Lisbon is a city spread across seven hills, and nowhere is it better appreciated than from its viewpoints. These are not just places to admire the view but where people actually hang out; coffee and chat in the morning, glass of wine at sunset.

Having lived in Lisbon for 5 years, I've come to see the miradouros (Portuguese for viewpoints) as they're just part of daily life here. They are where residents meet friends, drink a coffee, and later admire the setting sun. Some are busy and social with kiosks and live music, others are just a quiet bench with nobody else around. Each one frames a different piece of the city, from Alfama's tiled rooftops to the suspension bridge and the wide Tejo.

This guide will help you discover these viewpoints, whether you're after a social spot for sunset, the perfect holiday photo or something much more tranquil.

 

 

Lisbon has no shortage of viewpoints. Here is a quick rundown of the most famous, the hidden and my personal favourites. You can find all of them pinned on the interactive map below.

The famous four:
• Miradouro da Nossa Senhora do Monte: One of the most famous viewpoints as it sits at the highest point of the city, and offers the finest view. Once a secret escape for romantic liaisons, it is now rammed throughout the day with tuk-tuk-ferried tourists. It doesn't have the social buzz of the other viewpoints, as it lies within the grounds of a chapel but the view is still worth the challenging uphill walk.

• Portas do Sol: The much shared-on-social-media view looking over the tiled roofs of Alfama down to the Tejo Estuary and an often-moored cruise ship. Always busy as it sits on the main tram line through Alfama, but the many bars and kiosks make it an enjoyable place to linger after the obligatory photos.

• São Pedro de Alcântara: The classic view looking over the Baixa district and up to the castle, and one of my personal favourite views of Lisbon. The Quiosque Miradouro kiosk is great for a mid-morning coffee while the sun bathes the viewpoint, but as the viewpoint faces east, this is not the place for watching a sunset - its only fault.

• Miradouro de Santa Catarina: This is the spot for sunset, a relaxed social vibe, musicians and a seating area where you can bring your own drinks. Many an enjoyable night has started from here. The view looks over the Tejo and is the least impressive of the four, but easily compensates with its sunset atmosphere.

Hidden viewpoints:
• Miradouro de Santo Amaro: Hidden in Alcantara (within walking distance of Lx Factory) this viewpoint sits in the grounds of a unique circular chapel and provides tranquil views over the Ponte 25 de Abril suspension bridge. Not the highest point or the most amazing of views but peaceful and calming.

• Amoreiras 360 Panoramic View: It is a paid viewpoint (€5) and sits at the top of an awful 1980s tower block, but has one of the finest views of Lisbon. Knowing the city well makes me appreciate the view even more, though it sits much further northwest and away from the historic centre and the sights most tourists want to spot.

• Jardim do Rio: This little grass park at the base of the Cacilhas cliffs is made for watching sunsets. It overlooks the Tejo estuary and the 25 de Abril Bridge, and is a fantastic spot for a picnic during the day or a glass of wine at sunset.

• Miradouro do Recolhimento: The classic view over Alfama but without the tourist crowds. It lies close to the castle and there are even a couple of benches for a rest.

Personal favourites:
• Miradouro da Graça: My local viewpoint and in part what makes Graça such a special area of the city. A wonderful view of the castle and central Lisbon, along with a social kiosk, popular for friends to meet up and admire the sunset. This viewpoint is worth the walk up from Alfama.

• Miradouro do Santuário do Cristo Rei: The magnificent view from the base of the Cristo Rei statue looking north over the Tejo and 25 de Abril Bridge. It's a time-consuming ferry and bus ride to reach, but a truly wonderful view of Lisbon.

• Miradouro do Parque Eduardo VII: At the top of the Eduardo VII park this view looks all the way down into Baixa. Not the highest viewpoint, nor the most dramatic, but it makes up for this with greenery and open space.

• Arco da Rua Augusta: A paid viewpoint at the top of the Arco da Rua Augusta (€4.50) with views over the Praça do Comércio in one direction and looking up the Rua Augusta in the other. A viewpoint for watching the life of the city below, the shoppers, the tourists and street performers, rather than the scenery.

