Belém is where Lisbon tells the story of the Age of Discoveries — and it’s a little too far to walk from the old town. The tram 15E is the classic option, but it’s crowded and leaves you with a lot of walking between monuments. A tuk tuk takes you along the Tagus, drops you at each monument and waits while you queue for the city’s most famous custard tart.
The Belém route by tuk tuk
- Praça do Comércio → Cais do Sodré: the riverside drive starts at Lisbon’s great square.
- 25 de Abril Bridge & LX Factory: views of the red suspension bridge and the Cristo Rei statue across the river.
- MAAT: the wave-shaped museum of art, architecture and technology on the waterfront.
- Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos): the 52-metre caravel-shaped monument with the giant compass rose at its foot.
- Belém Tower: the 16th-century fortress on the river, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Jerónimos Monastery: the masterpiece of Manueline architecture, also UNESCO-listed.
- Pastéis de Belém: the bakery selling its custard tarts since 1837.
The best Belém tuk tuk tours
Discovering Belém tuk tuk tour
Best Belém-only tour- Duration: 1.5–2 h
- Price: ≈ €60–70 per person
- Pickup: central Lisbon
Pickup in the centre, the riverside drive, around 15 minutes at each key stop and a pastel de nata break. Ideal if you have already seen the old town.
Check availability on GetYourGuide →Half-day tour: old town + Belém
Best combination- Duration: 3–4 h
- Price: ≈ €180–250 per tuk tuk
- Group: private
Alfama and the viewpoints first, then the river to Belém. The most efficient way to see both halves of Lisbon in one morning.
Check availability on GetYourGuide →Read also:1 hour, 2 hours or half day: which tour length?
Tuk tuk vs tram 15E vs walking
| Tuk tuk | Tram 15E | Walking | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Time from Baixa | 20–30 min | 25–40 min | 1 h 15+ |
| Comfort | Seated, door-to-door | Often crowded | Long and sunny |
| Commentary | Yes, live guide | No | No |
| Cost | ≈ €60–70 pp or per-vehicle tour | ≈ €3 per ride | Free |
On a budget, the tram is fine; with a family, limited time or a group of four, the tuk tuk wins easily. See our tuk tuk price guide.
Practical tips for Belém
- Jerónimos queues are long from late morning: arrive at opening or book a timed ticket.
- Closures: the main monuments are generally closed on Mondays — check before booking a Monday tour.
- Pastéis de Belém: the takeaway queue moves fast; the indoor rooms often have free tables.
- Belém Tower is small inside: the exterior and the riverside garden are the highlight for most.
- Belém is flat — after the tuk tuk, you can easily continue on foot along the river.
Live availability for Belém tours
Frequently asked questions
How far is Belém from central Lisbon by tuk tuk?
About 6 km, or 20–30 minutes along the river depending on traffic.
How much is a tuk tuk to Belém?
Belém tuk tuk tours cost around €60–70 per person, or about €180–250 per vehicle for a half-day tour that also covers the old town.
Are monument tickets included?
Usually not. Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries are paid separately.
Is it better to visit Belém by tuk tuk or tram?
The tram 15E is cheaper but crowded; a tuk tuk is faster, door-to-door and includes commentary — better for families and short stays.
Can tuk tuks drive in Belém?
Yes, but Belém is a heavily monitored area and tuk tuks must stop at designated places, so the driver may drop you a short walk from each monument.
Affiliate disclosure: this guide contains affiliate links to GetYourGuide. If you book through them we earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Prices are indicative and were checked at the time of writing — the live price on the booking page always prevails.