Guide to Route 3701: from Almada to Algés, a journey through the Tagus, history and culture

Route 3701 connects Cova da Piedade, in Almada, to the Algés railway terminal, crossing the 25 de Abril Bridge and following some of the most interesting stretches of Lisbon’s riverfront.

The route begins in the Cova da Piedade area, passing by Hospital Particular and through residential and commercial areas of Almada before heading toward Pragal and the toll booths of the 25 de Abril Bridge. This first stretch is marked by local daily life, neighborhood services and proximity to large green spaces such as Parque da Paz.

On the northern bank, 3701 enters Alcântara and travels along the area between Avenida da Índia, Rua de Cascais and Belém. Along this corridor, the route comes close to former industrial spaces converted into creative hubs, museums, cultural centers, national monuments and gardens beside the Tagus.

The route ends in Algés, in the municipality of Oeiras, an area with local shops, cultural facilities, a market and spaces for walks beside the river. The route operates only on weekdays, with 25 departures in the Almada–Algés direction and 25 in the Algés–Almada direction. The distances below are approximate and estimated from the coordinates provided and the stops indicated; the fare and operator were not provided in the route data.

Location	Category	Nearest stop/section	Approximate distance
Parque da Paz	Park and recreation	Cova da Piedade, Avenida 23 de Julho	1.5 km
LX Factory	Shopping, food and entertainment	R de Cascais 10 / Alcântara-Terra	0.6 km
Orient Museum	Museum and culture	R de Cascais 10	0.5 km
MAAT	Museum and architecture	Belém, Station	0.4 km
Jerónimos Monastery	Historical heritage	Belém, Station	0.7 km
Belém Cultural Center	Theater, music, exhibitions and recreation	Belém, Station	0.8 km
Monument to the Discoveries	Tourist attraction and cultural center	Belém, Station	0.9 km
Belém Tower	Monument and tourist attraction	Belém, Station	1.4 km
Algés Market	Market and food	Algés, Station	0.5 km
Palácio Anjos	Heritage, garden and culture	Algés, Station	0.6 km

Parque da Paz

Those boarding or getting off in Cova da Piedade can extend their outing to Parque da Paz, Almada’s main urban park. Covering around 50 hectares, the space includes walking paths, wooded areas, lawns, a lake, ponds and a station dedicated to observing biodiversity.

It is a good choice for slowing down before or after the route’s activity. The park also offers a kiosk, public restrooms, bicycle parking and areas suitable for physical activity or a peaceful walk in contact with nature.

📍 Location: Avenida Arsenal do Alfeite, Feijó, Almada.
🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Cova da Piedade, Avenida 23 de Julho, approximately 1.5 km away.
🏷️ Category: Urban park and outdoor recreation.
⭐ Distinctive feature: A lake, extensive paths and a biodiversity station in a large green area.

LX Factory

As it passes through Alcântara, route 3701 leaves passengers a short walk from LX Factory, a complex located in a former industrial area that has become one of Lisbon’s best-known hubs for creativity, shopping and food.

The space combines shops, restaurants, cafés, cultural initiatives and events in a setting of repurposed industrial architecture. It is a versatile destination for anyone who wants to have lunch, enjoy a coffee, look for independent products or follow the venue’s event schedule.

📍 Location: Rua Rodrigues de Faria, 103, Lisbon.
🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: R de Cascais 10 or Alcântara-Terra, approximately 0.6 km away.
🏷️ Category: Shopping, food and entertainment hub.
⭐ Distinctive feature: Creative use of a former industrial space, with shops, restaurants and events in the same complex.

Orient Museum

Also in the Alcântara corridor, the Orient Museum presents collections related to the Portuguese presence in Asia and Eastern cultures. The collection includes artistic and documentary objects, as well as the Kwok On Collection, dedicated to the performing arts and folk traditions of different Asian regions.

The museum occupies a privileged location beside Alcântara Dock, making it possible to combine a visit to the exhibitions with a walk along the riverfront. It is an especially interesting option for those seeking a cultural program less obvious than Belém’s monuments.

📍 Location: Avenida Brasília, Doca de Alcântara Norte, Lisbon.
🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: R de Cascais 10, approximately 0.5 km away.
🏷️ Category: Museum and cultural center.
⭐ Distinctive feature: It brings together Asian art, the history of relations between Portugal and the East, and an extensive collection of performing arts.

MAAT

In the Belém area, MAAT is a must-visit for anyone interested in contemporary art, architecture and technology. The museum occupies a complex comprising the former Central Tejo, an industrial building from the early 20th century, and a contemporary building facing the river.

In addition to the exhibitions, the complex is valued for the MAAT Garden and its outdoor spaces beside the Tagus. A visit can be combined with a walk along the riverbank, taking in the scenery and the succession of cultural facilities that characterize Belém.

📍 Location: Avenida Brasília, Belém, Lisbon.
🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Belém, Station, approximately 0.4 km away.
🏷️ Category: Art, architecture and technology museum.
⭐ Distinctive feature: It combines industrial heritage, contemporary architecture, exhibitions and a riverside garden.

