Lisbon is known as the city of seven hills and the miradouros are the terraces that provide the best views of this picture perfect city.

1. Miradouro de Santa Luzia

Arguably the prettiest of the miradouros, not only due to the view from the terrace but also because of the famous blue azulejo tiles. It is likely even more beautiful in the spring/summer when the Bougainvillea’s purple blooms cover the pergola and frame the views of Alfama’s red roofs and the Tagus River.

Attractions Nearby:

• Alfama district
• Sé Cathedral

2. Miradouro das Portas do Sol

Busier than nearby Miradouro de Santa Luzia, this miradouro has a more expansive view over the narrow alleys of the Alfama district. It is a great place to start exploring my favourite neighbourhood in Lisbon or a great stopover on the way further uphill to the Castelo de Sao Jorge. The statue of St. Vincent, the city’s patron saint, was also the meeting point for our food tour with Treasures of Lisboa. If you have a chance to book a tour with them, you will experience plenty of local specialties served with pride by family run shops and restaurants.

Attractions Nearby:

• Castelo de Sao Jorge
• Alfama district

3. Castelo de Sao Jorge

Although not technically a miradouro, the Castelo still provides a wonderful view of the city and the Ponte 25 de Abril bridge in the distance. I was very disappointed the first time we planned to visit the Castle as it was closed due to a strike. Luckily we had a second chance to explore the grounds and the fortress before we left Lisbon. We spent several hours climbing to the top of each tower of the fortress, snapping pictures of the peacocks wandering through the gardens and admiring the views over the city. There is an entrance fee of €8.50 for visitors, but I understand it is free for residents of Lisbon. One more reason to make Lisbon a permanent home.

4. Miradouro Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen

When we found the Castelo de Sao Jorge closed on the afternoon we planned to visit, we changed our plans and decided to climb up a very steep hill to the Miradouro Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen. Once we reached the top, we found plenty of people, both locals and tourists, relaxing and enjoying the view under the shade of a large tree. I imagine this viewpoint would be a great place to take in the sunset after a day enjoying the sights of Alfama and Mouraria. We didn’t stay for sunset but climbed down the nearby stairs past some amazing street art through Mouraria and back down to Martim Moniz square.

Attractions Nearby:

• Mouraria district

5. Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara

I have a special place in my heart for this miradouro. We spent several evenings enjoying the views of the Castelo de Sao Jorge with a beer in hand. Enjoying a drink at the kiosk bar was especially rewarding after climbing up the steep hill where the Ascensor da Gloria runs from Praça dos Restauradores. The line for this funicular was too long so we trudged up the hill in search of refreshments.

Attractions Nearby:

• Jardim do Principe Real
• Church of Sao Roque

6. Miradouro de Santa Catarina

We visited this miradouro after our day trip to Cascais. We got off the train at Cais do Sodré station and walked up the steep hill beside the Elevador da Bica. The miradouro was under construction when we were there in October 2018 so there was not much of a view to see. One more reason to return to Lisbon again.

Attractions Nearby:

• Elevador da Bica
• Mercado da Ribeira

7. Miradouro da Nossa Senhora do Monte

A little out of the way compared to the other miradouros, it is still worth heading off the main tourist track to see the sunset views from Miradouro da Nossa Senhora do Monte. The perfect spot to reflect on our time in this beautiful city as many of the locations we enjoyed during our trip to Lisbon can be seen from this viewpoint. It was fitting that this is where we enjoyed our last Lisbon sunset before returning home.

Attractions Nearby:

• Cervejaria Ramiro – famous seafood restaurant