• MAAT museum: The curved roof of the MAAT museum provides views along the Tejo Estuary looking towards Belém or the suspension bridge.

Overrated Viewpoint
• Miradouro de Santa Luzia: A beautiful spot but ruined by over-tourism. A pretty terrace garden with tile paintings and a view over Alfama, but it's always crowded. Queues form along the wall for the classic Instagram photo, while the narrow walkway means someone is always stepping into your shot. The only time I've seen it quiet is 8am on a chilly November day, even then there were still couples sat taking photos…

Don’t be fooled, I had to queue and be quick to get this empty looking image of the Miradouro de Santa Luzia

Below is an interactive map marking all of the best viewpoints in Lisbon. (Note: zoom in or out to see all of the points)

Legend: 1) Miradouro das Portas do Sol 2) São Pedro de Alcântara 3) Miradouro da Graça 4) Miradouro do Castelo de São Jorge 5) Miradouro de Santo Amaro 6) Miradouro do Parque Eduardo VII 7) Miradouro do Recolhimento 8) Miradouro de Santa Catarina 9) Miradouro da Nossa Senhora do Monte 10) MAAT museum 11) Elevador de Santa Justa 12) Amoreiras 360 Panoramic View 13) Arco da Rua Augusta 14) Padrão dos Descobrimentos 15) Torre Vasco da Gama 16) Cristo Rei 17) Miradouro de Santa Luzia

One of the best ways to explore Lisbon is to join a small group tour, especially in the first days of your trip when you are still finding your bearings. I've worked with GetYourGuide for the last seven years and have personally taken several of their Lisbon tours. Some of the best include:

The links above are affiliate links, and I earn a small commission if you book through them. I really appreciate it, as it helps me keep this website running.

Best time to visit: Morning to mid afternoon
Access: Direct access from street
Main sights: The Baixa district
Location: GPS: 38.715, -9.144

The Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara offers one of the classic views of Lisbon, looking over the Baixa district and up to the castle from its split-level terraced gardens. This is one of my personal favourite viewpoints and a place I always bring visitors to.

Sitting at the top of Bairro Alto, it lies at the meeting point of three very different neighbourhoods: historic Baixa below, affluent Príncipe Real to the north, and the bars of Bairro Alto behind. This mix gives the viewpoint a lively but relaxed feel throughout the day.

The upper terrace has the better view and is always busy with tours, musicians, pop-up stalls and whatever festivities are happening that week. The Quiosque Miradouro kiosk up here is a great spot for a mid-morning coffee in the sun. The lower terrace has a completely different feel, peaceful and calm, where you'll find people reading books or simply sitting and taking in the view.

The viewpoint faces east though, so this is not the place for a sunset. Its only fault.
Related articles: Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara

The lower terrace of the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, with its views over Baixa towards the castle

The shaded garden is a pleasant stop on a hot summer's day

Best time to visit: The morning on a clear day
Access: €5 entry and access via lift
Main sights: The whole of northern Lisbon
Location: GPS: 38.7236, -9.1613

The Amoreiras 360 sits at the top of a distinctly 1980s tower block, and yet it has one of the finest views of Lisbon. At €5 entry it is a paid viewpoint, but the combination of a tall building on an already high part of the city makes for a view that feels genuinely elevated above everything else.

From up here the panorama stretches across northern Lisbon, taking in Monsanto Forest, the airport, the Estrela district and everything south down to the Tejo Estuary. The trade-off is that it sits far from the historic centre, so the castle and Baixa that most visitors want to pick out are distant and harder to spot. Knowing the city well makes the view more rewarding, as you can place the neighbourhoods and landmarks that first-time visitors might miss.

