Museu do Aljube surprised me with its straightforwardness, creative display, and former History as a political prison during the Conservative Dictatorship. 

At the cafe on the last floor, you can ask to step out on the balcony (if you’re afraid of heights, do it with caution; the balcony is not very wide, but it’s safe). It’s not a completely unobstructed Lisbon view. Still, it’s a rare chance to see the city’s medieval Cathedral from a different angle.

Closest public transport stops: 12E, 28E (trams), 737 (bus)

One of my favorite Lisbon viewpoints, although on windy days, staying there for long can become uncomfortable. 

It allows you to have a unique view of St. George Castle (not picture-perfect, true, but different). 

After you’ve spent some time gazing at the city from the top, you can walk downhill straight into the heart of Mouraria (the old Moorish quarter).

Closest public transport stops: 28E (tram), 734 (bus)

It may not be the most unobstructed Lisbon view, but the quietness and the lounge-chair-like park benches make it a perfect spot to get away from the city and relax or read a book. 

If you pay close attention to details, you can see the top of the old Eden Cinema (now a hotel in Baixa), the garden of Sao Pedro de Alcantara, and the Botanical garden of Principe Real.

Closest public transport stops: 723, 760 (buses), Elevador do Lavra (funicular)

I confess that this one usually slips my mind. 

I see the Parque Eduardo VII as a well-groomed, midcentury-style urban park. I often forget that you’ll find another one of the miradouros in Lisbon at the top. 

You can see the whole length and width of the park, the Marques de Pombal statue, and all the way down to the river Tagus.

Closest public transport stops: Marques de Pombal (metro blue line and yellow line), 702, 711, 712, 720, 732, 738, 783 (buses)

The Monsanto Park is the perfect spot for travelers (and locals) who like to mix outdoor activities with urban exploring. 

The Keil do Amaral outdoor amphitheater is a beautifully landscaped part of the park, with a fantastic view of the Tagus and the Ponte 25 de Abril.

Closest public transport stops: 724 (bus)

Santa Luzia is a gorgeous spot to gaze over Lisbon, with its blue-and-white tiles all around. 

Bonus points for History buffs: there’s a tile panel on the church’s side depicting Lisbon before the 1755 Great Earthquake.

Closest public transport stops: 12E, 28E (trams), 737 (bus)

I only visited Portas do Sol two times in twenty years of Lisbon. One of those times was when I first arrived in Lisbon and was hitting all the must-see spots. 

That has got to be my least favorite viewpoint, mostly because it’s always crowded. I won’t argue that the view is fantastic, and the cafes with esplanades do allow you to wind down in the sun while flirting with Alfama. 

But, you know, if I have to avoid it, then I do. If it’s your first time visiting, you shouldn’t skip it, though.

Closest public transport stops: 12E, 28E (trams), 737 (bus)

Sometimes I think I know this city like the back of my hand, and then she finds a way to surprise me. 

When I heard about Miradouro do Monte Agudo, I realized there was one spot in Lisbon I hadn’t yet visited. I was thrilled to start exploring again. 

I’ll be honest with you, this one was tough to find. I didn’t have any reference points, but the bus stop where I had just got off and Google maps were not on my side. 

Finally, I found the last secret place in the city (until someone tells me about another). After a walk up a steep street, on a hot summer day, with the reassurance of the only two people I passed by. 

It’s a peaceful view over Lisbon’s west side, secluded and quiet but not completely offbeat (there’s a small kiosk that serves snacks and drinks).

Closest public transport stops: 28E (tram), 712, 726, 730, 734 (buses)

I like Graça. It’s usually overlooked as a must-see quarter of Lisbon, like a frank comment left in my National Geographic Travel piece reminded me. I agree with him; I was totally misled by the star-quality of Alfama, Bairro Alto, Chiado, and Baixa, trying to balance insider knowledge with what the tourists come from. 

To the eyes of strangers, this old quarter with its 3-floor ‘villas’ (colorful and bright, built for factory workers and their families in the rise of Lisbon’s industrial age) has nothing to see except the miradouro. 

Sure, a stop at the viewpoint and a quick espresso at the esplanade up there are mandatory, but take the time to explore the quarter a bit and find “things to see.”

Closest public transport stops: 28E (tram), 734 (bus)

The official name is Miradouro de Santa Catarina. Still, everyone calls it Adamastor because of the statue depicting Camoes’ monstrous character from the epic poem “Os Lusiadas.” 

