The Best Viewpoints in Lisbon (Miradouros)

Lisbon is built on hills, which means one thing: incredible views. The city’s miradouros (viewpoints) look out over terracotta rooftops, church domes and the wide River Tagus, and most of them are free, with a little kiosk selling coffee or a cold beer. Here are the best, and when to go.

Quick answer: for the classic Alfama view, go to Santa Luzia and Portas do Sol. For the biggest panorama, climb to Senhora do Monte. For sunset with a drink, try Graça or São Pedro de Alcântara. Note: the Santa Justa lift and the Glória, Bica and Lavra funiculars are still closed in 2026.

Which viewpoint, which time of day?

• Morning: Santa Luzia and Portas do Sol face south and east, so the early light falls on Alfama’s rooftops and the crowds haven’t arrived.
• Sunset: Senhora do Monte, Graça and São Pedro de Alcântara look west and south over the city, while Santa Catarina looks straight at the river and the bridge.
• Sunset times: from about 9pm in late June to about 5:15pm in December.

Alfama and the castle

Miradouro de Santa Luzia

The postcard view: a pergola covered in bougainvillea, blue-and-white tiled walls, and the rooftops of Alfama tumbling down to the river. Tram 28 stops right outside. Lovely in the morning light.

Look at the tile panels on the church wall: one shows Praça do Comércio before the 1755 earthquake, and another the Christian siege of the Moorish castle in 1147.

Miradouro das Portas do Sol

A few steps from Santa Luzia, with a wide terrace, a cafe and a view over Alfama and the white dome of the National Pantheon. One of the busiest, so come early or late.

São Jorge Castle

The castle walls give the highest views in the old town, over the Baixa, the river and the bridges, with peacocks wandering about. Tickets are €17 for adults (free for under-12s), so it’s not a cheap viewpoint, but the castle itself is worth the visit.

It’s open from 9am until 9pm from March to October (6pm in winter), so in summer you can stay for sunset from the walls. Bus 737 from Praça da Figueira saves the climb. See our Alfama guide for the area.

Graça: the highest views

Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

The highest viewpoint in Lisbon, with a sweeping panorama from the castle to the bridge. Less crowded than the Alfama terraces, and magic at sunset.

It’s simpler than the others, with a small chapel and a terrace with stone benches, so you may want to bring your own drink. It’s about a ten-minute walk uphill from Largo da Graça.

Miradouro da Graça (Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen)

Under the pine trees by the Graça church, with a kiosk bar and a relaxed crowd. A favourite sunset spot for locals. Getting up the hill: tram 28, bus 734, a tuk-tuk, or the Graça funicular, which reopened in 2026.

Monte Agudo

A small, local viewpoint off the tourist trail in the Penha de França area, with a different angle over the city. Great if you want a quiet one.

Bairro Alto and Chiado

Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara

A two-level garden terrace looking across to the castle and Alfama, with a kiosk and often music in the evenings. With the Glória funicular closed, it’s a steep walk up from Restauradores (or approach from Príncipe Real, which is flatter).

A tiled map on the upper terrace helps you name the churches and hills you can see. From here, Príncipe Real’s shops and garden are a five-minute walk away. See Chiado and Bairro Alto.

Miradouro de Santa Catarina (Adamastor)

West-facing views over the river and the 25 de Abril bridge, under the statue of the sea monster Adamastor. Great at sunset. It’s fenced and closes at night.

Further out

Jardim do Torel

A small terraced garden on the Santana hill, looking west across Avenida da Liberdade to Bairro Alto. Quiet, with benches and a café. With the Lavra funicular closed, walk up from the Avenida or Martim Moniz.

Parque Eduardo VII

Stand at the top of the park, by the big flag, for the long view down the formal lawns and Avenida da Liberdade to the river. Marquês de Pombal metro is at the bottom.

Panorâmico de Monsanto

An abandoned 1960s restaurant in the Monsanto forest park, now covered in street art, with a wide view over the city, the river and the bridge. It has been closed to the public since mid-2023 for safety reasons while the city council studies a costly restoration, and no reopening date has been announced, so check before you make the trip. The forest park around it is still open and free. It’s easiest by taxi or ride app.

Paid viewpoints worth it

• Arco da Rua Augusta: the top of the triumphal arch on Praça do Comércio, with views down Rua Augusta and over the square. Tickets are €5, and free with the Lisboa Card. A lift goes most of the way, then there are about 74 steps; it usually opens 10am to 7pm, with last entry at 6:30pm.
• National Pantheon: the dome’s terrace has stunning views over Alfama and the river. Included in the ticket (about €10). Closed Mondays.
• Cristo Rei: across the river in Almada, the giant Christ statue has a viewing platform with the best view of Lisbon and the bridge. About €8–10 for adults; the grounds and lower terrace are free. Take the ferry from Cais do Sodré to Cacilhas, then a bus.
• Rooftop bars: many hotels have rooftop bars with views. See our Lisbon nightlife guide.

About the historic lifts

After the tragic Glória funicular accident in September 2025, Lisbon’s historic lifts were taken out of service for safety checks. As of autumn 2026, Santa Justa, Glória, Bica and Lavra are still closed, with no reopening date (Glória is not expected back for several years). You can still admire Santa Justa’s iron tower from the Baixa. Plan to walk, or use the metro, buses and trams. See our Lisbon public transport guide.

A viewpoint walk

Start high and walk down. Take tram 28 or bus 734 to Graça, climb to Senhora do Monte, then walk down to the Graça viewpoint, on to Portas do Sol and Santa Luzia, and finally down through Alfama to the cathedral. It’s about 2km and two hours with stops. Do it in reverse in the late afternoon to finish at Senhora do Monte for sunset, but be ready for the climb.

Tips

• Sunset is popular. Arrive 30–45 minutes early for a good spot.
• Watch your bag in crowded viewpoints. See is Lisbon safe?
• Wear good shoes. The best views come after steep, cobbled climbs.
• Combine them on a walk: Senhora do Monte, Graça, Portas do Sol and Santa Luzia are all within about 20 minutes of each other, mostly downhill in that order. Or let a tuk-tuk or a walking tour take you.
• Kiosk prices are fair for a coffee or a beer, but bring water in summer: there’s little shade at some terraces.
• Bring a layer: the hilltops get breezy after dark, even in summer.

FAQ

Are Lisbon’s viewpoints free?

Almost all the miradouros are free public terraces. You only pay for the castle walls (€17 for adults), the Arco da Rua Augusta, the National Pantheon terrace (about €10) and the Cristo Rei platform. Santa Catarina is fenced and closes at night.

Which is the best viewpoint for sunset in Lisbon?

Senhora do Monte, Graça and Santa Catarina are the favourites, as they look west over the city or the river. Arrive 30 to 45 minutes early in summer to get a spot.

What is the highest viewpoint in Lisbon?

Senhora do Monte, in Graça, is the highest of the old-town miradouros, with a view from the castle to the 25 de Abril bridge. It’s about ten minutes’ walk uphill from Largo da Graça.

Can you still go up the Santa Justa lift?

No. The lift has been closed since the September 2025 Glória funicular accident, with no reopening date. For a similar view over the Baixa, try São Pedro de Alcântara or the top of the Arco da Rua Augusta.

Plan the rest of your stay with our 3-day Lisbon itinerary and where to stay in Lisbon.

See also: Cristo Rei, the Estufa Fria in Parque Eduardo VII, the Santa Justa Lift, Pillar 7, the National Pantheon, São Vicente de Fora and the Monument to the Discoveries.

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