Tour the top sights in Lisbon with a guided tour! Topping out Graca’s highest point, the panoramic Graca Vista opens before your eyes with rooftops and spires spread out before. Ride uphill the vintage Elevador da Gloria or climb Calcada da Gloria for even better views.

Igreja de Sao Roque is an extraordinary 16th-century Jesuit church dating back to 1608 that boasts an interior filled with gold, marble and Florentine azulejos – making this church one of the country’s most illustrious pantheons, hosting tombs from 15th-century explorers to Presidents and legendary fado singers.

Portas do Sol Viewpoint

The Portas do Sol viewpoint (“Gates to the Sun”) is a massive balcony situated above Lisbon’s iconic Alfama neighborhood. It offers stunning panoramic views, often depicted on postcards, that depict what appears like a colorful Mediterranean village cascading down towards Tagus River. At sunrise or sunset, when cityscape is transformed by soft warm hues reminiscent of softening sunrays illuminating each street corner – likely giving rise to its name – that are truly captivating – making this viewpoint worthy of postcard coverage and postcard illustrations alike!

This viewpoint is a popular place for locals to unwind during their afternoon or evening, relaxing with drinks, music and snacks. Additionally, its open space and benches provide plenty of room to spread out.

At the Portas do Sol viewpoint you will find a coffee shop, cocktail bar and restaurant – each offering beers, wines and cocktails; soft lounge music plays while fresh juices flow; while sandwiches, wraps and sweet treats can also be found here.

Portas do Sol is best visited early in the morning for spectacular sunrise views and in the late evening for stunning sunset views. But this miradouro is visited all day by both tourists and locals alike; thus be prepared for crowds. To avoid these, come either before or after holiday weekends.

Santa Luzia Viewpoint

Lisbon is known for its iconic terracotta roofs and azulejo facades, so naturally, there are several spots throughout its hilly metropolis where they can be appreciated from. From Augusta Arch in Rua Augusta to the church in Alfama and 25th of April Bridge and Castle there’s bound to be breathtaking views to be had at nearly every turn!

Visit one of these miradouros during your time in Lisbon to take in its cultural landmarks, like Se de Lisboa Cathedral – even though you might not see all of Lisbon from there, its intricate stonework and breathtaking windows alone make an impactful statement about Lisbon itself.

Santa Luzia Viewpoint or Igreja de Santa Luzia in Lisbon is another extraordinary viewpoint, offering breathtaking vistas over the city as well as hosting a church and terrace filled with small flowerbeds and lilac bougainvilleas that add vibrant color against its blue backdrop.

As with the Portas do Sol, this miradouro is highly-visited by tourists; therefore expect it to be packed during its busiest times of day or sunset. To avoid crowds and plan your visit accordingly.

Praca do Comercio

Praca do Comercio, also known as Lisbon’s waterfront square, is a bustling hub for locals and visitors alike. Three sides are filled with attractive yellow-painted grand buildings in an U shape while the fourth opens out towards Tagus River. At its center sits Arco da Rua Augusta – an archway recognizable across Europe that symbolizes Lisbon.

On the southern side, a flight of marble steps descending towards the water once served as the grand entrance into Lisbon from the sea, used to greet royal dignitaries and other important visitors upon returning from overseas travels.

Dom Jose I is another beloved figure that dominates the square, immortalized with an equestrian statue cast of zinc, copper, and tin alloy that resists salt air corrosion. Joaquim Machado de Castro designed it after drawing by Eugenio dos Santos; depicting him trampling snakes on his horse he represents Portugal’s first work of public art.

The square serves as a hub of transport, from port boats and trams scurrying along one side to metro lines zipping by on the other. You can easily access it from central Lisbon by metro – Baixa-Chiado and Terreiro do Paco stations are nearby and provide free use with your Lisboa Card!

Alfama

Alfama district of Lisbon exudes an old-world charm. Its charming maze of tiny streets are filled with wonderful attractions and charismatic views; unaffected by 1755 earthquake, this neighborhood still retains traditional Portuguese architecture, giving visitors an experience as though walking back in time. Visitors often compare it to walking into a living museum.

Alfama’s most beloved sights include the Portas do Sol and Santa Luzia Viewpoints, featuring stunning terra-cotta roofs and azulejo facades as well as picturesque city panoramas and gorgeous city panoramas; Santa Luzia Viewpoint offers an aerial view of Alfama’s historic core – including 25th April Bridge and Castle of Sao Jorge (please refer to Visitor Guide of Santa Luzia Viewpoint for details).

Fado (traditional Portuguese melancholic song), born in Alfama and made world-famous at its birthplace, can also be heard at its Museu do Fado museum located in an intimate 17th-century palace. Filled with precious treasures including French silverware and Qing vases.

The Decorative Arts Museum, housed in another 17th-century palace, boasts an outstanding collection of 16th to 19th-century Portuguese and European decorative arts, which visitors love admiring its painted ceilings, tapestries, furniture and porcelains.