Free tour

Belém - a free walking tour through the memories of an empire

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Lisbon

Duration: 2 hours

Languages:

Guru: Attila

Registered on 31 May 2023

There are lucky ones who were born and grew up in Portugal, and there are those who chose this amazing country later as their home. I still consider myself lucky to be the latter one. I'm sure there are a lot of things that I see differently from a deep-rooted local, just as there are certain things that I notice and appreciate so that I can tell you about cultural differences and show you those little things that local people could take for granted but are indeed a valuable part of their lives. I have been working as a tour guide and guidebook writer for more than 15 years. I have always had a passion to explore cities and landscapes and then show the most interesting parts of the world to others.

Free booking and cancellation

Pay-what-you-wish tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free

Tour description

Discover the beauty that influenced the whole world

Unique architecture, rich history, stunning riverside, and green parks await you in Belém. During the walk, we will visit the most important attractions of the neighborhood, which we can get to know in the context of history.

What to expect?

Outstanding attractions - UNESCO world heritage sites.
Grandiose monuments commemorating the greatness of Portugal.
The only original custard tart - born here in Belém.
Easy walk between sights - no hills here.
Small group guaranteed.

What we will see?

Jerónimos Monastery - the most beautiful Manueline-style building in the world.
Belém Tower - an eccentric fortress from the age of discoveries.
Monument of the Discoveries - created by a dictatorship in memory of the colonizers, yet everyone loves it.
Empire Square - as the dictatorship wanted to see itself.
CCB - one of the contemporary museums in the neighborhood.
Pillory of Távoras - conspiracy or political vendetta?
Industrial historical monuments - factories with new functions.
River bank and parks - they make Belém a pleasant place.

The most important questions:
- Where is the meeting point in Jardim Vasco da Gama?
The meeting place is on the edge of Vasco da Gama park, opposite McDonald's. (Between the restaurant and the playground.) Look for me in the grass green hat. The meeting point can be reached by tram 15E or bus 728. (Mosteiro Jerónimos stop)
- Can I visit the Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower inside?
We won't enter any of the sights during the tour, we look at them from the outside. However, I recommend that you visit them individually after the tour.
- Is it suitable for everybody?
Accessibility is not one of Portugal's strong points. During the tour, we have to go up and down some unavoidable stairs. Apart from that, we are walking on flat terrain.
- Are there any public toilets on the way?
There aren't any. Before or after the tour, it is possible to go to the restroom in a cafe or in one of the nearby public toilets (Inside CCB - the cleansest, in front of the Museum of Coaches in Jardim Afonso de Albuquerque or at the ferry station of Belém).
- Is it a circular tour?
Yes, we return to the starting point at the end of the tour.

Highlights

What will we see on this tour?

Meeting point:

Garden Vasco da Gama, R. Vieira Portuense, 1300 Lisboa, Portugal

On the edge of the Vasco da Gama Park, opposite the McDonald's restaurant. (Between the restaurant and the playground.) Look for me in the grass green hat. The meeting point can be reached by tram 15E or bus 728. (Mosteiro Jerónimos stop)

Outside visit

Jardim Vasco da Gama

Outside visit

Pelourinho dos Távoras

Outside visit

Pastéis de Belém

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours don't have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end the amount they consider appropriate (amounts usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).