Looking for some gorgeous views and photography spots in Lisbon? The Portuguese capital city is hilly and has many places that offer breathtaking views of the entire city. Monuments, green parks and also modes of transport provide you many opportunities to see how charming this city is. Whether you are looking for sunset spots in Lisbon or want to snap pretty pictures, our list gives some inspiration for the best viewpoints in Lisbon.
Numerous terraces lie at the highest points. They are perfect spots to enjoy panoramic views of Lisbon.
In this guide, we highlight the very best views and viewpoints in Lisbon that are worth seeing. Many of them are easy to visit. The majority of them are also free of charge.
Best viewpoints in Lisbon – miradouros
It is no secret that Lisbon is a very hilly city. Did you know many people refer to Lisbon as the San Francisco of Europe?
The locals built Lisbon on numerous hills – seven to be exact. These hills are popular points in the city today. They are famous for many viewpoints, or miradouros, as the Portuguese people call them. These terraces usually lie on the top of the hills and offer some of the best viewpoints in Lisbon. These public places often have a coffee shop or bar where you can enjoy drinks and views with friends and families. They are free to visit, have shaded seating areas and are popular with tourists and also locals.
So, let’s check out miradouros, where you can get some of the best views in Lisbon.
1. Miradouro de Santa Luzia
While in the Alfama neighbourhood, you need to find the Santa Luzia viewpoint. If you are wondering whether it is worth visiting the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, you should know that it is one of the best viewpoints in Lisbon. Many people come here to watch the sunset because it is one of the most romantic viewpoints in Lisbon.
Even though it is small, this popular observation deck with a pergola offers some of the best views in Lisbon and the Tagus River. A landscaped terrace with pink bougainvillaea and a beautiful garden is famous for azulejo artwork. Find two panels with the traditional blue and white azulejos. They represent the attack on St. George’s Castle and the Old Commercial Square before the 1755 earthquake.
GOOD TO KNOW:
You can find the Santa Luzia viewpoint near the church with the same name. There is a 28 tram stop, just a short distance from here. The Miradouro de Santa Luzia offers sweeping views of the city. You can visit it at any time of the day.
If you decide to visit it for a sunset, you should know that this viewpoint gets super busy. Hence, come earlier during the day for a more peaceful experience. The Miradouro de Santa Luzia has a terrace café where you can buy a refreshing drink.
2. Miradouro das Portas do Sol
Just a short walk from the Santa Luzia viewpoint, you can find the Miradouro das Portas do Sol. The Miradouro das Portas do Sol is one of the most photographed viewpoints in Lisbon because it offers some of the best views in Lisbon. This scenic viewpoint lies at the top of the Alfama neighbourhood. It is a popular stop for everyone who wants to visit São Jorge Castle.
The award-winning Portuguese architect Aires Mateus designed a building that includes a terrace bar with a stunning viewpoint.
The Miradouro das Portas do Sol has a large balcony. It has a terrace bar and also outdoor seating. The balcony gives a panoramic view of the entire neighbourhood. The Miradouro das Portas do Sol offers beautiful views of traditional Alfama houses and churches. You can see the Tagus River, the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora, and also the National Pantheon from here. Do not miss the stone statue of São Vicente de Fora, holding a boat with two ravens. If you do not know, Saint Vincent is the city’s patron saint.
GOOD TO KNOW:
If you decide to walk here from Lisbon Cathedral, be prepared for some serious uphill walking. Instead, you can easily access the Miradouro das Portas do Sol with one of the trams. Several trams have stops near this viewpoint, even the famous tram 28.
Miradouro das Portas do Sol is free to visit. However, you should know that it is a touristy area and the prices are higher when compared to the other bars and restaurants in the area. Despite the crowds, it is a perfect place for a stroll. During the summer months, there is live music and on weekends a DJ.
3. Miradouro do Recolhimento in Lisbon
If you are looking for an idyllic escape from the hustle and bustle of Lisbon, then find the Miradouro do Recolhimento. This is one of the hidden lookout points in the city, and not many tourists know about this place. This beautiful landscaped terrace opened its doors to visitors in 2015. It is not far from the castle – once you pass the castle gate, follow the instructions above to Beco do Recolhimento.
The Miradouro do Recolhimento is one of the best viewpoints in Lisbon because it offers beautiful views and is less crowded than the Santa Luzia viewpoint. This terrace with olive trees offers stunning views of the St. Vincent Monastery. You can also see the rooftops of Alfama, the National Pantheon and the river from here.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The Miradouro do Recolhimento is not open at night – the gate closes at 7 pm.
