Lisbon Is Beautiful. And These Are Its 10 Best Views

Hop aboard the Telecabine Lisboa in the ultra-modern Parque das Naçoes neighborhood for an aerial adventure over the vibrant cityscape. This cable car ride offers unparalleled panoramic views of Lisbon, allowing you to glide above its iconic landmarks and picturesque neighborhoods. Whether you’re soaring over the Tagus River or admiring the city’s charming rooftops from above, the Telecabine Lisboa promises a memorable experience for all. Originally constructed for the 1998 World Expo, the Telecabine Lisboa is a testament to Lisbon’s innovation and commitment to showcasing its beauty to the world.

Perched along the waterfront, SUD Lisboa offers a unique vantage point to marvel at Lisbon’s beauty. With its chic rooftop terrace overlooking the river, this trendy hotspot combines stunning views with exquisite cuisine and refreshing cocktails. Whether you’re lounging in a stylish cabana or enjoying a gourmet meal with friends, SUD Lisboa provides the perfect setting to soak in the city’s allure, day but especially at night when the Ponte 25 Abril lights up. Established in 2017, SUD Lisboa has quickly become a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike, blending modern luxury with Lisbon’s timeless charm.

Named after the 16th-century saint, this miradouro holds remnants of Lisbon’s rich past, including its landscaped terrace and fountain, providing a serene escape amidst the bustling city. The miradouro boasts a landscaped terrace, fountain, quaint café, or quiosque, serving coffee, tea, ice cream and pastries in the Bairro Alto neighborhood. Adjacent to this viewpoint lies Príncipe Real, a district renowned for its cultural significance and vibrant culinary scene, adding layers of charm to your visit.  Notably, you’ll find parks, the botanical garden, Portuguese artisanal bakery, Gleba, and the sultry Lumi Rooftop Bar, which serves one of the best brunches in town.

Hands down, one of the most worthwhile waits in Lisbon is climbing the iron tower locally known as the Elevador de Santa Justa or Elevador de Carmo. Located in the historic center of Lisbon, you’ll often find long queues of people eager to reach the famous observation deck. The excitement doesn’t stop at the top after climbing the winding staircase and posing for those treasured photos with a panoramic backdrop. Originally designed by Raoul Mesnier du Ponsard, a student of Gustave Eiffel, this engineering marvel blends Neo-Gothic and Moorish influences, reflecting Lisbon’s diverse cultural heritage.

Centrally located in the downtown area and just minutes from the Praça do Comércio and Pink Street, the waterfront presents the perfect opportunity to savor what makes Lisbon so unique — its iconic views. Stroll along the pier as you watch sailboats. There are plenty of places to rest, from the chaise lounge chairs set up near quiosques, grassy knolls, or at the border of the beach. Along your walk, you’ll find vendors selling alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks from pineapples and bars that come alive during the evening. You’ll also find artists crafting colorful and larger-than-life characters out of sand during the day.

You’ll probably catch glimpses of the cultural icon from many points in downtown Lisbon. This well-preserved castle has an overwhelming amount of panoramic views of the city. Seek out the best ones by peeking through the glassless windows of the castle or from the terrace. As you walk the grounds, you’ll undoubtedly see peacocks resting nearby — if you look up, you may even find some nestled in the trees. In the evenings, gaze up as the castle illuminates the city, casting an electric bluish hue from its hillside perch.

As you descend from the castle, a five-minute walk will bring you to the lovely azulejos (trademark blue Portuguese tiles) adorned Miradouro de Santa Luzia. Reminiscent of an ornate cottage gateway and covered in sweet greenery and floral trees, this miradouro offers more than just stunning views. It is a testament to Lisbon’s artistic heritage, with its intricate tile work reflecting centuries of Portuguese craftsmanship. From here, you’ll enjoy panoramic vistas and gain insight into the city’s cultural identity.

Adjacent to the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, the Miradouro Portas do Sol seemingly brings you to the edge of society with unobstructed views of the capital. Conveniently located in front of the number 28 Tram, this viewpoint holds historical significance as a gateway to Lisbon’s past. Once a defensive outpost, it now welcomes visitors from around the world to experience the city’s beauty. As you soak in the panoramic views, you’ll also feel a connection to Lisbon’s rich history and vibrant culture.

Graça is an eclectic neighborhood full of delicious traditional and international restaurants (especially Italian) and bustling with effortlessly elegant and cultured energy. The climb to the top of this masterpiece will reward you with postcard-worthy views of the city day or night. Romance is in the air at this site, and you’ll often find lovers deep in embrace as they relish the scenery. The Miradouro da Graça holds a special place in Lisbon’s heart, as it stands atop one of the aforementioned seven hills, offering a glimpse into its storied past and promising a future filled with unforgettable moments.

Bring out your playful side as you stroll through the monumental maze, or create a mental snapshot as you cast your eyes over the plush, emerald-shaded, meticulously manicured land. From here, it’ll feel as if you’re sitting on top of the world, with breathtaking views of the cityscape in the foreground, bordered by the blue river and the undulating mountain range. If you can’t visit them all in one trip, use it as an excuse to revisit Western Europe’s oldest capital again and again.