Belém Palace Lisbon
Explore Lisbon's iconic Belem district, home to UNESCO-listed Manueline architecture and the original custard tart.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Belém Palace Lisbon
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Lisbon's iconic Belem district, home to UNESCO-listed Manueline architecture and the original custard tart.
"Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery are breathtaking, a true testament to Portugal's Age of Discovery."
Lisboa Card for Savings
Consider the Lisboa Card for free entry to attractions & unlimited public transport. :ticket:
Pastry Alternatives
Try Manteigaria or Fabrica de Nata for amazing custard tarts too! :croissant:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Belem Tower
Along the Tagus River
Iconic Manueline fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stunning from the outside, though interiors are less remarkable.
Jeronimos Monastery
Belem
Magnificent monastery showcasing intricate Manueline architecture. A true masterpiece of Portuguese Gothic style.
Pasteis de Belem
Rua de Belém 84-92
The original home of the famous Portuguese custard tart. Expect a queue, but the warm, flaky pastries are worth it.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Belem Palace
Pastry Pilgrimage & Beyond
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Lisboa Card for Savings
Consider the Lisboa Card for free entry to attractions & unlimited public transport. :ticket:
Pastry Alternatives
Try Manteigaria or Fabrica de Nata for amazing custard tarts too! :croissant:
Recommendations for 2 days in Lisbon
Monastery Mondays
Jeronimos Monastery is closed on Mondays. Plan your visit accordingly. :calendar:
Tower Views
The outside of Belem Tower is stunning; interiors are less so, but still worth a visit. :camerawithflash:
Four nights in Lisbon with my wife
Tips
from all over the internet
Lisboa Card for Savings
Consider the Lisboa Card for free entry to attractions & unlimited public transport. :ticket:
Pastry Alternatives
Try Manteigaria or Fabrica de Nata for amazing custard tarts too! :croissant:
Monastery Mondays
Jeronimos Monastery is closed on Mondays. Plan your visit accordingly. :calendar:
Tower Views
The outside of Belem Tower is stunning; interiors are less so, but still worth a visit. :camerawithflash:
Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the area. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning Manueline architecture of Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery, calling them 'must-sees' and 'breathtaking'. The original Pasteis de Belem are a major draw, though some find other bakeries equally or more delicious. While the interiors of the tower are less impressive to some, the overall historical ambiance and beauty of the district are highly praised.
"We randomly came across this while walking Belém. It's quite an amazing place. While we did not tour inside due to holiday, it was still a very cool find. Go check it out!"
Kenneth Birmingham
"This is the grounds for the Presidential Palace although the Portuguese presidents do not use it as residence but as office. Built in 1559, It is an understated but extremely elegant palace. The garden is pure paradise with a breathtaking view over the Tagus river. It was the grounds which saved the lives of the royal family in the deadly earthquake in 1755 when the family was taking a vacation here. Their main residential palace at the city was totally destroyed by the strong tremors. The palace and the garden is a wonderful visit to get a feeling of this country’s touch to beauty. Located in the historical Belem area, it is neighbors to many other historical monuments like the Discoverers monument and the Jerenimos Monastery."
Saidur Rahman Babu
"The palace was partly closed, I think, so I just went through the gardens. It was scenic and relaxing. Not many people there in the morning"
Shivesh Tewari
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Belem easily via tram (Tram 15E from Praça da Figueira or Praça do Comércio) or bus (e.g., 728). Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available. Many visitors opt for the tram for a scenic journey.
Yes, the main attractions in Belem are within walking distance of each other. Comfortable shoes are a must as you'll be exploring on foot.
Absolutely! The Lisboa Card includes unlimited travel on Lisbon's public transport network, including trams and buses to Belem.
From the cruise terminal, you can take a taxi or ride-share directly to Belem, or walk to a nearby tram/bus stop. The journey is relatively short.
There are several paid parking lots in the Belem area, but they can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. Public transport is generally recommended. :car:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Belem Palace itself houses a museum, and entry typically requires a ticket. However, the surrounding area with Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery also has entry fees for their interiors.