4. Miradouro da Graça, Lisbon
The sunsets and the views from this viewpoint are the best in Lisbon.
In the late afternoon, visit the Miradouro da Graça, which you can find on one of the highest hills in Lisbon. The official name of the Graça viewpoint is Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen’s viewpoint because the famous poet used to write poems from this spot. As the name suggests, you can find this viewpoint in the old Graça neighbourhood, next to the church of the same name.
One of the reasons we think that the Miradouro da Graça is one of the best viewpoints in Lisbon is that it is one of the best places to watch the sunset. The Miradouro da Graça also has a kiosk café, and its pine trees provide plenty of shade. This place has the best views of the castle. You can also see the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge from here.
GOOD TO KNOW:
You can walk to the Miradouro da Graça from the Alfama district or take the famous tram 28. Alternatively, you can catch a bus number 712 (Marquês de Pombal) or 726. Get off at Sapadores stop and then walk a little.
5. Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, Lisbon
Before leaving this district, stop at the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, which you can find not far from the Graça viewpoint. To do that, you will need to walk 9 minutes uphill. Alternatively, you can drive up all the way, but only a few parking spaces are nearby.
The Miradouro da Senhora do Monte is the highest point on the highest hill in the city. Because of that, the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte has the best views in Lisbon. From this viewpoint, you can see almost the entire capital and the river in the background.
FUN FACT:
Did you know that the first king of Portugal, Afonso Henriques, assembled his troops to conquer Lisbon from this hill? Today, the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte is one of the major landmarks in the city. The highest miradouro is also one of the best viewpoints in Lisbon for watching beautiful sunsets.
6. Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
The Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara is also one of the best viewpoints in Lisbon because it is one of the largest and most iconic observation points. You can find it right next to the top of the Glória funicular. This lift takes the passengers from the city centre to Bairro Alto – one of the most popular areas in Lisbon.
The Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara is one the most romantic viewpoints in Lisbon because it overlooks central Lisbon and the São Jorge Castle with its walls. This viewpoint has a beautiful shaded terrace with a fountain and benches where you can relax. It even has a map (made of azulejos) to help you identify iconic places you can see.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint is split into two levels. The upper terrace is the more popular one. It is usually busiest in the late afternoon. Visit at sunset when the sky turns pink or at night when the city is lit up. There is a kiosk where you can purchase drinks and enjoy beautiful castle views. You can walk here from the Chiado neighbourhood or take the funicular from Restauradores Square.
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The best viewpoints in Lisbon which are not miradouros
Apart from the numerous miradouros that Lisbon has, there are also many famous tourist landmarks that provide gorgeous views. However, most of these are paid attractions, while miradouros are free to enter. Let’s check out which famous monuments offer the best views in Lisbon.
7. St. George’s Castle in Lisbon
Let’s face it – you cannot take a trip to Lisbon without visiting St. George’s Castle. This pretty castle sits on the city’s highest hill and is, in fact, one of the most famous tourist attractions in the city. The 20th-century recreation of São Jorge Castle dates back to at least the 8th century BC.
Why you should visit St. George’s Castle? It is because this national monument, which was once a Royal Palace, offers some of the best views in Lisbon. You are quite right to think that the views from here are breathtaking. You can see almost the entire city and the river from its terrace and the walls.
The views from the castle are gorgeous, especially in the afternoon.
GOOD TO KNOW:
If you’re in the mood to explore this fortress, you should know that it is only a quick 5-minute walk from the Alfama neighbourhood. It has a convenient location that allows you to easily experience the beauty and also history of this impressive landmark.
The entrance fee to the castle is 10 euros, and there is no discount with the Lisbon card. St. George’s Castle is open between 9 am and 9 pm (summer) and 9 am – 6 pm in the winter.
8. Rua Augusta arch
One of the first tourist attractions you should head to when exploring Lisbon is the Praça do Comércio. This large harbour-facing square with symmetrical yellow buildings has a massive arch on the square’s north side. The locals refer to this triumphal arch as the Arco da Rua Augusta. This historic monument is, in fact, a reminder of the city’s victory against the 1755 earthquake.
Did you know that the Rua Augusta arch has a platform at the top which offers some of the best views in Lisbon? Yes, that is right, it has a large viewing platform which provides unique 360 views. You can see the downtown district and the grand waterfront square from the top.
