Belém National Palace
Praça Afonso de Albuquerque, Belem, Lisbon, Portugal, 1300-004
Since its construction in the 1700s, Lisbon’s Belem Palace (Palácio de Belém) has been home to Portugal’s monarchs. Today the pink complex is the official presidential residence, featuring five buildings and beautiful gardens along the banks of the Tagus River. The palace’s Presidency Museum showcases the history of the Portuguese Republic.
The Basics
Many people visit the district of Belem for its world-famous pastries, but just down the street is the area’s most beautiful building: Belem Palace. Most city tours start off with sightseeing around Lisbon’s city center and make their way to Belem toward the end of the day. On the way to Belem Palace, learn about Portugal’s rich history as you stop at famous landmarks such as St. Jeronimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos) and Belem Tower (Torre de Belém), along with the Presidency Museum.
You can visit Belem Palace on your own, or with a group or private tour on foot or via tuk-tuk, hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus, e-bike, or car/minivan.
Things to Know Before You Go
Belem Palace is a must-visit for history and architecture buffs.
Book a skip-the-line tour to gain entrance to the many attractions in and around Belem.
The palace interior is accessible only by guided tour, which are offered on Saturdays.
The palace’s changing of the guard occurs on the third Sunday of each month at 11am at the Patio dos Bichos entrance.
A wheelchair ramp and accessible elevator are available at the palace.
How to Get There
Belem Palace is southwest of central Lisbon. Take tram 15, or bus 714 or 728, and get off right in front of the pink palace.
When to Get There
The palace is open for guided tours from 10:30am to 4:30pm on Saturdays only. The Presidency Museum is open from 10am to 6pm Tuesday through Sunday. Saturdays are quite busy at the palace, so arrive early or book a private tour to avoid long lines.
The Lasting Legacy of Belem Palace
The architecture of the Belem Palace has barely changed since its construction in the early 1700s. Having survived the devastating 1755 Great Earthquake that destroyed most of Lisbon, it features many beautifully preserved furnished halls, carvings, and tiles, including 14 veranda panels illustrating scenes from Greek mythology. The well-manicured gardens, with neatly trimmed hedges and a beautiful pond with a statue of Afonso de Albuquerque, Viceroy of India, are also a sight to behold.
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