9 of the best viewpoints in Lisbon, Portugal

One of the many viewpoints found in Lisbon, Portugal, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe

If you have visited Lisbon, Portugal, then you know that Lisbon is a city of hills located on the Tagus River (Rio Tejo). Lisbon is a city of seven hills, to be exact, known in Portuguese as “cidade das sete colinas.” The Romans called Lisbon Olissipo due to its resemblance to Rome, which also has seven hills.

Located at the top of these hills, the highest points in the city, are miradouros or viewpoints. These unique viewpoints are a great way to experience Lisbon from above. Did you know many consider Lisbon one of Europe’s most beautiful cities? I know I do.

While the views are incredible, many miradouros feature gardens, mature trees, and small kiosks (quiosques de refresco) offering drinks and snacks.

Whether I visit one of these viewpoints or all nine, I gain a new appreciation of Lisbon’s beauty. The views never get old and are always different depending on the day, time, and season.

If you are looking for more information about Porto and Portugal, I highly recommend picking up a guidebook such as Rick Steves Portugal.

This is my list of 9 of the best viewpoints in Lisbon, Portugal.

Table of Contents

1 – Miradouro do Castelo de São Jorge

Miradouro do Castelo de São Jorge, Best viewpoints in Lisbon, Portugal

Miradouro do Castelo de São Jorge might be Lisbon’s most iconic viewpoint. Unfortunately, the viewpoint is not free. It will cost you €10 to enter the grounds of São Jorge Castle where you will find the expansive viewpoint.

But the price is worth it for the incredible views. I love looking out over the sea of red rooftops below. I can stay here for hours.

You can see many of Lisbon’s top sights along the castle walls, including the 25th of April Bridge, Tagus River, Commerce Square (Praça do Comércio), and Rossio Square (Praça Dom Pedro IV).

Opposite the castle are Bairro Alto and the Carmo Convent. You can even see Belém in the distance.

If I only have time for one viewpoint in Lisbon, this is where I go.

2 – Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara

Another iconic viewpoint in Lisbon is Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, located next to the top of the historic Gloria Elevator (Ascensor da Glória).

Since 1885, this funicular has transported passengers along Calçada da Glória between Restauradores Square (Praça dos Restauradores) and Bairro Alto. On my trips to Lisbon, I always ride the funicular at least once.

From the viewpoint, the views of Baixa, Alfama, São Jorge Castle, and the Tagus River are stunning.

While the view is great, the viewpoint is a wonderful place to relax. There are plenty of benches, shady trees, a fountain, a garden, statues, and a map of Lisbon.

While this viewpoint can get busy, especially for sunset and on weekends, there is plenty of space for everyone. I enjoy visiting Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara at night to view all the city lights below.

3 – Miradouro do Elevador de Santa Justa

One of Lisbon’s most iconic sights is the Santa Justa Lift (Elevador de Santa Justa). On top of the elevator is a viewpoint known as Miradouro do Elevador de Santa Justa. This 150-foot iron elevator opened to the public in 1902. It connects Baixa and the lower town with Carmo Square (Largo do Carmo) and Barrio Alto. In the past, the primary purpose of the lift was to transport passengers. Today, the lift is a popular tourist attraction and landmark.

Two viewing platforms are located at the top of the lift. While you can peek through the fence from the entry-level platform for free, I recommend purchasing a €1.50 ticket to access the top-floor viewing platform.

The unobstructed views of Baixa below you and São Jorge Castle perched high above are some of the best in the city.

4 – Miradouro de Santa Luzia

Miradouro de Santa Luzia is one of the most beautiful and romantic viewpoints in Lisbon. While the view is stunning, the viewpoint itself is beautiful.

The terrace features a garden, pond, and pergolas covered in bougainvillea, providing shade in the summer. Under the pergolas, you will find couples, photographers, and guitarists. Also, here is the Church of Santa Luzia (Igreja de Santa Luzia) with its blue and white azujelos tiles.

