The Best Viewpoints in Lisbon – Travel Dudes
Visiting the viewpoints in Lisbon, you can admire the most beautiful sights of the city from afar.
The Portuguese capital entices its visitors with charming pastel-coloured buildings, an exciting nightlife and stunning views.
Numerous viewpoints throughout Lisbon offer phenomenal panoramas over the Atlantic coast, the Tagus River and iconic landmarks such as the Castelo de São Jorge fortress or the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge.
We tell you where to find the most beautiful “miradouros” in Lisbon – keep reading for more!
Related read: Top Sights and Hidden Gems in Lisbon
Where to find the best viewpoints in Lisbon
Jardim do Torel
This lovely park, situated near the old town, offers stunning views of Baixa district and much of Lisbon.
In summer, the idyllic setting also features a beautiful water pool – perfect for cooling off after an exciting tour around Lisbon (we recommend doing the hop-on, hop-off bus tour to easily cover more spots in Lisbon).
The park’s seating areas are very popular too; from here you can enjoy the magnificent view whilst resting your weary feet on one of the comfortable footstools provided with each chair.
Jardim do Torel is definitely worth seeking out – it’ll be sure to leave a lasting impression!
Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
The stunning São Pedro de Alcântara lookout in Lisbon is nestled away in a historic garden, full of fountains, statues and flowerbeds. You can also buy snacks and drinks from the small kiosk located there.
To get one of the best views over Lisbon, make your way to this viewpoint, located in Bairro Alto. Not only will you be able to see Baixa district from this vantage point, but you can also spot Castelo de São Jorge and right at the mouth of River Tagus.
Restauradores station is the closest metro stop to reach Miradouro São Pedro de Alcântara but we recommend taking the historic funicular Elevador da Glória instead. The picturesque ride has been running since 1885 after all. Plus, it’s only a few meters walk from either public transport option to reach the viewpoint itself.
Related read: A Guide to Lisbon Neighborhoods
Extra Tip: Jardim do Príncipe Real
Just down the street of the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, you’ll find the little park “Principe Real”.
Elegant buildings surround this quaint urban oasis, where a gigantic cedar tree with a parasol-like canopy casts shade on couples sitting below. Old men play cards while children run around in the small playground nearby. We didn’t find many playgrounds in Lisbon. So this one was very much appreciated.
The space also has a café with seating outside, as well as two kiosks that have refreshments.
Every Saturday, the area hosts a farmer’s market with organic fruits and vegetables. The last Saturday and Monday of every month there is also a market for crafts and antiques.
Read more about the market in post about shopping in Lisbon.
There’s a stone reservoir from the 1800s that’s part of the city’s aqueduct and Water Museum underneath it all. You can visit the museum on weekends.
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
This one is less visited, but no less beautiful. Probably, it’s the best viewpoint in Lisbon and the most overlooked.
From here you have a good view of the Castelo de São Jorge, the Baixa district, the bridge of April 25 and can see as far as the Convento do Carmo on the other side of the Tagus, and as well almost all the other miradouros.
It’s a bit harder to get to, but it’s totally worth it. Taking in the gorgeous panoramic view is one of the best memories you’ll ever have from Lisbon.
If you want to take the best of the moment, bring a beer or a bottle of wine with you and head here just before sunset.
The next two are both close to each other and offer great views of the red roofs of Alfama.
Related read: How to Get Around Lisbon
Miradouro de Santa Luzia
In the historic district of Alfama, you’ll find the Miradouro de Santa Luzia. From this vantage point, you have an unobstructed view of the seemingly endless mouth of the Tagus River.
The Miradouro is elaborately designed and is a sight in itself. Many visitors are drawn here on their way to Castelo because of its beautiful facade decorated with tile paintings that tell stories about Lisbon before the great earthquake in 18th century.
Largo Santa Luzia is home to both the lookout point and church of Santa Lucia which can be quickly reached by streetcar 28.
In addition, on clear days you can see Igreja de Santa Engrácia and Santo Estêvão Church on horizon.
Related read: Not to Miss Experiences in Lisbon
Miradouro das Portas do Sol
Above the rooftops of the old town of Alfama is the Miradouro das Portas do Sol. It’s not far from the viewpoint Santa Luzia, but situated slightly higher on the hill.
The “portal to the sun” certainly lives up to its name…. From up here you have a great view over the hustle and bustle in the alleys of Alfama.
The monastery of São Vicente de Fora on the horizon seems close, but is actually a good distance away.
The Miradouro das Portas do Sol is on your way to Castelo de São Jorge.
Streetcar 28 takes you to the “portal to the sun” via Largo Portas do Sol in just a few minutes.
Miradouro de Santa Catarina
This is a bit of a hidden gem and we stumbled-upon this one with a bit lof luck.
Lisbon’s Miradouro de Santa Catarina is a lesser-known spot, but some are familiar with the Adamastor statue. The terrace attracts young locals who come to enjoy the music, conversation and beer on balmy evenings well into the night.
The view from Santa Catarina is breathtaking–you can see all of Lisbon’s Tejo estuary, the 25 de Abril bridge and São Paulo municipality rooftops.
There’s also a small park nearby, but it’s the large terrace that really makes this spot special.
The towering Adamastor statue represents mythical poet Camões’ figure of Cape of Storms (now known as Cape of Good Hope). After the circumnavigation of the cape by Bartolomeu Dias, the Adamastor lost its terror and is now a pleasant accompaniment when watching the sunset at the Miradouro of Santa Catarina.
Christo Rei Statue
Lisbon’s highlights include Christo Rei, a statue of Christ perched on a 75-meter-high pedestal.
It is the seventh largest statue of its kind in the world, modeled on the larger Cristo Redentor figure in Rio de Janeiro. Strictly speaking, the monument is not in Lisbon, but in neighboring Almada. The place can be reached by ferry and bus.
You can take the elevator up inside the monument and enjoy the panorama at one of the best viewpoints in the city. Especially, the nearby 25th of April Bridge can be seen well from up there.
Good to know:
The way to the statue is time-consuming. It’s best to save it for the very end of your trip, if you still have time. Otherwise, visit it next time.
Pilar 7 – P7 – 25th of April Bridge Viewpoint
The P7 Bridge Experience is a great way to get up close and personal with the famous suspension bridge Ponte 25 de Abril.
You can take an elevator up to the viewing platform, which is at the same height as the cars driving on the bridge. The platform has a glass floor, so it’s not for people who are afraid of heights. You also see the real steel cable construction with which the bridge is attached.
Don’t expect a good view of the bridge itself, as you are too close to the bridge and therefore don’t really have a good view of it.
Good to know:
You have free entrance with the Lisboa Card. If you don’t have that card, you might want to head a few meters further, as you get a free experience there.
Walk along the road N6 to the pedestrian bridge and admire the bridge directly from the water.
Castelo de São Jorge
From the Castelo de São Jorge you also have a great view. However, this is not free of charge. Book a skip-the-line ticket here.
Overall, we had a blast checking out all the viewpoints in Lisbon! Each one offered incredible views of the cityscape, and we loved getting to experience them.
If you’re ever in Lisbon, be sure to check out as many as possible of these viewpoints for yourself – you won’t be disappointed!
