Belém photoshoot: the tower, the monastery and the river

Best light

Morning or last hour of sun

Crowds

Busy midday

Good for

Families, maternity, couples

Access

Tram 15E / train; flat

The Belém landmarks

The Belém Tower is a 16th-century fortress at the water's edge, decorated with ropes, shields and a rhino carved in stone. The Jerónimos Monastery, a short walk inland, has one of the most intricate façades in Europe. Between them, the riverside promenade runs past the Padrão dos Descobrimentos monument towards the curving roof of the MAAT museum, with the 25 de Abril Bridge in the distance. Both the tower and the monastery are UNESCO World Heritage sites.

How we plan a Belém session

1. Belém Tower from the riverside — before the queues, with the water and sky around the tower.
2. The promenade and the monument — long walking shots along the river.
3. Jardim da Praça do Império — fountains and lawns in front of the monastery; room for kids to play.
4. The Jerónimos façade — from the outside, framing the stonework (interior photo sessions need permission).

Want something modern? The MAAT's white wave-shaped roof, which you can walk over, makes a striking contrast with the monuments.

When to go

Belém is busiest from late morning to mid-afternoon, when the tour buses arrive. Mornings are calm; the last hour of sun is warm and golden along the river. On a clear evening the light behind the bridge and the tower is beautiful.

Getting there

Tram 15E from Praça do Comércio or Cais do Sodré takes about 20 to 25 minutes; the Cascais-line train from Cais do Sodré is quicker. By taxi it's around 15 minutes from the centre, depending on traffic.

A 60-minute Belém route with timings

For a late-afternoon session on the 15th of September (sunset 19:45), we meet by Belém Tower at 18:30, walk the promenade past the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, cross to the gardens in front of the Jerónimos Monastery at 19:00 and finish with the monastery façade in soft evening light. Families can take breaks on the lawns along the way.

Combine Belém with

• The MAAT roof — a modern contrast a short walk east along the river.
• Praça do Comércio — for a two-part session on the same day.

Best months

Belém is flat, open and breezy, so it's comfortable all year. On hot summer days we shoot early or late; in winter the afternoon light along the river is soft and golden from about 16:30.