Everyone loves a good view, especially in the new city. Seeing the city from above helps you to get your bearings and see if anything catches your eye. We were told by our walking tour guide, that in Lisbon you should never pay for a view because the city is built on so many hills and vantage points there’s never a need to. So we spent a lot of time walking up and down steep streets and staircases to explore and find new views of the city. For ease of navigation, I’ve added a Google Map to this post so check it out to help you pick your routes around the city.
Nossa Senhora do Monte belvedere
Like any good viewing spot, this one has a few stairs to get to it but it’s totally worth it. The views include the Tagus river, 25 de Abril Bridge (pictured below) and São Jorge Castle (not pictured).
Miradouro de Santa Luzia
This viewpoint is easy to find by following the main road down from the castle. We stumbled upon it accidentally the first time and then found it easily multiple times again. This gives you a great view of the famous Alfama district and the river, Tagus.
Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen
Another steep climb and some narrow staircases, but how else are you meant to burn off all the Portuguese custard tarts? This view along with Nossa Senhora do Monte belvedere is a beautiful lookout over the city that includes views of the castle.
Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
This viewing point looks across the centre of the city to the castle. Again this viewing point is up a hill but not quite as steep this time, a bit more of a gradual climb. It’s a beautiful park, where we stopped for a picnic lunch and bought freshly squeezed lemon and orange juice.
Miradouro de Santa Catarina
This lookout is a little further from the central city but still walkable. We found it after a football match so it was packed with happy Brazilian supporters drinking beer. The view is high on a hill and looks almost directly down to the river and across to Almada.
Santa Justa Lift
This lift was built in 1902 as public transport to connect the lower city to higher up the hill. Now it’s a tourist attraction. Like I said earlier you don’t need to pay for views in Lisbon and you can walk up the hill and out onto the lower level of the elevator. It does cost to get to the top level but not really necessary as the view is still fantastic from the walk-on level.
Castelo de São Jorge
Now, after mentioning not paying for views I throw this one in. So it does cost to get into São Jorge Castle, but there are great views of the city from there. If we’re getting technical, you’re paying to see the castle, so really the view is a bonus. Well, however, you look at it, to get this view you do have to pay a little (~€8.50 per adult) but still an awesome view of the city.
Map of the sights
I’ve added a map of the viewing points so you can plan your route or see which on is closest to your accommodation or however you plan your trips.
Happy hill climbing and view seeking!
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