Pastéis de Belém is the most famous place in Lisbon to try Portugal’s iconic custard tart—because this bakery has been making the original Pastéis de Belém since 1837, following an old recipe linked to Jerónimos Monastery in Belém.

If you’re already visiting Belém Tower / Jerónimos Monastery / Monument to the Discoveries, this stop is a must.

Quick facts (address, official site, hours, transport)

  • Official name: Pastéis de Belém
  • Address: Rua de Belém nº 84–92, 1300–085 Lisboa, Portugal
  • Official website: pasteisdebelem.pt
  • Opening hours (official): Every day 08:00–21:00; July 1–Sept 30 closes at 22:00; Dec 24/25/31 + Jan 1 closes at 19:00
  • Nearest metro (best connection): Cais do Sodré station (Green Line / Linha Verde)
  • Best public transport into Belém: Tram 15E (stops include Mosteiro Jerónimos and Belém (Museu Coches)—both a short walk to the bakery)
  • Lisbon Metro general operating hours: 06:30–01:00

Why Pastéis de Belém is different from “pastel de nata”

In Lisbon you’ll see custard tarts everywhere, often called pastel de nata. Pastéis de Belém is the historic original: the bakery states it began producing the original pastries in 1837, following an ancient recipe from Mosteiro dos Jerónimos, and that the secret recipe is still recreated daily by hand using traditional methods.

That combination—history + consistent technique + location in Belém’s monument district—is why the line keeps happening.

What to order (simple + tourist-proof)

1) The classic: Pastéis de Belém (custard tarts)

Get at least 2–3 per person if you love pastries—one to eat immediately, one to compare later, one “just because.”

2) Cinnamon + powdered sugar (do it like locals)

Add a light dusting of cinnamon and powdered sugar (usually available at the tables). It changes the flavor instantly.

3) Coffee pairing

Order a Portuguese espresso (bica) or a milk coffee (galão) for the perfect 10-minute break.

How to avoid the worst lines (realistic strategy)

Pastéis de Belém is famous, so you should expect some waiting—especially around lunch and late afternoon in peak season.

Best ways to make it painless:

  • Go early (right after opening) or late evening (last 60–90 minutes before close).
  • Use takeaway if the sit-down room is packed (often faster), then enjoy them outside with a quick Belém stroll.
  • Plan it between monuments: Jerónimos → pastries → riverside walk is a smooth loop.

How to get to Pastéis de Belém (metro + tram, easiest route)

Belém doesn’t have a central metro stop right next to the monuments, so the common tourist route is:

Step 1: Metro to Cais do Sodré (Green Line)

Cais do Sodré is on Lisbon’s Green Line (Linha Verde) and is a major transport hub.

Step 2: Take Tram 15E toward Belém

From central Lisbon, Tram 15E is the classic way to reach Belém. Carris’ official route shows key Belém stops including Mosteiro Jerónimos, Centro Cultural Belém, and Belém (Museu Coches).

Step 3: Walk a few minutes to Rua de Belém 84–92

From those stops, it’s an easy short walk to the bakery’s official address.

Best time to visit (by vibe)

  • Fast + calm: morning (after 08:00 opening)
  • Best “Belém day” plan: mid-morning pastries after Jerónimos, then monuments
  • Golden hour: late afternoon pastries + riverside sunset walk
  • Latest close: summer period (July–Sept) closes at 22:00

Nearby sights (perfect combos)

You can build a strong half-day itinerary in Belém:

  • Jerónimos Monastery → pastries (same neighborhood)
  • Monument to the Discoveries (riverside) → pastries (short ride/walk)
  • Belém Tower → pastries (great “reward stop” after the walk)

FAQ

What are the official opening hours?

Official schedule: 08:00–21:00 daily, July 1–Sept 30 closes at 22:00, and on Dec 24/25/31 + Jan 1 closes at 19:00.

Where is Pastéis de Belém located?

Rua de Belém nº 84–92, 1300–085 Lisboa.

What’s the best public transport route?

Metro to Cais do Sodré (Green Line), then Tram 15E to the Jerónimos/Belém area, then walk.

Official links (copy/paste)

Official website: https://pasteisdebelem.pt/en/
Contact + opening hours: https://pasteisdebelem.pt/en/contact/
Lisbon Metro hours: https://www.metrolisboa.pt/en/travel/timetables-and-frequency/
Cais do Sodré station (Metro Lisboa): https://www.metrolisboa.pt/viajar/cais-do-sodre/
Carris Tram 15E route: https://www.carris.pt/en/travel/carreiras/15e/

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