We will be coming into Lisbon from southern Portugal and it might be easiest for us to stop in Belem at the Monastery Jeronimos before checking into our hotel in Lisbon. Is there parking available at or near the monastery? Once we get to Lisbon we will park the car for a few days.

There is a car park opposite the monument next to the Monastery. You take pot luck as to whether you'll find a place as it's very busy. Belem is really a suburb of Lisbon and easy to get to from the centre. It has lots to see as an area.

See http://www.igespar.pt/en/monuments/40/

Have a look under the services heading down on the right of the page for the parking info.

I know that it is a suburb, I was just thinking it might be easier than checking in to our hotel and then get oriented and then getting to Belem.Just a thought

Tidy...you could spend a half day in Belem. We did, by taking the big blue tram #15 from Praca de Comercio one way and a bus back to town. Aside from the monastery, we walked to the Tower and the Discoverer's Monument and museum...the Coach Museum is appealing enough for a slow walk through, and next door the guards at entrance to the presidential palace are a photo op...At the same side of the street there's the famous "Pasteis de Belem" to sample the little delicious little tarts at the 1837 establishment. An experience.

Hi, Tidy,

If you're coming from southern Portugal, you're going to be coming over the April 25th bridge. When you come off the bridge, downtown is to your right, Belem is to your left, and you are about equidistant between the two. I am not sure you will save much time by driving directly out there, mainly because it's a pretty congested part of town, and also because parking can be difficult depending on time of day. The other thing is that driving in Belem is a little dicey at times because there is a divided highway with only specific access points that goes between the Discoverers Monument and the Monastery and effectively cuts those two areas off from each other (there's a pedestrian tunnel) and can create frustration or get you in the wrong place with no obvious way to get straightened out.

Having said that though, I have driven there from downtown Lisbon many times and always found a place to park. As others have said, the tram is quick and runs frequently. Where is your hotel in Lisbon?

You've convinced me and I SO appreciate your help, we will check in and depending on time just stay in Lisbon for the day and do Belem another day. What area of Lisbon do you recommend and do you know of any apartments?

I am now able to add a day or 2 to our itineray so deciding if Belem is worth more time. Is a day too much time to be there. Is a half day ample time?

Good option (Oct 31, 10 at 05:32 PM).
I assume your car is loaded and it is an obvious target for the friends of other people's properties. Near Pasteis de Belem, there is a small car park (near the newspapers kyosk and McDonalds). I advise you to park there, but make sure you have a 1 euro coin to give to the guys who are prentending they are helping you to find a place. IMHO, this is a good value for one euro coin.
The right time depends on your availability. If you were to stay in Lisbon at least one week, I'd say one day. If you are going to stay 3 or 4 days, I'd say 1/2 day.
Consider the Berardo Modern Art Museum, and some temporary exhibitions in CCB. In CCB are a few restaurants/coffe shops, with balconies and nice views over the Tagus river and bridge.

I would not drive there but instead use the public transprtation