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 for yourself at the end what it was worth.
Fun fact: The Jerónimos Monastery was largely funded by the “pepper tax”: 5% of the riches arriving from Africa and the East.
Highlights
- The story of the Age of Discoveries, told where it all began
- The Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO-listed Manueline masterpiece
- The (closely guarded) secret of Pastéis de Belém
- The gigantic Compass Rose and the Monument to the Discoveries
- Finish with a photo at Belém Tower, on the banks of the Tagus
Full description
This is where it all began. From these banks of the Tagus, the caravels that redrew the map of the world set sail, and your local guide will take you in their wake: Afonso de Albuquerque’s brilliant strategy, Vasco da Gama’s spice route, the division of the planet at Tordesillas, and Portuguese inventions like the caravel and the astrolabe that sent Europe out to sea. You’ll get a close-up look at the Jerónimos Monastery, a Manueline masterpiece filled with Christian and pagan symbols; the dark side of the Marquis of Pombal in Chão Salgado Lane; and everything that can (and can’t) be said about the secret recipe for Pastéis de Belém. You’ll walk across the immense 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 secures your place in the group but doesn’t go to the guide. The tour itself is pay-what-you-wish: at the end, you give your guide whatever you think they deserve. Most people leave €15–20 per person, but here, your smile sets the price—not a fixed fee.
Route
Duration: 2 h 40 min
- Meeting point
On foot
1Jardin Afonso de Albuquerque
Guided visit · 15 min
Meeting point: the Viceroy of India and his mare clausum strategy
On foot (3 min)
2Pavillon thaïlandais
Guided visit · 10 min
From India to Thailand… and the English tea trade
On foot (3 min)
3Pastéis de Belém
Guided visit · 10 min
The story of the 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 affair
On foot (3 min)
5Monastère des Hiéronymites
Guided visit · 20 min
A UNESCO-listed Manueline masterpiece
On foot (3 min)
6Praça do Império
Guided visit · 10 min
The 1940 Portuguese World Exhibition
On foot (5 min)
7Rose des vents
Photo stop · 10 min
The 50-meter-diameter world map
On foot (2 min)
8Monument aux Découvertes
Guided visit · 15 min
Vasco da Gama, Tordesillas, and the spice route
On foot (10 min)
9Rives du Tage
Pass by · 10 min
Views of the 25 de Abril Bridge and Cristo Rei
On foot (5 min)
10Tour de Belém
Guided visit · 15 min
Finish near the symbol of the navigators
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
French
What's included
Local French-speaking guide
Almost 3-hour walking tour of Belém
Stories, anecdotes, and insider tips from a true Lisboan
Not included
Pay-what-you-wish tip for the guide at the end (average €15–20 per person)
Monument admission (monuments are viewed from the outside)
Food, drinks, and transportation
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 they book separately
Good to know
- Look for the blue umbrella with yellow “Free Tour” lettering
- Arrive 10–15 minutes early
- The tour runs rain or shine
- At the end, leave whatever tip you think is fair, in cash
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to the tour start time: your booking fee will be refunded. If your plans change, cancel to free up your spot for another traveler.
Company's general termsShowHide
Pay-what-you-wish free tour: the €1.50 paid at booking is a booking fee and does not include the guide’s fee. At the end of the tour, everyone gives the guide what they think is fair, in cash and euros only (the average is €15–20 per person). Maximum 6 people per booking: we do not accept groups of more than 6, even if they book separately. Larger group? For larger groups, we require prepayment 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 transportation are not included. Stops may vary depending on the guide, 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 tour start time: your booking fee will be refunded. If your plans change, 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].
