Doing Nothing in Lisbon: A Guide to Slow Travel in Belém

The Art of Unhurrying

As someone who’s always on the go, I’ve made it a priority lately to embrace the art of doing nothing. And there’s no better place to practice this than Lisbon, Portugal—especially in the charming Belém district. On the surface, it’s easy to fill your day with historical landmarks and cultural gems, but what if you allowed yourself to just be? To soak it all in at a slower pace, savoring every bite, every view, every moment.

Here’s how I spent an unforgettable day in Belém, mastering the art of doing nothing.

Discovering Pastéis de Belém – A Sweet Start to Doing Nothing

My day began the best way possible—with a visit to Pastéis de Belém. If there’s one thing you do in Belém, it’s enjoying these legendary custard tarts. The café, famous for its pastéis de nata, has been serving these flaky, sweet delights since 1837. Sure, you can hurry through and grab a couple of tarts to go, but I suggest taking the time to sit inside, order a coffee, and let the world slow down around you.

I used to avoid lines at all costs, viewing them as an unbearable waste of time. But a friend once shifted my perspective, saying that sometimes a line means there’s something worth waiting for. There’s definitely something to be said about a bakery with a line wrapped around the building, and I’m so glad I decided to wait. The experience—and the reward—was absolutely worth it

There’s something meditative about the simple act of savoring food. I watched the golden pastries come out of the oven, their sweet aroma filling the air, while people wandered in and out. I sat with my coffee, not rushing, not worrying about the next destination. Just enjoying the moment and the view of life happening around me.

Aimless Wandering with Nowhere to Go

I decided to wander aimlessly from Pastéis de Belém, letting my feet guide me without any particular plan. I passed by a castle without even googling its name, just appreciating it for what it was. As I meandered through Jardim da Praça do Império, I spotted some park benches and suddenly realized—I couldn’t remember the last time I had sat on a park bench, or if I had ever done so before.

Why would I? My life has always been a constant rush from one place to the next, with no time to pause. But here I was, sitting still, with the grand Jerónimos Monastery just across the street and the world slowing down around me. It felt strange at first, almost as if I needed a reason to sit, but then, I didn’t. The park itself was reason enough.

I found a quiet little oasis in the park and took a seat. As I watched large tour groups pass by, moving from one sight to the next, I felt no envy about needing to keep up with them. Instead, I simply sat back and enjoyed the beautiful day, appreciating how great it felt not to be rushing after a guide to the next stop. I was exactly where I wanted to be, with nowhere else to go.

Strolling Along the River to the Padrão dos Descobrimentos

Once I decided I was done people watching at the park, I took a leisurely walk towards the water and I came across a field of clovers and couldn’t resist searching for a four-leaf clover (spoiler: I didn’t find one). Then I heard music drifting through the air and decided to follow it. It led me to a man playing an accordion and his chihuahua, which turned out to be the highlight of my walk. It felt like discovering a hidden treasure at the end of the rainbow I hadn’t even realized I was following because it led me to the underground cross walk to the riverbank.

After crossing underground, I wandered along the riverbank to the Padrão dos Descobrimentos, a striking monument dedicated to Portugal’s Age of Exploration. The walk itself was the highlight—no plans, no agenda, just meandering along the peaceful waters of the Tagus River. I watched boats gently bobbing along the river, families biking by, and seagulls circling overhead.

As I approached the towering monument, I allowed myself to simply be there, appreciating its grandeur without feeling the need to rush to the top or immediately read every plaque. The statue, shaped like a ship, is a tribute to explorers like Vasco da Gama and Ferdinand Magellan, and standing at its base, I couldn’t help but reflect on the power of exploration. But this time, my exploration was inward—a quiet reflection rather than a hurried experience.

Sunset at Belém Tower – Where History Meets Tranquility

As the day began to wind down, I made my way to one of the most iconic landmarks in Lisbon: the Belém Tower (Torre de Belém). This 16th-century fortress once guarded the entrance to the city’s harbor and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. While it’s tempting to rush through and check it off your list, I opted for a different approach: I found a spot nearby at a food truck and simply watched the sun dip low on the horizon, casting golden light over the tower and the river.

There’s something magical about experiencing a sunset without the pressure of capturing the perfect photo or rushing to the next spot. Just watching the sky shift from blue to pink to deep orange as the tower stood silently in the background was the perfect way to end the day.

The Joy of Doing Nothing

Lisbon’s Belém district is packed with history, culture, and landmarks, but the real magic comes when you slow down. When you stop rushing to the next spot and allow yourself to simply be in a place, you experience travel in a whole new way. You connect with the moment. You breathe. You savor.

So, next time you find yourself in Lisbon, I highly recommend mastering the art of doing nothing in Belém. Whether you’re savoring a pastel de nata, strolling by the river, or sitting still in the shadow of a monument, you’ll find that sometimes, the best way to experience a place is to do less—and feel more.

Until the next slow-paced adventure,

Allie Young