France may be famed for its world-class bakeries and pastries, but Portugal's capital, Lisbon, steals the spotlight with Pastéis de Belém—the most rated bakery on TripAdvisor in 2017. This historic gem has safeguarded the secret recipe for pastel de nata, a puff pastry shell filled with creamy custard, for 180 years. It's a staple of Portuguese cuisine. From October 2016 to October 2017, it amassed over 10,000 reviews, the vast majority deeming it "excellent."
Travelers call Pastéis de Belém an unmissable "must-do," praising its heavenly custards made with eggs, sugar, and cinnamon. Sprinkle extra cinnamon or powdered sugar on the caramelized top before your first bite—it’s irresistible. Pair it with coffee for the ultimate treat. The sole drawback? Hour-long waits in peak season. But trust us, it’s worth every minute. Add this iconic spot to your lifetime bucket list!
