LISBON'S SEVEN HILLS
View from the Top
All over Lisbon’s seven hills, you will stumble across panoramic views over the city, the river and the Setúbal Peninsula on the opposite bank. These are some of our favourites.
‘A small garden with a bougainvillea-laden pergola and wide views over the Alfama’
ALFAMA Miradouro de Santa Luzia
A small garden with a bougainvillea-laden pergola and wide views over the Alfama, towards the castle and river.
BAIRRO ALTO Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara
A shady spot to take in stunning views of the Castelo, Avenida, Baixa and Bairro Alto. The Elevador da Glória funicular (starting from near Rossio station) will drop you nearby.
BAIXA Elevador de Santa Justa
High above the Baixa, with great views of the city centre, enjoy a coffee or glass of freshly squeezed orange juice in the tower-top café. A disciple of Eiffel designed this vertical cast iron and filigree lift at the turn of the last century. Queue in Rua de Aurea to go up. From three tiers down below the café, a walkway will take you to the Bairro Alto.
CASTELO Castelo de São Jorge
From the shady terrace within the castle (open daily 9am–9pm), get a good idea of the layout of the city. Best of all, climb up the Torre de Ulisses (Tower of Ulysses) for a 360 degree view through the telescope. The viewpoint Largo das Portas do Sol is very close to the castle, giving different views over the river and Alfama.
CHIADO Armazens do Chiado
Great views from this up-market shopping centre in an old department store.
GRAÇA Largo da Graça
Lovely vistas from under the umbrella pines, near the Castelo; then move on 100 metres to the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, for even better views over almost the whole city and the river to the Setúbal Peninsula.
This is an extract from The Wine & Food Lover’s Guide to Portugal, published by Inn House Publishing. Reproduced with kind permission of the authors.
Look out for The Wine & Food Lover's Guide to Porto & Gaia, due to be published before Christmas 2014
