Beautiful, culturally resplendent and immensely significant in Portuguese history, Belém is one of the jewels in Lisbon’s crown. In terms of places to visit and sights to see, this elegant area of the city probably holds the record.

In 1907 it was declared a National Monument and in 1984 it was classified “Cultural Heritage of all Humanity”. UNESCO says: "Standing at the entrance to Lisbon harbour, the Monastery of the Hieronymites - construction of which began in 1502 - exemplifies Portuguese art at its best."

The Monument to the Discoveries was inaugurated in 1960 during celebrations of the 500 year anniversary of the death of the Infant D. Henrique (Henry the Navigator). It is visited by millions of people each year.

It is a monument to Portugal’s Age of Discovery, often serving as a symbol of the country, and UNESCO has listed it as a World Heritage monument.

This amazing museum, housed in the Royal Riding Arena of Belém Palace, has one of the world’s best collections of royal, aristocratic and ecclesiastical coaches from the 17th to 19th centuries. The National Coach Museum is located nearby the Tagus River in the pleasant neighbourhood of Belém, precisely in the Praça Afonso de Albuquerque, in the western part of Lisbon. A former Riding Arena belonging to the Palace of Belém, this building was transformed into a museum in 1904 and enlarged with a new side hall in 1940.

This pastelaria located in Belem is the most famous bakery in Portugal and dates back to 1837. Inside number 84 of the Rua de Belém, in a factory founded in 1837, you can see azulejo panels from the XVIIIth century, almost as famous as the sweet pastries sold there.

The Maritime Museum is a museum located in the west wing of the Hieronymite Monastery. You can see here: different kinds of boats, royal barges, charts, maritime instruments and historical seaplane.

Belém Cultural Center offers four exhibition areas. It has since become the host of numerous international exhibitions (from photography to mixed-media installations), cultural events and congresses, and is also an arts complex with the city’s largest auditorium.

The Planetarium is located in Belém, right beside the Jerónimos Monastery and near the Cultural Centre of Belém and the Pastéis de Belém.