While the interiors of Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery require tickets, you can admire their exteriors for free. The area around the Tower is also pleasant for a stroll.
Opening hours vary seasonally. Jeronimos Monastery is closed on Mondays. It's best to check the official websites for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
If you plan to visit multiple attractions like Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery, the Lisboa Card can offer significant savings on entry fees and transport.
Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance for Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery is highly recommended to save time and potentially secure your entry, especially during busy periods. :ticket:
📸 📸 Photography
The waterfront offers fantastic angles of Belem Tower. Try different perspectives from the park and along the riverbank for iconic shots.
Yes, the cloisters of Jeronimos Monastery are incredibly photogenic with their intricate stonework and arches. The church interior is also impressive. :camerawithflash:
Late afternoons offer beautiful golden hour light, making the architecture glow. Early mornings can also be good for fewer crowds and softer light.
Generally, photography is allowed in most outdoor areas and public spaces. Some specific exhibits within museums might have restrictions, so always check signage. :iphone:
Capture the iconic yellow and blue tiles of the Pasteis de Belem shop exterior, or a close-up of the warm, dusted tarts themselves.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The original Pasteis de Belem is located at Rua de Belém 84-92. Be prepared for a potential queue, but the experience is iconic.
Yes, Reddit users highly recommend Manteigaria and Fabrica de Nata as excellent alternatives, with some even preferring them to the original.
The Belem area offers a range of cafes and restaurants, from casual spots for pastries and coffee to more formal dining. You can find seafood, traditional Portuguese dishes, and international cuisine. :knifeforkplate:
While traditional Portuguese cuisine is meat and seafood-heavy, many cafes and restaurants are increasingly offering vegan options. It's worth checking menus or asking staff. :leafy_green:
Prices can vary. Pastries are generally affordable. Restaurants range from budget-friendly to more upscale, so you can find options to suit different budgets. :moneybag:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the museum inside Belem Palace might be less engaging for younger children, the main draw for families is often the Pasteis de Nata. Make it a fun mission to try them from different bakeries! Consider a ride on the historic Tram 15E to get to Belem, which can be an adventure in itself.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save on transport, utilize public buses or trams. Purchasing a Lisboa Card can be cost-effective if you plan to visit multiple paid attractions and use public transport extensively.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
For the best light, aim for the golden hour in the late afternoon, which bathes the historic buildings in a warm glow.
Don't forget to capture the iconic Pasteis de Nata, both in their delicious glory and the charming yellow and blue tiled storefronts of the bakeries. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Marvels of Belem
Adjacent to the tower is the Jeronimos Monastery, another UNESCO site and a masterpiece of Manueline design. Commissioned to commemorate Vasco da Gama's voyage to India, its grand cloisters, ornate church, and tombs of historical figures like Vasco da Gama and Luís de Camões are breathtaking. The sheer scale and detail of the stonework are awe-inspiring, making it a must-see for architecture enthusiasts.
While the Belem Palace itself is primarily a museum focused on the history of the presidency, its location within this historically rich district means visitors can easily combine a visit to the palace with explorations of these iconic landmarks. The proximity of these sites makes Belem a compact yet incredibly rewarding area to explore on foot.
The Quest for the Perfect Pastel de Nata
However, the debate for the 'best' pastel de nata is lively. Many locals and travelers on Reddit suggest that other bakeries, such as Manteigaria and Fabrica de Nata, offer equally delicious, if not superior, versions. These spots are often praised for their fresh preparation and distinct flavor profiles, with Manteigaria noted for being sweeter and Fabrica de Nata for its balanced taste.
Ultimately, the 'best' is subjective. Trying tarts from multiple establishments is part of the fun of exploring Lisbon. While Pasteis de Belem offers historical significance, don't hesitate to explore other highly-rated bakeries to find your personal favorite. The good news is that excellent custard tarts are available throughout the city, not just in Belem.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit