The Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon is one of Portugal’s most important historical landmarks. This guide gives clear, factual advice for first-time visitors: how to get there, when to go, ticket information, and nearby sights for planning a full day in Belém.
To skip the information and just book your tickets, head this way.
A short history and overview
The Jerónimos Monastery was commissioned by King Manuel I in 1501 to honour Vasco da Gama’s successful voyage to India. It became a symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discovery and is arguably the greatest example of the ornate Manueline architectural style.
The complex houses the church of Santa Maria de Belém, cloisters, and several royal tombs, including those of Vasco da Gama and the poet Luís de Camões. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it remains one of Lisbon’s most visited monuments and an essential stop for anyone exploring the Belém district.
How to get there
The monastery is located in Belém, western Lisbon, about six kilometres from the city centre. The address is Praça do Império, 1400-206 Lisboa. It’s easy to reach by public transport or on foot if you’re already in the area.
From central Lisbon, tram 15E runs regularly from Praça da Figueira or Cais do Sodré to Belém. Alternatively, take suburban train services on the Cascais Line from Cais do Sodré station and alight at Belém station, which is a short walk away.
Several city buses also stop nearby, including routes 727, 728 and 729. Taxis and rideshares are widely available, though parking in Belém can be limited during busy hours.
Why book the Belém Walking Tour with Jerónimos Ticket?
- 🏛 Guided tour inside the Jerónimos Monastery with skip-the-line entry and ticket included
- 🚶 Walking tour through Belém district, ending at Belém Tower for scenic views
- ⏱ Approximate duration: 4 hours exploring architecture, history, and waterfront
- 🌐 Small group (max ~20 people) for a more personal experience
- 📍 Meeting point: Jerónimos Monastery (Front entrance, yellow-shirt guide); ends at Belém Tower
- ✅ Mobile ticket and free cancellation up to 24 hours before start time
- ⭐ High overall rating (~4.5/5) from 31 reviews for guide knowledge and tour content
Opening hours and ticket prices
The Jerónimos Monastery is open from 9:30am to 5:30pm. It is closed on Mondays, 1 January, Easter Sunday, 1 May, and 25 December.
Ticket prices (as listed by Património Cultural, the official site):
- Adults: €18
- Seniors (over 65): 50% discount
- Youngsters (13 – 24yo): 50% discount
- Children under 12: free
Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online. Combined tickets are available for nearby sites such as the Belém Tower and the National Archaeology Museum.
5 great things to do in Lisbon 🇵🇹
- 🏰 Combine nearby highlights on a small group tour – to Sintra, Pena Palace and Cascais.
- 🍷 Eat your way through lesser-visited neighbourhoods – on a food and wine tour.
- 🛺 Get a local’s eye view of Lisbon – on a tuk-tuk tour.
- 🥐 Take a bakery masterclass – and make your own pastel de nata.
- ⛵ Enjoy wine at sunset – on a river sailing cruise.
Best times to visit
To avoid the largest crowds, plan to arrive early in the morning when the monastery opens, especially during weekends and summer months. Weekdays are quieter overall, with shorter queues for the cloisters and main church entrance.
The late afternoon can also be a peaceful time, with softer lighting for photographs in the cloisters. Aim to spend at least one to two hours exploring both the church and monastery areas.
Parking and accessibility
There is a small public car park next to the monastery along Praça do Império, though it fills quickly. Additional parking can sometimes be found near the Belém Cultural Centre (CCB), a few minutes’ walk away.
The main areas of the monastery are wheelchair accessible, including the church and ground-floor cloisters. Visitors with mobility issues may find the upper cloisters more challenging due to stairs, but ramps are provided in key access areas.
Nearby attractions to combine in the same day
The Belém district is packed with landmarks, making it ideal for a full day’s sightseeing. From the monastery, you can easily walk to several major attractions:
- Belém Tower – another UNESCO World Heritage Site, about 15 minutes on foot along the river.
- Monument to the Discoveries – a short walk from the monastery, offering views of the Tagus River.
- Pastéis de Belém bakery – world-famous for traditional custard tarts, located opposite the monastery.
- MAAT (Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology) – a modern riverside museum about a 10-minute walk away.
Jerónimos Monastery FAQ
Are the monastery grounds wheelchair-friendly?
Yes. Most of the site is accessible, including the church and ground-floor cloisters. However, access to the upper cloisters may be restricted for wheelchair users due to stairs.
When are the quietest hours to visit?
Early mornings on weekdays are the quietest. Arriving before 11:00 a.m. gives you more time to explore before large tour groups arrive.
How can I buy tickets?
Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online. Booking online can help avoid queues at busy times.
Are photos allowed inside?
Photography without flash is generally allowed inside the church and cloisters, but always follow signage or staff instructions in specific areas.
Are there cafés or restaurants nearby?
Yes. The famous Pastéis de Belém café is directly opposite the monastery. There are also several restaurants and snack bars along Rua de Belém.
Practical tip: Arrive early, book tickets online, and combine the Jerónimos Monastery with nearby Belém Tower for a rewarding half-day in Lisbon’s most historic district.
More Lisbon travel
Other Lisbon travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- 5 recommendations to make your Lisbon break better.
- Visiting Museu Coleção Berardo, Lisbon: practical guide for first-time visitors.
- Discovering the gorgeous tile art in Lisbon.
- A practical guide to visiting Lisbon’s Beer Museum.
- Top tips for visiting the Oceanário de Lisboa.