More or less secret, Lisbon has many miradouros. These are, for us, the best viewpoints to wash your eyes:
This is “the” viewpoint. It began as a fortification built by the Muslims who ruled here before the arrival of D. Afonso Henriques in 1147 and over time has been readapted. The view is unbeatable.
Marcus Aurelius, the Empress Faustina, Homer, Ulysses, Vasco da Gama. These are just some of the historical figures represented in the 19th century busts on pedestals on the lower deck of the São Pedro de Alcântara Viewpoint, the “bust deck”. But it is on the upper level that the viewpoint, inaugurated in 1864, invites you to enjoy the landscape.
This is a veritable public balcony overlooking the Tagus. It is one of the largest viewpoints in the city. Portas das Sol is a sight to behold. Its name has medieval origins, since it was here that the Porta do Sol existed, one of the entrances to the Moorish enclosure of Lisbon, damaged during the earthquake of 1755.
This viewpoint has a great view of Alfama – one of the best places to look at the new Cruise Pier – and an even better view of the Tagus River. If you want to admire Lisbon, there is a place in the shade by the vines. If you prefer the sun, the lower platform is next to a mirror of water. The south wall of Santa Luzia also has two large azulejo panels.
Even better than a map of the city, with a tile panel that allows you to locate the main monuments. With a view from Baixa to Avenidas Novas, it is one of the most visited viewpoints and also the highest in Lisbon. To rival the panoramic view is the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Monte, where you will find the legendary chair of São Gens, a marble chair coveted by pregnant women, because the legend says that those who sit on it have a peaceful birth.
The bridge opened in 1966 has 14 pillars, but the one that interests us now is located on Avenida da Índia, at the back of the Village Underground. And it takes visitors inside this pillar for a sensory experience that culminates in a viewpoint at the level of the 25 de Abril Bridge deck.
A National Monument inaugurated in 1902, this work by the Porto engineer Raoul Mesnier de Ponsard is beautiful on the outside – where the filigree work in cast iron stands out (and each floor is different) – and inside, with a cabin made of wood and brass.
The construction of this triumphal arch was planned in 1759 as part of the Pombaline reconstruction that followed the 1755 earthquake. The Arco da Rua Augusta was only completed, in its current layout, in 1873 and celebrates the then Portuguese Empire. Since 2013, it has been possible to take a lift to climb to the top of the arch and in between you still pass an exhibition on the history of the monument.
The official name is Miradouro Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen (the poetess is even entitled to a bust at the site), but it is also called Miradouro da Graça.
The church, the terrace, the leafy trees and, of course, the spectacular views of the city provide the ideal setting for those who want to admire the city.
The green lung of Lisbon hosts (and hides) one of the most surprising viewpoints of the capital, the Panorâmico de Monsanto.
It is located in a mysterious building that has already served as a restaurant, bingo hall, disco, warehouse and abandoned site, before officially becoming a viewpoint open to all. The latest attraction of this place is a mural by Vhils that pays tribute to the Brazilian activist Marielle Franco, who was assassinated in Rio de Janeiro in March 2018.