Jeronimos Monastery in Lisbon Tickets and Tours

Portuguese architecture is one of the most astonishing in Europe, as evidenced by the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon, an example of the Manueline style that will not leave you indifferent. Through its terraces and tunnels this place takes you on a dreamlike walk through a construction dating back to 1501, which is why it is a highly demanded activity in the Belém neighbourhood.

In general, I recommend you enjoy a tour of the tomb rooms, protected by mystical animals, as well as the church, passages and terraces with panoramic views. It's one of the best things to do in Lisbon and a must-see destination, so it's a good idea to buy your ticket in advance to get discounts. Here are the details so you don't miss out on this experience.

The Jerónimos Monastery is one of the most impressive monuments in the city, so be prepared because you can discover its facilities for as little as 17 euros. In general, you will find a variety of prices and there are even money-saving packages that combine the experience with other attractions such as the Belém Tower or the National Museum of Archaeology.

The entrance ticket for the monastery grants you access to the 16th century cloister and the old monks' refectory. Generally, you can do the visit on your own and it is the best option if you want to take your time to explore at your own pace. There are also special prices for children, in fact children under 12 are free.

You can find tickets with audio guide, and of course, guided tours that help you to better understand the history of this sanctuary. While they are a little more expensive, they are totally worth it if you don't want to miss out on any details. There are private tours from €194 that allow you to walk around the grounds and combine it with attractions in the Belém neighbourhood, highlights of Alfama and other Lisbon adventures. In addition, the Lisbon Card is also a great way to get entry to the monastery, the best part is that it helps you save on your visit.

The Jerónimos Monastery is one of the best things to do in the Belém neighbourhood and receives thousands of tourists every year, so it is advisable to find a way to enjoy a visit without crowds, in order to properly detail every corner. As such, there is no priority entrance, but there are tricks to avoid the queues.

The best alternative is to buy online, to skip the ticket office process, which tends to lengthen the wait. Another trick is to go on weekdays, as there are fewer people, especially on Mondays and Tuesdays. And if you want a more relaxed experience, plan your trip in the low season, i.e. from November to February. If your visit coincides with a public holiday or weekend, I would recommend getting there before 10:00 for a more pleasant tour.

Additionally, you will find guided experiences that include skip-the-line entry, but this is subject to availability and you should check before booking. As for the type of tickets, there are several options, specifically:

• Children's ticket: access is completely free for children under the age of 12.
• General admission: Adults and children aged 13 and over can opt for this ticket, which offers access to the monastery and other areas such as the cloister and the former refectory.
• Discounted ticket: the monastery sometimes offers discounts for seniors, students and large families.
• Combined ticket: You can buy a combined ticket with other attractions, such as the Belém Tower.
• Entry with tourist pass: this monument is included in the Lisbon Card, a tourist card that also allows you to get discounts in restaurants, unlimited access to public transport, free trips to Sintra and Cascais, or enjoy around 38 museums and local attractions. It can be a good option if you plan to spend about 4 days in Lisbon.
• Guided tour ticket: if you want to understand the history of the monument and delve deeper into each exhibit, you can take a guided tour, usually in group and private options.
• Residents' ticket: on Sundays and public holidays, Portuguese residents can enjoy a special entrance free of charge.

If you want to enjoy a visit to the Hieronymites Monastery and take advantage of the best activities in Lisbon, you should probably consider a tourist pass. This monument is included in the Lisbon Card, an e-pass from €22 that will make your stay in the capital more enjoyable. It offers discounts at restaurants, unlimited rides on public transport, free access to the Santa Justa lift and more.

Please note that the ticket must be exch anged for a plastic card at an Ask Me Lisboa office to be used. Another option is The Lisbon Pass starting at 22 € which generally includes entrance to the Jerónimos Monastery, the Belém Tower, and a sightseeing bus tour.

These cards are a functional option that helps you save money, and I think you can take advantage of them if you plan to stay at least 1 day in Lisbon, as there are 24, 48 and 72 hour passes.

Of course there are different types of guided tours, for example if it is your first time in Lisbon it is advisable to prioritise a private or group tour, led by an expert. I consider this to be the best way to explore the stories hidden in this place, as a local guide knows the Jeronimos Monastery in depth. However, if you prefer to complete the tour at your own pace, an audio-guided tour that provides relevant information about each area or exhibit could work.

A very versatile option to make the most of the best things to do in Lisbon is to book a private tour, which includes a visit to the monastery and takes you to other points of interest in the capital. It usually includes entry to the Belém Tower and a tour of the highlights of the Alfama neighbourhood.

