Padrão dos Descobrimentos—also called the Monument to the Discoveries—is one of Belém’s must-see landmarks, set right on the Tagus River. Shaped like a giant stone caravel, it celebrates Portugal’s Age of Discoveries and features famous historical figures carved along its “prow.” Visit Lisboa explains the monument was first built for the 1940 Portuguese World Expo and later became permanent in 1960 to mark the 500th anniversary of Prince Henry the Navigator’s death.

If you only do one paid thing here: go up to the viewpoint—the river + Belém skyline + Praça do Império view is the payoff.

Quick facts (for your place card)

  • Name: Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument to the Discoveries)
  • Address: Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisbon (Lisboa)
  • Official website: padraodosdescobrimentos.pt
  • Phone: +351 213 031 950
  • Area: Belém (riverfront)

Tickets (official prices)

The official ticket page lists two main ticket types:

1) Full ticket (viewpoint + exhibition + film)

  • €10.00 — Viewpoint + exhibition + film
  • Youth 13–25 (non-residents in Lisbon municipality): €5.00
  • 65+ (non-residents in Lisbon municipality): €8.50

2) Exhibition-only ticket

  • €5.00 — Exhibition ticket

Good to know: The official site also lists multiple exemptions/reductions (e.g., children under 12, Lisboa Card holders, and specific Lisbon-resident conditions).

Opening hours (official)

From the monument’s official schedule:

  • October → February: 10:00–18:00 (last admission 17:30)
  • March → September: 10:00–19:00 (last admission 18:30)

Closed on: Jan 1, May 1, Dec 24, Dec 25, Dec 31

Visit Lisboa displays the same seasonal pattern and last entry times.

What to see (and what makes it special)

1) The “caravel” sculpture + the navigator lineup

One of the most fun parts is recognizing the famous names. Visit Lisboa suggests identifying key navigators like Bartolomeu Dias, Vasco da Gama, Pedro Álvares Cabral, and Magellan among the figures.

2) The viewpoint (best payoff in Belém for the time)

The full ticket includes access to the viewpoint—this is the #1 reason most travelers go inside. From the top, you get a clear look at Praça do Império and the Belém waterfront.

3) Temporary exhibitions + film (weekends/holidays)

The official ticket page notes the film schedule (weekends/holidays) and that exhibitions are temporary.

How to get there (public transport)

This is a Belém riverfront sight, so the easiest approach is to travel to Belém, then walk a short distance along the waterfront.

Train

The official info page lists:

  • Train: Belém station

Tram

  • Tram: Number 15 (15E)
    Carris’ official 15E route includes major Belém-area stops like Mosteiro Jerónimos and Centro Cultural Belém (both very close to the monument on foot).

Bus

The official info lists these bus lines:

  • 728, 714, 727, 729, 751

On foot (local infrastructure)

The monument’s official page also mentions:

  • Pedestrian tunnels (next to CCB)
  • Footbridges (near Belém Station and Belém Tower)

Best time to visit (crowd + light tips)

  • Best for photos: late afternoon (warm light on the stone + river reflections)
  • Best for calm: right at opening
  • Avoid: weekends mid-day in peak season (Belém gets very busy)

If your plan includes Jerónimos + Belém Tower, do the monument either early or late—it’s faster than the monastery and easy to “slot in.”

Pro tips for a smooth visit

  • Buy the full ticket if you want the viewpoint. The exhibition-only ticket won’t give you the iconic top view.
  • Plan around last admission. It’s 30 minutes before closing in both seasons.
  • Pair it with nearby Belém landmarks. Tram 15E stops at Jerónimos/CCB-area locations that make a Belém loop easy.
  • No cafeteria on-site (official note), so grab coffee/snacks before or after.

FAQ

How much are tickets for Padrão dos Descobrimentos?

The official full ticket (viewpoint + exhibition + film) is €10, and the exhibition-only ticket is €5.

What are the opening hours?

10:00–19:00 (Mar–Sep) and 10:00–18:00 (Oct–Feb), with last admission 18:30 / 17:30.

What’s the easiest way to get there?

Use train to Belém station or Tram 15E, then walk along the riverfront.

Official links (copy/paste)

Official site: https://padraodosdescobrimentos.pt/en/
Tickets: https://padraodosdescobrimentos.pt/en/tickets/
Contacts & schedules: https://padraodosdescobrimentos.pt/en/contacts-schedules/
Visit Lisboa page: https://www.visitlisboa.com/en/places/monument-to-the-discoveries
Carris Tram 15E route: https://www.carris.pt/viaje/carreiras/15e/

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