Jerónimos Monastery

Jerónimos Monastery is one of the major historical landmarks along route 3701. Considered a masterpiece of Portuguese architecture, the complex stands out for its cloister, church and rich sculpture associated with the Manueline style.

Designated a National Monument and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1983, the monastery, together with Praça do Império and Belém’s other facilities, forms one of Lisbon’s most important tourist complexes.

📍 Location: Praça do Império, Belém, Lisbon.
🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Belém, Station, approximately 0.7 km away.
🏷️ Category: Historic monument and cultural heritage.
⭐ Distinctive feature: A cloister and Manueline architecture associated with Portugal’s maritime history.

Belém Cultural Center

Belém Cultural Center adds a contemporary program to the route’s monumental stretch. The complex hosts music, theater and dance performances, as well as exhibitions, family activities, conferences and outdoor initiatives.

CCB also includes MAC/CCB, gardens, shops, restaurants and Mercado CCB, creating an option for those who want to spend several hours in the area without relying solely on historical monuments. Before visiting, it is worth checking the day’s schedule, as the program changes throughout the year.

📍 Location: Praça do Império, Belém, Lisbon.
🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Belém, Station, approximately 0.8 km away.
🏷️ Category: Cultural center, theater, exhibitions and recreation.
⭐ Distinctive feature: It brings together performing arts, exhibitions, gardens, shopping and restaurants in a single complex.

Monument to the Discoveries

On the banks of the Tagus, the Monument to the Discoveries is recognized for its monumental caravel shape and its sculptural ensemble depicting figures associated with Portuguese maritime expansion. The space houses exhibitions, an auditorium and a viewing platform, offering a historical and visual interpretation of the Belém area.

The surrounding area is also one of the best places to walk beside the river and view the Wind Rose. The monument can be visited together with Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Cultural Center and Belém Tower, all accessible on foot from the Belém stop.

📍 Location: Avenida Brasília, 1400-038, Lisbon.
🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Belém, Station, approximately 0.9 km away.
🏷️ Category: Monument, viewing platform and cultural center.
⭐ Distinctive feature: A viewing platform, exhibitions and a central location on Belém’s riverfront.

Belém Tower

Belém Tower is the farthest point from the Belém stop among the neighborhood’s main attractions, but it can still be reached by walking along the Tagus. Built in the early 16th century as part of Lisbon’s maritime defenses, it became one of the city’s best-known symbols.

The monument combines a tower, bastion and Manueline decorative elements in a prominent position beside the river. For those getting off route 3701, the walk to the tower can be enjoyed as a stroll through the monumental area, passing gardens and open spaces in Belém.

📍 Location: Avenida Brasília, Belém, Lisbon.
🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Belém, Station, approximately 1.4 km away.
🏷️ Category: Historic monument and tourist attraction.
⭐ Distinctive feature: A symbol of Lisbon beside the Tagus and a notable example of Manueline military architecture.

Algés Market

Upon arriving at the Algés terminal, Algés Market offers a shopping and food option integrated into the area’s everyday life. The space is suitable for a quick stop, a meal or getting to know a traditional meeting place in the neighborhood.

Its proximity to the station makes it easy to combine the market with other journeys around the municipality of Oeiras. As businesses and programming may vary, it is advisable to confirm opening hours and scheduled events in advance.

📍 Location: Algés, Oeiras.
🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Algés, Station, approximately 0.5 km away.
🏷️ Category: Market, shopping and food.
⭐ Distinctive feature: A good location for ending the journey with shopping, food and access to central Algés.

Palácio Anjos

A few minutes from the Algés terminal, Palácio Anjos adds a historical and cultural dimension to the end of the route. The building and garden form part of the municipality of Oeiras’s cultural and heritage facilities, in a central area accessible on foot.

The palace is a peaceful alternative for those who prefer a shorter cultural visit, combined with a walk through the garden and the streets of downtown Algés. The schedule of exhibitions and activities should be checked before visiting.

📍 Location: Alameda Hermano Patrone, Algés, Oeiras.
🚏 Nearest route stop/section and approximate distance: Algés, Station, approximately 0.6 km away.
🏷️ Category: Heritage, garden and culture.
⭐ Distinctive feature: A historic complex with a garden and cultural use in central Algés.

With 25 departures in each direction on weekdays, route 3701 serves as a direct connection between the southern bank and one of Lisbon’s main cultural and tourist corridors. For a more complete itinerary, the best strategy is to choose one area at a time: Parque da Paz in Cova da Piedade, LX Factory and the Orient Museum in Alcântara, or a walking circuit covering MAAT, Jerónimos, CCB, the Monument to the Discoveries and Belém Tower. At the final end, Algés allows visitors to conclude their outing among the market, heritage and local life.

Guide to Route 3701: from Almada to Algés, a journey through the Tagus, history and culture