When you come to visit Lisbon you must visit its miradors. The historic center of Lisbon is established on seven hills. When you admire Lisbon from a mirador, you have the impression of being suspended above the city, outside the time and tumults of city life. These panoramas are captivating and really relaxing. Over time, small squares have been built to enjoy a breathtaking view of the Portuguese capital: they are called miradouros, or watchtowers and through them visits Lisbon. When you look at the panorama offered by miradors, your perspective on the city changes, to the delight of the eyes and the senses. In order to make your life easier, we have created and shared with you a walking itinerary of the 7 most beautiful points of view of Lisbon. What are the must-see sights of the Portuguese capital? Lisbob, your assistant in Portugal, has prepared the list of the most beautiful viewpoints of Lisbon and a walking route to be able to contemplate everything in the Portuguese capital.
1. Mirador das Portas do Sol
Our visit of the watchtowers of Lisbon begins with the mirador das Portas do sol, literally the gateway to the sun, is the neighbor of the previous one, the view is therefore much the same, but this esplanade is very popular with Lisbon. The panorama stretches across the eastern part of the city: the Tagus, the district of Graça, the monastery of São Vicente de Fora and its Church of Santo Estevão, the small streets of Alfama. Street musicians are often present, and their soft music calls for rest and contemplation from this appreciable point of view, rather in the morning or late at night.
2. Mirador Of Santa Luzia
The mirador das Portas do sol, literally the gateway to the sun, is an esplanade is very popular with Lisbon. The panorama stretches across the eastern part of the city: the Tagus, the district of Graça, the monastery of São Vicente de Fora and its Church of Santo Estevão, the small streets of Alfama. Street musicians are often present, and their soft music calls for rest and contemplation from this appreciable point of view rather in the morning or late at night, when visiting Lisbon is a little more festive.
3. Mirador do Elevador de Santa Justa
Located in the heart of the Chiado district, the elevador de Santa Justa is a very original and extraordinary building! Above all, it is an ingenious way to get around, designed to help Lisboners easily move from Baixa to Chiado, and vice versa. From the summit, the 360 ° panorama of the city is splendid! However, the queue to take the elevator often exceeds the hour and discourages a lot of visitors. A tip, the view behind the church of Convento do Carmo: a view almost identical, free and no waiting: a good plan when to visit Lisbon in a weekend.
4. Mirador of Santa Catarina
The Miradouro of Santa Catarina is very sunny in summer and offers a breathtaking view of the Tagus River, the bridge of April 25 and Christ the King in the background. It fills visibly when the evening comes, because there too the view is breathtaking when the sun sets and parried the sky of Lisbon of all these pretty colors. A typical kiosk, converted into a café, serves drinks and refreshments to enjoy the show in the best conditions. This Mirador is also called the Adamastor in reference to the creature created by the poet Luís de Camões and represented by the statue that stands in the middle of this pretty square. It is also a very popular place for street artists and young people from Lisbon. If you want to enjoy the sunset (unforgettable) from this mirador Lisbob advise you to come early : places are rare!
5. Mirador de São Pedro De Alcantara
Built in the nineteenth century, the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint is part of the two-level garden of the same name, located in the Bairro Alto (literally the upper district). From the watchtower you will enjoy a full view of the east of Lisbon: the Alfama hill, the Castelo de São Jorge but also the district da Baixa, until the Tagus. You can also visit the famous Rossio Square and Liberdade Avenue. The upper level of the park is shaded and perfect for a break in the middle of the day. You will not be lost if you visit Lisbon: a map in azulejos will inform you points of interest that are offered to your sight. You can also choose to go there at night to see the Lisbon Cathedral by moonlight.
6. Mirador de Graça
From its true name Miradouro Sophia of Mello Breyner Andrese, the viewpoint of Graça is one of the most beautiful in Lisbon. Located just at the foot of the Church of the convent of Grace (Convento da Graça), the terrace with trees and landscaped offers a 180 ° view of the castle of Saint George but also on the Chiado district and the labyrinthine streets of the city, Alfama as well as on the estuary of the Tagus and the bridge of 25 April. You can also visit the church where weddings are still celebrated. The viewpoint of Graça is certainly the best place to enjoy a marvelous Lisbon sunset, while sipping a small drink on the terrace!
7. Mirador da Senhora do Monte
Finally, you cannot visit Lisbon without climbing to the viewpoint of Senhora do Monte because this belvedere is one of the most remote but also one of the most charming! Located at the top of the Alfama district, it is less visited by tourists because it is more difficult to access. Only the old chapel of the eighteenth, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, watches over the city and the few umbrella pines that adorn the square. However, this miradouro offers the widest and most distant view of the Portuguese capital: the St Georges castle, the sea of straw and the boats that cross it, the districts of Mouraria and Baixa. It is simply the highest natural point of any Lisbon, so do not be surprised if the wind is strong. The best time to spend there is of course the sunset, which will surely be a highlight of your visit to Lisbon.
When you visit the Miradors of Lisbon, you will see that the city is a wonderful mix of neighborhoods with warm and authentic atmospheres where vegetation mixes, with touches, with azulejos and pastel colors of the facades of buildings. The sunsets are beautiful, and it would be ultimately very difficult to say which one is our favorite.
Bonus : Lisbob has prepared a walking route for you from all points of view in the article to make visiting Lisbon a breeze. In all and for all 1h30 of walking to be able to admire the most beautiful points of view of the Portuguese capital.