Pastéis de Belém – The Most Famous Pastel de Nata in Lisbon

What to Know Before Visiting Pastéis de Belém

The Pastéis de Belém bakery, located in Lisbon’s historic Belém district, is probably the most iconic place to taste the original Pastel de Nata in Lisbon. These creamy custard tarts, with their flaky pastry and caramelised tops, are Portugal’s most famous sweet treat. No visit to Lisbon is complete without trying one!

With a secret recipe passed down by the monks since the 19th century, Pastéis de Belém has become a must-visit attraction for anyone searching for the best Pastel de Nata Lisbon has to offer and an essential stop on your Lisbon itinerary.

Pastéis de Belém — General Information
Location	R. de Belém nº 84–92, 1300-085 Lisboa, Portugal. Closest landmarks: Jerónimos Monastery and Belém Tower. (Get detailed directions to Pastéis de Belém bakery)
Opening Times	As of 2025: Monday to Sunday from 08:00AM to 10:00PM. Hours can change so it’s best to check the official website before visiting.
Price	Pastel de nata: €1.50 each or €9 for a box of 6. See the full online menu for more items and prices.

What to Order at Pastéis de Belém

When visiting Pastéis de Belém bakery, the main highlight is of course the Pastel de Nata, Portugal’s world-famous custard tart. Freshly baked with a crisp, flaky pastry shell and a creamy custard filling caramelised on top, these tarts are the reason people line up outside the bakery every day.

The bakery also serves excellent coffee, the perfect companion to your pastel de nata, along with a wide range of other pastries, cakes, and light snacks if you want something more.

As of 2025, a Pastel de Belém costs €1.50 each, or you can buy a box of 6 for €9.00. You can either sit inside the spacious café (table service provided) or opt for a takeaway.

For the complete menu of drinks and pastries, check the official Pastéis de Belém website.

Tips for enjoying your Pastel de Nata in Lisbon

• Sprinkle some cinnamon on your Pastel de Nata – Once you get your tart, sprinkle them with a bit of cinnamon which are provided on the tables – it really compliments the flavour!
• Visit during off-peak hours – The queues can be very long, try visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon during weekdays.
• Pair with sightseeing in Belém – Combine your stop with nearby attractions like the Jerónimos Monastery or Belém Tower.
• Capture the atmosphere – The actual building is very picturesque and historic, and there are some excellent photograph opportunities both inside and outside.

The History of Pastéis de Belém

The history and origins of Pastel de Nata in Lisbon are closely tied to the Jerónimos Monastery, in the Belém district.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the monks at this monastery used egg whites to starch their clothes, and therefore had a large amount of leftover egg yolks. To put these yolks to use, the monks started creating sweet pastries, including the recipe for the now-famous custard Portuguese tart.

In 1834, due to the revolution in Portugal, all monasteries were to be shut down and no longer funded. This meant the monks had to find a way to sustain themselves, and they decided to sell the secret recipe of these custard tarts to a sugar refinery. Just a few years later, in 1837, that refinery opened the Pastéis de Belém bakery, selling the tarts to the public for the first time.

Even now, the recipe is kept strictly secret, known only to three master pastry chefs at any given time.

Pastéis de Belém Lisbon Location & How to Get There

Pastéis de Belém is located in the riverside district of Belém, around 6 kilometres west of central Lisbon. This makes it an easy stop to combine with other famous attractions such as the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower, both of which are only a few minutes’ walk away.

The bakery is very well connected by public transport. You can easily get to Pasteis de Belem by taking the tram. The closest tram stop is Praça Afonso de Albuquerque (Tram 15), which is then just a 5 minute walk to the bakery.

Several bus routes also serve Belém, including the 714, 727, 728, 729, and 751, which stop near the monastery. If you prefer the train, you can take the Cascais line from Cais do Sodré station and get off at Belém station, which is about a 10 minute walk from the bakery.

Although there is no metro station in Belém, another convenient option is the Hop-On Hop-Off sightseeing buses, which stop right outside Belém’s main monuments and just steps away from the bakery.

Where Else to try Pastel de Nata in Lisbon

While Pastéis de Belém is the most famous bakery, it’s not the only place to enjoy an authentic Pastel de Nata in Lisbon. Here are some of the best alternatives:

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