Viewpoints in Lisbon

Lisbon is an amazing city, full of history, romanticism and good vibes. Today I’m going to talk about one of the most iconic things in Lisbon, its viewpoints. If you go to Lisbon someday, these places are a must see. They are perfect to take pictures, to chill out, to have a beer with friends, to enjoy the sunset or just to enjoy the different views of Lisbon.

In Portuguese we say “miradouro” when we want to refer to the viewpoints. In this text I'm only going to talk about 8 viewpoints, but there are about 30 viewpoints in the all city of Lisbon.

Viewpoint of Senhora do Monte

The first one that I’m going to talk about is the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte (Viewpoint Lady of the Hill). This one is my favorite one! I went there walking, and to go there you have to climb a lot of stairs, I will already tell you, it’s truly exhausting, but in the end, it is really worth it. The view and the special vibe in there is something one of a kind.

I will not tell you everything about the place, because I want to leave some secrecy for you. But my advice is: during a sunny day (one of those perfect days during the Spring/Summer), go there with someone that you like (a friend, a lover or a family member) and go before the sunset! I guarantee you that it’s going to be one of the best things of your stay in Lisbon.

How to arrive

The closest metro stops are: "Intendente" and "Martim Moniz", so you can leave at any of these and then you have to go to the street called "Rua das Olarias", and afterwards you will find the stairs that you have to climb. Climbing it is not easy, so you may not want or can't do it, I suggest that instead of climbing, you take a tuk-tuk, that are now so popular in Lisbon.

No further words or explanations... I’m just going to leave you this picture, so you can understand what I’m talking about.

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Viewpoint São Pedro de Alcântara

This Viewpoint is, by far, one of the most known in Lisbon. It's located in the city center, in the famous neighbourhood "Bairro Alto". It's a big viewpoint, because it has two levels. The view is really famous because you can see the São Jorge's Castle. This is the perfect place to go with friends, to chill out, to have something to eat (you have some restaurants near by, and why not use its take away and eat it in here?! ), and frequently is the place for botellón too.

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Source - View from the Viewpoint

How to arrive

I'm going to suggest you something a bit traditional, but keep in mind that there are other ways to reach this place, and since is located in such a famous area you don't have to worry because transport's connections are incredible easy. My suggestion is to go until Restauradouros Metro Station, and then take the "Gloria Elevator". These Elevators are so popular in the capital, and without any doubt a must do.

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Viewpoint of Santa Catarina

Viewpoint of Santa Catarina is turned to south, and has an interesting connection with Portuguese's history. In the Discoveries Epoch, it used to be the place to see the ships that departed to Brazil. Nowadays, this is the place for people to chill out and sunbathe. The viewpoint is also called "Adamastor", because in the place you can see a bit statue made of stone of a giant that aims to represent the character of the sea monster mentioned in Lusíadas.

It's a place full of young people and, as the priviest viewpoint, is also the place for botellón with friends, a perfect place to start your night. Or if you want something more relaxing, come here during the sunset, and watch the shadows of the monuments reflecting on the water.

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How to arrive

The viewpoint is located in Chiado's neighbourhood, so you can catch the subway until Baixa-Chiado station, or until Cais do Sodré metro station. Both are a 14 minutes walk until the viewpoint.

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Viewpoint of Portas do Sol (Sun Doors)

This viewpoint is located in Alfama's neighbourhood. It's one of the most touristic viewpoints in Lisbon, because you have a view to the Tagus River and you can see the National Pantheon on the left. It's a typical place where you will find artists playing music or even artists painting the wonderful Lisbon's views.

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How to arrive

Since is located in the city center, and it's a historical and ancient place, there is no direc connection with the subway. But you can always go to one the metro station in the city center, any of them, and then go for a stroll, you will see that it is worth it.

Viewpoint of Santa Luzia

In addition to being a viewpoint, this is also a small charming garden, when the Spring comes it stays with a colour pallet of greens and pinks. The main part of the viewpoint I could describe has a balcony that has the typical Portuguese tiles. The painting that is in the tiles is the image of the Commercial Square (Praça do Comércio) before the huge earthquake, that happened in 1755, also, you can see painted the battle that the Christians faced to conquer the city and the attack to the castle.

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How to arrive

This viewpoint is literally next to the Viewpoint of Santa Catarina, so you can check above what I wrote about "how to arrive".

Viewpoint of Monte Agudo

The perfect spot for a get-a-way from the city, to take a deep breath into the nature and relax after an exhausting day at work. It's one of the most romantic spots to see the dusk and then all the Lisbon's lights to light up. Now there is a café where you can come during the day and to enjoy the typical Portuguese's coffee as well as to take sunbaths.

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How to arrive

The closest metro station is Anjos, and you can access here through the Street called "Rua Heliodoro Salgado", where is the main entrance, or as well the Street called "Rua Ilha do Príncipe". Don't worry no climbing stairs, just a steep road.

Viewpoint of São Jorge's Castle

The hill of the São Jorge's Castle is the tallest one in Lisbon city center. To see this viewpoint you have to get in to the Castle, you can see all the information in this link, but I'm also going to mention some price tickets:

• Normal Ticket: €8. 50;
• Students with less than 25 years old: €5;
• Residents in Lisbon: free all days;
• Residents in Portugal: free all Sundays and Bank Holidays from 9 am. until 2 pm.

To get in to the Castle and get the discounts don't forget to bring some proof.

Normally, people don't want to pay so much to enter in the Castle, but the thing is that despite the price, it is really worth it. You have the chance to see one of the most important Portuguese's sites and the Castle has a lot of activities and must see places.

The viewpoint in here is something that can not be explain witj words. The colours of the dim and the view from here is something that you will not see in other viewpoints. The view to the houses' roofs, to the Tagus River, the 25th of April Bridge and to the Christ the King, seeing all this at sunset, everything with the shadows reflecting in the river, no words for it.

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How to arrive

To arrive in here you can get the subway and then leave in one of the city center's metro station. The street that led you to the entrance of the Castle is called "Rua de Santa Cruz do Castelo".

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Viewpoint of Christ the King

Located at South in the city of Almada, that belongs to Lisbon's region, is the viewpoint of the outstanding Christ the King. If you want a superb view to Lisbon this is the place to come. I suggest you look up the schedule online, because the opening hours variate according to the month/day of the year.

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How to arrive

To come here you can take the bus, the train or even a boat from Lisbon. Depending on the transportation you can get from "Cais do Sodré" (boat); "Campolide", "Entre Campos", "Sete Rios" or "Roma" (train); and "Areeiro", "Cidade Universitária" or "Praça de Espanha" (bus).

Thanks for reading!

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