Belém Tower

Belém Tower was built between 1514 and 1519 to guard the entrance to Lisbon's harbour, in the age when Portuguese ships sailed to India and Brazil. Its carved stone balconies, rope motifs and watchtowers are a fine example of the Manueline style, and it is listed by UNESCO together with the nearby Jerónimos Monastery.

The tower once stood further out in the river; the shoreline has since moved, and today it rises at the water's edge. Climb the narrow spiral stair to the terrace for views over the river, then walk along the waterfront to the Monument to the Discoveries.

The staircase carries one direction of traffic at a time, so it can be slow at busy hours. Finish at the Pastéis de Belém bakery, which has made Lisbon's famous custard tarts, made with egg, since 1837.