7 Viewpoints in Lisbon: The Famous Lisbon Miradouros

Lisbon has so many beautiful viewpoints, also known as the Miradouros, which is what it’s called in Portuguese.

That’s also why you’ll notice a lot of the viewpoints are named “Miradouro something,” simply to highlight them as viewpoints.

If you want to experience most of the viewpoints in one place, I recommend going to Alfama, the oldest part of Lisbon.

Each viewpoint is in a different part of the city, so they’re a great way to explore Lisbon’s neighborhoods while you’re at it.

My favorite viewpoints are scattered all over the city, but Alfama definitely has some beautiful ones.

1. Castelo de São Jorge Miradouro

One of the most spectacular and highest Lisbon miradouros is standing on the terrace at the São Jorge Castle.

You will have incredible city views from the terrace and the castle walls.

An interesting note you can’t miss while there is to visit the Tower of Ulysses Periscope. It is a medieval optical device that Leonardo Da Vinci developed to provide a 360-degree view of the city.

The castle itself is also worth exploring to give you insights into the rich history of Lisbon. So, plan to spend a couple of hours here.

At the viewpoint, you also have access to a café where you can sit and enjoy a drink while looking at the city and the Tagus River.

Tip: I recommend visiting in the late afternoon to witness a stunning sunset over Lisbon. Wear comfortable shoes, especially if you explore the castle grounds, as there are cobbled paths. Also, check out these castles.

2. Miradouro das Portas do Sol

Near the Castelo de São Jorge, you’ll come across Miradouro das Portas do Sol. It is one of many viewpoints in Alfama, but I recommend stopping here.

Be aware that this is one of the Lisbon miradouros that offers limited views as it is in the lower part of Alfama Hill.

You will not see the city center as it is oriented northeast. Still, you get a great perspective of the historical district with red-roof tiles and the streets down to the Tagus River.

I loved the terrace with a statue of St. Vincent, and I could enjoy refreshments at the kiosk.

Tip: Consider visiting this beautiful viewpoint in the late afternoon to witness a spectacular sunset over Lisbon and the Tagus River. You can explore the nearby cafés and restaurants and savor local cuisine while enjoying the panoramic views.

3. Miradouro de Santa Luzia

A few streets further down from the previous Lisbon viewpoint, you come across Miradouro de Santa Luzia. It is another one of the fantastic Lisbon miradouros.

What makes it so unique is that it is located inside a garden surrounded by Azulejo tiles, also known as Portuguese ceramic tiles.

It is in the lower area of Alfama near a church bearing the same name. Make sure to stop at the church and view the tile panels.

One of the images shows the Praça do Comércio before the 1755 earthquake. The other image shows Christians fighting to regain control over Castelo de São Jorge from the Moors.

Once you’re done enjoying the view from the terrace, you can go to a big stone wall leading to another garden known as Jardim Júlio de Castilho.

Here, you find a small pool with another Azulejo tile mural behind it, showing the Lisbon conquest.

4. Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara

Between Bairro Alto and the Principe Real district, you find Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcantara. It is one of the most romantic hilltops in Lisbon, miradouros.

There is a two-level observation platform, two cafés, trees, flower beds, fountains, benches, and gorgeous views.

I’ve walked past this viewpoint hundreds of times, but I still stop to enjoy the view; it’s absolutely stunning.

From here, you can see the Tagus River and São Jorge Castle. This Lisbon miradouro was built in the 19th century on the walls stretching through Lisbon.

The viewpoint’s name comes from the São Pedro de Alcántara monastery opposite the terrace. I like to visit it both day and night to experience two different atmospheres.

In the morning, you get peace, but at night, it comes alive with music and people dancing. Food kiosks have tables where you can sit and relax while watching the spectacular views.

Tip: For more great sunsets in Lisbon, check out these great spots.

5. Miradouro da Graça

In the residential area by the Graça Church, you find the Miradouro de Graça. The Lisbon miradouros are popular places for locals to meet and enjoy a drink while admiring the view.

From this viewpoint, the horizon looks exactly like San Francisco. It has no high terrace, but you can view the city below. You can see the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge, São Jorge Castle, and the Carmo Archaeological Museum.

It stands next to one of Lisbon’s oldest churches, Igreja da Graça, which dates back to 1271. Here, you can also explore the exciting collection of Azulejo tiles dating back to the 16th and 18th centuries.

6. Miradouro Terraços do Carmo

If you take the Santa Justa Lift up, you’ll get to this terrace, but you can also walk to it without taking the elevator.

The elevator opens daily from 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. The price is €5/person, or free if you have the Lisbon Card.

From here, you’ll get to see Baixa, Rossio Square, the Rua Augusta Arch, and the waterfront of the Tagus River.

One thing I did find when visiting Lisbon in summer was that the queues were long, so be aware of this: get here early or walk to the viewpoint.

While you’re here, you can also visit the Carmo Convent ruins next door and enjoy some Pasteis de Bacalhau, which you can buy at the top.

7. Arco da Rua Augusta Viewpoint

At the Rua Augusta viewpoint, you can enjoy beautiful views over the Praça do Comércio, downtown, the Tagus River, and Rua Augusta.

You can use the elevator inside the Miradouros Arco da Rua Augusta to reach the top. Interestingly, the Rua Augusta Arch celebrates the Lisbon reconstruction after the November 1, 1755, earthquake.

The version you will see dates from a century after 1875.

The cost to get to the terrace is €4.50 per person.

From there, you can access a spiral staircase leading to the top, and I noted that it is only wide enough for one person. Also, before climbing up, you must press a button to advise traffic on the other side that it is clear to go up/down.

Visit in the late afternoon to early evening for a beautiful sunset view. After that, you can explore the lively scene of the Baixa district, from restaurants to shops.

Tip: To ascend to the viewpoint, you can use the elevator within the arch. You will love this experience as you get glimpses of the architectural details of this historic monument.

More Lisbon Miradouros

While these 7 Lisbon viewpoints are the most popular miradouros, there are a few other places with incredible Lisbon viewpoints:

• Miradouro da Nossa Senhora do Monte is one of the highest points, with a tile panel to locate the main monuments on a city map.
• Panorâmico de Monsanto is around half a century old and is found in Alto da Serafina, a building with the best viewpoint in Monsanto.

Wrap-Up

It’s a must when you get to Lisbon that you take the time to see a viewpoint or two.

The Lisbon miradouros are integral to the city, and it’s absolutely breathtaking to see the city from the viewpoints.

The viewpoints are located at the top, so you always get a good walk out of it, and then you can spoil yourself with a coffee or drink at the kiosks, which you often find at the viewpoints.

You can also challenge yourself to walk to all the viewpoints on the seven hills of Lisbon.

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