Lisbon is a city full of breathtaking views. It’s also called the City of Seven Hills and that’s because to enjoy the views you’ll have to climb. A lot. Put on your most comfortable shoes and join me in the search of the best viewpoints in Lisbon.
With its unique architecture, Lisbon is a place that you’ll never get tired of. However, if you only have a few days in the city, you’ll want to see the best of it.
In this article, I’m sharing with you the best miradouros in Lisbon. Make sure to add them to your itinerary! But before, let’s find out what is a miradouro.
1. What is a miradouro?
A miradouro is a terrace where you can sit back, relax, and admire the views. It’s one of the best free things to din Lisbon! Day and night, the miradouros are full of locals and tourists who want to catch a glimpse of this beautiful city.
They’re popular meeting places and popular places to watch the sunset. Usually, they’re located at the highest point of each of Lisbon’s hills.
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2. The best miradouros in Lisbon
During my trip to Lisbon, I searched for the best panoramic views in the city. I visited countless viewpoints and now I want to share with you the best ones! These are the best miradouros in Lisbon!
#1 Miradouro das Portas do Sol
Miradouro das Portas do Sol is probably the most popular lookout point in Lisbon. It’s easily accessible by public transport and the views are stunning.
We hopped on the famous Tram 28 and arrived at this beautiful viewpoint, overlooking Alfama. There was a big viewing platform that could accommodate a few hundred people and once we got to the edge of it, we stood in awe as we watched the hundreds of orange rooftops.
The winding streets of Alfama looked like a maze from up above, framed by the Sao Vicente of Fora Church and the beautiful Tagus River.
Nearby this miradouro you can find many restaurants, souvenir shops, and small supermarkets. If you want to eat something while admiring the views, I recommend the Miradouro das Portas do Sol terrace bar.
#2 Miradouro de Santa Luzia
Welcome to the best sunset location in Lisbon. This miradouro is located just a short walk away from Miradouro das Portas do Sol. While you’re here, make sure to admire the blue-and-white azulejos (tiles).
This place got its name after the small church of Santa Luzia located right nearby. The east wall of the church is decorated with two panels of azulejos. One of them illustrates Praça do Comércio before the earthquake of 1755. The other panel illustrates the crusaders besieging the Castelo de São Jorge in 1147.
The beautiful Miradouro de Santa Luiza is a popular place to watch the sunset for both locals and tourists. In the evening, local singers will come here and play the guitar, creating an amazing atmosphere.
Watching the sunset over Alfama is pretty incredible!
#3 Miradouro de Graça
If you’re looking for the best views in Lisbon, you have to stop at Miradouro de Graça. Located near Igreja e Convento da Graça, this miradouro offers stunning panoramic views of Lisbon.
From here, you can see the beautiful S. George Castle, Ponte 25 de Abril, and the Carmo Archaeological Museum, all this while sitting in the shade of tall pine trees.
Miradouro de Graça is one of my favorite places in Lisbon, together with the Pink Street and Lx Factory. I used my zoom-lens to photograph the layered houses in the distance and I couldn’t believe how close to one another they were.
#4 Miradouro de Santo Estêvão
If you’re looking for a less crowded miradouro, where you can admire the views without bumping into tens of tourists, I recommend Miradouro de Estêvão.
One evening, while we were walking randomly in Alfama we discovered this place. I guess that getting lost has its perks. There were only 2 other people here and I loved that I was able to enjoy the views in peace.
Located near St. Stephen’s Church, this is one of Lisbon’s hidden gems. I also loved that the road to this miradouro took me through picturesque alleys, framed by houses dressed in colorful azulejos (tiles).
#5 Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
Located in Barrio Alto, Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara is split into two terraces, offering incredible views over central Lisbon and Saint George Castle.
The lower terrace has small beautiful gardens and lots of benches where you can relax while admiring the views. If you want a bit of shadow, choose the upper terrace.
Without a doubt, this is one of the best lookout points in Lisbon. There are a few cafes where you can enjoy a delicious coffee or a snack. Don’t forget to try the famous egg tarts while in Lisbon!
#6 Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
This miradouro is the highest in the city and the views from up here are simply breathtaking. Overlooking Castelo de São Jorge, Bairro Alto, and Baixa, Miradouro da Senhora do Monte should definitely be on your itinerary.
This peaceful place offers a wide, panoramic view of Lisbon. It’s one of the best spots to watch the sunset in the city. If you’re visiting during mid-day there are a few pine trees that will keep you shadow.