Although the view is not as romantic and quirky as the ones over Alfama or Baixa, it’s one of the few looking over the city’s west side (especially over the quarter known as Madragoa).

Closest public transport stops: 28E (tram), Elevador da Bica (funicular)

Probably the most romantic and sophisticated garden and viewpoint in Lisbon. 

The shade is perfect. The postcard-picture-perfect, mustard yellow, Elevador da Gloria that takes you downtown is right there. And you’ll see a unique view of the castle and Baixa.

Closest public transport stops: Restauradores (metro blue line), Rossio (CP suburban train from Sintra), Elevador da Gloria (tram), 758 (bus)

I really suck at remembering street names because I usually navigate Lisbon by landmarks. Like, take the second right next to the [insert color] building where [insert local business] used to be/is. 

Not much help if you’re out of town, right? 

This one is near the National Museum of Ancient Art (also known as MNAA). Two great things about this viewpoint: it’s next to one of my favorite art museums in Lisbon. It’s an interesting view to a more industrial side of the city (if you’re into that kind of urban beauty).

Closest public transport stops: 15E, 18E (trams), 728, 732, 760 (buses)

Just when you thought you knew all the Lisbon miradouros listed… Surprise! 

Miradouro do Recolhimento was renovated in 2015. To be honest, I don’t even remember what it was before (if anything). It’s all the way up near the Castle but worth it (you won’t see Lisbon in all its glory if you’re not willing to climb up a bit).

Closest public transport stops: 12E, 28E (trams), 737 (bus)

I often get lost walking around Alfama. I think the best way to experience it is by getting lost. 

You’d think it’s frustrating not being able to find your way, but you’ll be so distracted by all your findings that you won’t even notice that the city has its ways to put you back on track. 

This miradouro is one of those I found by accident and didn’t know what it was called. I realized I hadn’t paid much attention and my descriptions weren’t good enough. People kept listing all the viewpoints in Alfama, and none of them sounded like this one. 

Until, guess what, I got lost and found it again (of course, now I have notes on how to reach).

Closest public transport stops: 728, 735, 759, 794 (buses)

 Designed by renowned Portuguese architect Siza Vieira, these terraces are part of the repair plan for the Chiado quarter (led by the same architect) after the great fire of 1988 in the area.

It’s also a free alternative to the viewpoint on top of the Santa Justa lift nearby. 

Closest public transport stops: Santa Justa (lift)

Here’s another one I had totally forgotten about as a miradouro. I think for most of us it’s just another square with a garden in Lisbon, that’s why maybe I’d forget to list it here. 

It’s right next to the park of Tapada das Necessidades. It’s usually deserted (except for people on their lunch break) and overlooks part of the city’s west side.

Closest public transport stops: 773 (bus)

If there is one thing this city does well, it’s to reinvent herself. I have mentioned it repeatedly on all my posts about Lisbon – we always bounce back on our feet. 

Or maybe Lisbon is like a cat, and she always lands on her feet. Whatever the comparison, you get my point, right? 

This miradouro is on the terrace top of an old building in Baixa that used to be a market and is now a parking lot. The whole space was designed to be a lounge area, a feel-good spot to enjoy Lisbon with a cafe and a restaurant.

Closest public transport stops: 737 (bus)

Miradouro de Santo Amaro is the perfect combination of local architecture (with its pavement of calçada Portuguesa), industrial flair (the red 25 de Abril iron bridge, Golden-Gate-lookalike), and romantic view (recommended at sunset). 

Think of it as more of a neighborhood square than an actual tourist attraction.

Closest public transport stops: 15E (tram), 714, 727, 732, 742, 751, 756, 760 (buses)

This is one of the miradouro that looks a lot better in photos than it does in real life… Sorry, had to be blunt here.

Still, I think this one deserves mentioning too. If the weather is good and the benches aren’t occupied by passionate, hormonal teenagers (like when I went there…), it’s still an okay spot to sit and look over Lisbon. 

A bit too close to the road for my taste because I like to let my mind wander off when I’m admiring something, and the occasional car is a bit distracting. But most people don’t get to it, so if you’re looking for a real hidden gem…

Closest public transport stops: 730, 797 (buses)

The perfect spot if you like to photograph abandoned places and have an attraction for post-apocalyptical settings. If not, still great to visit for one of the most amazing views over Lisbon. 

