We went in search of them and put together 10 secret viewpoints in Lisbon in an itinerary with incredible views, surprising perspectives and nooks and crannies where (still) little English is spoken. How many do you know?
1 – Moinho das Três Cruzes do Calhau viewpoint
This is one of Monsanto‘s best-kept secrets, perhaps because it’s on the northeast side of the park, in the parish of São Domingos de Benfica.
One of the secret viewpoints in Lisbon is next to an old mill in ruins, in the Calhau Recreational Park, and you can get there on foot by walking up a road through the woods.
The views aren’t exactly breathtaking, but they are surprising nonetheless, especially for the perspective, which goes from Benfica to Campolide, passing through Sete Rios.
There are two tables next to it, inviting you to have a picnic away from the hustle and bustle.
2 – Escarpa Viewpoint
Another of Lisbon’s incredible secret viewpoints. This one is in Monsanto and few Lisboners know about it, especially as the way there isn’t the easiest.
If your GPS can’t find it, take the Estrada do Alvito (heading south), pass the Estrada dos Montes Claros and then park a little further on, next to the Parque de Merendas da Escarpa.
Surrounded by greenery, it has the green of the park in the foreground and the Campolide and Amoreiras areas in the background.
3 – Rodrigues Francisco Lobo Street Viewpoint
Although it doesn’t have an official name, we call it that because this street in Campolide is the best reference point for discovering it.
As soon as you get there, look for number 13A and go under the building, using a kind of (somewhat shady) tunnel that leads to a locksmith’s shop.
Then you pass a fence (it’s open, so the path must be public) and turn right, where there’s a terrace with curious views of Monsanto and a glimpse of the 25 de Abril Bridge and Cristo Rei.
4 – Viewpoint of the Estrela Basilica
Did you know that you can go up to the terrace of the Royal Basilica of Estrela? From there, you have a 360º view at one of Lisbon’s secret viewpoints that promises to surprise you the most.
The green of the Jardim da Estrela (next door) is the first thing to come into view, but further away you can also see the Amoreiras towers, the 25 de Abril Bridge, the Tagus and the São Jorge Castle.
Although it’s not always open, the official visiting hours are 8.30am to 12pm and 1pm to 6pm.
5 – São Vicente de Fora Monastery viewpoint
Anyone who goes to the famous viewpoints of Santa Luzia or Portas do Sol never fails to notice the magnificence of the São Vicente de Fora Monastery, but perhaps they don’t know that it itself offers one of the most incredible views of Lisbon.
From the top of the building, you can get a unique perspective of the Church of Santa Engrácia, the houses of Alfama and the Tagus River, which dominates much of the scenery.
To visit, you need to buy an entrance ticket to the monastery, which costs 5 euros.
6 – Santo Estevão viewpoint
Believe it or not, it’s still possible to hide out in Alfama. This viewpoint, located next to the Church of Santo Estevão, has managed to escape the tourist crowds, probably because it’s right in the heart of the neighborhood.
Walking down Guilherme Bragau and Vigário streets, you’ll reach a quiet square with plenty of shade and views of Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood and the Tagus River, which runs in the background.
7 – Miradouro do Jardim do Recolhimento
Just a stone’s throw from São Jorge Castle, this is one of the best-kept secrets in this very touristy area.
As well as being breathtaking, the views are also surprising because of the unusual setting , with Alfama at its feet, framed by the Tagus, the Monastery of São Vicente and the Church of Santa Engrácia.
On site, there is a rhombus-shaped installation that helps you take incredible photos, as well as a children’s playground and a reading booth full of books.
8 – Miradouro da Penha de França
It’s a small viewpoint, but with a huge (and incredible) view of the city, still far from the most touristy routes.
It’s next to the Church of Nossa Senhora da Penha de França (in the square with the same name) and allows you to see not only the Tagus and the historic area, but also another side of the city, such as the neighborhoods of Chelas, Marvila or Olivais.
9 – Monte Agudo Viewpoint
This is one of the city’s most hidden viewpoints, but it’s also one of the most pleasant, not only because of the views, but also because of the terrace bar serving snacks, drinks and coffees that take on a different flavor with the atmosphere of this place.
Built in the 1950s, it’ s located between Rua Heliodoro Salgado and Rua Ilha do Príncipe, but you can’t see it at first, perhaps because it’s hidden behind the Dona Luísa de Gusmão secondary school.
The result? Lisboners looking for a quiet viewpoint without the crowds are grateful.
10 – Santo Amaro Viewpoint
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’s one of the places left in Lisbon where you can relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
At the back there’s the Renaissance chapel (1549) dedicated to Santo Amaro and, in front, there’s the Tagus, the 25 de Abril Bridge and the port area.
https://lisboasecreta.co/19-miradouros-de-lisboa/