Secret viewpoints: Lisbon’s 11 most hidden “balconies”

Far from the usual hustle and bustle and with the Tagus River as a backdrop, the Igreja da Graça viewpoint has established itself as one of Lisbon’s most privileged vantage points.

Perched atop a centuries-old National Monument, this terrace offers much more than just unbeatable views of the city, especially if you visit places like this simply to take in the beautiful scenery.

It is one of Monsanto’s best-kept secrets , perhaps because it is located on the northeast side of the park, already in the parish of São Domingos de Benfica.

One of Lisbon’s secret viewpoints is located next to an old ruined mill in Calhau Recreational Park , and you can reach it on foot by climbing a road that winds through the woods. The views aren’t exactly breathtaking, but they’re still surprising, especially for the perspective, which stretches from Benfica to Campolide, passing through Sete Rios.

Another one of Lisbon’s incredible secret viewpoints. This one is also in Monsanto, and few locals know about it, mainly because the path to get there isn’t the easiest.

If your GPS doesn’t find it, take Estrada do Alvito (southbound), pass through Estrada dos Montes Claros, and then park a little further ahead, next to the Escarpa Picnic Park. Surrounded by greenery, it features the park’s greenery in the foreground and the Campolide and Amoreiras neighborhoods in the background.

Although it doesn’t have an official name, we call it that because this street in Campolide is the best landmark for finding it.

Once you arrive, look for number 13A and walk under the building through a sort of tunnel (a bit gloomy) that leads to a metal workshop. Then, go past a fence ( it’s open, so the path must be public) and turn right, where you’ll find a terrace with interesting views of Monsanto and even a glimpse ofthe 25 de Abril Bridgeand Cristo Rei.

Did you know you can climb up to the dome terrace of the Royal Basilica of Estrela? From there, you’ll enjoy a 360º view at one of Lisbon’s secret viewpoints that’s sure to surprise you.

The greenery of Jardim da Estrela (right next door) is the first thing to catch your eye, but further in the distance you can also spot the towers of Amoreiras, the 25 de Abril Bridge, the Tagus River, and São Jorge Castle. Although it isn’t always open, the official visiting hours are from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Anyone visiting the famous viewpoints of Santa Luzia or Portas do Sol never fails to notice the grandeur of the São Vicente de Fora Monastery, but may not realize that it itself offers one of the most incredible views of Lisbon.

From the top of the building, you get a unique view of the Church of Santa Engrácia, the houses of Alfama, and the Tagus River, which dominates much of the scenery. To visit, you must purchase an admission ticket to the monastery, which starts at 4 euros.

Believe it or not, it’s still possible to hide away in Alfama. This viewpoint, located next to the Church of Santo Estevão, manages to escape the tourist crowds, likely because it’s right in the heart of the neighborhood.

Walking down Guilherme Bragau and Vigário streets, you’ll reach a quiet, shaded square with views of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood and the Tagus River flowing in the background.

Just a stone’s throw from São Jorge Castle, the Jardim do Recolhimento Viewpoint is one of the best-kept secrets in this highly touristic area.

In addition to being breathtaking, the views are also surprising, thanks to the unusualframing,with Alfama at your feet, framed by the Tagus, the Monastery of São Vicente, and the Church of Santa Engrácia. On site, there is a diamond-shaped installation that helps you take incredible photos, as well as aplaygroundand areading booth filled with books.

It’s a tiny viewpoint, but with a vast (and incredible) view of the city, still off the beaten path.

It is located next to the Church of Nossa Senhora da Penha de França (in the square of the same name) and offers views not only of the Tagus and the historic district, but also of another side of the city, such as the neighborhoods of Chelas, Marvila, or Olivais.

This, one of the city’s most hidden viewpoints, is also one of the most pleasant, not only for the views but also for the terrace bar serving snacks, drinks, and coffee that take on a whole new flavor thanks to the atmosphere of this place.

Built in the 1950s, it lies between Rua Heliodoro Salgado and Rua Ilha do Príncipe, but isn’t immediately visible, perhaps because it’s hidden behind the Dona Luísa de Gusmão secondary school. The result? Lisboners seeking a quiet viewpoint free of crowds are grateful .

Some viewpoints are more hidden than others, as is the case with this one, next to the Santo Amaro sidewalk, in the parish of Alcântara.

It is one of the few remaining places in Lisbon where you can relax and get away from the city’s hustle and bustle. Behind it stands the Renaissance chapel (1549) dedicated to Santo Amaro, and in front of it lie the Tagus River, the 25 de Abril Bridge, and the port area.