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 how much it was worth.
Fun fact: The Jerónimos Monastery was largely paid for with the “pepper tax”—5% of the wealth arriving from Africa and the East.
Highlights
- The epic story of the Age of Discovery, told where it all began
- The Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO-listed Manueline masterpiece
- The (closely guarded) secret of pastéis de Belém
- The giant Compass Rose and the Padrão dos Descobrimentos
- A picture-perfect finish at Belém Tower, by the Tagus
Full description
It all began here. From this bank of the Tagus, the caravels set sail and changed the map of the world. Your local guide will follow in their footsteps with stories of Afonso de Albuquerque’s brilliant strategy, Vasco da Gama’s spice route, the division of the world at Tordesillas, and the Portuguese inventions—the caravel and the astrolabe—that set Europe sailing. You’ll see the Jerónimos Monastery up close, a Manueline masterpiece filled with Christian and pagan symbols; learn about the darker side of the Marquis of Pombal at Chão Salgado Alley; and discover everything that can (and can’t) be said about the secret recipe for pastéis de Belém. You’ll walk across the enormous Compass Rose in front of the Padrão dos Descobrimentos 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 pay-what-you-wish: 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 set by your smile, not a fixed fee.
Route
Duration: 2 h 40 min
- Meeting point
On foot
1Jardín Afonso de Albuquerque
Guided visit · 15 min
Meeting point: the Viceroy of India and his mare clausum strategy
On foot (3 min)
2Pabellón Tailandés
Guided visit · 10 min
From India to Thailand… and the English love of 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 scandal
On foot (3 min)
5Monasterio de los 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 de los Vientos
Photo stop · 10 min
The 50-meter-diameter world map
On foot (2 min)
8Monumento a los Descubrimientos
Guided visit · 15 min
Vasco da Gama, Tordesillas, and the spice route
On foot (10 min)
9Orilla del Tajo
Pass by · 10 min
Views of the 25 de Abril Bridge and Christ the King
On foot (5 min)
10Torre de Belém
Guided visit · 15 min
Finish beside the symbol of the 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
Spanish
What's included
Local Spanish-speaking guide
Almost 3-hour walking tour of Belém
Stories, fun facts, and recommendations from a local
Not included
Pay-what-you-wish contribution for the guide at the end of the tour (the average is €15–20 per person)
Monument admission (outside visits only)
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 before the start time
- 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, please 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 payment for the guide. At the end of the tour, each person gives the guide whatever 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. Are you a larger group? For large 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, 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 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].
