A short 4 night trip to Lisbon mid June for 4 adults who are seasoned travelers. I’d planned to go to Belém to see the Monastery of Jerónimos and Tower etc. But, reading postings here about the crowds has made me question going there. Also, the Festival of St. Anthony will be happening while we’re there, so I’m guessing that the crowds will be even larger.
I’d love to hear about 1) Your experience at Belém and any suggestions
2) Your experience in Lisbon during the St. Anthony Celebrations and any suggestions
Posted by
361 posts
We were there a couple of years back.
We watched the Parade towards the end of Avenida da Liberdade close to Rossio, the crowd wasn't too bad.
Afterwards we walked to Alfama, really crowded at times we just had to go with flow of the crowd, a pickpockets heaven.
Belém Jerónimos the lines are very long, go very early , even if you have pre-purchased timed tickets, there are 2 lines - one to buy tickets the other to enter.
Belém tower and Discoveries monuments, nice to see from the outside not worth it to enter.
Opposite the Belém train station is the carriage museum that the monarchy used, it's worth a visit.
If you're there at the right time you can see the changing of the guard at the presidential palace.
Posted by
Fort Mill, SC
166 posts
The Monastery of Jeronimos will be VERY crowded, expect long lines even w/o the Festival. Adjacent to the monastery is a delightful museum, the Maritime Museum, which is not crowded and has a fascinating history of Portugal's golden age. Highly recommend. Also the Monument to the Discoveries was a highlight, including the world map in front. There is a pedestrian walkway underground from the palace gardens that will take you there in a few minutes.
Posted by
San Franciso Bay Area, USA
1029 posts
We went to Belem last October. We were not there during any festivals. We purchased the first entry ticket of the day and when we got there, the lines were long. Even though we arrived early and got in line, when the Monastery opened, they let all the tour groups in first, so we actually couldn't get in until 30 minutes after our timed ticket. It was rainy and that did not deter the crowds. That said once you get into the. Monastery, the crowds were not overwhelming and you could stay as long as you want.
I agree with other recommendations of seeing the Discovery Monument and Belem Tour from the outside. The carriage museum is small, but very nice.
The line for Pastéis de Belém, even to sit down inside was really long, but it was worth it. If you go, try some of the other pastries as well. The Pasteis was the best we had in Portugal (and we tried about 1/2 dozen places).
Posted by
Massachusetts, USA
1701 posts
Take the elevator to the top of the Discoveries Monument for stunning views of the port and the monastery. I don't know if this has become a popular thing to do (most people go to top of Belem Tower) but when we were there in April 2018, there no lines waiting for the elevator. We admired the Belem Tower from afar.
We did have to wait in line for about an hour for tickets to the Jeronimos Monastery but we thought it was worth it. We also enjoyed the Coach Museum. And we had a delicious seafood lunch by the water.
Posted by
Living in a suburb of Los Angeles
110 posts
I was in Lisbon about a month ago. At the Monastery, the left line was for the Monastery and cloister. You could buy a ticket at the entry. The right line was for the church, which was free. The lines were longer as the day wore on. I waited about 45 minutes without a ticket for the Monastery. About 30 minutes for the church. The Coach museum was just OK for me. Not much variety.
I really liked the Maritime Museum and the interior and tower of the Belem Tower. I got to the Belem Tower early and waited about 45 minutes in line. It was much longer when I left. Get your ticket at the nearby kiosk before getting in line.
The Pasteis de Belem line went fast, for take out. Don't let it worry you.
The line for the Monument of the Discoveries was short and went fast. The view was excellent.
Posted by
OP
S.F. Bay Area
2 posts
Thanks to each of you for taking the time to respond. It’s still an interesting dilemma because everyone has a different take on the situation. It seems that Portugal has become a hot destination with Belém and Sintra on everyone’s list.
I hope anyone else with experience in Lisbon and Belém will add their thoughts.
I really appreciate this forum. I’ve used Rick’s guidebooks all over Europe and still think they’re far and away the best, especially for the art and history information.
Posted by
Chicago
3142 posts
If you want to go to Belem, go. Just go early to beat the crowds. I was there in March and almost had the place to myself when I arrived around 7 am to walk around. Get in line for the Monastery 30-40 minutes before the opening time. Make sure you have your ticket or Lisbon card ahead of time.
I wrote about my experience in Lisbon in my trip report:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/solo-in-lisbon-portugal-my-trip-report