Belém Tower

I visited the tower in the afternoon on 24 February 2026. It was still under renovation during the time of visit and hence it was not open to tourists. Nevertheless, there were still a lot of tourists going to the tower to take some photos. There was also some live performances which allowed people to enjoy some music.

The top place / building someone must see while visiting Lisbon. It's an old tower by the river Tagos. We visit it at the end of February 2026 and was closed cause of reconstruction. So we just had a look around. Still was amazing. Worth to take the tram from the center of the city till there.

We did not get the chance to visit the tower due to renovations taking place.
The tower is placed along the water edge and there are plenty of pictureques spots to take photos.
You will get a lot of persistent women selling necklaces and bracelet. The items are well made but be sure to negotiate as the prices will be double to what you get in the centre of lisbon due to the tower being a tourist spot.
There is a refreshment shop nearby and toilets.
Neardy there is a small dock are for small boats / yatchs.
Pastel de Belem pastry shop, Monumento the Discoveries (Padrao dos Descobrimentos), Jardime da Praca do Imperio (picturesque gardens) and the Jeronimos Monastery as shown in the photos posted are walking 15 - 20 mins walking distance.
This was a about 10 to 15min uber drive from our hotel HF Fenix Lisboa.

Belém Tower (Torre de Belém) is one of Lisbon’s most iconic and historically rich landmarks, and visiting it feels like stepping back into Portugal’s Age of Discoveries. Located on the banks of the Tagus River, the tower is a stunning example of Manueline architecture, with intricate stone carvings, maritime symbols, and beautiful details that reflect Portugal’s seafaring past. Originally built as a defensive fortress and ceremonial gateway to the city, it played an important role in protecting Lisbon’s harbor. Walking around the tower offers fantastic views of the river and surrounding area, making it a great spot for photography, especially during sunrise or sunset. The interior is also worth exploring to understand its historical purpose and design, though it can get crowded during peak hours. The atmosphere around Belém Tower is lively yet relaxing, with nearby gardens and walking paths. It is a must-see attraction that perfectly combines history, architecture, and scenic beauty.

We were in Lisbon for 6 days on a long tour cruise on NCL. The weather was not perfect every day but good enough for us to out everyday. We took a tour to the Belém area mainly to see Belém Tower. It is a beautiful structure right on the waterfront pointing out. Unfortunately, the main tower is under renovation and has scaffolds all over it. However you can still see the basic structure.
Very busy area so hard to get good pics without strangers in your pic. On a different day, took a boat ride and it passed by the tower so we saw it from the river side.
Well worth going here as the Jeronimos Monastery is a short walk away.
Both are mandatory to see in Lisbon.