The miradouros, Lisbon from another angle

Located right in the heart of the popular Alfama district, the Santa Luzia belvedere is one of Lisbon's finest vantage points. It borders a magnificent garden planted with trees and flowers, where bushy bougainvillea flourish, providing a pretty bucolic setting. A number of benches are available for a dreamy break or a siesta in the shade.

The two-storey mirador offers a magical view of the Sea of Straw, the rooftops of the Alfama district and monuments such as the National Pantheon and the two towers of the Sao Miguel church. The low walls are covered in the famous Portuguese tiles known as azulejos, which add to the charm of the place. This is where the old city walls once stood. Don't hesitate to climb up one of them and strike a pose!

If you're lucky, you'll be able to catch one of the musicians playing in the afternoon. It's a great opportunity to enjoy the friendly atmosphere and the music. It's also not unusual to come across an artist who has come to paint the inspiring square. It's beautiful and calm, depending on the time of day you arrive. As a family, a couple or with friends, this activity promises you a lovely photo with a sea background to boot!

📍 Address: largo Santa Luzia, Lisbon.

🚌 Getting there:

On foot: You can take the free lift rua Noberto de Araujo (weekdays 7am-9pm; weekends 9am-8pm) or walk up rua Augusto Rosa.

By tram: lines 12E and 28E stop "Miradouro Santa Luzia".

⏰Opening times: 24 hours a day, every day.

Where to eat?

If you're feeling peckish and fancy a coffee or a drink, go to Audrey's café. It's a great restaurant with a lovely shady terrace. They also serve delicious breakfasts and the service is impeccable.

The mirador of the Gates of the Sun owes its name to the ancient Gateway to the Sun located on the old city walls. It is a huge esplanade overlooking the rooftops of the district, the Tagus and the horizon as far as the eye can see. One of the most spectacular spots in Lisbon. And that's not all!

In the midst of this sea of rooftops and alleyways, you can see the surrounding monuments such as the National Pantheon, the monastery of Sao Vicente da Fora and the churches of Sao Miguel and Santo Estevao. It's a good way to see these buildings if you don't have time to see everything. During the summer season, you can also see the ferries arriving in the city.

In the centre of the square stands a statue of a man who was important to Lisbon: Saint Vincent, the city' s patron saint, holding a boat and two ravens, the symbols of the city.

Practical information

📍 Address: largo Portas do Sol, Lisbon.

🚌 Getting there:

On foot: You can take the free lift rua Noberto de Araujo (7am-9pm w-e 9am-8pm) or walk up rua Augusto Rosa.

By bus: line 10B stop "largo Portas Sol".

By tram: lines 12E and 28E "largo Portas Sol" stop.

⏰Opening times: 24 hours a day, every day.

Where to enjoy a drink?

Take advantage of the panoramic terrace at the Portas Do Sol Terrace restaurant. If you arrive at the end of the day, you may be able to admire the magnificent panorama under the setting sun.

This belvedere is located in the popular Bairro Alto district, and is particularly recommended in the evening, as it offers a spectacular panorama of central Lisbon with the imposing Saint George's Castle in the background.

It extends over two levels and is very well laid out, with several benches for relaxing. The upper level is a pleasant esplanade sheltered by several trees that give it a hushed atmosphere; a splendid marble fountain stands in its centre where you can sit; the sound of flowing water is very soothing. The lower level is a wooded area accessible via the staircase on the right (which dates from 1864). It features several statues of gods from Greek mythology. If you look to your right, you can see the Tagus River.

Particularly popular with the locals, this viewpoint is much quieter than the previous ones. People come here to relax, chat or play a bit of music. At certain times, food trucks are set up offering refreshments or food.

📍 Address: rua de São Pedro de Alcântara, Lisbon.

🚌 Getting there:

Accessible on foot via Rue das Taipas or by transport via the "da Gloria" funicular located Calçada da Gloria which transports visitors all day from the Restauradores square.

⏰Opening times: 24 hours a day every day.

Tucked away at the end of an alleyway, this belvedere is the most confidential in Lisbon; you have to be a little curious and explore the narrow streets of the 'Bica' district to find it. It's a very busy area, but a wonderful one to explore if you have the time.

This viewpoint is the meeting point for young people in Lisbon who want to get together over a few beers and play a bit of guitar. Tourists and locals like to mix and chat about their respective lives. It is therefore particularly recommended if you are sociable and want to chat with locals.

From this vantage point, you can admire the Tagus and the 25th April Bridge, and there is a small kiosk nearby where you can enjoy a drink. And even if this belvedere isn't as impressive as its predecessors, it offers an authenticity and immersion in local life that the others don't, which is what some tourists look for in their stay.

Practical information

📍 Address: rua de Santa Catarina.

🚌 How do I get there?

By tram: line 28, "Santa Catarina" stop.

On foot: go to rue Loreta then turn left 4 streets further on.

⏰Opening times: 24 hours a day, every day.