The viewing from the top
Climbing the Rua Augusta arch is one of the best things to do in Lisbon in 2 days because this historic monument is one of the best viewpoints in Lisbon. Do not worry – you do not need to climb many stairs. An elevator will take you to the top of the terrace. You need to climb only a few stairs to reach the platform.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The entry ticket to the Arco da Rua Augusta is also included with the Lisbon Card. If you do not have one, expect to pay €3.50.
9. Belem Tower
You cannot visit Lisbon without seeing the Belem Tower. This historic monument is a symbol of Portugal’s great Age of Discovery during the 16th century. The Belem Tower is a UNESCO World Heritage site and an icon of Portugal’s cultural heritage. Thousands of tourists flock to see the Belem Tower every day, but only a few decide to visit it inside. And they do not know what they are missing out on.
One of the reasons you should visit the Belem Tower is that this famous attraction is one of the best viewpoints in Lisbon. The Belem Tower offers breathtaking views of the waterfront and the river. Also, you can see the famous landmarks, such as the Monument to the Discoveries, the 25 de Abril Bridge and the Belem Cultural Centre from the top.
We also loved exploring the Belem Tower because you can see beautiful Manueline architecture while enjoying the best views in Lisbon. This decorative style is famous for maritime motifs inspired by Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Look closely and find unusual ornamentations, such as twisted ropes, crosses of the Order of Christ and royal symbols.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The Belem Tower is one of the top attractions in Lisbon, and, therefore, it gets super busy during the day. If you do not want to join a long queue, buy your skip-the-line tickets in advance. Also, visit the tower first thing in the morning at 10 am.
10. Monument to the Discoveries, Lisbon
The Monument to the Discoveries with the statues of the greatest explorers in Portugal in the 16th century.
Many tourists leave once they see the Monument to the Discoveries in Belem, but that would be a mistake. Did you know you can climb this 52-metre (170 ft) tall landmark? The Monument to the Discoveries has a viewing platform at the top. You can take a lift to the viewing platform and see the views of the entire Belem district.
Yes, that is right, the Monument to the Discoveries offers the best views in Lisbon in the Belem district. You see Belem Tower, Jerónimos Monastery and the 25 April Bridge from here. Do not forget to look down to see the pavement compass with a map illustrating the routes of the Portuguese explorers.
World map at the Monument to the Discoveries
GOOD TO KNOW:
The Monument to the Discoveries is one of the best viewpoints in Lisbon in the Belem District and is well worth a visit if you spend 2 days in Lisbon. The entrance fee to the viewing platform and the museum at the Monument of the Discoveries costs 6 euros.
If you want to learn more about Belem in Lisbon, read our guide about the best things to do in Belem.
11. Santa Justa lift
It is easy to see why many tourists put the Santa Justa Lift high on their bucket list when they visit Lisbon. The Santa Justa Lift is one of the top attractions in the city because it is one of the best viewpoints in Lisbon. The main reason why everyone flocks here is that this Instagram-worthy attraction has a viewing platform at the top.
The Santa Justa Lift offers views of central Lisbon, especially Rossio Square.
You are quite right to think that this 19th-century Neo-Gothic elevator, designed by a student of Gustave Eiffel, is famous as a scenic spot in the city. Because of that, the Santa Justa Lift gets super busy very quickly, and you need to expect a long queue for a lift.
However, many tourists do not know that you do not need to pay for the best views in Lisbon. Instead of waiting for a lift, you can climb up a flight of stairs and access the viewpoint, where you can enjoy the same views without a long queue. Look for a small street passing around the Carmo ruins – it will bring you to the viewpoint.
GOOD TO KNOW:
You should know that the locals call the Santa Justa Lift Carmo Lift. You can find it at the end of Rua de Santa Justa. This lift connects the lower streets of the Baixa neighbourhood with the higher Largo do Carmo. You can use the Santa Justa Lift for free with a Lisbon Card. After that, pay €1.50 for the viewing platform at the top. If you do not have the Lisbon card, you pay €5.30 for the return ticket. In this case, you do not need to pay for the viewpoint.
12. Monastery of São Vicente de Fora
We also recommend you visit the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora because this beautiful 17th-century church and monastery has a killer rooftop view. Don’t confuse it with the Jerónimos Monastery in Belem – the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora is in the Alfama neighbourhood. This less-visited monastery is one of the hidden gems in the city and it is well worth a visit.
The Monastery of St. Vincent Outside the Walls is one of the most important monasteries in the country. It is famous for the late Italian Renaissance style, Mannerism, and the cloisters covered with azulejos mosaics.
The cloisters covered with 100,000 blue and white tiles tell the historical stories. Did you know the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora has the world’s largest collection of Baroque tiles?