On the side of the church are two 18th-century tile panels. One of the panels shows Commerce Square (Praça do Comércio) before the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. The other depicts the Crusaders as they retook the castle from the Moors in 1147.

From the viewpoint, you can see the dome of the National Pantheon along with the towers of Saint Stephen Church (Igreja de Santo Estêvão) and São Miguel Church. Below you is the sprawling neighborhood of Alfama as it meets the blue waters of the Tagus River. Up the way from Miradouro de Santa Luzia is Miradouro das Portas do Sol.

5 – Miradouro das Portas do Sol

A few steps from Miradouro de Santa Luzia is Miradouro das Portas do Sol. The name Portas do Sol translates to “Gate of the Sun.” You get a commanding view of Alfama and its maze of streets below.

Like a postcard, you have the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora, the National Pantheon, and Saint Stephen Church (Igreja de Santo Estêvão) before you. The contrast in colors between the red tile rooftops, white facades, and blue waters of the Tagus River is striking.

A large statue dominating the terrace is St. Vincent, patron saint of Lisbon. In his hand, he holds a boat with two ravens, a symbol of Lisbon.

Like many viewpoints in Lisbon, this one features a small kiosk café serving coffee, beer, and other refreshments. While you enjoy your drink, look for the famous Tram 28 as it passes by.

6 – Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, located north of São Jorge Castle and Miradouro da Graça, is my favorite viewpoint in Lisbon. This viewpoint, which offers sweeping panoramic views of the city, is one of the highest viewpoints in Lisbon.

You can see it all here, including São Jorge Castle, Baixa, and Bairro Alto. In the distance is a beautiful view of the Tagus River, the Christ the King statue, and the 25th of April Bridge. Be sure to bring your camera as you will take lots of photos.

At the viewpoint is a small park with benches and trees providing shade in the summer. While you won’t find any kiosks here, it’s not uncommon to find food carts selling drinks and snacks.

7 – Miradouro da Graça

Located northeast of São Jorge Castle is Miradouro da Graça. This small viewpoint borders the Graça Convent and Church (Igreja da Graça), one of the oldest in Lisbon, dating ba1271.

The viewpoint is also known as Miradouro Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen, named after a poet who would frequent this spot. The viewpoint is a popular meeting spot for locals in the summertime, especially at sunset.

Do as I do, and the locals, and order a drink from the small kiosk café shaded by pine trees. Miradouro da Graça offers a wonderful view of the city below, dominated by the castle and the 25th of April Bridge in the distance.

8 – Miradouro de Santa Catarina

While not as popular as other viewpoints in Lisbon, Miradouro de Santa Catarina is among the best spots to view the 25th of April Bridge, the Christ the King statue, and the Tagus River. I enjoy coming here at night for sunset, especially with a drink bought from the small kiosk café on the terrace.

To locals, the viewpoint is known as Miradouro do Adamastor. Adamastor, whose statue overlooks the terrace, is a mythological character Portuguese poet Luís de Camões created. Adamastor symbolizes the Cape of Good Hope and the dangers Portuguese maritime expeditions faced at sea during the Age of Discovery.

In the past, this viewpoint was a popular spot for watching ships as they sailed down the Tagus to locations around the world.

9 – Miradouro do Recolhimento

Located only steps away from São Jorge Castle, Miradouro do Recolhimento might be the least known viewpoint on my list of the best viewpoints in Lisbon. Before 2015, on my first visit to Lisbon, the terrace was closed to the public. Thankfully, I returned to Lisbon in 2021, and the terrace has reopened as a peaceful garden with benches and mature olive trees.

From the viewpoint, you can see the towers of the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora, the dome of the National Pantheon, Saint Stephen Church (Igreja de Santo Estêvão), the Tagus River, and the rooftops of Alfama.

If you plan on visiting Miradouro do Recolhimento, plan on arriving early. The viewpoint closes at 7:00 PM in the summer and 6:00 PM in the winter. It is also closed for lunch every day between 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM.