Post overview: Best Miradouros in Lisbon | Beautiful Viewpoints in Lisbon
They don’t call Lisbon the City of Seven Hills for nothing. With striking panoramic views at practically every turn, there’s no shortage of great Miradouros in Lisbon ripe for exploration.
I recently spent a full month in Lisbon (because I can’t get enough of the city) and went out of my way to check out as many Lisbon viewpoints as possible. Below is a personal list of my absolute favorite Miradouros in Lisbon, I hope you enjoy!
Visiting Lisbon? Here’s Some Tips
Learning basic Portuguese phrases goes a long way
However, it’s very easy to get by using English. Regardless, a little effort goes a long way. Here’s a few words worth learning and using during your visit to Lisbon.
- Hello = Ola!
- Goodbye: Adeus
- Please: Por favor
- Thank you: Obrigada
- Yes: Sim and No: Nao
Lisbon is all about enjoying the moment and taking it slow
So don’t rush your meal and don’t expect speedy service. Our meals ranged from 2 -4 hours and the experience was pure bliss, honestly.
Lisbon is budget friendly
Lisbon is considered one of the most budget-friendly cities in Europe. For example, a bottle of (delicious) house wine averages $15.
Public restrooms cost $1 to use
This is not uncommon in European cities, we just weren’t accustomed to paying for public restrooms. Just a heads up.
Drugs on the street
During our visit we noticed several folks trying to sell drugs. This mostly occurred in the evenings at main tourist attractions. A stern “no” was enough to end the conversation.
I mention this to give you a heads up, it wasn’t jarring so much as it was annoying. It wasn’t an issue for us.
Best Lisbon Souvenirs
Lisbon is known for cork, tiles and tinned seafood. All three make great souvenirs!
Best Miradouros Lisbon | Best Viewpoints in Lisbon for Sunset
Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcãntara is arguably the most beautiful viewpoint in Lisbon. It reminded me of the beautiful parks peppered throughout Paris, with the white sandy paths and iron benches.
Situated in a well-kept garden, it offers a breathtaking view of Lisbon’s colorful skyline sitting under the shadow of the impressive Castelo do São Jorge.
Catch the midday sun when people-watching opportunities are at their best, or watch the shimmering lights of the city at night. You can’t go wrong with either choice.
But I personally prefer this epic Lisbon viewpoint during the soft glow of sunset, even with the crowds. There’s something so romantic about this views, I love the way the sun changes the colors of the pastel homes completely.
There’s also a nice little restaurant/stand where you can grab drinks and light snacks. Getting to Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcãntara will require an uphill walk or you can opt to take the Elevador de Glória from Rossio Square.
Miradouro da Nossa Senhora do Monte
If you’re looking for the best panoramic views of Lisbon, Miradouro da Nossa Senhora do Monte is sure to fit the bill. The reason is simple, Miradouro da Nossa Senhora do Monte is the highest point in Lisbon.
Requiring a hearty and steep uphill climb, this Lisbon miradouro will take some effort, but trust me when I tell you that the views are worth it — even if you’re breathless and sweaty when you reach the top (*raises hand).
We found ourselves surprised by the large crowds of people at the top, especially considering the hefty hike, but it was a fun way to cap off yet another great day in Lisbon.
Also, we later learned that you could Ride Tram 28 and get off at the stop for Rua da Graça, if you want to forego the feeling of running a marathon before dinner.
Miradouro das Portas do Sol
Miradouro das Portas do Sol translates to “gateway to the sun” and I would say, based on firsthand experience, this is the best viewpoint in Lisbon.
I’d also argue, based on the crowds, that this is the most popular viewpoint in Lisbon. In fact, I believe this is the most photographed spot in Lisbon and chances are high you’ve seen photos from here already.
However, it’s not hard to see why this area is so heavily visited.
An esplanade gives way to breathtaking panoramic views of Lisbon’s colorful Alfama district and the Tagus River. You’ll also get unparalleled views of the monastery of São Vicente de Fora and the National Pantheon.
We ran into musicians every night we visited, which only adds to the charm of this popular Lisbon viewpoint. Grab a drink at the lively Portas do Sole cafe and bar and linger for a while. It’s a very casual spot where you watch the sunset and the people nearby (but not in a creepy way!)
You can also catch sunrise from Miradouro das Portas do Sol if you’d like more serenity and less crowds. Since this viewpoint faces east, the sunrises are even more breathtaking than sunsets — if you can imagine such a thing.
Miradouro de Santa Luiza
If Miradouro das Portas do Sol is the most popular viewpoint in Lisbon then Miradouro de Santa Luiza second-most popular. This is largely thanks to the impeccable glazed tiles and covered trellis that graces the comfortable patio.