A guided tour is worthwhile if you enjoy historical tours and have an itinerary of at least 3 days in Lisbon. Whereas, for quick visits, it's best to go on your own at the end of the afternoon to find the place almost empty and take hundreds of pictures.

If you want to watch your budget during your trip, I have good news for you. The monastery offers discounts for certain groups, but you should buy directly at the ticket office or check with your service provider. For example, students and adults over 65 receive a 50% discount.

Also, family groups consisting of two adults and two children between 13 and 18 get a 50% discount per person, which considerably reduces the final price. You can combine it with a savings pack that includes the tourist bus, tram and Lisbon boat, so that you can get around the city at the best price and take advantage of the stops that these means of transport have at the monastery.

If you are looking for things to do in Lisbon with kids, you definitely have to visit the Jerónimos Monastery in Lisbon. The little ones can enjoy the sights to the fullest, with special tickets created for them. For example, children aged twelve and under get in completely free.

On the other hand, the entrance fee for children and young people between 13 and 18 years old is the same as for adults. However, half-price tickets are available for large families of four. The Museum of Archaeology is located in the annex, which can be an excellent plan to satisfy the curiosity of the little ones.

You can buy tickets for the monastery both at the ticket office and online, however booking online offers additional benefits and is the best way to enjoy all the highlights of the Belém neighbourhood. Most importantly, you can ensure your convenience, as the queues at the monastery ticket counter are long and tedious. Even in low season it is a process that I recommend skipping, as that time is best spent in the monastery's spaces.

Also, buying online also ensures ticket availability, considering it is a very touristy attraction. Another advantage is that you can choose your time slot and prepare for your entry time in advance. In general, booking the activity in advance of your trip can enhance the experience and make the visit more enjoyable. To get your tickets, all you need to do is:

• Step 1: select the date and number of travellers.
• Step 2: provide your personal and contact details.
• Step 3: make the payment and receive your digital tickets by mail.

The opening hours of the monastery are an important thing to take into account, in order to organise your visit. Here are the opening days and hours:

• From October to April it opens every day from 10:00 to 17:30, you can find tickets until 17:00 and the best thing is that at this time there are less people.
• From May to September it is open daily from 10:00 to 18:30 and the last entrance is at 18:00, so there is no excuse to miss this visit.
• It is closed on 1 January, Easter Sunday, 1 May and 25 December, but it is important to check before you visit.

If you don't want to worry about schedules or organisation, I recommend taking advantage of the best tours in Lisbon and hiring a private tour, so you can get a personalised perspective of the monastery.

The length of your visit to the monastery will depend on your itinerary, but it can usually be enjoyed in a short time. I recommend setting aside between one and two hours so that you have space to take in the exhibits, take pictures and wander through the hidden passages. If you plan to be in Lisbon for one day, one hour will be more than enough and there are other activities in the surrounding area that you can combine to make the most of your short stay.

Bear in mind that the queue to buy tickets at the ticket office can be at least half an hour, depending on the time and season of your visit, so it is advisable to buy your ticket online. The wait to enter is similar in length, although it usually moves quickly.

As a popular tourist attraction it is important to manage to visit at a suitable time and season. In the morning, specifically before 10:00, you will find the corridors are clearer and there are fewer queues to enter. This way, you'll have plenty of time to explore other activities in the Belém neighbourhood.

Midday is also less crowded, but if you want to ensure an uncrowded visit, you should visit during the low season (November to April). On weekdays there are also fewer tourists, and at the end of the afternoon, between 16:30 and 17:00, people tend to start leaving the site, which is ideal for taking good photographs.

There are different options to get to the Jerónimos Monastery, from private tours that include transfers and tours in Lisbon's tourist buses, to public transport options such as:

• Tram line 15.
• Bus lines 727, 728 and 760.
• The metro.
• The train if you are coming from nearby towns or cities.

• The church, where the tombs of Lisbon's emblematic figures are located.
• The Portada de Mediodía, an entrance of Manueline architecture.
• The mausoleum, which stands out because it is surrounded by elephants.
• The cloister, a landmark that surprisingly surpasses that of the Lisbon Cathedral.
• The museum, where you can learn about the evolution of the monastery and interesting stories of Portugal.

• Wear appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes, in general I recommend avoiding low-cut necklines, shorts and sleeveless shirts.
• Make sure you buy your ticket in advance to avoid queues at the ticket office.
• Visit the monastery on Mondays and Tuesdays, when it is less crowded.
• Take the opportunity to do other activities in the Belém neighbourhood, as well as eat a typical snack in the area.
• Remember that eating and smoking inside the monastery is strictly forbidden.