foot (3 min)
6Praça do Império
Guided visit · 10 min
The Portuguese World Exhibition of 1940
On foot (5 min)
7Rosa dei Venti
Photo stop · 10 min
The 50-meter-diameter globe
On foot (2 min)
8Monumento alle Scoperte
Guided visit · 15 min
Vasco da Gama, Tordesillas, and the spice route
On foot (10 min)
9Lungofiume del Tago
Pass by · 10 min
Views of the 25 de Abril Bridge and Cristo Rei
On foot (5 min)
10Torre di Belém
Guided visit · 15 min
Final stop beside the symbol of Portugal’s seafarers
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
Italian
What's included
Local Italian-speaking guide
Almost 3-hour walking tour of Belém
Stories, fun facts, and tips from a true Lisboeta
Not included
Tip for the guide at the end of the tour (average €15–20 per person)
Monument admission (sights visited from the 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 “Free Tour” in yellow lettering
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early
- The tour runs rain or shine
- At the end, leave whatever tip you feel is fair, in cash
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation until the tour start time: your booking fee will be refunded. If your plans change, please cancel to free up your spot for another traveler.
Company's general termsShowHide
Tip-based free tour: the €1.50 paid at booking is a booking fee and does not include the guide’s tip. At the end of the tour, everyone gives the guide what they feel is fair, in cash and euros only (the average is €15–20 per person). Maximum 6 people per booking: we cannot accept groups of more than 6, even if they book separately. Is your group larger? For larger groups, we require advance payment of €12 per adult and €5 per child, or you can book a private tour. Monuments are viewed from the outside; admission is not included. Drinks, food, and transport are not included. Stops may vary depending on the guide, weather, or events in the city. Free cancellation until the tour 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 until the tour start time: your booking fee will be refunded. If your plans change, please cancel to free up your spot for another traveler.
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].
