To find the best views in Lisbon, you’ll need to climb up a hill or two, but it’s always worth it.
From Alfama to Alcântara, there are miradouros in pretty much every neighborhood, and each of them offers a different angle of the city.
The miradouros are the official viewpoints, but there are others hiding above monuments and Lisbon’s parks.
Yes, you might need to climb up a few hills to reach them, but that’s a small price to pay for the best views in Lisbon.
Photo credit: Rob Hurson, Text Overlay: Devour Lisbon Food Tours
1. Miradouro das Portas do Sol: a view of Alfama
Type in “Lisbon” on Google, and you’ll probably come across a picture taken from this viewpoint. Overlooking the Alfama neighborhood, Portas do Sol provides the quintessential view of Lisbon, featuring pastel-colored buildings, the National Pantheon and the Tagus river. If you want to see the sunrise in Lisbon, this is the ideal spot.
Insider’s tip: You can capture a similar view of Alfama from Miradouro do Recolhimento, a hidden viewpoint located inside the castle’s grounds.
2. Terraços do Carmo: the alternative to the Santa Justa Lift
Most tourists will queue up outside the Santa Justa lift, but if all you want is the view from the top, you can save money and walk to Terraços do Carmo instead.
What used to be the site of police barracks is now a panoramic terrace offering views of Rossio and the castle. While you’re here, you can visit the ruins of the Carmo Convent or grab a drink at the Topo Chiado, one of the best rooftop bars in Lisbon.
Insider’s tip: You can access the viewpoint of the Santa Justa lift from here instead of waiting in line at Rua de Santa Justa.
3. Basílica da Estrela: a church rooftop
Many Lisbon monuments have a rooftop with a view, in fact, it’s hard to find one without it! Set opposite the Estrela park, Basílica da Estrela is one of the highlights of the 28 tram route. You can visit the church for free, but for €4 you can go up to the terrace and enjoy the view of the tram lines and the 25 de Abril Bridge. In case you’re wondering, it’s 114 steps to the top.
4. Miradouro Keil do Amaral: a hidden viewpoint in Monsanto
Monsanto is the largest green area in Lisbon and a favorite spot for picnics and hikes. There are several viewpoints around the park, but our favorite is the Keil do Amaral.
From here, you can capture the 25 de Abril bridge and the Cristo Rei in a single frame. Locals also like to visit Panorâmico de Monsanto, a former restaurant, now abandoned, that provides amazing views of Lisbon’s skyline.
Insider’s tip: The best way to reach Monsanto is to get the 711 bus from Terreiro do Paço.
5. Arco da Rua Augusta: a view of Praça do Comércio
If you walked past Rua Augusta you’ve probably seen this arch, but did you know you can climb up?
While it was designed in 1775, it was only in 2013 that it got an elevator, allowing visitors to enter its terrace. Standing up there, you can see tiny people gathering around Praça do Comércio or walking down Rua Augusta, depending on which side you’re facing.
6. Miradouro Sophia de Mello Breyner Andersen: best night view
For the best night view in Lisbon, head to Miradouro Sophia de Mello Breyner Andersen. It’s a mouthful we know, so most people call it Miradouro da Graça, since it’s in the Graça neighborhood.
Not many tourists came this way before, but the secret got out, and now everyone comes here to see the sunset. It’s busier than usual, but it’s still worth the visit, and if you arrive early enough, you might get a table by the kiosk.
7. Cristo Rei: the view from the other side
Hop on a boat to the other side of the river and enjoy the views from Cristo Rei. You don’t have to pay to go up the statue you can stay in the surrounding park and enjoy the panoramic views for free. From Belém to Alfama, you can see the whole of Lisbon from here.