The real appeal for visitors with more time in Lisbon is making an activity of the journey here. The quaint 24E tram departs from Praça Luís de Camões in Bairro Alto and winds its way up to Amoreiras, making the trip as enjoyable as the view itself.
Related articles: The 24E tram

The viewpoint from the top of Amoreiras Shopping Centre is one of the best in Lisbon

The Amoreiras Towers

Best time to visit: Anytime - as it's busy all day long
Access: Direct access from street, no difficult slopes
Main sights: Alfama and the Tejo Estuary
Location: GPS 38.7124, -9.1303

The Portas do Sol is the most photographed viewpoint in Lisbon, and the one you'll most likely recognise from social media. Its terrace looks out over the tiled rooftops and narrow streets of Alfama, down to the Tejo Estuary where cruise ships moor along the banks.

The viewpoint sits on the site of the old Portas do Sol, one of the main gates of the Moorish city walls. The terrace itself is built over these ancient fortifications, which is why it extends out above the surrounding buildings and provides such an unobstructed view.

Part of what makes it memorable is the contrast with the streets around it. You emerge from the tight lanes of Alfama and suddenly everything opens up into a wide sunlit plaza. The noise and chaos of the narrow streets just falls away. It sits on the main tram route through Alfama, close to the cathedral and the castle, so it is always busy, but the space is large enough that it never feels cramped.

There are restaurants and cafes around the plaza, though most cater to tourists and are priced accordingly. The traditional drinks kiosk, Quiosque das Portas do Sol, is the better option for a stop.

Personal tip: For the same view over Alfama but without the crowds, head uphill to the Miradouro do Recolhimento.
Related articles: Alfama guide

The Miradouro das Portas do Sol overlooks Alfama and the cruise terminal

The Portas do Sol was constructed over the old city walls, which can still be seen in certain sections

Best time to visit: Early morning - before tuk-tuk tours arrive
Access: Via a very steep hill
Main sights: Baixa district
Location: GPS 38.7191, -9.1328

The Miradouro da Nossa Senhora do Monte sits at the highest point of central Lisbon and has arguably the finest view of any viewpoint in the city. From here you look westwards across the Baixa district, with the castle, the river and the bridge all visible in one sweeping panorama.

Historically, this was where young couples would slip away for romantic meetings, far from the prying eyes of parents and gossiping neighbours. The viewpoint earned this reputation partly because it is so difficult to reach, up a punishingly steep hill that kept most people away. That same hill is now my regular exercise walk from Graça, and it never gets easier.

The view may be the best in Lisbon but the atmosphere is different from other viewpoints. It sits within the grounds of a small chapel, so there is no permanent kiosk, barely any seating, and none of the social feel you get at Graça or São Pedro de Alcântara. During the day, it is busy with tuk-tuk tours dropping off groups who take photos and leave, which adds to the lack of atmosphere.

Sunsets are spectacular from here but the space is small and gets crowded quickly. If you want a social sunset spot, the nearby Miradouro da Graça is the better choice. Nossa Senhora do Monte is at its best early in the morning, when it is quiet and the view is yours.

The best way to reach here is to catch the number 28 tram to the Rua da Graça stop, then walk up Rua da Senhora do Monte. Be warned, it is steep.
Related articles: Miradouro da Nossa Senhora do Monte

The view from the Nossa Senhora do Monte is one of the best in Lisbon

But expect the small viewpoint to be packed through the majority of the day

Best time to visit: An hour before sunset
Access: Street access
Main sights: River Tejo
Location: GPS: 38.709, -9.147
The Miradouro de Santa Catarina faces south over the Tejo Estuary, but the view is really only half the reason to come here. This is Lisbon's sunset social scene, and on a warm evening it's one of the most atmospheric spots in the city.

As the sun drops towards the river, the viewpoint fills with a young crowd, who come to socialise, drink, smoke and hang out on the wide stone seating area. Street performers set up along the terrace and the whole place takes on a festival energy that builds as the evening goes on. If you're in that age bracket, it's one of the coolest spots in Lisbon to spend an evening. If you're not, it can feel a little edgy. This is not the viewpoint I'd bring my parents to.

