How to Skip the Line at the Monument to the Discoveries
The monument is free to see from outside. Going up to the rooftop viewpoint (about €10) is by a small lift, which is where the queue forms. Buy online on the official ticket site, and go at the 10 am opening or late afternoon, before or after the Belém tour groups. It's a good stop while you wait for a Jerónimos or Belém Tower slot.
- Viewpoint + exhibition
- About €10 adults, under 12s free
- Exhibition only
- About €5
- Lift
- To the 50 m terrace, small capacity
- Hours
- 10 am to 7 pm (March-September), to 6 pm in winter
- Best time
- 10 am opening, or late afternoon
- Busiest
- Late morning to mid-afternoon, summer and weekends
- Time to allow
- 30-45 minutes
How long are the lines at the Monument to the Discoveries?
The Padrão dos Descobrimentos, the giant stone prow on the Tagus in Belém, celebrates Portugal's age of exploration. The lift up to the viewing terrace is small, so the queue builds at busy times. From the top, you can see Belém Tower, Jerónimos and the 25 de Abril Bridge.
Before you go, check how busy the Monument to the Discoveries is likely to be. BeatTheCrowd shows the live crowd level and an hourly forecast for any date, adjusted for Portuguese holidays, school breaks and weather.
Check today’s crowds at Monument to the Discoveries →Tickets
Some sources say it closes on Mondays in the low season, so check padraodosdescobrimentos.pt before you go.