Steep streets, historic elevators, emblematic parks and enclaves become spectacular viewpoints to enjoy the best views of the Portuguese capital.
Lisbon is one of the places to which its visitors return again and again. No matter how many, because some new corner is always discovered. To enjoy all its charms it is essential to get carried away and walk (well, and perhaps in one of its ancient and historic trams) each of its neighborhoods. Fruit of the orography of the city, located between seven hills at the mouth of the Tagus, it is irremediable to have to climb impossible slopes or steep stairs to reach some of its most emblematic enclaves, which entails running into a succession of viewpoints and balconies that offer spectacular views. From the historic neighborhoods of Alfama and Chiado to the residential area next to the Marqués de Pombal square and from Baixa to Belén, we select some of the most beautiful spots to enjoy the city from the heights.
From the flag
In a modern and residential area, Eduardo VII Park is located, sloping and chaired by a gigantic Portuguese flag. From this point you can see the statue of the Marquis de Pombal and the busy boulevard of Avenida de Libertade, one of the main arteries of the city, which merges with the blue of the Tagus. The castle of San Jorge, on the left, and the neighborhood of Almada, on the other side of the river, are also seen.
Following avenue below, among luxurious hotels, elegant buildings, shops and restaurants, you reach the Restauradores Square, where the Gloria Elevator is located (in fact, it is the car of an old tram that serves as a funicular; 3.80 euros / 2 trips), which goes up to the Barrio Alto, where the Mirador de San Pedro de Alcántara is located . Located within the beautiful garden of the same name, it offers unique views of some emblematic places of the city. It has sculptures and a map of tiles in which each building is identified from that location.
Strolling downhill through this avant-garde, modern and vibrant neighborhood, full of shops, restaurants and cocktail bars, we return to the vicinity of the Gloria elevator to enter Baixa, the lower part of Lisbon where some of the most outstanding monuments are located, such as the National Theater of Doña María II, in a neoclassical style, the Church of Santo Domingo, the Rossio Station and the historic Arco de Rua Augusta , which gives way to the huge Commerce Square, on the banks of the Tagus. Precisely, the Arch is another important viewpoint (2.50 euros), as is the nearby Elevador de Santa Justa , wrought iron elevator 1902 (5.30 euros), with spectacular views of the Castle and the Sé.
Alfama
Next to Baixa, the network of meandering streets and impossible slopes that form Alfama, an old fishing district, begins on the slopes of a hill that crowns the Castle of San Jorge . For the intrepid in shape, climbing to the fortress on foot is a challenge that passes through enclaves such as Sé (the Romanesque cathedral, dating back to the 12th century) or the spectacular Mirador de Santa Lucía , a magical corner, similar to a patio, full of bougainvillea and with tiled walls, from where you can see the grandeur of the National Pantheon - a 17th-century baroque church, converted into a mausoleum for tombs of historical Portuguese characters, and which, in turn, has another observatory in its dome- and the vastness of the Tagus, in addition to the passenger ship terminal of Santa Apolonia.
A few minutes walk through very steep streets you can reach the entrance to the Castle, the enormous fortress of Muslim origin (12th century), completely renovated after the earthquake of 1755 that devastated the capital (you can also climb in the Elevator of Baixa for free). To enjoy the breathtaking views it offers (it is the highest point in the city), it is necessary to enter the huge enclosure (10 euros). In the Tower of Ulysses , one of the 11 that houses the Castle, a 360-degree panorama is achieved thanks to the Da Vinci periscope installed in it.
Belem
On the other side of the city, on the banks of the Tagus, the unique Torre de Belém , one of the most visited monuments of Lisbon and World Heritage, next to the spectacular Jeronimos Monastery, also offers from its terrace on the fifth floor beautiful Panoramic Built in the 16th century as a fortress to protect the entrance to the city by sea, from the top you can see, in addition to the mouth of the Tagus to the Atlantic, the famous April 25 Bridge (similar to the Golden Gate of San Francisco), the different Marinas, the avant-garde Monument to the Discoveries and the mentioned Monastery of Los Jerónimos (entrance, 6 euros).
Gondola lift
In the modern neighborhood of Parque de las Naciones (where the 1998 Expo was held), a cable car has been installed that runs 1,230 meters along the riverbank (price: 4 euros / one trip). It is a great option to see this area of Lisbon from 30 m high, full of restaurants, hotels, shopping centers and apartment buildings, in addition to the Vasco de Gama bridge (the second longest in Europe), a spectacular engineering work of 12.3 km, opened in 1998, which crosses the Tagus.
Where to sleep
Occidental Lisboa | R. Artilharia 1, No. 112) | Tel .: +351 21 248 4900 | from 135 euros. Comfortable and modern hotel in a quiet residential area in the heart of Lisbon, just two blocks from the spectacular Eduardo VII Park and the Marquis de Pombal Square. It has parking and is a ten minute walk from the stop of the historic tram 24, which connects with the old town. Its 105 rooms have all the comforts, coffee and tea making facilities, amenities and free Wi-Fi. It has a terrace-bar on the top floor with magnificent views of the city.
Hotel Convento do Salvador | Rua do Salvador, 2B | Tel .: +351 21 887 25 65 | from 160 euros. Located in an old convent, but with avant-garde decoration and furniture, it is located in the historic district of Alfama, a few minutes walk from the Castle of San Jorge. The rooms enjoy panoramic views of the Tagus and the city.
Where to eat
There are two things to try when you visit Lisbon: cod , in any of its infinite preparations, for being the king of Portuguese cuisine, and cream or Belém cakes (which do not have cream and cream). To taste such fish and other traditional dishes, Ho Caldas (R. de São Mamede, 22-E), a typical tavern of homemade menus with cod, accompanied by rice and side dishes. Another cod temple is D'Bacalhau (R. do Bojador 45), on the banks of the Tagus, in the Park of Nations. Your tasting dish with four different preparations is recommended. In the cheerful neighborhood of Chiado, Cervejaria Trindade (R. Nova da Trindade 20 C) is an old convent from the s. XIII with benches and decorated with panels and tiles on the walls. The beer is artisan and highlights its fresh seafood and fish. The sweet Lisbon par excellence is found in traditional confectioners, such as the legendary Pastéis de Belém (R. de Belém, 84-92), next to the Jeronimos Monastery, or the Café da Nata cafeteria (R. Augusta 275, A), in Baixa.
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