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Is Belém worth visiting?
We are in Lisbon and had planned to visit the Belém sights but not sure they’re worth the time. We did a day trip to Sintra and it didn’t live up to our high expectations - very, very crowded (herded through the Pena Palace) and the interiors of Pena Palace weren’t all that interesting to us. Moorish Castle was ok. Best part of Sintra was the views. So I’m wondering if a visit to Belém is worth it? Is the monastery really special? We’ve been told by a local that Belém Tower is not particularly interesting if we’ve already been to the Moorish Castle.
Thank you. |
I don't know if I'm the best person to answer this as I really loved my day trip to Sintra! But... I guess it depends on what you enjoy and how tight your schedule is. We accidentally went on the day the monastery was closed so I can't speak to that. The tower is just a tower (no regrets at seeing it but nothing awe inspiring) But those egg tarts! Fresh hot egg tarts were worth the tram ride out there (and it gives you a look at some different neighbourhoods in the city on the way.)
https://www.eater.com/2017/6/28/1586...n-where-to-eat - "Egg tarts, in their modern form, originated here in 1837. Antiga Confeitaria de Belém's egg tarts are called pastéis de Belém, not pastéis de nata; the name is trademarked, and their original recipe is secret. Only six people alive today know that recipe, including the three master bakers who work behind closed doors at the so-called Secret Atelier. The confeitaria sells thousands of egg tarts per day, and while the occasional tart can be a bit burnt or underdone, 90 percent are perfect. An order fresh out of the oven alongside a glass of port wine is one of the best egg tart experiences you can have. The line might suggest that this is a tourist trap, but Lisboetas also trek out here for their pastel de Belém fix. If you want to avoid the line, go at breakfast or on a day when the nearby monastery (a big draw) is closed." |
I liked Belem as a district a whole lot besides the monastery -
https://lisbon-portugal-guide.com/be...ct-lisbon.html You could give Belem a quick look over and get on train and go to Cascais and the Estoril just a few minutes away. Have you done the hill-climbing trams thru the ancient hilltop Alfama district: https://lisbon-portugal-guide.com/li...-route-12.html |
Monuments in the Belém District
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I guess it will depend on how you plan your day: National Coach Museu, Monastery of Jerónimos, Musei de Marinha, Padrão dos Descobrimentos, Belém Tower, Portuguese School of Equestrian Art. Museum Bernado Collection
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The monastery is amazing - at least to me.
For my photos start here: https://kwilhelm.smugmug.com/Travel/...sbon/i-cdvLb8B But I'm afraid Lisbon has got a lot more popular. |
I will be in Lisbon for the first time in a few weeks so I don't have first-hand knowledge. However, I have done a lot of research and I have seen a lot of photos, and the monastery looks amazing, especially the cloister. Would you be disappointed if you don't visit it? I know I would.
BTW, what is the weather like in Lisbon now? Thanks! |
TBelem’s Jeronimos Monastery is an incredible site. Belem offers even more.The coach Museum was interesting too. We liked Belem a lot, probably more than Sintra. Visit the monument to the Discoveries where the explorers you studied in elementary school, sailed from to parts to unknown.
Did you see the beautiful tile work in the Palacio Nacional in Sintra? We preferred it to Pena Palace. |
Thank you, it sounds like it is worth a visit and it is not that far from where we are staying.
For the person asking about weather: mid-high 50s, very windy in some areas. Perfect walking weather. |
Weather in Lisbon
Originally Posted by cmm6797
(Post 16706711)
Thank you, it sounds like it is worth a visit and it is not that far from where we are staying.
For the person asking about weather: mid-high 50s, very windy in some areas. Perfect walking weather. |
I did not line up for egg tarts but did for the Monestary. - it was worth the wait.
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