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Belém District and the Salazar Dictatorship Legacy - Private Walking Tour

43 Reviews 4.88 out of 5 stars Based on 43 reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and TripAdvisor | Recommended by 98% of reviewers |
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards.
Lisbon, Portugal
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 18 (0) days in advance.

3 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English
and 2 more
French, Portuguese
Instant confirmation

Overview

Embark on an insightful and exciting tour that rewinds Portugal into the 20th century, a century in which the country became one of the first republics in Europe, then was ruled by the ruthless dictator Salazar and only in 1974 regained freedom and democracy. We give the word to Belém quarter and its monuments, sculptures and unique places that have played and continue to play a crucial role in the country’s destinies.
Belém (Bethlehem) was the name given to the anchorage from which the ships of the Portuguese Maritime Discoveries departed. A hundred years ago, however, this was a grim industrial area. The turning point came with the Portuguese World Exhibition of 1940, a nationalist celebration not usually documented in touristic guides. This walk explores Belém taking the controversial event as the cornerstone of its transformation into what it is today. We will approach the main attractions from a different angle and also focus on places usually off the beaten track.

What's Included

  • Private walking tour
  • Professional photographer guide
  • Local professional guide
  • Food and drinks
  • The listed price does not include a parking fee, payable at the time of tour check-in.
  • Hotel pickup
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Meeting Location

Meeting point

Avenida Brasília
1300-598 Lisboa, Portugal

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Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

Avenida Brasília
1400-038 Lisboa, Portugal

Torre de Belém is not far from Algés train, tram and bus stations

What To Expect

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Afonso de Albuquerque Square

Belém area avatars from the Discoveries period to the 1940 Exhibition
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Vasco da Gama Garden

Old Belém town (or what's left of it)
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Mosteiro dos Jeronimos

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

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
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

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.
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20 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Museu de Arte Popular

The Museum of Popular is a conundrum and a real oddity of Modernist Lisbon.
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10 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Torre de Belem Garden

The other great monument of the Discoveries Age and the Restelo upper class neighborhood that developed after the 1940 Exhibition
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15 minutes Admission Ticket Free

Show 6 more stops

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Dress code is smart casual
  • A minimum of 2 people per booking is required

Frequently Asked Questions (8)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Belém District and the Salazar Dictatorship Legacy – Private Walking Tour?

A: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (WET). Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

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Activity code: C-17131P6

Traveler Photos

Reviews

4.88
43 reviews

Average 4.88 out of 5 stars based on 43 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
39
4 stars
3
3 stars
1
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 18 (0) days in advance.

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What's Included

Activity name

  • Private walking tour
  • Professional photographer guide
  • Local professional guide
  • 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

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Dress code is smart casual
  • A minimum of 2 people per booking is required

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