The Best Views in Lisbon
Being the “City of Seven Hills” comes with advantages beyond just the free workout.
It is nearly impossible to identify a “best” view in Lisbon, because each offers it’s owning vantage point and magic, so here are some of my favorites.
Miradouros
If there is a benefit to Lisbon’s many hills, it is the miradouros (viewpoints) that offer stunning panoramas of the city's rooftops, bridges, and the Tagus River. Whenever someone asks me about what they can do with limited time in Lisbon, my suggestion is always to pick a few of the miradouros to visit and walk between them.
Each neighborhood boasts their own of these viewpoints, so walking between them is a great way to see the city. If you are not up for the walk in between, you can take a tuktuk tour, Bolt/Uber, or public transit.
*Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, Miradouro da Graça, and Miradouro de Santa Justa all have funicular or elevator access.
Miradouro de Santa Catarina
🗺️R. de Santa Catarina 13, 1200-262 Lisboa, Portugal
Also known as Adamastor, this viewpoint offers a fantastic view of the Tagus River and the 25 de Abril Bridge. Popular among locals, Miradouro do Santa Catarina hosts are eclectic crowd and is a great place to catch a sunset. There are often pop-up art or activism galleries here, in addition to singers and performers.
Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
🗺️R. de São Pedro de Alcântara, 1200-470 Lisboa, Portugal
Located in the Bairro Alto district, the large terrace offers a beautiful view over central Lisbon, including the Castle of São Jorge and the Baixa district. Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara is more that just a viewpoint: it is also a hub for performers and artists: from music to bubbles, paintings and artisan jewelry. There are also often pop up vendors serving up sangria or mulled wine, sweet treats, sandwiches and more. There is also a permanent cafe on the terrace.
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
🗺️Largo Monte, 1170-107 Lisboa
Well worth the climb, situated in the Graça neighborhood, this highest point in the neighborhood offers panoramic views of the city. This is a very popular stop on tuktuk and walking tours and is a frequented spot for incredible sunset views.
Miradouro da Graça
🗺️Calçada da Graça, 1100-265 Lisboa, Portugal
Also located in the Graça district, this viewpoint is close to the Graça Church and offers fantastic views of the Castle of São Jorge and downtown Lisbon. There's a café here, making it a nice place to relax and enjoy the view.
Accessible by the Glória Funicular which stops at the foot of the terrace.
Miradouro de Santa Luzia
🗺️Largo de Santa Luzia, 1100-487 Lisboa, Portugal
Also referred to as “The Romantic Terrace”, this viewpoint in the Alfama district offers lovely views of the Alfama neighborhood and the Tagus River. The area is adorned with azulejos (traditional Portuguese tiles) and bougainvillea, adding to its charm.
Miradouro das Portas do Sol
🗺️Largo Portas do Sol, 1100-411 Lisboa, Portugal
Appearing in many images representing Lisbon, this striking viewpoint in the Alfama district, offers breathtaking views of the Alfama rooftops and the Tagus River. It's an excellent spot for photography, especially at sunrise or sunset.
Miradouro de Penha de França
🗺️R. Marques da Silva, 1170-318 Lisboa, Portugal
Perhaps the most underrated and least talked about miradouros in Lisbon, Miradouro de Penha de França, offers in incredible city views and an amazing vantage point for sunsets.
Miradouro do Parque Eduardo VII
Located at the top of Avenida da Liberdade, this viewpoint offers a unique perspective of Lisbon, with a view down the avenue and across the Marques de Pombal Square towards the river. Parque Eduardo VII is one of the largest green spaces and often hosts events like book fares and the famed Wonderland Lisboa in the winter holiday season.
Miradouro de Santa Justa
The Santa Justa Lift, also called Carmo Lift, is an elevator, or lift, in the civil parish of Santa Justa, in the historic center of Lisbon, Portugal. Situated at the end of Rua de Santa Justa, it connects the lower streets of the Baixa with the higher Largo do Carmo
-Wikipedia-
🗺️R. de Santa Justa, 1150-060 Lisboa
💶Elevator ride: €5.30, observation deck access €1.50
At the top of the Santa Justa Elevator, this viewpoint provides a unique perspective over the Baixa district and the ruins of the Carmo Convent.
While the elevator itself is a historic landmark and an attraction in its own right, I personally don’t think the line and cost are worth it when you can walk up to the top and take in the views from the miradouro. The lift is included in the Lisboa Card, however; so if you have the card and the line happens to be short, take the ride up.
Miradouro do Castelo de São Jorge
🗺️R. de Santa Cruz do Castelo, 1100-129 Lisboa
💶€15
🕰️Daily 9a-9p
Inside the São Jorge Castle, this viewpoint offers panoramic views of Lisbon, including the Baixa district, the Tagus River, and beyond. It's one of the most iconic viewpoints in the city. The views from São Jorge Castle are absolutely some of the best in Lisbon, and the castle is well worth the visit.
Riverwalks
From Parque das Nações to Belem, the riverwalk that runs the expanse of Lisbon offers unique and unobstructed views. As a bonus, these areas are primarily flat, so are not only perfect for taking in views, but also taking a walk, jog, or run.
Cais do Sodré
This waterside neighborhood features an expanse of the Lisbon riverwalk lined with bars, restaurants, cafes and many open spaces to sit and enjoy the view, including spectacular sunrises and sunsets. Some cafes offer waterfront lounge chairs to really settle in and enjoy the view, but they fill up quick, so get there early if you want to enjoy a sunset in comfort.