(Local note: the old restaurant is now the City Council’s property, and it’s been cleaned up a bit. You can still visit it for free, on a schedule.)

Closest public transport stops: 711, 724 (buses)

It costs €5 if you want to explore on your own and €6 if you want a guided tour. 

Pretty reasonable to visit the Monastery and the Church, the pantheon to the last Portuguese royal dynasty, and be amazed by the country’s favorite decorative item: azulejos. The ticket includes access to the roof for fantastic views over Alfama and the river Tagus.

Closest public transport stops: 28E (tram), 734

It’s not the highest viewpoint of Lisbon, but the fact that you’re looking at the posh quarter of Belem from a royal 18th Century garden just makes it cool. 

Being welcomed by a rare white peacock after you purchased your €2 ticket definitely makes the detour from the Ajuda Palace worthwhile.

Closest public transport stops: 18E (tram)

It’s the perfect spot to take a decent photograph of Padrao dos Descobrimentos from afar, especially if you don’t have the time to go on a sailing tour in the river Tejo. 

€6 is the price you’ll pay for this unique opportunity (if you really insist on collecting photos of Lisbon that most people don’t have).

Closest public transport stops: 15E (tram)

Frankly, €5.00 to get to the top of the Padrao seems a bit pricey (well, at least from a local’s point of view). 

However, this is your only chance to see Lisbon from the top from a new perspective. You can see all the way from Torre de Belem (on the left) to Ponte 25 de Abril (on the right). Not to mention a spectacular view of Mosteiro dos Jeronimos and the pink marble world map tracing the Portuguese Age of Discoveries.

Closest public transport stops: 15E (tram)

A classic spot to view Lisbon from the top, often with long lines. I like the elevator on its own; the cast-iron structure is so different from its surroundings. 

People used to take the lift often as public transportation, but not since it became such a popular tourist attraction.

Closest public transport stops: Baixa-Chiado (Metro blue and green lines)

Until they restored the arch and opened up the terrace at the top as a viewpoint, I didn’t even know the arch had a terrace at the top! 

The ticket costs €3.60 and I love the view for two reasons:

1) you get to see Praca do Comercio from the top and

2) you can see, very clearly, the contrast between composed Chiado (on the left), geometric Baixa (in the center), and spontaneous Alfama (on the right).

I have mixed feelings about this Castle, mostly because I think it’s an overpriced attraction. Portugal is not short on medieval fortifications, and most of them in better shape. 

However, I do understand the historical importance of the monument and what it represents to Lisbon. The view from the top of the highest hill is amazing, and paying €8.50 to look over Lisbon from a historical point of interest is worth it.

Closest public transport stops: 737 (bus)

Funny thing: sometimes the best view of a city is not in the city… Cross the river to Cacilhas to visit our very own Christ the King statue (a replica of the one in Rio de Janeiro). See the whole of Lisbon from left to right (or right to left) for €4.00.

Closest public transport stops: 101 (bus) at Cacilhas; must take the ferry boat from Cais do Sodre to Cacilhas.

For a long time, seeing the whole Lisbon from the top wasn’t possible. People collected glimpses of the city from several miradouros and other high places, but not a 360-degree view. 

At the top of the Amoreiras towers (within walking distance from Parque Eduardo VII), for €5.00, you can finally see the whole of Lisbon for 15 minutes.

Closest public transport stops: 711, 713, 723, 748, 753, 758, 774, 783 (buses)

Funny story about this one… I once had a mild panic attack at the top and didn’t know if I had the guts to come down. 

Well, eventually, the idea of hearing the bells tolling every hour convinced me I was being silly, and I decided to woman up. 

It costs €4.00 and a climb of 114 steps (via a very narrow staircase) to view the surrounding area of Estrela and Campo de Ourique from the top.

Closest public transport stops: 25E, 28E (trams), 713, 720, 738, 773, 774 (buses)

The National Pantheon is not just an oddly shaped Baroque church in Lisbon. It has its own unbelievable story, so much so that it has originated a saying – when things are taking so long that it seems that it will never happen, the Portuguese say, “it’s worse than the construction of Santa Engracia!” 

That’s because the church of Santa Engracia, known today as the National Pantheon, took 284 years to be completed. Pfff, and you thought La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona was taking too long… 

It costs €4.00 to visit the Pantheon and the dome to see Alfama from the top.

Closest public transport stops: 712, 734 (buses)