Is Belém worth visiting?
Apr 3rd, 2018 | 10:01 AM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 82
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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.
Thank you.
Apr 3rd, 2018 | 10:07 AM
#2
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 30
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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 -
Also a big fan of ham & cheese pao de deus. Sweet coconut bun with ham and cheese? Who knew that would be so delicious!
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."
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."
Apr 3rd, 2018 | 10:10 AM
#3
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 78,320
Likes: 0
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
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
Apr 3rd, 2018 | 11:08 AM
#4
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 1,145
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Monuments in the Belém District
I guess it will depend on how you plan your day: National Coach Museu, Monastery of Jerónimos, Musei de Marinha, Padrăo dos Descobrimentos, Belém Tower, Portuguese School of Equestrian Art. Museum Bernado Collection
Apr 3rd, 2018 | 11:23 AM
#5
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 27,709
Likes: 1
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.
For my photos start here: https://kwilhelm.smugmug.com/Travel/...sbon/i-cdvLb8B
But I'm afraid Lisbon has got a lot more popular.
Apr 3rd, 2018 | 02:01 PM
#6
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 6,197
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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!
BTW, what is the weather like in Lisbon now?
Thanks!
Apr 3rd, 2018 | 04:31 PM
#7
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 18,251
Likes: 22
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.
Did you see the beautiful tile work in the Palacio Nacional in Sintra? We preferred it to Pena Palace.
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Apr 4th, 2018 | 09:57 AM
#9
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 6,197
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Weather in Lisbon
Thank you for letting me now about the weather in Lisbon. We will be there from April 22 to 27. Maybe by then it will be less windy. I prefer cooler temps (but not cold) for sightseeing.