DID YOU KNOW?
Visiting the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora is one of the best things to do in Lisbon because this gorgeous building has some of the most beautiful azulejo panels in Portugal. What’s more, this monastery dedicated to Saint Vincent of Saragossa (patron saint of Lisbon) is the burial place of kings.
The Monastery of São Vicente de Fora also offers the best views in Lisbon from its roof. The monastery roof provides gorgeous views in all directions and is well worth the climb. You can see the nearby National Pantheon, the Alfama neighbourhood, the Tagus River, the 24th April Bridge and also the castle in the distance. Because of that, the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora is one of the best viewpoints in Lisbon.
The Monastery of São Vicente de Fora, which offers the best views of the National Pantheon, remains one of the hidden gems in Lisbon.
13. National Pantheon in Lisbon
If you have any energy left, do not miss the National Pantheon. It lies near the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora in the Alfama district. The National Pantheon is also one of the best viewpoints in Lisbon because it offers different views of the Tagus River and Alfama. Moreover, this domed church with the tombs of important Portuguese figures is usually empty.
Take the stairs up to the terrace and enjoy some of the best views in Lisbon. The terrace with a marble floor and geometric patterns is very photogenic. You can enjoy breathtaking views without the crowds, which is very unusual in Lisbon. Because of that, the National Pantheon is one of the best viewpoints in Lisbon.
The National Pantheon is, in fact, one of the best unique viewpoints in Lisbon because it offers completely different views of the city.
GOOD TO KNOW:
You can visit this domed church for free with the Lisbon Card. Otherwise, expect to pay 4 euros if you want to see the National Pantheon and enjoy some of the best views in Lisbon.
14. Cristo Rei, one of the best viewpoints in Lisbon
Did you know that one of the best viewpoints in Lisbon is actually outside the city?
If you have spare time, there is one more place you should visit. It is the statue of Christ the King or Cristo Rei, as they say in Portugal. If you think this giant statue reminds you of something, you are right. This monument on the southern bank of the Tagus River in Almada is very similar to the one in Rio, Brazil. You can see this famous attraction from the various places in the city.
This iconic monument that overlooks Lisbon has a 28 m (92ft) tall figure of Christ, which stands on an 82 m (269 ft) pedestal. Maybe you do not know, but you can take the lift to the observation deck. The Cristo Rei terrace at Christ’s feet offers the best views in Lisbon, especially of the 25 de Abril Bridge.
GOOD TO KNOW:
If you want to see the Cristo Rei statue from a close distance, you need to go to the other side of Lisbon, across the Ponte de 25 Abril Bridge. Take the ferry from Cais do Sodré Station in central Lisbon – it crosses the river in about 8 minutes. After that, catch a bus 3001 from Cacilhas, which will bring you to the monument. The entry fee to the Cristo Rei terrace costs 4 euros for an adult.
15. Pilar 7 Bridge Experience
The 25 de Abril Bridge commemorates the revolution of 25 April 1974, which restored democracy to Portugal.
If you are not scared of heights and visiting unusual attractions is your thing, then explore the 25 de Abril Bridge. Lisbon’s suspension bridge looks like the Golden Gate in San Francisco. It is one of the engineering marvels and one of the most iconic attractions in the city. While you can see this bridge for free from the docks of Santo Amaro and other locations, Pilar 7 Bridge offers a different experience.
Why go? See this famous bridge from an observation deck above the river. In fact, Pilar 7 Bridge Experience is one of the latest attractions and best viewpoints in Lisbon. You can see this famous red bridge from the glass observation deck, as you have never seen it before.
This viewing point also offers beautiful views of the Belem. Moreover, you can enjoy a virtual reality tour. There is also an exhibition where you can learn more about the bridge’s construction process.
GOOD TO KNOW:
General admission to the Pilar 7 Bridge Experience costs 6 euros, and the virtual reality experience is 1.50 euros. You can visit the bridge with the Lisbon Card for free.
Now you know what the best views in Lisbon are!
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Have you been to Lisbon, Portugal? What is your favourite viewpoint in this pretty city? Which location in Lisbon offers the most enjoyable view? Please let us know in the comments below. If you like our post about the best viewpoints in Lisbon, save it also to Pinterest.
Planning a trip to Lisbon in Portugal? If you plan to spend 48 hours in Lisbon and you are wondering how to see Lisbon in 2 days, read also our post about the best things to do in Lisbon in 2 days.
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Last Updated 17/10/2023