Built on the banks of the Tagus, Lisbon has achieved the status of being one of the world’s most beautiful cities. A great number of viewpoints on the city’s seven hills offer breath-taking views of the houses which joyfully spill down their sides towards the river. In today’s article, we’d like to introduce you to the most fantastic views of the city, both those available at the best-known viewpoints on tourist routes and some other secret places, which are mainly popular amongst Lisbonites. Shall we get started?

São Jorge Castle

Perched on the highest hill in Lisbon, São Jorge castle provides privileged views over both the city and the Tagus which, in themselves, make a visit to this monument worthwhile. The only downside is that the view leaves out the castle itself. That said, admiring a sunset over the Tagus from the castle is unforgettable!

Santa Luzia Viewpoint

Close to the Portas do Sol viewpoint we find the Santa Luzia viewpoint, which is very popular with street painters, who congregate here to display their paintings of Lisbon landscapes and other characteristic elements of the city, such as the number 28 tram, Sé cathedral or its typical tiles. Here, you can also see a panel of tiles depicting the conquest of Lisbon from the Moors in 1147, on the south-facing façade of Santa Luzia church.

Santa Justa Lift

Located in the city centre, the Santa Justa lift boasts spectacular views, which explains the long queues of tourists which form below it. If you don’t have vertigo, it’s definitely worth visiting; you’ll feel that you’re almost floating over the city.

Rua Augusta Arch

The Rua Augusta arch only opened to the general public in 2013, allowing visitors to climb up to the top, but it has already become one of the city’s most iconic attractions. It’s renowned for its magnificent views over the Praça do Comércio, by the Tagus, on one side, and over the whole Baixa Lisboeta area on the other.

The Highest Point of Eduardo VII Park

Here, we have a glorious view over the city of Lisbon. The green ‘carpet’ of Eduardo VII park and the Avenida da Liberdade stretches down towards the Tagus, clearly revealing the Baixa Pombalina area between two hills, under the watchful, protective gaze of São Jorge castle.

Cristo Rei

This monument is found on the southern banks of the Tagus, in Almada, but its panoramic views take in the whole of Lisbon. The viewpoint at the base of the statue is higher than the 25 de Abril bridge, offering a view which spans from Belém to Alfama.

Torel Garden

Created in the 1960s, this garden is still a little-known attraction, not included in the main tourist routes around Lisbon. Sitting on top of one of the city’s hills, from here we can admire the whole Baixa Lisboeta area, particularly the Rua Augusta arch and the Praça do Comércio.

Cerca da Graça Garden

This green space next to Graça church was largely unknown to the general public for several years. Rehabilitated and re-opened in 2015, it is now a must-see for anyone wishing to have a stroll and spend some time outdoors in this part of the city. From here, we can contemplate the castle, the Mouraria neighbourhood, the 25 de April bridge and, in the distance, the Cristo Rei statue, with its arms wide open to Lisbon.

MAAT

As Lisbon’s newest museum, it also offers a new view over the city. The MAAT building is, in itself, one of the city’s most iconic, with a unique design which pays tribute to Lisbon and the Tagus. You can access the top of the building free of charge and walk over this magnificent work of contemporary architecture, which provides unique views over the Tagus and the 25 de Abril bridge.

Interested? Discover these and other magical places in the Portuguese capital accompanied by our drivers. Find out about our Lisbon tours and embark on an adventure in search of Portuguese culture. Before you know it, you’ll feel Portuguese through and through!