A Fortress by the River – My Peaceful Afternoon at Belém Tower

#summervacay #belemtower #torredebelem #lisbonhistory #portuguesediscoveries #iconiclisbon #tagusriverviews #unescosite #portugaltravel #insidebelemtower #lisbonmonuments After exploring the striking Padrão dos Descobrimentos, I walked along the breezy Tagus River to the legendary Belém Tower—and this time, I made sure to go inside. It’s one thing to admire the tower from the outside, but stepping through its stone arches was like entering a time capsule from the Age of Discovery. Inside, the spiral staircases were narrow but added to the charm. Each level had its own story—from cannons in the lower chambers to gothic balconies with river views. I especially loved reaching the rooftop terrace, where the panoramic view of the Tagus River and Lisbon skyline truly stole the show. The breeze up there was refreshing, and the sense of history was almost overwhelming. Though compact, the tower’s details—Manueline architecture, turrets, and old stone carvings—made the whole experience unforgettable. It felt like walking through a piece of Portugal’s adventurous spirit. Travel Tips & How to Get There: • Best time to visit: • Afternoon is ideal, especially after visiting Padrão dos Descobrimentos, which is just a short walk away. • How to get there: • Take tram 15E or a bus from Lisbon’s city center to Belém. • From the tram stop, it’s a scenic 10–15 minute riverside walk. • Tips: • Buy entry tickets online to skip queues, especially in peak season. • Inside stairs are steep and narrow, so wear good shoes and be patient during busy hours. • Make time to climb to the rooftop—the view is the highlight! • Combine your visit with nearby gems like Jerónimos Monastery and a pastel de nata from Pastéis de Belém.