Visiting Belém Tower with My Family - Our visit to Belém Tower in Lisbon was a highlight of our family trip to Portugal—a blend of history, architecture, and stunning views that everyone, from the kids to the adults, thoroughly enjoyed. Situated right on the edge of the Tagus River, the tower is striking from the outside. Its ornate Manueline style, with carved stonework, maritime motifs, and turrets, instantly caught our attention. As we approached along the wooden walkway, it felt almost like we were walking into a fairytale fortress floating above the water. Inside, the experience got even better. Climbing the narrow spiral staircases was an adventure in itself—especially fun for the kids, who loved the feeling of exploring an ancient fort. Each level revealed something new: cannon rooms, small chambers, and lookout points that gave us a glimpse into how the tower once defended Lisbon’s harbor. The climb to the top rewarded us with panoramic views of the river, the 25 de Abril Bridge, and the surrounding Belém district. It was a perfect photo spot, and we paused there to soak in the breeze and the scenery. We appreciated that the visit was manageable in length—about an hour to 90 minutes total—making it ideal for families. The kids stayed engaged without getting bored, and the historical plaques (available in several languages) helped us understand the tower’s role during the Age of Discoveries. Learning that this elegant structure was once a military outpost and prison gave our visit a deeper sense of history. After touring the tower, we took a relaxing stroll along the river promenade and grabbed pastries from a nearby café—yes, including the famous pastéis de nata from Pastéis de Belém, just a short walk away. That combination made for a perfect family afternoon. Final thoughts: Belém Tower is a must-visit when in Lisbon. It’s visually stunning, historically rich, and fun to explore, especially for families with curious kids. The mix of history, architecture, and beautiful surroundings makes it an unforgettable stop on any Lisbon itinerary.

best time - Exploring Belém Tower in Lisbon was a journey into Portugal’s maritime history and architectural splendor. The tower’s position at the mouth of the Tagus River served as a symbol of exploration and trade during the Age of Discoveries. The intricate Manueline-style architecture, adorned with maritime motifs, was awe-inspiring. Climbing to the top of the tower provided panoramic views of the river and the surrounding area. The historical significance of the tower and its role in Portugal’s seafaring past were beautifully preserved. The guided tours offered valuable insights into the stories behind the tower’s construction and its place in history. Belém Tower is a must-visit for history enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone looking to immerse themselves in Lisbon’s rich maritime heritage.

A must see while in Belem Portugal. - The tower is located across from the monastery. There in an underground walking path to take you there. Lines accumulate early for these popular attractions so the earlier, the better.

a must visit spot in Lisbon - Torre de Belem is a must visit spot in Lisbon. It’s a stunning and iconic landmark located in Lisbon, Portugal. This tower is an excellent example of the country's rich history and architectural heritage, and it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the city. Built in the 16th century, the Torre de Belem served as a fortress to protect the city from invading forces. The tower's unique design, with its intricate stone carvings and ornate decorations, makes it stand out as a beautiful and impressive structure. Visitors to the tower can explore its many levels, which include a chapel, a watchtower, and various chambers used for storage and living quarters. The tower's rooftop provides a spectacular view of the surrounding area, making it a great spot for photos and sightseeing. Aside from its historical and architectural significance, Torre de Belem is also a symbol of Portugal's Age of Discovery, and it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors to the tower can learn about the country's explorers and navigators who played a significant role in shaping world history. To get to Torre de Belem from Baixa city area in Lisbon, there are several transportation options available. The easiest and most popular way is to take the tram or bus. Tram: You can take the number 15 tram from the Praça da Figueira, which is a square located in the Baixa district of Lisbon. The tram will take you directly to the Torre de Belem, and the journey takes approximately 30 minutes. Bus: Another option is to take the bus number 728 from Praça da Figueira. The bus route passes through various tourist attractions in Lisbon, including Jeronimos Monastery, Belem Cultural Center, and Torre de Belem. Alternatively, you can also take a taxi or an Uber from Baixa city area to Torre de Belem. The journey takes around 20 minutes, depending on traffic. I prefer to take Uber as the fares are extremely cheap.

Interesting - Built between 1514 and 1520 on than an island in the Tagus river to defend the port. You can go inside the tower and take steep, narrow, and winding steps to the top for a great view of the river.

You better spent more time in Sintra. Two castles to see and wonder around. - It was not so bad except the fact that we have to wait a hour even after we got Lisbon pass that supposed to speed up the entrance at Balem tower and Jeronimo monastery.

Too much queuing - Tower was very interesting but there were queues at every stage. Even inside, you could not walk freely up and down, you had to go to first floor then wait until told to go to the next floor. This was because people were also queing to come down.

Interesting Building, Disappointing Experience. - Great views of the surrounding area, interesting history, and architecture. However, it seems you spend more time queuing then visiting the various rooms. Tip: Get your ticket in the ticket kiosk park on your way to the tower before standing in the queue at the entrance as there is no ticket sold at the entrance gate. Allocate at least 1 hr 30 mins to explore the tower as there is a queuing process that occurs starting from when you enter the tower and then also between each floor. Don't expect to see some old relics or artifacts inside the tower as it is empty. I would recommend that the Tower play some recordings in each room that talks about the space you are in as you wait on each floor.

Not worth the money or time. - We pre-booked a ticket for the tower but still had to queue. We walked up to three different levels and each time had to stand around and wait for ages for people to come down the stairs in an empty room to then move up again. No boards with history/information to keep you interested. On the first level there was a balcony although there were so many people it was horrible. There was no access to the roof so when we got to the third level (empty room) we just had to wait to then go back down again. Possibly the worst attraction we have visited. Just appreciate it from the outside!!

A total waste of time - There is nothing beautiful to be seen inside apart from the terrace at the first floor. Then you will wait 15 to go up each floor and visit empty rooms. Then 15 more mins to go down. Definitely not worth the price of the ticket (6€ in feb 2023)