Located on the north bank of the Tagus River, Belém was originally a fishing village that has grown into a bustling district full of cultural attractions, historical sites, and excellent restaurants.
The area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, and it was an important port during Roman rule. During the Age of Discovery, Portuguese explorers set sail from Belém to explore Africa, Asia, and South America. This history can still be seen today through its many monuments, including Jerónimos Monastery—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and Torre de Belém (Belém Tower), both built in honor of Vasco da Gama’s voyage around the world.
For those looking for something more modern than historic sights, there are plenty of cafés and restaurants offering traditional Portuguese cuisine as well as international dishes like sushi or Italian pizza. The area also boasts some great shopping opportunities, with boutiques selling everything from designer clothes to local handicrafts.
If you’re looking for something truly unique, then look no further than Pastel de Nata – an egg tart pastry made with custard cream that originated in Belém over 200 years ago at a monastery bakery called Antiga Confeitaria de Belém (Old Bakery). Today they are served all over Lisbon, but visitors should definitely try them while visiting this part of town.
