We only have 4 days in Lisbon and one of them is to Sintra. Is it worth traveling to Belem for a visit, and if so can anyone recommend a tour. We are an older couple and tours are easiest for us to manage. Thanks so much, Linda
Posted by
11570 posts
I preferred Belem to Sintra.
Belem: The Monasterio Jeronimos is incredible with it's Manueline architecture, burial site of Vasco de Gama. Monument to the Discoveries on the river. Belem is part of Lisbon so take a tram there. It doesn't take a whole day.
You certainly don't need a tour. Visit Jeronimos and then walk across the street to the monument. There is also an interesting Royal Coach Museum nearby. Your hotel can tell you which tram to take to Belem. Easy.It stops right where the sites are located. I wonder if tours are even offered? I can't imagine visiting Lisbon without including Belem.
Posted by
UK
1015 posts
Belem is a really quick & easy journey from central Lisbon - it only takes a matter of minutes by tram or local bus, and many of the HoHo buses also stop there if you’d prefer to do it that way. It’s not a full day trip like Sintra - it really is effectively part of Lisbon itself, just a little way out of the centre. Just see it as part of your Lisbon sightseeing.
The monastery is outstanding and will take a couple of hours at most, then go across and look at the Tower. Maybe half a day?
Incidentally are you aware you’ve posted this in the Spain forum? It’s actually in Portugal!
Posted by
Folsom
2734 posts
By all means visit Belem. The monastery is a worthwhile visit and you’ll see the tomb of Vasco de Gama. And, the best pastries you will eat are here: https://www.businessinsider.com/pasteis-de-belem-bakery-in-lisbon-is-the-most-reviewed-eatery-in-the-world-2018-1