Padrão dos Descobrimentos at a glance
The Padrão dos Descobrimentos, the Monument to the Discoveries, stands on the bank of the Tagus in Belém. You can look at it for free from the riverside. If you want to go inside, a ticket takes you up to the viewing terrace.
The ticket covers the view, a documentary film and the temporary exhibition that is running at the time. The exhibition changes, so check what is on before you decide the visit is about it.
Opening hours
The monument is open every day except a few holidays. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
| Period | Hours | Last entry |
|---|---|---|
| October to February | 10:00–18:00 | 17:30 |
| March to September | 10:00–19:00 | 18:30 |
The monument is closed on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December. The 24 and 31 December can be closed too, so plan on those two days being closed and do not count on a holiday opening.
Belém tours that include the Padrão
Walking tours, tuk-tuk rides and river trips that pass the monument, with live prices and availability. Check what each option includes before you book.
Ticket prices 2026
Prices as listed for the inside visit.
| Visitor | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults, 26 to 64 | €10 |
| Young people, 13 to 25 | €5 |
| Seniors, over 65 | €8.50 |
| People with special needs | €7 |
| Lisboa Card holders | Free |
If you or a child sit right on an age limit (12 or 13, 64 or 65), ask at the ticket desk before you queue. Lisboa Card holders collect a free ticket at the monument's ticket desk. A normal ticket bought in advance gives no priority at the door.
The viewing terrace
How you get up and what to expect.
A lift takes you to the sixth floor. From there, 42 steps lead to the top. The viewing terrace is not wheelchair accessible. Think about this if anyone in your group has trouble with stairs.
From March to September the monument is open until 19:00, so a late-afternoon visit is possible. Allow time beyond the climb, because the ticket also covers the documentary film and the current temporary exhibition.
The tower and the Jerónimos Monastery are in the same quarter. The terrace works well as a first stop before you walk on.
History in brief
A monument from the twentieth century.
1940
A forerunner of the monument was built for an exhibition in 1940.
1960
The permanent monument you see today dates from 1960. Cottinelli Telmo and Leopoldo de Almeida are the names behind it.
The place
Belém was the harbor from which ships set out. Vasco da Gama's voyage of 1497 and Cabral's of 1500 belong to this stretch of river. See the history page for the older story of the quarter.
History of Belém →Combine it with
What else is nearby.
Tagus cruises
Sailing trips leave from the Doca de Belém, close to the monument.
Jeronimos Monastery
A free church and a ticketed cloister.
Things to do in Belém
Ten ideas beside the tower.
For the rest of the city, see the Lisbon itinerary on our sister site.
Padrão dos Descobrimentos: frequently asked questions
How much is the ticket?
Adults aged 26 to 64 pay €10 in 2026. Young people aged 13 to 25 pay €5, seniors over 65 pay €8.50 and people with special needs pay €7.
When is the Padrão open?
From October to February it is open from 10:00 to 18:00. From March to September it is open from 10:00 to 19:00. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing.
Do I have to go up to see it?
No. You can see the monument from the riverside without a ticket. The ticket gives you the viewing terrace, a documentary film and the temporary exhibition.
Is it accessible?
A lift goes to the sixth floor, then 42 steps lead up. The viewing terrace is not wheelchair accessible.
Does the Lisboa Card cover it?
Yes, entry is free with the card. Collect the free ticket at the monument's ticket desk.
Is it open on holidays?
It is closed on 1 January, 1 May and 25 December, and 24 and 31 December can be closed too. Plan on none of these days being open.