So Many Places To See Lisbon From On High
When you visit Lisbon you will find a city of hills. In several places around the city we found elevators or funiculars that took us to a higher level. As we wandered up the hills we found the “miradouro” (viewpoints) that gave us panoramic views to the city below you. When we headed to the Belem area of Lisbon, we found that you could go up on the Belem Tower or the Monument of the Discoveries statue for a higher perspective. In the Orient district of Lisbon, the Vacsco Da Gama Tower provides a different high view. There are no end of places to see Lisbon from on high.
Heading High From the Avenida da Liberdade
Walking along the Avenida da Liberdade, we found small streets with funiculars that would take you to see Lisbon from on high.
The Elevador do Lavra connects Câmara Pestana with Largo da Anunciada. The Elevador da Gloria takes you to the higher levels of the Bairro Alto. Once you are up at the level, there is the Elevador da Bica to take you between Calçada do Combro/Rua do Loreto and the Rua de S. Paulo. As you walk in the Rua de S. Paulo it can be very hard to find, because it is hidden inside a house. We marked these for a future trip when we would buy a public transit pass.
Santa Justa Elevator (Elavador de Santa Justa), also known as the Elevator of Carmo, was first put to use in 1902. This 45-meter high elevator was designed by Raoul de Mesnier du Ponsard. It reflects inspiration from the style of the Eiffel Tower. The Santa Justa Elevator covers the distance between Largo do Carmo and Rua do Ouro. If you go up you can see Lisbon from on high and visit the ruins of the Igreja do Carmo church.
Head Up Into The Castelo District
We found Rua da Conceicao. You could grab a a trolley up to viewpoints and the Castelo de Sao Jorge.
We chose to walk so that we could meander slowly. This let us stop at the Lisbon Cathedral. This was a beautiful and ornate church. One gifted room was filled with intricately embroidered vestments. It was the only church we visited in Lisbon. We would make up for this when we wandered in many churches in Porto.
Some people even used segways to go up the hills!
Viewpoints Heading To The Castelo de Sao Jorge
If you walk or take the trolley up, there are several stops along the way for a panoramic view of Lisbon from on high. There are two viewpoints to stop at – Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Miradouro das Portas do Sol. At Santa Luzia we looked out to the cruise ship port. We saw how many other visitors we were sharing Lisbon with.
From the viewpoints we got a great view of the red roofs that characterize Lisbon. We saw the many church spires off in the distance.
From Miradouro das Portas do Sol, you can take the small roads up to the Castelo de Sao Jorge. We saw the castle standing high above Lisbon when we walked along the Avenida da Liberdade. There is an admission charge to get into the castle. It was late in the day so we passed on entering the gates. But if you do go in, there is another viewpoint on the castle grounds. This will give you another perspective of Lisbon from on high.
Look Out Over the River At Belem
There are several key sights to visit in the Belem area of Lisbon. If you visit the Belem Tower you can climb up the tower and get one view along the Tagus River.
If you wait until you visit the Monument of the Discoveries, you can take the elevator to the top and get an even more stunning view of Lisbon from on high. There is a small admission fee to go up the elevator. When you reach the top you can look out over the Tagus River towards the April 25 Bridge. Looking back along the water in the other direction you can see the Belem Tower. The city is laid out before you.
Head to the Orient
When we were in Lisbon we got a two day pass on the HopOnHopOff Bus (the “HoHo”). We used the pass one day to explore the Belem area. On the second day we took a long tour to see the areas further afield including the Orient area of Lisbon. Located in the Orient area you will find the Vasco Da Game tower. It was shaped like a sail and reminded me very much of the Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai.
If you go up in the tower you will see the immediate area. This will include the Aquarium and the Vasco da Gama Centre. You can look far down the river and may see the April 25 bridge. Far in the distance you will see the hills of Lisbon from on high.
Don’t Miss Lisbon From On High
When you visit Lisbon, you will find lots to see. But there are many points where you can see Lisbon from on high. Take an elevator, climb the streets to a viewpoint or go up in a monument. Seeing Lisbon from above is worth the trip to the top!
Where is your favourite spot to see Lisbon from on high?
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