The best things to do in Belem with kids

Whenever I visit Lisbon, I set aside some time to visit one of my favourite parts of the city – because with so many things to do in Belem with kids, it’s perfect as part of a family holiday.

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Around half an hour from our Lisbon apartment near Praca do Comercio, it’s home to some of the city’s loveliest – and quirkiest – sights, not to mention the shop selling the original Pasteis de Belem.

And while we didn’t have the glorious sunshine of some of my previous times exploring this riverfront area, there’s so much to fill a day in Belem with kids that even the clouds couldn’t spoil our fun.

The area can feel noticeably more touristy than other parts of the capital, even out of peak season, so it’s well worth arriving early and allowing plenty of time for the most popular places, as well as booking tickets in advance where possible.

For ideas of more things to do in Lisbon with kids, check out my top picks

Mosteiro dos Jeronimos (Jeronimos Monastery)

You can’t miss at least a brief visit to this beautiful monastery – and if you think it won’t appeal to younger visitors, the intricate carvings and fascinating details will keep everyone entertained.

A Unesco World Heritage site, it’s one of the few remaining buildings created in the decorative 16th century Manueline style – most being destroyed in the devastating earthquake of 1755.

Look out for lions in fountains, mythical beasts, plants and details inspired by the area’s maritime history as you wander through the cloisters: the explorers from Portugal’s Age of Discovery would spend the night before their departure praying here.

Along the way, you can look inside the old refectory, with its colourful blue and yellow tiles on the walls under the stone vaulted ceiling, as well as looking from the upper choir into the church of Santa Maria de Belem.

Entry is free if you have a Lisboa card, Lisbon’s city pass, or you can buy tickets to skip the line. Well worth doing at peak times in particular as queues can be long.

Do make sure you get into the correct line on the left hand side, as there’s also usually a separate queue for the Santa Maria de Belem church to the right, which is free to enter.

Igreja Santa Maria de Belem

Easy to combine with the Mosteiro dos Jeronimos – the church entrance is next door to the monastery – it’s worth a quick look inside to see carvings inspired by Belem’s maritime links.

The church is also home to the tomb of Vasco da Gama, one of Portugal’s most famous seafarers. Originally buried in Fort Kochi in Kerala, his body was returned here in the 16th century.

Portuguese poet Luis de Camoes is also buried here, along with Manuel I, who founded the monastery.

Free to enter (unlike the monastery itself), the queues can get very long so it’s worth starting here for a brief look inside.

Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos)

There’s something about the wonderful Padrão dos Descobrimentos which makes me want to set sail and explore uncharted waters ever time I look at it.

The 52m tall white structure is designed to look like a ship in full sail, pointing towards the River Tagus and pays tribute to 33 of Portugal’s most important explorers – click here to find out more about each one.

At the forefront is Prince Henry the Navigator, with other key figures from the Age of Discovery along each side.

Keep an eye out for the only woman among them, Philippa of Lancaster, mother of Henry the Navigator and grand-daughter of Edward III of England, as well as the huge sword at the back as you approach.

You can head inside, where there’s a small exhibition, as well as going up to the viewpoint at the top looking out to the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge, and down to the compass rose on the pavement. The map at its heart shows the routes the explorers took around the world.

Tickets are available to buy online, children under 12 visit free and there’s a discount if you have a  Lisboa card.

To reach monument on the waterfront from Belem’s other attractions, you need to head down into the underpass to avoid the busy road and railway line that separates it from the gardens and monastery – as you stand on Praca do Imperio, there’s an entrance directly in line with the monument

Belem’s gardens

Between the monastery and the waterfront area, bookended by the Cultural Centre and Coach museum, lie a string of gardens.

The Jardim da Praca Imperio has reopened after work on the grounds and the shady paths are a gorgeous place to take a break – maybe with a picnic of handful of pasteis de nata – with the sound of fountains in the background.

Created for the Portuguese World Exhibition in 1940, you can find 32 coats of arms representing the former provinces of the Portuguese Empire – as well as two ‘hippocamp’ seahorses rising from the water.

The green space also stretches along through the Vasco da Gama garden with its pretty Thai pavilion and further along to the Jardim Afonso de Albuquerque as well.

Or head up to the small Jardim Botanico Tropical – along with the tropical plants and trees, including some from the Azores, you can usually spot a peacock or two. It’s open daily except for Mondays, with free entry from 10am-1pm on Sundays (children under 10 go free at all times)

Belem Tower (Torre de Belem)

Designed to defend the coast, the Torre de Belem has always reminded me of a rather intricate giant chess piece – and it’s easily one of the most popular landmarks to visit in Belem with kids.

Closed for month for a major restoration project, it has now reopened with a new entry system which allows a maximum of 60 guests every 30 minutes, and a maximum of 900 visitors per day using timed ticked slots.

Always popular, the higher numbers of peak season combined with narrow stairways had meant you could find yourself queueing so this should make a visit much easier – as long as you do plan ahead.

If not, check whether tickets are available at the kiosk not far away, but there was a sizeable line there, so keep an eye on sites like Tiqets – we bought ours online and and had them scanned from the phone straight away. Children under 13 are free and it’s also included in the Lisboa Card, although you still need to book a time slot.

Don’t rush inside too quickly, with plenty of intricate carvings to spot on the outside as you cross the wooden walkway to the tower – peer closely and there’s the remains of a carved stone rhino on the corner, although it’s so weathered you’ll need to use your imagination to make it rhino-shaped.

Inside, there are cannon on the ground floor before climbing steadily upwards through the old rooms – some with huge fire places big enough for an adult to stand inside, others with narrow little passageways off the main rooms.

Through the windows, you can spot the river Tagus, including through a balcony, as well as exiting onto the open-air section jutting out over the water. The very top level was closed when we visited, but you can usually find amazing views from there.

There’s a lovely stretch of riverside linking the tower and the monument – as well as more gardens around the tower itself – with restaurants and food carts dotted along, so it’s well worth a wander.

Museum of Contemporary Art

When planning our trip, my daughter had asked to put the Museum of Contemporary Art and Architecture (formerly the Museu Berardo Coleção) on the list, with its modern and contemporary art exhibitions.

I was a bit surprised (and impressed) to be honest, but with some major names like Picasso and Mondrian to Warhol and Lichtenstein in the Berardo collection, I was happy to check it out.

Admittedly they’re more minor works from the big name artists, but it’s an interesting stroll through 20th century art with some very thought-provoking pieces as we moved into the most recent galleries.

The peaceful sculpture-filled gardens at the end were a lovely way to finish, and it’s a great option for older kids – while there are video installations, there’s less interactive fun for younger ones.

The museum also has a discount with the  Lisboa card – and children are either free or get discounted entry too.

Maritime Museum (Museu de Marinha)

If you’re following the maritime theme of Belem, it’s also home to the Museu de Marinha or Maritime Museum.

Set within the west wing of the Jeronimos Monastery, you need a separate ticket to get in (with a discount for  Lisboa card holders), bringing together over 2,500 items on display, from a collection of around 18,000 pieces.

Founded in the 19th century, the exhibits trace Portugal’s seafaring history from the Age of Discoveries to the present day, including 16th century pieces belonging to Vasco da Gama and model ships galore.

There are also displays on more recent naval advances, including the crossing of the South Atlantic, fishing and some of Portugal’s traditional boats, including brightly coloured moliceiro boats found in Aveiro and Porto’s rabelo boats, used to transport wine and port.

Marine Planetarium

Take a voyage of your own into the heavens, with a visit to Lisbon’s Planetarium – the Marine Planetarium (or Planetario de Marinha) – also located in Belem, by the Maritime Museum.

With 32 separate projectors, the planetarium can display more than 9,000 stars onto its dome during shows taking you through the universe.

There are performances in English and it’s ideal if you’re visiting Lisbon with children aged four or older (younger kids are not allowed). Another great option for a rainy day in Lisbon too, and there’s a discount for Lisboa Card holders.

The original Pasteis de Nata

You can’t go to Belem without visiting the original shop selling pasteis de nata, made to the recipe of the medieval monks at the Jeronimos Monastery nearby.

Created originally to use up the leftover egg yolks – the whites were taken to starch nuns’ habits – you’ll find these delicious custard tarts on sale across Lisbon.

And while I’ve rarely met one I don’t like, Pasteis de Belem is a little taste of tradition with sachets of cinnamon and icing sugar thrown in, and super-flaky pastry.

You can sit down to enjoy your treat, although there are limited tables inside so it’s usually easier to buy some to take away – they come in boxes of 6 and 12, or you can buy them individually as well. There’s often a queue but it moves very quickly.

National Museum of Archaeology (Museu Nacional de Arqueologia)

Another museum near the Jeronimos Monastery – you could easily spend all day working your way slowly along this stretch of buildings alone – the National Archaeology Museum is home to Portugal’s most important archaeological collection. Temporarily closed

As well as sections on Ancient Egypt, with various mummies, and the Islamic Hall, you can spot pieces for countless Portuguese archaelogical sites, from earthenware pots to golden treasures.

There’s currently work ongoing to remodel the museum, due to reopen this year, so you may find some areas closed. Entry is free with the Lisboa card.

Belem Palace

Keep an eye out and you’ll spot Belem Palace as you arrive, its pink exterior peeking over the walls surrounding it.

Now the official residence of the President of Portugal, the country’s head of state, it once belonged to the Portuguese royal family.

Beyond the guard boxes, there are actually five buildings and some lovely gardens, and it’s home to the Presidency Museum, covering the history of the Portuguese Republic.

There are also guided tours of the Palace on Saturdays (children under 14 go free), with the chance to peek inside some of the ornate rooms as well as the gardens hidden behind the walls – the only way you can visit is on one of the group tours and advance booking is recommended.

National Coach Museum (Museu Nacional dos Coches)

If your kids are fascinated by royalty, they’ll love the National Coach Museum in Belem. Housed in an old riding school, it’s home to a collection of horse-drawn carriages dating back to the 17th century.

As well as ornate carriages belonging to the Portuguese royal family, there are several once owned by Phillip II of Spain and three more made in Rome in 1715, used by Pope Clement XI.

Some are straight out of a Disney fairytale, but you can also spot different designs including sedan chairs, plus some royal regalia, decorative saddle cloths and harnesses, and artwork.

Children under 12 go free, and entry is also included in the Lisboa card.

Hippotrip amphibious tour

This quirky tour isn’t set entirely in Belem – you start at the Alcantara Docks, part-way between Belem and the Praca do Comercio, but the last half hour is spent cruising up and down the River Tagus along the Belem waterfront.

If you’ve already visited Belem with kids (or are planning to head there later in your trip), it’s a really fun way to see the sights from another perspective as you sail past the Monument to the Discoveries and then out beyond the Torre de Belem.

Half the fun is splashing down into the water in the amphibious vehicle of course – the land-based tour of Lisbon itself is an added bonus.

Check out my Hippotrip review or buy your ticket in advance here.

Tram museum (Museu da Carris)

The Museu da Carris, or tram museum, is another attraction that’s not in Belem itself but is easy to combine with a day in Belem with kids.

On any visit to Lisbon with kids, you’ll quickly discover some of the city’s quirky transport – funiculars and lifts, plus the cable car, along with trams, trains and buses.

And the museum takes a look at some of the public transport across the years, from horse-drawn trolleys onwards, as well as vintage trams galore.

It’s fun even just to wander round, especially with younger kids, but you can also sign up for guided tours including a game.

Some bus routes to Belem will take you right past the door, as well as the 15E tram route passing nearby. It’s free for kids under six and there’s a discount for Lisboa card.holders.

How to get to Belem with kids

One of the most popular ways to get from central Lisbon to Belem is by the tram 15 route – you’ll still find the rickety classic little yellow trams running at times.

As there’s usually a crowd of people trying to get to Belem (even out of season in February when we last visited), and as the old-fashioned trams are pretty compact, you can expect to be squashed right in if so! At times, the bigger new trams also run (also route 15).

There are buses following a similar route, including the 714 from Praca do Comercio to Belem. For both this bus route and the tram, get off at Mosteiro dos Jeronimos to be close to the main Belem attractions.

You can also take the train from Cais do Sodre to Belem. Public transport is included in the Lisboa Card (available from Get Your Guide and Tiqets) you can tap with contactless payment, or you can buy a Navegante card (previously known as Viva Viagem) and preload the fare.

Where to stay in Belem with kids

During our trip to Lisbon, we stayed at a self-catering apartment in Lisbon booked via Plum Guide – it’s easy to visit from the city centre, but if you’re looking to spend longer in Belem with kids, the company has self-catering accommodation here too.

Click here to check out the range of places to stay in Belem with kids, including one apartment a stone’s throw from Belem station.

Or if you’re looking for hotels, there are some great family-friendly places to stay in Belem – check out this selection from booking.com

Check out my complete guide to Portugal with kids here as well as more of the best things to do in Lisbon with kids

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission

Main image, Vasco da Gama tomb, blue sky Monument to the Discoveries, Belem Gardens, blue sky Belem Tower, Planetarium, Maritime Museum, Belem Palace, tram museum courtesy of Depositphotos, all others copyright MummyTravels

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