Terreiro do Paço is a short (and beautiful) walk to Cais do Sodré which also offers stunning river views, as well as views of the 25 April Bridge and Cristo Rei.
Parque das Nações Riverwalk
Loated in the Eastern part of Lisbon, Parque das Nações is a modern neighborhood featuring large shopping malls, restaurants, and industrial buildings. It is also home to Oceanarium Lisboa (Lisbon Aquarium) and the beautiful Parque das Nações Riverwalk which offers expansive views of the Tagus River and Vasco da Gama Bridge.
This is a popular area for locals to run, jog or walk, as it offers a paved (and flat!) walkway. There are numerous bars and restaurants in the area, as well as places to stop and enjoy a picnic.
Telecabine Lisboa
🗺️1990-280 Lisboa Portugal (next to the Oceanarium)
💶Adults €7,50 Roundtrip €9,50 Children from 3 to 12 years €5,50 Round trip €6,50
Tickets can also be purchased in combination with entrance to the Oceanarium
🕰️ Hours vary based on season, see link below for more information
Located in Parque das Nações, the Telecabine Lisboa offers incredible views of the Tagus and Vasco da Gama Bridge from a unique vantage point. This is a great addition to any trip to Parque das Nações.
The addition of a return trip is minimal, however; if time and ability allow, I highly recommend taking the telecabine one way and walking the other to get both ariel and land views.
Belém Riverwalk
While the riverwalk in Belem is quite expansive, the highlight of this area is between the MAAT and Torre de Belém, with the Monument to the Overseas Combatants in the middle. Here, you will not only find stunning views, you will also find singers, performers, food trucks and pop up bars. There is a lively and fun vibe along this riverwalk which makes it the perfect place to talk a walk at any time of day.
Torre de Belém
🗺️Av. Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa
One of the most popular sites in Lisbon, Torre de Belém is a 16th-century fortification, situated on the Tagus River and a sight in and of itself but is magnificently illuminated at sunrise and sunset. This is the perfect location to take in a peaceful sunset with a partner, solo, with friends or family.
Belem Marinas/Sunset Boat tour
Both Doca de Belém and Bom Sucesso Marina located next to Belem Tower) offer great views, especially with the addition of the sail boats and a sunset in the backdrop.
Doca de Belém is located at the base of The Monument to the Overseas Combatants and is where you will board a boat tour out of Belem. There are several boat tours offered, and while I have never done one during the day, can absolutely attest to and recommend a sunset sail.
There are numerous options available through Airbnb Experiences, Viator, and Get Your Guide ranging in price, with most starting around $35 per person for a group tour. They do book quicky, especially in the summer, so be sure to book in advance.
Almada
Almada is a city and a municipality in Portugal, located on the southern margin of the Tagus River, on the opposite side of the river from Lisbon. The two cities are connected by the 25 de Abril Bridge
-Wikipedia-
For some of the best views of Lisbon, get out of Lisbon. A quick car of ferry ride away, Almada is just across the Tagus and offers stunning views of the city, river, and bridges. The ferry ride itself offers great views, so be sure to grab a window seat if you can.
Pier Viewpoint
Upon arriving in Almada, via ferry, you can walk along the pier for incredible views of the River, Bridges, and Lisbon across them. This walkway is also adorned with a plethora of street art and leads to the famed Ponto Final restaurant, as well as Elevador Panorâmico da Boca do Vento (open daily from 10a-9p) which also offers striking views.
Sanctuary of Christ the King-Portugal
🗺️Av. do Cristo Rei, 2800-058 Almada, Portugal
For one of the best views of Lisbon, get out of the city and head to Almada. While the Sanctuary of Christ the King-Portugal is the main attraction here, and quite a stunning one, the terrace surrounding it is a destination in and of itself. This peaceful and vast terrace offers sweeping views of the Tagus and much of the city of Lisbon.
Restaurante Ponto Final
🗺️R. do Ginjal 72, 2800-285 Almada, Portugal
🕰️Wed-Sun 12:30p-4:00p, 7p-11p Tues-Closed
💶€€
The famed Restaurante Ponto Final is featured in numerous photos, posts, and guides for Lisbon, but in actuality, is across the river in Almada. While the food may not be the highlight of Ponto Final, the views certainly are. Reservations can be hard to come by, especially in the summer, so be sure to book in advance if you want to take in those views.
⭐Pro Tip⭐
If reservations, budget, or just desire are a hinderance to a meal or drink at Ponto Final, there is plenty of open green space just beyond it at the base of the elevator, that is the perfect spot to have a picnic or enjoy a bottle of vine and take in the views. Here you will find many locals and in-the-know tourists enjoying the sunsets in the evenings.
No matter if you are in Lisbon for a day, or a month, it is nearly impossible to not get in at least a few incredible views, and you can’t go wrong with any of them. So, be sure to wear your most comfortable, non-slip, shoes and head up those hills to take in some of the best city views in the world.
Whether you wake up early and head out for a peaceful, uninterrupted sunrise over those terracotta rooftops, Tagus River, and famous bridges; or grab a bottle of vinho, Sagres, or your favorite juice and a snack to take in some of the most spectacular sunset views, you will forever remember those Lisbon views.
Find a complete list of things to do in Lisbon here.
