Belem

Lisbon's waterfront monument district with the original pastel de nata

Suits History and architecture lovers making a half-day trip from central Lisbon

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The read

What it feels like: Spread along the Tagus riverfront with the Jeronimos Monastery, Tower of Belem, and MAAT museum. Pasteis de Belem has the original custard tarts and always has a line. Not a place to stay but worth the tram ride. Space things out because the distances are longer than they look on a map.
Who is around: Tour buses at the monastery, families along the waterfront, and a long queue at the pastry shop
On foot: Flat along the waterfront with wide walkways between the monuments. The walk from Jeronimos to the Tower of Belem is about 1.5 kilometres.
After dark: The monuments and waterfront are lit up. The area is primarily a daytime destination, with most restaurants closing by about 10pm. Fewer people around after dark than in the central neighbourhoods.