In fact, of all the miradourous in Lisbon we visited, I liked this one the best because it felt so relaxed, which made me want to linger past any point of reason.
As for the views, you’ll be privy to panoramic views of the Tagus River, the charming Alfama neighborhood and the National Pantheon.
Oh, and as if though all of these perks weren’t enough, there’s also a restaurant at this Lisbon viewpoint where you can grab food and drinks while planning the best things to do in Lisbon.
Miradouro da Graça
The official name of this Lisbon miradouro is Miradouro Sophia de Mello Breyner Andersen, but it’s more commonly known as Miradouro da Graça.
The reason? It’s located in the lively Graça neighborhood.
This beautiful Lisbon viewpoint is lined with trees that provide ample shade during the warm summer months and the cheery buzz of chatter. The viewing platform is seldom empty because it’s so beloved by locals and tourists.
There’s also an onsite cafe where you can stock up on light bites and drinks. For what it’s worth, this is the best place to watch the sun set over Castelo de São Jorge, in my opinion.
Terraços do Carmo
The view from Terraços do Carmo is the same as the coveted view from the Santa Justa elevator, but the platform at this Lisbon viewpoint is much larger, so you won’t feel like sardines packed in a can.
I especially enjoy this view of Lisbon because it provides unparalleled access to Rossio Square and the Elevador de Santa Justa. So if people-watching is your favorite sport, you’ll find yourself quite content. Make a beeline to Terraços do Carmo to see why so many people consider this one of the best Lisbon viewpoints for sunset.
While you’re in the area, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the beautiful and eerie Carmo Covent. The church was devastated during the great earthquake of 1755 and hasn’t been rebuilt.
It’s worth saying again: 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. It’s the exact same viewpoint in Lisbon.
Castelo de São Jorge
So at this point you’ve probably heard me mention Castelo de São Jorge about a hundred times, right? Well, it’s one of the highest points in the city, so you can believe it offers one of the best views of Lisbon!
Walking along the fortress wall of this historic castle will give you a unique vantage point of Lisbon. You’ll see the Tagus River and colorful clusters of homes as far as the eye can see.
In my opinion, this is one of the best views of Lisbon, largely thanks to the cool experience of seeing the skyline from a castle. It’s hard to beat that!
Elevador de Santa Justa
I strive to give only honest advice, and in the sake of honesty I don’t recommend riding the Elevador de Santa Justa because it feels like a tourist trap.
But don’t get me wrong, the elevator is definitely worth admiring, it’s just not worth the admission. What’s more, if you route yourself to Terraços do Carmo (the Lisbon viewpoint mentioned earlier) you’ll get access to the Elevador de Santa Justa platform for free.
And there’s no denying that these are some of the best views of Lisbon, which is my the elevator is so alluring to tourists.
You’ll have great views of Castelo de São Jorge, Rossio Square, Baixa, National Pantheon and epic views of the Tagus River.
Miradouro do Recolhimento
In many ways, Miradouro do Recolhimento feels like a secret because crowds are seldom to be found. We discovered it by chance a few weeks into our stay and found ourselves enjoying the sunset amidst locals.
This Lisbon miradouro is close to both the Castelo do São Jorge and well-known Portas do Sol (which you can see from the viewing platform of miradouro do Recolhimento.
The view is almost identical to miradouro das Portas do Sol, but without the crowds.
Admittedly, finding this miradouro in Lisbon can be challenging. You’ll need to follow a small pathway that leads past a children’s playground. It feels strange, like you’re going to pickup a kid from the school, but if you get to the spot you’ll be rewarded with one of the best views of Lisbon.
Miradouro de Santa Catarina
Miradouro de Santa Catarina attracts a mixed crowd of eager tourists and younger locals. This is a very popular place to catch sunset while listening to talented street musicians.
The vibe will definitely make you feel young again (can a thirty year old say things like this? Too soon?).
You’ll see a ton of folks with brews in hand, join the party by grabbing a local beer at a nearby mercado or swing by Noobai, the restaurant located at the edge of the miradouro. We opted for the latter and had a very relaxing evening.
Also worth mention, there’s a handful of great restaurants nearby. We especially liked the creative drinks list at Restaurant Pharmacia and recommend stopping by.
Best Miradouros Lisbon Portugal
- Miradouro de Santa Luiza
- Miradouro das Portas do Sol
- Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
- Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
- Terraços do Carmo
- Miradouro da Graca
- The view from Sao Jorge Castle
- Santa Justa Elevator
- Miradouro do Recolhimento
- Miradouro de Santa Catarina
Map of the best sunset viewpoints in Lisbon
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