3. Other viewpoints in Lisbon
Apart from these beautiful miradouros, there are also other awesome viewpoints in Lisbon that are worth mentioning. Here they are!
If you’re on a budget, check out these awesome free things to do in the city!
#1 St. George Castle viewpoint
If you’re looking for things to do in Lisbon, the St. George Castle is surely included on any itinerary. With a rich history, the castle is worth visiting. However, the only thing you can see are ruins since not much of the castle remains today.
The reason why I decided to visit the castle was to see the views. St. George Castle is located strategically on a high hill, overlooking the entire city. If you’re looking for the best viewpoints in Lisbon, St. George Castle is definitely one of them.
Entrance fee – 10€ for adults and 5€ for students
#2 Santa Justa Elevator viewpoint
The Santa Justa Elevator is one of the main tourist attractions in Lisbon. It’s the shortest way to get from Baixa neighborhood to Barrio Alto district.
The elevator was opened in 1902 to help the locals to easily travel from lower to upper Lisbon and vice versa. Prior to the elevator, the people had to climb a steep hill to get to Barrio Alto.
The elevator is 45 meters-tall and its structure resembles the famous Eiffel Tower. The reason why many tourists choose to take the Santa Justa Elevator is because of the beautiful views that can be admired from the top.
Entrance fee – 5,15€ (return), 1,50€ for the viewpoint (elevator not included)
Good to know – after visiting the Santa Justa Elevator, I recommend heading to the Carmo Archaeological Museum.
#3 Arco da Rua Augusta viewpoint
Arco da Rua Augusta is one of Lisbon’s landmarks. This huge arch is beautifully decorated with huge statues and the good news is that you can climb on top of it and admire the views.
The viewing platform is quite small and the stairs are narrow. Therefore, only 35 people are allowed to enter Arco da Rua Augusta at once. This means that during the summer, when most tourists visit Lisbon, there might be a long queue to wait.
Entrance fee – 2,5€
#4 Basílica de Estrela
If you want a glimpse of Lisbon’s less touristy spots, head to the top of Basílica de Estrela. I recommend visiting this place only if you’re spending more than 3 days in Lisbon. This Basilica is quite far from the city center, where all the tourist attractions are located.
#5 Belem Tower viewpoint
This 16th-century fortification was built during the Portuguese Renaissance. Today, the Belem Tower is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Lisbon.
People from all over the world come to admire its architecture but not many climb to the top of the tower. The tower offers a beautiful panorama of the Tagus River and the city.
Entrance fee – 6€
#6 São Vicente de Fora
This church was built in the 17th century and is one of the most important monasteries in the country. I recommend visiting the church’s interior – it’s pretty spectacular.
However, if you’re looking for the best lookout points in Lisbon, head to the São Vicente de Fora rooftop. Not many tourists visit this viewpoint and the views are stunning!
Entrance fee – 5€
3. Final thoughts
These viewpoints in Lisbon are easy to find if you use Google Maps. If you want to see all of them, I recommend to start with the one situated at the highest altitude (Miradouro da Senhora do Monte) and make your way down.
The City of Seven Hills is full of beautiful viewpoints that are waiting to be explored. In other cities, the viewpoints are usually located at the top of churches or towers but in Lisbon most of them are on top of hills. This is one of the things that makes Lisbon unique.
4. Where to stay in Lisbon
- Budget – Flores Guest House – good location, spacious and clean rooms, good amenities, great value for money
- Mid Budget – Pessoa Hotel – great location, beautiful design, spacious and modern rooms, friendly staff
- Luxury – H10 Duque de Loule – beautiful views, great location, luxurious rooms, amazing design, awesome rooftop bar
I hope that I’ve inspired you to visit these incredible miradouros and viewpoints in Lisbon. While in the city, don’t forget to also visit the famous Pink Street and the intriguing Lx Factory.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section below.
May the travel bug bite you!
Aurelia Teslaru is a professional travel blogger and the writer behind Daily Travel Pill. With a 4-year experience as a travel writer and photographer, Aurelia only shares travel guides about destinations that she visited.
She has been to more than 40 countries during the past 10 years and aims to explore 50 countries before turning 30 years old. Aurelia is a digital nomad who transformed her passion for travel into a lifestyle. Read more about her here.
To follow her adventures, check out her Instagram and Facebook pages!