The monastery and the tower of the Discoveries, then the shops and cafés of an old factory.
A morning in Belém, where the voyages of discovery set out: the Jerónimos monastery, the tower on the Tagus and, to finish, lunch and books in an old factory, LX Factory. Distances are short and entry fees are paid separately. For anyone who likes history told by the monuments themselves.
The day, stop by stop
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Mosteiro dos Jerónimos
The Jerónimos monastery was built in Belém to honour the voyages of discovery and is a World Heritage Site. The church holds the tomb of Vasco da Gama, and the two-storey cloister is one of the finest examples of the Manueline style, its stone carved like lace. Entry to the cloister is paid separately. A few steps away, try the custard tarts of Belém while still warm, with cinnamon and icing sugar, and expect a queue at the counter.
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Torre de Belém
Belém Tower, built in the early sixteenth century to guard the mouth of the Tagus, is a World Heritage Site, like the Jerónimos monastery nearby. The outside shows Manueline carving at its best: ropes, armillary spheres and even a stone rhinoceros. Inside, a narrow spiral staircase climbs to terraces above the river. Entry is paid separately. Arrive early, as the queue builds quickly, and wear sturdy shoes for the steps.
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LX Factory
LX Factory fills an old industrial complex in Alcântara, right beneath the 25 de Abril bridge. Its warehouses and workshops now house design shops, studios, cafés and restaurants, and many walls are covered in street art. It is worth stepping into Ler Devagar, a bookshop set in a former printing works, with books stacked up to the ceiling. Meals and shopping are paid separately. It is a good place for an unhurried lunch after Belém, and your driver waits at the gate.
The essentials
- Duration
- 4 h · Morning
- Pick-up
- At your hotel. The final price depends on where you are staying; we confirm it when you tell us.
- Included
- The car and the driver, only for your group, tolls and water.
- Not included
- Entrance tickets and meals.
- Who it is for
- History lovers.