Best Viewpoints in Lisbon: 12 Miradouros

Lisbon's Best Viewpoints at a Glance

Graça: The Highest Viewpoints

1. Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

The highest viewpoint in this part of the city, next to a small chapel, has a sweeping view over the castle, the historic center, Praça do Comércio and the 25 de Abril Bridge. It is free and open all day. There is no permanent kiosk, so bring water. Take Tram 28 to Graça and walk about 400 meters uphill.

2. Miradouro da Graça (Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen)

Below Senhora do Monte, by the Graça church, this terrace shaded by pine trees looks across to the castle and down over the city. A bronze bust of the poet Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen, after whom it is officially named, faces the view, and a kiosk serves drinks from morning until late. It is one of the best places to watch the sunset in summer.Alfama and the Castle Hill

3. Miradouro de Santa Luzia

Next to the small Santa Luzia church, whose tile panels show Lisbon before the 1755 earthquake, this terrace has a pergola covered in bougainvillea and a view down over Alfama's rooftops to the river. It gets busy, so arrive before about 9:30 am for a quieter moment. Tram 28 stops right beside it.

4. Miradouro das Portas do Sol

A few steps from Santa Luzia, between the castle and Alfama, Portas do Sol has the classic postcard view of Alfama's red roofs, white churches and the Tagus. Its terrace café is a good place to stop.

5. Miradouro do Jardim do Recolhimento

A short walk from São Jorge Castle, this garden viewpoint looks down over Alfama to the river and the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora and the National Pantheon. It is calmer than Portas do Sol, with a playground and a small reading booth.

6. São Jorge Castle

From the walls and towers of the castle, at one of the highest points of the city, you can see most of Lisbon, and on clear days as far as the Serra da Arrábida, more than 40 km away. Entry to the castle is ticketed, so combine the view with your visit.

Bairro Alto and Santa Catarina

7. Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara

At the edge of Bairro Alto, next to the top of the Glória funicular, this garden terrace looks across the valley to São Jorge Castle, the Baixa and the river. It has a kiosk and is lively in the evening. The Glória funicular from Restauradores saves you the climb.

8. Miradouro de Santa Catarina (Adamastor)

Named locally after the statue of the Adamastor, the sea giant from Camões' epic poem, this viewpoint looks over the river to the 25 de Abril Bridge and, on clear days, the Cristo Rei. In autumn and winter, the sun sets behind the bridge, and the kiosk makes it a popular spot at the end of the day. Walk about 10 minutes from the Baixa-Chiado metro or take the Bica funicular from near Cais do Sodré.

Viewpoints in the Baixa

9. Rua Augusta Arch

Open to the public since 2013, the top of the triumphal arch, reached by lift and two flights of stairs, looks over Praça do Comércio, the river, Rua Augusta, the castle and the bridge. Entry is ticketed.

10. Santa Justa Lift

The lookout at the top of this 45-meter iron lift, in service since 1902, looks over the Baixa, the castle and the river. Lines for the lift can be long, so you can also reach the top platform on foot from Largo do Carmo.

Further Afield

11. Amoreiras 360 Panoramic View

On top of Tower 1 of the Amoreiras shopping center, about 174 meters above sea level, this ticketed viewpoint gives a 360-degree view over the historic center, the modern city, the hills and the river.

12. Cristo Rei

Across the river in Almada, the Christ the King monument, inaugurated in 1959, stands on a pedestal 82 meters high, and its viewing platform at that height looks back over Lisbon and the 25 de Abril Bridge. Take the ferry from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas, then a bus or taxi, or cross the bridge by car.

What about Monsanto? The Panorâmico de Monsanto, a former 1960s restaurant in Lisbon's largest park, became a well-known viewpoint, but access has been restricted at times in recent years. Check the City of Lisbon's information before you go.

Best Viewpoints for Sunset

Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before sunset, especially in summer, when the most popular viewpoints fill up.

Tips for Visiting Lisbon's Viewpoints

• They are free. All the miradouros are public and open all day. Only the castle, the Rua Augusta Arch, the Santa Justa Lift, Amoreiras 360 and Cristo Rei charge for entry.
• Save your legs. Use Tram 28 for Graça and Alfama, the Glória funicular for São Pedro de Alcântara and the Bica funicular for Santa Catarina.
• Combine them. Senhora do Monte, Graça, Santa Luzia and Portas do Sol are on the same downhill walk, so start at the top and walk down.
• Watch your belongings. The most popular viewpoints are crowded at sunset.