The best way to learn about a place is from first-hand experience! This is my City Guide for Belém to help you plan your trip. Portugal is full of photo opportunities, overflowing with palaces, cathedrals, and ancient ruins.
What to See
Jerónimos Monastery
This enormous complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Padrão dos Descobrimentos
A short walk from the Monastery, through an outdoor market, is the waterfront filled with restaurants and cafes and towering above is the monument.
Tower of Belém
Walking along the waterfront you end at the Tower, a former palace and excellent place to get your feet wet.
The Great Lisbon Earthquake
On All Saint’s Day, November 1, 1755, in the morning, when many residents were attending mass, a catastrophic earthquake destroyed half of the buildings and killed a third of the population. It drastically changed Portugal’s role on the world stage because the struggle for survival consumed all resources. The age of exploration ended, giving the rest of Europe a head start in colonizing the new world.
Where to Eat
There are many cafes along the riverfront to enjoy a glass of wine and a meal.
Vinho Verde is a young wine made from green grapes. Don’t be surprised that it is not green. It is very tart, so I preferred an older wine from the Douro region.
Grilled whole sardines are also very popular. It’s not for me, but you should know about it and perhaps try one if you feel adventurous.
You will see pastel da nata everywhere in Portugal, but these folks are the OG, making this a must-stop place as you head to the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower. It’s like getting a beignet from Cafe du Monde. The monks have been making these pastries since 1837.
Pastel da nata pastries have a custard center and are served warm. There is always a huge line at the counter, so ask to be seated. The dining room is bright and large, covered in traditional blue tiles. Also, the service is super-quick, and it is much more pleasant than waiting in line.
I do not usually eat dessert, but in Portugal, I made a lot of exceptions.
Why You Should Eat Dessert First in Portugal
I’m not usually a dessert-eater, but in Portugal, I made a lot of exceptions. Learn where to find the top three most delicious pastries!
Getting Around
We used Ubers to get around but did take the train once because the station is very cool. We also took a tourist carriage from the Pastéis de Belém to the Jerónimos Monastery. For the day trips from Lisbon, we had a rental car.
In addition to the city guide for Belém – read more about my time in Portugal.
Portugal Travel Guide
Portugal is full of photo opportunities, over-flowing with palaces, cathedrals, and ancient ruins. Driving along the rocky coast brought us to the westernmost point in Europe, with waves that attract surfers from all over the world.
Photographs from Portugal
View my recent photographs from Portugal! Taking photographs is a huge part of my travel day. Sometimes I use my phone to document the experience, but I also have the professional gear to get images suitable for framing.
