#1 – Ride the (Not So Historic) Yellow Tram to Belem

One of the previous highlights of visiting Belem was riding the city’s iconic yellow trams. Unfortunately, most of the trams on the Lisbon-Belem line (#15E) have recently been replaced with sleek, modern alternatives. However, whether you ride an old or new tram, the journey itself remains enjoyable. To secure a seat, get on at Praça da Figueira. Fares are €3.00 (coins only), or you can tap your Lisbon metro card for automatic deductions. There are three tram stops in Belem: one at the National Coach Museum, another at the monastery, and the last near the tower.

The tram ride takes a minimum of 45 minutes from Praça da Figueira to Belem. If you’re short on time, consider taking the commuter train instead.

#2 – The Monastery of Jeronimos

For most visitors, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the main attraction in Belem. However, one cannot discuss it without acknowledging the chaotic ticketing and queue organization at the Monastery of Jeronimos.

The Monastery of Jeronimos Queue

Basically, the line at the Monastery of Jeronimos is quite frustrating.

In high season, expect to queue for about two hours, waiting outside in the hot sun without shade. The time on your ticket is irrelevant; all visitors line up together, regardless of their reserved entry time. The Lisbon Card does not facilitate skipping the line either.

If visiting in low season, expect the same frustrating experience, just with rain or wind to contend with instead. Again, ticket holders and non-ticket holders wait together until security allows entry.

The only way to bypass the queue is to join a tour group. Groups led by official guides are given priority entry, much to the annoyance of those who have been waiting for hours. Consider booking a Tour of Belem and the Jeronimos Monastery.

Monastery of Jeronimos Exterior

Despite the queue, the Monastery of Jeronimos is a must-see. Even if you don’t enter, its impressive exterior is worth a look. The white facade stretches approximately 275 meters alongside the Belem waterfront, adorned in Manueline style—a graceful testament to Portuguese architecture from the late Renaissance. Built over a century, the intricate details are evident inside and out. The facade’s limestone, called Lioz, is characteristic of the Lisbon region.

Interior of the Jeronimos Monastery

After enduring the long wait, you’ll have access to select rooms. Don’t expect traditional Portuguese azulejo tiles here; they are scarce, located only in the spacious, empty refectory.

As you exit towards the cloister, you’ll pass the tomb of Fernando Pessoa, a noted modern Portuguese poet interred here after his passing in 1935.

The Monastery of Jeronimos Cloister

This is the serene view you waited two hours for. Evoking more intricate Manueline architecture and a peaceful ambiance, the cloister is the highlight of your visit.

Feel free to stroll both upstairs and downstairs, but access to the open garden is restricted. Enjoy examining the columns, arches, and decorative gargoyles, but avoid sitting on benches, or security may intervene!

#3 – Jeronimos Monastery Church

Exiting the cloister brings you to another queue for the monastery church. A separate line awaits, where you’ll need to stand for another thirty minutes or so before entering.

On the bright side, entrance to the church is free! If you wish to avoid lengthy waits at the monastery, this shorter queue is a great alternative.

#4 – Taste Pastel de Nata (Portuguese Egg Tarts) in Their Birthplace

Known since the monks of Jeronimos crafted this iconic pastry, the pastel de nata has a fascinating history. In the 1800s, the monks sold the recipe to a local sugar company, which then opened a café that popularized the treat. Tasting these creamy delights in their birthplace has become one of the must-do experiences in Belem.

Pastéis de Belém

Pastéis de Belém café still stands across from the monastery, now a popular tourist attraction. Be prepared to queue for a table (locals skip this). I waited about thirty minutes and was eventually seated near the entrance—a less desirable table than others with a view into the production area.

The café maintains reasonable prices despite its popularity: an egg tart costs €1.40, and the same for coffee. I had my first pastel de nata here, which was delicious, though not life-changing.

Manteigaria – The New Pastel de Nata on the Block

About ten years ago, Manteigaria opened in Lisbon, aiming to create an even tastier pastel de nata. With multiple locations, including one in Belem, I couldn’t resist crossing the street from Pastéis de Belém to try theirs. They don’t have seating; I grabbed a pastel de nata to go and savored it right away. It was good, too, but not life-altering either.

#5 – The Tower of Belem

If you’re keen on visiting the Tower of Belem, be prepared for another queue. By the time I finished my pastel de nata and lunch, they had already sold out of tickets for the day, with long lines of ticket-holders waiting to enter.

The entrance fee is consistent whether you purchase online or at the ticket office. Even with a timed entry ticket, expect to wait for up to an hour as the stairways inside are narrow.

#6 – Monument to the Discoveries

Between the monastery and the tower, the Monument to the Discoveries sits majestically by the river, styled like a sailboat and embellished with statues of explorers like Prince Henry the Navigator.

Entrance costs €10, leading you to a small museum celebrating Portugal’s exploration history. Climb the stairs or take the elevator to enjoy unparalleled panoramic views of Belem and the Tagus River.

#7 – Boat Tours & Cruises from Belem

A boat tour along the Tagus River is a fantastic way to relax after all that standing in lines. Various tours can be booked directly at the marina, but it’s wise to pre-book to secure your spot:

• Sunset Cruise from Belem – This highly recommended tour offers a beautiful sunset view over Alfama and the São Jorge Castle.
• Tagus River Cruises – Various boat tours led by luxury sailboats run throughout the day.
• Sailboat Tour with Drinks – Rated highly, this two-hour tour offers refreshments onboard.

It can get cool on the water, so bring a sweater or jacket, and shoes will likely need to be removed on board.

#8 – Check Out the National Coach Museum

It might surprise you, but horse-drawn carriages can indeed be fascinating! The National Coach Museum houses over 50 ornate horse-drawn carriages dating from the 1600s to early 1900s.

A €10 ticket allows access to both the new gallery showcasing most of the collection and the decorative Royal Riding School, which was part of the Belem Palace, the residence of the Portuguese president.

#9 – Visit the Maritime Museum

If you’re visiting with children, the Maritime Museum is a great option. Located next door to the monastery on its west side, it educates visitors about Portugal’s maritime history through exhibits and artifacts, with information available in both English and Portuguese.

Admission is only €3.25 for youth, with adults paying double. If the monastery’s queue looks long, consider sending one adult with kids into the museum while the other holds your spot in line.

#10 – Stargaze at the Planetarium

The Belem Planetarium across from the Maritime Museum is another fantastic option, especially for families. It features a domed ceiling that displays the night sky, hosts documentaries, and temporary exhibitions. Audio translations in English are provided via headsets.

#11 – Explore the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology

Just a twenty-minute walk from the monastery towards Lisbon leads you to MAAT, the Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology. This modern riverside museum showcases contemporary art, with rotating exhibits featuring Portuguese and international artists alongside items relating to the historical electrical industry.

Adult admission is €11. Free access is available on the first Sunday of each month. Note that MAAT is closed on Tuesdays.

Honorable Mention – LX Factory

While LX Factory isn’t strictly in Belem, it’s just a short distance away and can be combined with your visit. This artsy location is filled with unique shops, eateries, and the famed bookstore, Ler Devagar. It’s a perfect stop for drinks or dinner after a day in Belem.