Lisbon
The Belem District is an important landmark from Portugal's Golden Age. The country's conquest of the lands in the Far East propelled Portugal to expand its empire during the reign of King Manuel I. The Belem Tower, the Monument to the Discoveries, and the Geronimo Monastery are grand monuments that showcase Portugal's naval prowess.
Directions
There are several ways to reach the Belem District, but we recommend the route suggested by Rick Steves. According to the map, the journey begins with a metro ride from Restauradores to Praca do Commercio. Once you arrive at Praca do Commercio, take trolley #15E. Along this route, you'll come across some fascinating attractions that you might want to explore on your return trip. These include the National Coach Museum and Mercado de Ribeiro (Time Out Market Lisboa). While you're in Belem District, make sure to try the famous Pastel de Belem at Casa Pasteis de Belem - it's the perfect pick-me-up to help you explore the area's rich royal heritage.
The Belem Tower, Monument to Discoveries, and Jeronimo Monastery are all situated in the Belem District. To avoid long queues, it's recommended to arrive early, preferably around 9 in the morning or in the afternoon. You can purchase tickets and find information about the monument online. Here are the respective websites for each attraction: Monument to the Discoveries - padraodosdescobrimentos.pt, Belem Tower - www.Torrebelem.pt, and Jeronimos Monastery - www.mosteirojeronimos.pt.