Miradouro de Santa Luzia: Some of the Best Views in Lisbon
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Lisbon, Portugal’s vibrant capital and the site of the famous Miradouro de Santa Luzia, is a city that seamlessly intertwines the old with the new. Nestled amongst the city’s rolling hills, you’ll find modern boutiques and cafes sitting side-by-side with ancient ruins and age-old traditions. Lisbon is filled with color everywhere you look – from the bright orange rooftops to the blue and green azulejos (ceramic tiles) that cover many buildings in the historic city center.
Lisbon is known for many things – wine, seafood, ceramics, cork, and iconic yellow trams to name a few. We’ll discuss these wonderful things in other posts about Portugal 😉. Today, however, we’re going to touch on another one of Lisbon’s claims to fame – viewpoints, or miradouros in Portuguese. Specifically the Miradouro de Santa Luzia.
Ready to see some awesome views? Let’s go to Lisbon!
The Views from Miradouro de Santa Luzia
The Miradouro de Santa Luzia is one of Lisbon’s most beloved viewpoints. It offers visitors panoramic views over Alfama and the Tagus River. If you’re lucky enough to visit the Santa Luzia Viewpoint, you’ll immediately understand why this stunning lookout has been a popular spot for both tourists and locals for decades.
From your vantage point, you’ll be able to spot major Lisbon landmarks like the National Pantheon of Santa Engracia, the Church of Santo Estêvão, and the magnificent spires of São Miguel Church – shown in the drone video below.
After recently moving to the heart of Old Alfama, I can personally attest to the beauty of the Miradouro de Santa Luzia. Turning the corner at sunset, I stumbled upon this viewpoint for the first time…and it took my breath away. I would have been content to buy a bottle of wine and take in the views for hours, but unfortunately, the August crowds would have made that reality quite uncomfortable.
Thankfully, I have three months to enjoy beautiful Lisbon, so I’ll try again in October.
How to Get to Miradouro de Santa Luzia
If you’re wondering how to get to the Santa Luzia viewpoint in Lisbon, then you’re in the right place.
The Miradouro de Santa Luzia can be reached from many neighborhoods (like Bairro Alto) by taking the iconic No. 28 tram and getting off at the Largo Santa Luzia stop right in front of the miradouro. You can also take the streetcar 12E, where you’d get off at the same stop.
From other neighborhoods, like Príncipe Real, you can take the metro to the Terreiro do Paço stop and walk 10 minutes to reach Alfama.
Ubers are sometimes cheaper and always easier.
I’ve been taking Ubers and Bolt (Lisbon’s ride-share app) all over the city, and rides cost, on average, €4 each. One metro ride is €1.55…so you do the math.
If your hotel isn’t too far and you’re feeling up to walking, I would definitely recommend lacing up your sneakers and hiking to the viewpoint! However, if it’s 98 degrees in Europe like it is today, I probably wouldn’t suggest that route.
When is the Best Time to Visit Miradouro de Santa Luzia?
The Miradouro de Santa Luzia is beautiful year-round, but I would personally recommend visiting during the early morning or late afternoon. That way, you’ll get to witness the stunning sunrise or sunset over Lisbon and its surrounding hills. Be warned: if you visit during the summer months there’s bound to be crowds regardless of what time you choose to visit.
If you visit in August like me, make sure to bring a bottle of water and wear plenty of sunscreen. These 90+ degree days are killing me…no wonder my first trip out of Lisbon was to Lagos on the Atlantic coast.
If you’re visiting Lisbon outside of the summer high season, then you can visit the Miradouro de Santa Luzia at any point during the day! The weather will be cooler and the crowds will be significantly smaller in the off-season and shoulder-season. However, whenever you plan your vacation, Lisbon is absolutely worth a visit!
The Igreja de Santa Luzia Church
Just a few steps away from the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, you’ll find the Igreja de Santa Luzia Church. This iconic church was built in the 12th century and is one of the oldest churches in the city. Unfortunately, the original structure was destroyed during the 1755 earthquake. The one that stands today was reconstructed in the 18th century.
Although the church’s facade is quite simple, the church is built in the shape of a cross and the interior is decorated beautifully in the Baroque style. On the outside of the church, you’ll find stunning panels made with azulesos tiles that tell stories of Portuguese history, including the 1147 conquest.
Hint: If you’re on the hunt for beautiful blue tiles, spend a weekend in Porto!
Popular Lisbon Attractions in the Alfama District
The Miradouro de Santa Luzia is located in the Alfama district, one of the oldest and most picturesque neighborhoods in Lisbon. This area is home to some of Lisbon’s famous attractions and exciting things to do. Check out some other highlights in Alfama below!
Hint: If you want to see the best sites in Lisbon, I recommend shelling out €22 for the Lisboa Card. It includes entrance into 38 attractions around the city and public transportation (including the train to day trips like Sintra and Cascais).
Tour Castello de São Jorge
Visiting Castello de São Jorge is a great activity to embark on before or after your visit to the Miradouro de Santa Luzia. This historic castle, perched atop Lisbon’s highest hill, offers a captivating journey back in time. As you meander through the courtyards and towers, you’ll feel a tangible connection to the city’s Moorish past.
Moreover, the panoramic view from the castle walls is nothing short of breathtaking. The vista encompasses the entire cityscape of Lisbon, stretching out to the shimmering Tagus River. This view, combined with the castle’s lush gardens, makes for some of the best views in Lisbon.
Be warned, however: the castle grounds are crawling with enormous peacocks! This would normally be a positive thing, except for the fact that they scream like human children and regularly scare the shit out of you.
Entrance to the São Jorge Castle costs €15 as of 2023.
