A Walking Tour Of The Most Beautiful Lisbon Miradouros

Stroll the city’s most scenic observation decks and viewing terraces for an album full of photogenic vistas

The City of Seven Hills’ many peaks make for spectacular cityscape panoramas. It’s upon these lofty summits that Lisbon’s miradouros, or vantage points, reward with an invitation to sit back and soak up the view. Here, locals and visitors alike pause to relax and admire the Portuguese capital’s beauty. Starting at the Ponte 25 de Abril, our walking tour takes you east through the city via its most scenic observation decks and viewing terraces. Spend a day losing yourself around the city with our favourite Lisbon miradouros.

Miradouro De Santo Amaro

Since 1910, Miradouro de Santo Amaro has maintained national monument status. Next to a chapel of the same name, the vista from this cobble-tiled terrace is stunning. Overlooking the Alcântara landscape, this Lisbon miradouro gazes out at the city’s iconic 25 de Abril Bridge and Tejo River. Tucked away from the. city’s dominant thoroughfares, Miradouro de Santo Amaro is refreshingly quiet, making it the perfect spot to unwind in the shade of a tree and drink in the view.

Miradouro De Santa Catarina

From Miradouro de Santo Amaro, follow the coastal road east, veering inland until you reach Miradouro de Santa Catarina in Bairro Alto. A giant sculpture of Adamastor, a mythical sea monster from epic poem The Lusiads, looms large over the plaza. It marks the spot at which 17th-century Lisboans came to watch departing ships as they embarked on their voyages of discovery. Pause for a coffee at this popular Lisbon miradouro and enjoy glorious estuary views.

Miradouro De Santa Luzia

Wander east through Lisbon’s main shopping district to Miradouro de Santa Luzia. Shaded by a charming wooden pergola, this romantic observation deck is adorned with pretty azulejo tiles, blossoming pink bougainvillea and a tranquil reflecting pool. A carpet of flat red Alfama rooftops and spires sweeps down to the waterfront, with the grand white dome of Santa Engrácia rising up in the distance.

Miradouro Da Senhora Do Monte

Head north along R. São Tomé to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. Located in a churchyard, this scenic spot is the highest point in the Graça neighbourhood, rewarding you with uninterrupted 250-degree vista of São Jorge Castle and the ruins of the Carmo Convent on São Roque hill right across to Lisbon’s modern skyscrapers in the west. Take a break under fragrant pines and cypress trees and gaze in wonder as Lisbon unfurls across the horizon.

Miradouro Do Monte Agudo

Follow R. Damasceno Monteiro north up to Miradouro do Monte Agudo. Small, shady and secluded, this little-known lookout is surrounded by leafy foliage. Benches invite contemplation at this urban hideaway, with locals bringing deckchairs in which to settle back and admire the undulating landscape of the north and west of the city. Refresh with a cold drink from Miradouro do Monte Agudo’s kiosk before making your way to the final vantage point, Miradouro da Penha de França.

Miradouro Da Penha de França

Pick up Rua da Penha de França and head up until you reach the church of Nossa Senhora da Penha de França. Next to it is the wide viewing terrace, Miradouro da Penha de França offering commanding vistas over Alto de São João area and the districts of Olivais, Chelas and Marvila. It may be an unassuming vantage point with just a scattering of benches and trees, but this far inland rewards with an unadulterated view of Lisbon’s cityscape. On a clear day you may even see the Sintra Mountains on the horizon.