The Quiosque do Adamastor kiosk is great for a drink, but getting a table at sunset is near-impossible in summer unless you arrive hours beforehand. The better strategy is to do as the locals do: bring your own drinks and claim a spot on the stone seats.

This miradouro is referred to as “Adamastor” by everyone who lives in the city, and behind the seating area stands the giant stone statue that gives the viewpoint its local name. The Adamastor is a mythical sea monster created by the poet Luís de Camões in his epic Os Lusíadas, personifying the Cape of Storms and the terrifying forces Portuguese sailors had to overcome rounding the Cape of Good Hope. It's a suitably dramatic backdrop for what is often Lisbon's liveliest viewpoint.

The view itself, looking out over the Tejo towards the south bank, is the least dramatic of Lisbon's four famous viewpoints, but the Adamastor easily compensates with atmosphere. Many a good night out in Lisbon has started from this terrace.

The Adamastor viewpoint at sunset, when the stone seats fill up and the street performers arrive

The Adamastor, Camões' mythical sea monster, watching over the Tejo from his stone perch

Best time to visit: Morning or sunset
Access: Street access
Main sights: Lisbon Castle and the Baixa district
Location: GPS 38.716, -9.131

The Miradouro da Graça is my local viewpoint, just a five-minute walk from our flat, and even though we're in Lisbon all the time we still head here regularly. It's that good.

Officially known as the Miradouro Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen, it sits on the boundary of the Graça and Alfama districts, looking out over the castle and central Lisbon from one of the city's highest vantage points. A wide public terrace provides an unobstructed view for photos, while the area behind is shaded by trees, making it a comfortable spot even on a hot day.

What makes Graça special is how well it works at any time of day. Morning coffee from the kiosk before heading out, a lazy Saturday afternoon with a book, or meeting friends for sunset. It draws a genuine mix of ages, tourists and long-stay residents alike, and the atmosphere is relaxed and social without any of the edginess you find at the Adamastor. This is very much an all-ages viewpoint.

The Esplanada da Graça kiosk is one of the better viewpoint kiosks in Lisbon, but as with most sunset spots, arrive early if you want a table. The viewpoint sits at the entrance to the sprawling Graça convent, which is well worth a look and free to enter.

The only gripe, and it's a common one among visitors, is the toilet situation. There is a paid toilet (€0.50) in the neighbouring Jardim da Graça, but with a near-permanent queue, it seems like half the sunset crowd is either waiting, heading there, or complaining about it.

Personal tip: After visiting the viewpoint, explore the Graça district itself. It has an authentic Portuguese atmosphere that much of central Lisbon has lost, along with some excellent urban art murals.
Related articles: Guide to Graça

The view from Graça looking across to the castle, one of the views we never tire of despite living five minutes away

A mix of tourists and locals sharing the terrace at Graça, one of the few viewpoints where both feel equally at home

Best time to visit: Late afternoon
Access: Steps or steep hill
Main sights: Ponte 25 de Abril bridge
Location: GPS 38.7019, -9.1823
The Miradouro de Santo Amaro is one of those places in Lisbon where you feel like you've stumbled onto something you weren't supposed to find. It sits within the grounds of a small chapel complex in Alcântara, barely a ten-minute walk uphill from the very touristy LX Factory, yet there is rarely anyone here apart from the occasional local passing through.

The viewpoint is not the highest in Lisbon, but the elevated position provides a striking view of the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge and the Tejo Estuary. The terrace itself is a pleasant space, paved in traditional star-patterned calçada with four old olive trees around the edges providing shade. There is no kiosk here and no seating to speak of, so this is a viewpoint to pause at and take in rather than settle into for an afternoon. The real draw is the novelty of going somewhere almost no other tourists will find, and for a genuinely unique photo of the bridge. For photos of the bridge, visit in the afternoon so you aren't looking directly into the sun.

