The best part about living in a new city is that each day looks entirely different. Even with a regimented university schedule, breaks between classes can be filled with shopping, trips to a museum, or simply roaming the streets to discover a new neighborhood or café. For me, despite the uncertainty that consumes my days, my evening routine remains the same: watching the sun set atop one of Lisbon’s endless hills.
Over the past nine weeks I’ve been in Lisbon, I’ve watched the sun set at countless lookout spots. Some provided free live music, while others I enjoyed with a drink in my hand. Below, I’m going to rank my top three favorite vantage points, in no particular order, because how could you really choose?!
Miradouro de Santa Catarina
Located right next to the popular evening neighborhood of Bairro Alto, the Miradouro de Santa Catarina has become my most-visited sunset spot, and not just because of its convenience. This spot offers a view of the Tagus River, the 25 de Abril Bridge, and Cristo Rei (Christ the King), three of Lisbon’s most iconic sights. Nicknamed the “Miradouro do Adamastor,” the Miradouro de Santa Catarina also has a huge statue of Adamastor. There’s a kiosk where you can grab a drink to enjoy as the sun lowers, and most nights, even an acoustic guitarist serenading the crowd. I once saw someone get proposed to here, making it an even more memorable spot.
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
As the highest vantage point in the city, this location definitely tests your lung capacity as you sweat your way up the biggest hills I’ve ever seen. That being said, it is by far the most rewarding sunset spot I have experienced. The Miradouro da Senhora do Monte is a must-see if you’re ever in Lisbon, and the photos alone can speak to that.
Nearby, through a gate and some overgrown brush, you enter a portal to the “Secret Garden.” This hidden nook offers food, drinks, live music, and a beautiful garden. Because it’s tucked away, many tourists miss it altogether, making it a peaceful place to enjoy the beautiful view.
Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
With stunning views of São Jorge Castle, an 11th-century fortress in Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara offers one of the best views in Lisbon. It has two levels where you can enjoy the sunset: the bottom level, with flourishing gardens, and the top level, with a fountain and live music. From the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, you can also see some of Lisbon’s most iconic roads and neighborhoods, including the entire Avenida da Liberdade, Restauradores, and Baixa.
Honorable Mention: Miradouro de Santa Luzia
The only spot on this list located in Alfama, the Miradouro de Santa Luzia is also unique for its colorful azulejo panels that line the gazebos at this overlook. The Miradouro de Santa Luzia boasts the best view of the area’s red-tiled roofs and, being in Alfama, offers easy access to beautiful old churches such as the Igreja de São Vicente. Lisbon’s famous trams, including its most popular, Tram 28, run alongside the road. This, coupled with the general busyness of Alfama, makes the destination extremely popular and crowded, the only reason it didn’t make my top three.
As the days grow shorter and the sun begins to set earlier, I’m reminded that my time to explore new lookouts across the “City of Seven Hills” is coming to an end. Hopefully, before then, I’ll be able to add a few more spots to my list.