Check 10 Sites To Take The Best Skyline Pictures in Chicago

1. Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
Location: Rua da Senhora do Monte 50 (Google)
Best Views: Castelo de São Jorge, 25 de Abril Bridge and Rossio Square
Admission: Free admission
Opening hours: 24h
Description: Tram 28 will take you up here (stop on Rua da Graça). However, the way up it’s quite charming. Lisbon spreads out before you at Graça’s highest of the high. Don’t miss the chapel dedicated to Saint Gens located a few steps away from the “miradouro”, which has a small image of the Virgin in front of it.

2. Castelo São Jorge
Location: Rua de Santa Cruz do Castelo (Google)
Best Views: Praça do Comércio, 25 de Abril Bridge and Rossio Square
Admission: General 8,5€, students 5€ and FREE for Lisbon residents
Opening hours: Mon-Sun (9-18)
Description: Despite the fact that most of the castle has been destroyed over the years, views from this spot are breathtaking. Its oldest parts date from the 6th century, when it was fortified by the Romans, Visigoths, and eventually the Moors. Don’t miss the recently built museum on the archaeological settlements located in the heart of the castle. If you’re not willing to pay for this views, I recommend a little elevated corner located left from the access (turn around when you go through the arch).

3. Miradouro São Pedro de Alcântara
Location: Rua de São Pedro de Alcântara (Google)
Best Views: Castelo de São Jorge and Lisbon Cathedral
Admission: Free admission
Opening hours: 24h
Description: Gloria Elevator will take you up here, but this horribly steep street has beautiful graffitis all around the walls, and you don’t want to miss it. The best time to take pictures here is right before sunset because there’s a bit of light pollution in this area. Anyways, it looks amazing at night too.

4. Santa Catarina
Location: Rua Santa Catarina (Google)
Best Views: 25 de Abril Bridge and docks
Admission: Free admission
Opening hours: 24h
Description: This is one of Lisbon’s most popular spots, always crowded, full of life and great atmosphere. You’ll recognize it by the time you reach the sculpture of Adamastor, a mythical sea monster from the epic poem “The Lusiads.” Sunset is the best time to visit due to the atmosphere. I am a huge fan of Le Chat designed by Atelier Sao Paulo Arquitectos, from which you can enjoy the same views while having a cold drink. 

5. Miradouro Santa Luzia (Portas do Sol)
Location: Rua do Limoeiro (Google)
Best Views: Church of São Vicente of Fora, Panteão Nacional and Praça do Comércio
Admission: Free admission
Opening hours: 24h
Description: This is probably one of the most romantic terraces in Lisbon. Located by the church of Santa Luzia, it introduces visitors to Alfama with a sweeping view over its houses, churches, and the Tagus River. Although the neighborhood has been renovated recently, there’s a feeling of decay within its broken blue tiles, which is unique and beautiful in my opinion. If you walk up a little bit more, you’ll find the proper Portas do Sol Miradouro, which offers great views too.

6. Miradouro da Boca do Vento
Location: Largo Boca do Vento, Almada (Google)
Best Views: Lisbon 360º, Cristo Rei Monument and 25 de Abril Bridge
Admission: Free admission
Opening hours: Mon-Fri (9-18.30)
Description: Take the metro to Cais do Sodre in Lisbon and follow the ferry (picture of a boat) signs. It takes like 10 min to get to Cacilhas and the round ticket costs 2,40€. Views from the port Miradouro da Boca do Vento aka Miradouro Luís de Queiroz are pretty sick, but you should try the experience of climbing the monument because is amazing too. Take bus 101 (1.6€) and wait until the last stop, Cristo Rei.

7. Ascensor Praça do Comércio
Location: Rua Augusta 2 (Google)
Best Views: Castelo de São Jorge, Lisbon Cathedral and Praça do Comércio
Admission: 2,5€
Opening hours: Mon-Sun (9-19)
Description: Built in 1873 as a stone, triumphal arch-like and historical building to commemorate the city’s reconstruction after the 1755 earthquake. Recently opened in 2013, it offers amazing 360º views of Lisbon. One can also appreciate the square’s crisscrossing lines of stone and the urban grid of the city.

8. Restaurante Panorâmico de Monsanto
Location: Estrada da Bela Vista (Google)
Best Views: Lisbon 360º
Admission: Free admission
Opening hours: 24h
Description: Built in the 60s as a restaurant by Chaves da Costa, this building is currently abandoned and completely vandalized. In addition to the restaurant, it was after occupied by a filming company, disco, bingo and warehouse businesses. It includes several works of art – panels and reliefs. Although it’s protected by the police, clandestine visits are possible. Amazing skyline views from here, completely worth the visit!

9. Padrão dos Descobrimentos
Location: Avenida Brasília, 1400-038 Lisboa (Google)
Best Views: Jerónimos Monastery, 25 de Abril Bridge and Belém Tower
Admission: General admission 3€, 2€ students
Opening hours: Tue-Sun (10-18)
Description: I may like this spot very much because every time I visit I had just enjoyed a delicious Pastéis de Belém. Whatever, views from this point are great because it gives you a fine perspective of what you’re about to visit in Belém. Different point of view of 25 de Abril Bridge too, which you may be used to see from the other side.

10. Ascensor da Bica
Location: Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo (Google)
Best Views: Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo and Tagus River
Admission: Free admission
Opening hours: 24h
Description: This is the über famous point for the one million shot. You’ll get to photograph Tram 25, which has been creaking arthritically up the steep, narrow Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo since 1892. Probably my favorite spot of the list!

Check these and other amazing spots of Lisbon on the map below or download my Free Architecture Guide of Lisbon