10 viewpoints you can’t miss in Lisbon
What makes Lisbon one of the most beautiful cities in the world is its
relief features with many hills and promontories. It is said that Lisbon has 7 hills, but in reality it has 8. On these hills you can find one or more viewpoints, each one with fantastic views over the city. Since it will be very difficult to visit all during your stay, we chose the viewpoints that we think are the best, the most original and different.
Sao Jorge’s Castle
You must visit the viewpoint of the emblematic São Jorge Castle. One of the most important historical monuments in Lisbon. Its first buildings date back to the 1st century. Later, in the 12th century, it was conquered from the Moors by the First King of Portugal – Dom Afonso Henriques. The view from its viewpoint includes the entire downtown, Avenida da Liberdade and the Tagus River. The entrance to the castle costs 10 € but it is worth it.
Viewpoint of Cristo Rei
With a panoramic and perspective very different from the viewpoints located in the city, this viewpoint located on the other side of the Tagus River, should not be missed. In addition to an extraordinary and peculiar view of the river and the city, you will find the great statue of Cristo Rei, inspired by the famous statue “Cristo Redentor” located in Rio de Janeiro.
This statue was built in 1949 as a result of a promise made by the Government of Portugal not to have participated in the Second World War.
Viewpoint of Nossa Senhora do Monte
This viewpoint is located in the most eastern part of the center of Lisbon, in the Graça district and allows one of the best views in Lisbon. From here you can contemplate the castle, Avenida da Liberdade, all the houses in Baixa, Monsanto park and the Tagus River. Its first building dates back to 1147 and was built in honor of Nossa Senhora do Monte. A great place with lots of benches and shadows from the trees. Place where you can relax after a stroll through Lisbon.
Portas do Sol Viewpoint
As it is an easily accessible place, this viewpoint is one of the most famous in Lisbon. Its location is very privileged as it allows a fantastic panoramic view from the Alfama District to the Tagus River as well as the Church of São Vicente de Fora, Church of São Miguel and Santo Estêvão. We can also observe the different architectures and urban features that have been built over the centuries in the buildings around. You can also find here a statue of São Vicente, the patron saint of Lisbon, built in 1949.
A visit to this place in the late afternoon is recommended as you can find a fantastic terrace here and enjoy a magnificent sunset. It is worth contemplating the play of vibrant colors that change at dusk caused by the movement of the sun.
*To get there from Baixa, just walk towards the Cathedral and continue straight on the street that goes up.
Do you know that?
Although it is believed that the patron saint of Lisbon is Santo António, this is not true. The patron saint of Lisbon is São Vicente since 1173. It is the same saint that you find on the official flag of the city of Lisbon together with 2 crows.
Panoramic of Monsanto
Outside Lisbon, in Parque de Monsanto we will find a viewpoint unlike any other. This place, an old Luxury restaurant, had one of the most fantastic views over Lisbon. Its construction started in 1967 and was opened to the public in 1970.
For various reasons, it was never a commercial success and ended up closing a few years later. After several attempts to reopen it was closed and definitively abandoned in 2001.
The space was recently opened by the Lisbon City Council for visits to its interior, allowing access to its fantastic view on the higher floors. From its top, it is possible to have a panoramic view of the entire park of Monsanto Lisboa, Tagus river and its surroundings.
This viewpoint is open every day of the week, in summer time from 9 am to 7 pm and in winter time from 9 am to 6 pm. Admission is free.
Viewpoint of São Pedro de Alcântara
One of the most central viewpoints and with easy access from the center of Lisbon.
This viewpoint is located in the garden of São Pedro de Alcântara, which is located between Príncipe Real and the Restauradores. In this viewpoint, you will find a garden filled with mythological statues, leafy trees and benches where you can sit and enjoy the surrounding scenery.
Here you can contemplate the whole downtown area, the Tagus River, the São Jorge Castle that is right in front and the Martim Moniz square. In this place, you will also find a tile panel with a design that will facilitate the interpretation of the places. You will also find a small telescope (for the most curious) and a terrace perfect for drinking a refreshing drink at sunset.
You can get there from Avenida da Liberdade, taking the famous Glória elevator or, if you’re brave, go up on foot. After all, the climb isn’t even that difficult.
Viewpoint of Arco da Rua Augusta
Right in the center of Lisbon, at the end of Rua Augusta, near Praça do Comércio, you will find the viewpoint of the arch of Rua Augusta. A monument built in 1843 in the shape of an arch that symbolizes the conquests, resilience and strength of the Portuguese people.
Open to the public in 2013, at the initiative of the Lisbon City Council, this viewpoint has a privileged and unique view of Praça do Comercio, the statue of D. José I and the Tagus river. This viewpoint is considered original because it is located in a peculiar place, that is, on top of a monument. To get there, you must use the elevator that is located on Rua Augusta. At the top you can visit the clock room, and a flight of stairs further up, you will find the viewpoint where you can enjoy a unique setting.
Open between 9am and 9pm
children under the age of five are free of charge.
Price: 3 €
Amoreiras 360° Panoramic View
A completely different experience from the previous ones, will be a visit to one of the most emblematic towers in Lisbon: The towers of Amoreiras. Famous buildings built in the 1980s on one of the highest hills in Lisbon. The viewpoint is 174m above sea level. The experience is called Amoreiras 360º, since you can get a panorama without limits, wherever you look.
The scenario that extends from the top is indescribable. To the south you will be able to contemplate the Tagus River, the 25 de Abril bridge, the Cristo Rei, the Basilica da Estrela. To the southwest, the Palace of Belém, the Monument to the Discoveries and the Tower of Belém. To the west: the Aqueduct of Águas Livres and the Monsanto park. To the east, the Castelo de São Jorge, the Alfama district, the Cathedral and much more.
Prices:
Adult € 5
Senior 3 €
Youth € 3
Children free
Pillar 7 Experience
For those who are not afraid of heights, we recommend a very different experience located on the most famous bridge in Lisbon, the 25 Abril bridge. It is known for the experience of Pilar 7. It has access via Avenida da Índia, in Alcântara. The experience starts from the moment you take the elevator to the top. Since the elevator walls are made of glass, you will have a panoramic view at all times. Upon reaching the top, you will find a transparent viewpoint, as it is all built of glass. The stunning view allows to contemplate the western part of the city, as well as the river and the south bank, and, on clear days, the Serra de Sintra. On the ground floor, there is also the possibility to do the virtual experience for 1.5 €.
The price per person is € 6 and € 4 for seniors (+65 years)
Viewpoint Sophia de Mello Breyner
Relatively close to the viewpoint of Senhora do Monte you will find the famous viewpoint of Graça, whose official name is Miradouro Sophia de Mello Breyner, a famous Portuguese poet. Sophia used this beautiful place as an inspiration for her art.
This viewpoint located at Graça neighborhood, belonging to the Church of the Convento da Graça de Lisboa, offers a very interesting panorama where you can enjoy the best views of the city, namely the castle and the Tagus river.
On the site, you will find a terrace with large trees that give a comfortable shade, a bust of the poet and of course, an 18th century church – The church of Graça