Belém Palace
Palace Official presidential residence and 18th-century palace
In Lisbon’s Belém district, Belém Palace serves as the presidential residence; tourists photograph the façade, walk its formal gardens and visit nearby Jerónimos Monastery and the riverside.
Belém Palace is the official residence and workplace of the President of the Portuguese Republic, located in the Belém district of Lisbon. It has been the seat of the presidency since the republican revolution of 1910.
The palace complex includes formal state rooms used for official ceremonies and reception, plus enclosed gardens and courtyards that can be viewed from public areas. Public access to interior state rooms is limited and normally arranged around official events or guided visits; the surrounding Belém area contains several major monuments and museums.
The ensemble evolved from an ancien regime metropolitan palace and was adapted over time for state use; following the 1910 revolution it became the official presidential residence. Architectural changes and interior refits reflect its transition from private noble residence to the modern functions of a head-of-state residence.
Belém Palace stands on the western bank of the Tagus River in the Belém quarter of Lisbon, within walking distance of the Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém. It is in the western part of the city, a short drive or tram ride from central Lisbon.
- Official residence: Has served as the official residence of Portugal's head of state since the establishment of the republic in 1910.
- Proximity to other monuments: Located within the Belém district close to other monuments such as the Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém, making it easy to combine with nearby sites.
What to See #
- State rooms and offices: Contains the presidential offices and state reception rooms used for official ceremonies and visits.
- Palace gardens: Surrounding formal gardens and courtyards that are visible from public areas and from nearby streets in Belém.
How to Get to Belém Palace #
Belém is about 6-7 km west of Lisbon city center. Take tram 15 or buses from Cais do Sodré, or the Cascais suburban train to Belém station and walk a short distance to the palace.
Tips for Visiting Belém Palace #
- If interested in visiting the presidential reception rooms check the schedule - tours are offered on limited dates and must often be reserved in advance.
- Stroll the Belém district afterward: the Jerónimos Monastery and the Tower of Belém are immediately nearby and make a full afternoon of monuments.
- Photography inside may be restricted during official events; exterior shots of the palace and its gardens are excellent.
Best Time to Visit Belém Palace #
Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for exploring the Belém riverside and monuments.
Weather & Climate near Belém Palace #
Temperate climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 9°C to 27°C. Moderate rainfall (679 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 15°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (98 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 16°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 6 mm.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is mild with highs of 22°C and lows of 15°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 12°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 10°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (112 mm) and partly cloudy skies.