The uphill walk and a steep set of steps will deter most visitors, which is part of what keeps it quiet, but the Capela de Santo Amaro at the top is worth the effort in its own right. Built in 1549, the chapel is one of the rare examples of Renaissance circular architecture in Portugal. Inside, the 17th-century azulejo tile panels are unlike anything you'll see in Lisbon's other churches. Santo Amaro is the patron saint of the physically infirm, and the tiles here depict fractured limbs, rather than the usual religious symbols. The chapel is often closed, but if you find the doors open, it is well worth a look.

Personal tip: Combine a visit here with the LX Factory and the Museu da Carris tram museum, both of which are at the bottom of the hill.
Related articles: The Alcântara district

The Ponte 25 de Abril framed from the Santo Amaro terrace, a view you'll likely have entirely to yourself

The outer foyer of the Capela de Santo Amaro

Best time to visit: Early afternoon
Access: Road access from the São Sebastião metro station
Main sights: Marquês de Pombal square and the Eduardo VII Park
Location: GPS 38.7305, -9.1546

The Miradouro do Parque Eduardo VII is less a traditional viewpoint and more a high point of the city where you come to breathe. It sits at the northern end of the Parque Eduardo VII, looking south along the geometric hedged gardens, past the Praça Marquês de Pombal and down the Avenida da Liberdade, with the Tejo Estuary visible some 3km in the distance.

It is not the most dramatic view in Lisbon. The single perspective is pleasant rather than spectacular, and the Praça Marquês de Pombal below is one of the busiest junctions in central Lisbon - all traffic fumes and roundabout chaos. But what this viewpoint offers instead is something most of Lisbon's miradouros lack: calm, green space and room to sit without competing for a spot.

Compared to the crowded terraces elsewhere in this guide, the park up here feels almost overlooked. There is seating, there is shade, and there is a sense of escaping the city while still being in the middle of it. If you want a viewpoint for quiet rather than atmosphere, this is the one.

The best way to visit is to take the metro to São Sebastião, wander uphill to the viewpoint, and then walk the 2.5km downhill through the park towards Baixa. The Estufa Fria botanical gardens are along the way, and well worth a detour. At the top of the park you'll also find one of Lisbon's yellow "Lisboa" letter statues for photos, and unlike the ones in the centre, there is rarely a queue.

The viewpoint is also home to the largest Portuguese flag routinely flown in Lisbon, measuring 20m by 12m. The park's elevated position means it can be spotted from across the city.

Looking south through the geometric gardens of Eduardo VII, all the way down to the Tejo some 3km away

Best time to visit: Sunrise, or don't bother
Access: Direct access from the street
Main sights: Roofs of Alfama and the Tejo Estuary
Location: GPS 38.7116, -9.1302

The Miradouro de Santa Luzia should be one of the most romantic spots in Lisbon. A small terraced garden with bougainvillea spilling over whitewashed walls, azulejo tile paintings catching the light, and a view across the rooftops of Alfama down to the Tejo. On paper, it's perfect.

In reality, it is ruined by over-tourism. The garden is tiny, and on any given day it is packed with visitors queuing along the wall for the classic photo, jostling for position, getting frustrated at people walking through their shots, while an endless rotation of influencers set up for theirs. The crowds strip away any romance the place once had. I remember visiting seventeen years ago when it was just a pretty park with a view. Those days are long gone.

The two most interesting features here are easy to miss in the chaos. On the whitewashed walls of the garden sit two large azulejo tile panels. One depicts the Praça do Comércio as it looked before the devastating 1755 earthquake, and the other shows the siege of Lisbon's castle, with Martim Moniz holding open the gate to allow the crusader attackers through. Both are fascinating pieces of Lisbon's history, and most visitors walk straight past them.

The viewpoint sits within the grounds of the Igreja de Santa Luzia, which is worth a glance but rarely open.

If you want the classic photo without the crowds, arrive at sunrise. It is the only reliable window. For the same view over Alfama in a calmer setting, the Miradouro do Recolhimento further uphill is the better option.

Don't be fooled by the empty photo. I had to queue and time the shot between the stream of visitors to get this