Homepage
History Tours
Belém District and the Salazar Dictatorship Legacy - Private Walking Tour

5 (25)

Lisbon, PT

Link has been copied to your clipboard

/ Person

Your Product

Select participants

Youth (15-17)

Min: 0 Max: 15

Adult (18-80)

Min: 2 Max: 15

You should select a minimum of and a total maximum of

At least one participant is required. Please adjust and try again.

Free Cancellation up to before the experience starts (local time)

Please wait, fetching options!

Experience the enchanting beauty and rich history of Lisbon's waterfront with the Belém District and the Salazar Dictatorship Legacy private walking tour. Immerse yourself in the footsteps of world explorers as you explore this majestic area that served as the starting point for their voyages of discovery in the 15th century. Marvel at the iconic Monument of the Discoveries and soak in the charm of the Square of the Empire. Delve into the intriguing legacy of the Salazar Dictatorship as you visit the Portuguese House for the Colonies. With a local professional guide and a professional photographer guide, this 3-hour tour ensures you capture every moment of this unforgettable experience. Wander through the picturesque streets and gain a completely different perspective of Lisbon. Don't miss the opportunity to book this exclusive tour and create memories that will last a lifetime.

About this experience

Free Cancellation For a full refund cancel at least before the start of your booking
3 hours
Suitable for 2-15 Participants
Private Tour
Guided Experience

Highlights

Discover the majestic Lisbon waterfront
Explore the historic Belém district on foot
Visit the famous Monument of the Discoveries
Experience the charm of the Square of the Empire
Gain a different image of Lisbon through this tour

Included

Private walking tour
Local professional guide
Professional photographer guide

Not included

Food and drinks
The listed price does not include a parking fee, payable at the time of tour check-in.
Hotel pickup
Hotel drop-off
Transportation to/from attractions

Popular Hotels Closeby

More about this experience

Introduction

Experience the rich history and captivating charm of Lisbon's waterfront with the Belém District and the Salazar Dictatorship Legacy Private Walking Tour. This immersive 3-hour tour takes you on a journey through time, exploring the iconic landmarks and hidden gems of one of the city's most majestic neighborhoods. From the Square of the Empire to the renowned Monument of the Discoveries and the exotic "Portuguese House for the Colonies," you'll uncover the fascinating stories and cultural significance behind each site. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an avid explorer, or simply seeking a unique adventure, this tour promises to leave you with a completely different image of Lisbon.

What to Expect

Embark on a guided walking tour that will immerse you in the history and charm of the Belém District. Your knowledgeable local guide will provide insightful commentary and take you to the must-see landmarks and hidden gems of the area. Marvel at the grandeur of the Square of the Empire, stand in awe of the Monument of the Discoveries, and delve into the unique cultural heritage of the "Portuguese House for the Colonies." As you stroll along the Lisbon waterfront, you'll be transported back in time, discovering the stories and legacies that have shaped this iconic neighborhood.

Who is This For?

This private walking tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, culture lovers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Lisbon's rich heritage. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a small group, this tour offers a personalized experience tailored to your interests. From architecture and history buffs to those simply looking for a unique and immersive adventure, this tour is designed to captivate and inspire a wide range of visitors. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the Belém District in the company of a knowledgeable guide who will bring its stories to life.

Why Book This?

Experience the magic of Lisbon's waterfront from a unique perspective with the Belém District and the Salazar Dictatorship Legacy Private Walking Tour. This tour offers an exclusive and intimate experience, allowing you to discover the hidden treasures and lesser-known stories of the Belém District. With a knowledgeable local guide by your side, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the historical and cultural significance of each landmark. From the iconic Monument of the Discoveries to the enchanting "Portuguese House for the Colonies," this tour promises to unveil the secrets and mysteries of Lisbon's past. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this majestic neighborhood and create lasting memories of your time in the city.

Good to Know

During the 3-hour walking tour, be prepared to explore the Belém District on foot. Wear comfortable shoes and bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated. The tour includes a local professional guide who will provide insightful commentary and answer any questions you may have. Please note that food and drinks are not included in the tour price, and there may be a parking fee payable at the time of check-in. Hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as transportation to and from the attraction, are not provided. However, the Torre de Belém is conveniently located near Algés train, tram, and bus stations, making it easily accessible.

Reviews

Previous visitors have raved about their experience on the Belém District and the Salazar Dictatorship Legacy Private Walking Tour. They were impressed by the extensive knowledge and passion of their guides, who brought the history and culture of the neighborhood to life. Many appreciated the personalized nature of the tour, allowing them to ask questions and delve deeper into the stories behind each landmark. Visitors were particularly enthralled by the Monument of the Discoveries and were moved by the historical significance of the "Portuguese House for the Colonies." Overall, the tour received glowing reviews for its informative and engaging approach, making it a must-do for anyone visiting Lisbon.

About this product

How long before the event do I need to book?

You can book at any time before the event

Vouchers accepted in the following formats

Mobile

Is an adult required for the booking?

At least one adult or senior required per booking

Meeting point

Our meeting point is by the entrance of the station, under the big red letters - "Estação Fluvial" (River Station). This is opposite to the Belém Train Station, also near Museu dos Coches.

Belem River Station, Av. Brasília, 1300-598 Lisboa, PT

End point

Your Itinerary

Afonso de Albuquerque Square

Belém area avatars from the Discoveries period to the 1940 Exhibition

Vasco da Gama Garden

Old Belém town (or what's left of it)

Santa Maria de Belem Church

The facade and the interior spaces of the most lavish late Gothic Cathedral in Lisbon with insightful explanations on its historical and mystical meaning

Jardim da Praca do Imperio

This square was the hub and is the main heritage of the Portuguese World Exhibition. We do quick stops by the heraldic flower beds, the monumental fountain and the seahorses

Padrao dos Descobrimentos

We walk around and try to shed light on the the main icon of the 1940 exhibition, not forgetting the majestic wind rose that covers the pavement at its feet.

Museu de Arte Popular

The Museum of Popular is a conundrum and a real oddity of Modernist Lisbon.

Torre de Belem Garden

The other great monument of the Discoveries Age and the Restelo upper class neighborhood that developed after the 1940 Exhibition

Additional information

Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for participants with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Dress code is smart casual
A minimum of 2 people per booking is required

Reviews

(25)

5 (25)

Jonathan_K

Lus is an incredible guide - passionate, knowledgeable and able to cater the experience to each audience. Belem is a beautiful part of the city with so much rich history and architecture. Lus is able to distill the stories and information down to the big picture so you leave feeling smarter, well informed, and with a ton of photos from the many areas of Belem.

V3232OFjonathank

Luis is a friendly, knowledgeable, and respectful guide who customized the tour to our preferences. The history of Belém is so rich and Luis brings it to life - highly recommend biking there from the main area of Lisbon around the coast.

i8toys

This tour is for those who want to understand the history of the region of Belem and the surrounding environment. In challenging weather conditions, beating rain and extremely stormy windy conditions, Lus took us around the Belem District and tailored the tour to make it as comfortable as possible for us - the weather defeated 3 umbrellas that day at Belem! Lus was an extremely professional host who explained so much about the area, the Portuguese Expo of 1940 and the Salazar Dictatorship.

LLB1357

I was in Lisbon for business and my colleagues and I decided to take a break and do a tour of the Belem district. Luis was an amazing tour guide. He presented truly unique perspectives on the impact of natural disasters and the religious and political climate on architecture, the lay out of the city, the 1940's World Exhibition, and approaches to protecting the mouth of the river. I have been on walking tours in Lisbon before, but learned so many new details that enhanced my view of the Portuguese culture and the evolution through history of this lovely city. Luis speaks multiple languages and is both entertaining and educational. I would do this tour again if I have the opportunity to return to Lisbon!

Travel82237

We booked this tour because I wanted to learn more about the Salazar dictatorship and the modern history of Lisbon. We got so much more than we bargained for with this tour. It was an absolutely fascinating exploration of an area that I knew nothing about. Sure, I had seen the Monument of Discoveries in all the Lisbon Guides, but I never understood its significance before this tour. Luis did a wonderful job of stitching together a narrative of the Portuguese Exhibition of 1939 and how Salazar's dictatorship started with such vibrancy but fell into stagnation. I absolutely recommend this tour to anyone who wants to do more than just take a picture of another monument. Luis is also completely willing to tailor the tour to your interests. He is incredibly warm, welcoming, and full of passion for his city. I would not hesitate to recommend this company to anyone traveling to Lisbon.

ambries2020

Luis was a great tour guide and shared a lot of great information about Belem and the Salazar dictatorship. I wish I had brought a notebook with me that day so I could take notes! Luis was very willing to adapt the tour as well and answered any questions I had. He was also a great photographer for me at some of the monuments!

css1222

Luis was soon knowledgeable and we learned so much but never in a boring or dull way. We really enjoyed our time with him. His English is excellent.

Kevin T

Excellent guided tour of the Belem district! Flexibility to choose how much or how little time spent at each destination made for a great experience.

David_K

Luis was one of the best tour guides I've ever had. He was incredibly knowledgable about the topic, but also about other random historical/political questions I had about Portugal. My boyfriend and I were the only 2 people on the tour, but he didn't cancel. Instead, he asked us for our interests to make sure he could tailor the tour to our desires. It was a hot day and he was careful to minimize our time in the sun and look for shade. He was incredibly generous with his time and knowledge. I would recommend to anybody curious to learn about modern Portugese history. As a side benefit, you will also learn a fair amount about the older history surrounding the monastery and Belem tower.

Catherine_T

Our tour guide Luis was excellent, and he made for as great an experience as you could in the pouring rain! The weather was not on our side but Luis kept us interested in all that's to see in Belem. I appreciate his patience with our group as we experienced ups and downs with trying to stay dry!

Collected by Evendo & our supplier partners

2024-06-26 18:01