Miradouro da Graça

The Basics

Situated atop the Santo André hill, the Miradouro da Graça is the best place to catch a stellar view of Lisbon no matter the time of day. The shaded plaza looks over St. George’s Castle (Castelo de São Jorge) down to the Tagus River, and you can even spy the 25th of April Bridge (Ponte 25 de Abril).

Many Lisbon tours—walking, minivan, Segway, and hop-on hop-off tram—stop here as they explore the historic districts of Mouraria, Alfama, and Graça.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Miradouro da Graça is a must-visit for all Lisbon visitors, especially first-timers, to get incredible city views.

• Wear comfortable shoes to traverse the area’s cobblestoned streets and the steep hill.

• Live like a local and settle in at a café or kiosk to enjoy the views from morning until well into the night.

• The viewpoint is accessible to visitors with limited mobility, though there are a steep slope and a few steps to get to the top.

How to Get There

To reach the viewpoint, take tourist tram 12 or 28, or bus 734, and then walk up the Santo Andre hill. Those with limited mobility can take a taxi to Calçada da Graça, which ends at the viewpoint.

When to Get There

The Miradouro da Graça is open 24 hours a day. The best time to visit is at dusk, when the sun’s golden rays light up the districts below and offer the perfect lighting for photos.

Poet Sophia Andresen

Sophia Andresen was a highly decorated 20th-century Portuguese poet who spent many of her days at the Miradouro da Graça. She would admire the beautiful city below and pen her thoughts into exquisite poetry that would win her many awards. One of the walls in the miradouro (viewpoint) features Andresen’s poems opposite a bronze bust of her looking out over her beloved Lisbon.

Ways to explore

Many Lisbon tours, including walking, e-bike, Segway, tuk tuk, and hop-on, hop-off bus tours, stop at the Miradouro da Graça as they explore the historic districts of Mouraria, Alfama, and Graça. Combine the viewpoint with a ride on the famous Tram 28, a visit to Castelo de São Jorge, or a street art tour to see the colorful murals on the way to the top. Grab a coffee, take a seat at the terrace café, and enjoy the sweeping cityscape—day or night.

Accessibility

With a flat, paved surface, the viewpoint is accessible for wheelchairs; take a taxi to Graça Church and access the viewpoint from there to avoid the steep cobblestone route.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, binoculars, reusable water bottle, sunglasses, sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat

What to wear

Comfortable shoes (Lisbon’s hills and cobblestones are notorious) and light layers

Not allowed

Terrace seating is reserved for the café; make sure to buy a drink if you want to sit.

Amenities

Café, restroom

Address

The Miradouro da Graça is set on a hilltop in the Graça neighborhood, between the Jardim da Cerca da Graça park and Graça Church. It’s a steep uphill walk to get there on foot, so most travelers use public transit or take a tour that includes transportation.

Driving

With its narrow, cobbled streets and complicated one-way system, driving in Lisbon is best left to the locals. Skip the hassle and have a taxi, tuk-tuk, or rideshare service drop you at the top of the hill instead.

Public transportation

To reach the Miradouro da Graça, take Tram 28 up to the Graça stop, right by the viewpoint. If you don’t mind walking uphill, you can also take the 12 to the R. Lagares stop, about a 5-minute walk away.

Best times to visit

Come early in the morning to have the view to yourself—the café doesn’t open until 10am and the soft morning light is ideal for photos. If you don’t mind sharing the scenery, sunset is arguably the most magnificent time to visit, and it’s fun to stick around after dark and watch the illuminated city from afar.

Best days to visit

Sunny weekends always draw a crowd, so visit midweek for a quieter experience. Choose a clear day for the best views; rain and gray skies don’t do the city justice.

Best months to visit

Musicians and street entertainers often perform on the terrace during the summer months, especially around sunset. To soak up the lively atmosphere without the crowds or humidity, plan a trip for May, June, or September.