
The miradouros Portas do Sol and Santa Luzia are a short walk from one another, and both offer views over Alfama. The view from Portas do Sol, however, takes in the National Pantheon, the Tagus River, and the 17th-century São Vicente de Fora Church. The Portas do Sol café and bar is also a spacious and comfortable location where visitors can enjoy a variety of drinks (from coffee and tea to juice to beer and cocktails) and snack/lunch food items, while enjoying the oftentimes sunny, blue skies and surrounding palm trees. The best part? You can get there early and stay well into the night (it closes between 1 am and 2 am, depending on the night), enjoying a gorgeous sunset in between.
A few paces away from central Bairro Alto (and heading towards Principe Real) is the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, also located near the 16th century São Roque church. The terraced gardens are complete with fountains, statues and views across to the São Jorge Castle. At this spot you can also see another iconic Portuguese sight: a kiosk. The small refreshment stands provide seating, drinks and snacks so visitors can make the most of their time outside.
At the bottom of Bairro Alto is the Miradouro da Santa Catarina, where you will find the Noobai Café. Visit the Museum of Pharmacy first, which is located in a yellow mansion across the street, and get to the café in time for dinner, drinks and the setting sun over the Tagus River.
Miradouro de Santa Catarina (Adamastor), 1200-401 Lisboa +351 915 225 592
This is an open-to-the-public café that belongs to a theater company, which started up in 1989. The views from the café, take in the area over Graça and Senhora do Monte to Mouraria and Martim Moniz. It’s closed on Mondays but is open the rest of the week, beginning at 6 pm.