Listen to Fado Music
If you’re looking for a unique experience in Lisbon, then you should definitely check out one of the many Fado concerts that are held in Alfama. Fado is a type of music that originated in Lisbon and has been described as “the Lisbon blues.”
They say Fado comes from the Portuguese soul and, if you make room for a Fado show on your Lisbon itinerary, you’ll understand why. UNESCO clearly agrees, because in 2011 Fado was officially classified as World Heritage.
Head over to Casa de Linhares for traditional Fado music after taking in the sunset from Miradouro de Santa Luzia! And, if you’re a superfan, stop by the nearby Fado Museum to learn more about this centuries-old art form.
Visit the Lisbon Cathedral
The Lisbon Cathedral, or Sé de Lisboa, is an unmissable landmark in the city’s Alfama district. This majestic Romanesque-Gothic cathedral has a rich history dating back to the 12th century. As you step inside, you’ll be greeted by its grandiose interior, showcasing intricate stonework, beautiful stained glass windows, and an awe-inspiring rose window.
Shockingly, the Lisbon Cathedral survived the devastating earthquake of 1755, so the structure that stands overlooking Baixa and Alfama today is the unspoiled original.
The cathedral is open daily from 7AM to 7PM and admission is free.
Where to Stay Near Miradouro de Santa Luzia
In addition to being the location of some of the best viewpoints in Lisbon, Alfama is also a great place to stay during your trip to Lisbon. Below are some of the best hotels in Alfama for every budget.
Budget-Friendly Hotels in Alfama
- This is Lisbon Hostel (⭐️ 8.9/10): This awesome hostel has spacious and clean rooms, a 24-hour reception/security, an on-site bar, and – most importantly – air conditioning. Bless. This is Lisbon Hostel also has an amazing rooftop terrace that showcases sweeping views of Alfama!
- Yes! Lisbon Hostel (⭐️ 9.7/10): Yes! is my personal favorite hostel in Lisbon. They have a great social atmosphere, clean rooms, a perfect location in between Cais do Sodre and Alfama, and the best pub crawl in the city.
Mid-Level Hotels in Alfama
- Hotel Convento do Salvador (⭐️ 9.2/10): If you’re a fan of modern art, look no further than the Hotel Convento do Salvador. This reasonably priced hotel is furnished in a minimalist style in order to accentuate the incredible views of the River Tagus.
- São Vicente Alfama Hotel (⭐️ 9.8/10): This boutique hotel in the heart of Alfama seamlessly combines new with the old. Rooms are modern and luxurious, but your stay is guaranteed to be steeped in history.
Luxury Hotels in Alfama
- Solar Do Castelo (⭐️ 9.4/10): This Lisbon Heritage Collection hotel is the only hotel in Alfama located inside the walls of the São Jorge Castle. The decor emphasizes the original features and enhances them with modern luxurious amenities.
- Santiago de Alfama (⭐️ 9.8/10): Only a short, four-minute walk from the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, Santiago de Alfama Boutique Hotel is guaranteed to be a stay to remember. You’ll enjoy included parking, beautifully crafted rooms, air conditioning, and gorgeous views.
Where to Eat Near Miradouro de Santa Luzia
Alfama is lush in two things: gorgeous viewpoints and delicious food! If you’re looking for a tasty and authentic Portuguese meal near the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, check out some of my favorite options below.
Farol de Santa Luzia
Farol de Santa Luzia comes with a slightly higher price tag, but you have the advantage of being directly across the street from the Miradouro de Santa Luzia. Enjoy some amazing sunset views and simply cross the street to fill your belly full of tasty wine and fresh seafood!
I ordered the grilled octopus and potatoes for €21. Although this price tag is ridiculously cheap compared to U.S. standards, it’s actually on the higher side for this dish in Portugal. Inflated prices aside, my food was absolutely delicious – as was my glass of vinho verde.
Note: Although I loved my food at Farol de Santa Luzia and the staff was very friendly, the service was actually terrible. I waited 20 minutes for my glass of wine and, a full 25 minutes after I ordered, the waitress informed me that they were out of the original dish I ordered even though I had seen them serve it to other tables that came in after me. At least I got a free glass of port at the end of the meal!
Santo André
I visited Santo André during my first trip to Portugal back in 2019 and was absolutely blown away by the freshness of their seafood. It was the first time I had ever tried grilled octopus in Portugal, and I was thoroughly shook.
Santo André’s prices are extremely reasonable (around €12 for a plate of grilled octopus) and, to this day, it remains one of my favorite restaurants in Lisbon.
The Nearby Miradouro das Portas do Sol
Around the corner from the Miradouro de Santa Luzia is the equally stunning Miradouro das Portas do Sol. Actually, in my opinion, the Miradouro das Portas do Sol is a slightly better viewpoint than the Santa Luzia – simply because it’s not as crowded.
Somehow my walk in Alfama was timed perfectly with the setting sun because I stumbled upon one of the best sunsets I’ve ever seen in Europe…rivaled only by a pink sunset over Positano in the Amalfi Coast and the views from our upgraded Airbnb in Madeira in September (one of the best times to visit Madeira). It was a moment to remember.
Final Thoughts
Lisbon has no shortage of stunning viewpoints. Whether you’re taking in the views from the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, the viewing deck of the Santa Justa Elevator, the Miradouro do Senhora do Monte, the Miradouro de Santa Catarina, or another one of the city’s incredible outlooks – one thing’s for sure: you’re bound to be in awe of the beauty of Lisbon.
Hint: Another one of my favorite viewpoints in Lisbon is the rooftop bar Topo!
So sip some delicious Portuguese wine, nipple on some charcuterie, and be prepared to take in some of the best views in Lisbon at the Miradouro de Santa Luzia.
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