Both the monastery and the Tower of Belem were very busy, I assume because many visitors flow into Lisbon off the massive cruise liners. With the Monastery line wrapping along much of the massive building itself, I opted for only seeing the church before making my way to the Tower of Belem. Here I waited in a more tolerable queue. 

The Tower of Belem has a winding staircase that is now timed to allow visitors up and down the single person stairway. Some of the carvings/designs on walls or decorative sculptures facing the sea stand out, but as previously stated there is not a whole lot on display here. 

The Church of Santa Maria, part of the Hieronymites Monastery is easy to visit and rewarding. The paintings, royal tombs, and stained glass are exquisite, but hardly singular.

We had a pleasant time visiting both places, despite the crowds. Not to be missed is the famous, Pastéis de Belém, which offers some of the best egg tart in Portugal. This pastry shop is a short walk from the monastery.