Lisbon’s Best Rooftops for Awe-inspiring Panoramic Views

A location with “sunset” in the name should offer a great view, don’t you think? Lisbon does, and Sunset Destination Hostel, located at the Cais do Sodré train/metro station, has a rooftop with a pool and a view of the Tejo River. The terrace isn’t only bright due to the natural sunlight, but also from the colorful décor, which is matched indoors too. Its location at Cais do Sodré makes the hostel a convenient place to stay, within walking distance of many bars, clubs, and the historical downtown.

Off to the side of the Martim Moniz square is a multicultural shopping center with one of the more popular rooftop bars in the city where locals often frequent. Topo’s terrace isn’t large but it is cozy rather than cramped, and the views overlook the square towards Mouraria and include the Castelo de São Jorge. Sometimes, while sitting in the bar, music from the social square below will drift up and fill the air.

A short walk from the well-known Café A Brasileira and Livraria Bertrand, in Lisbon’s buzzing Baixa-Chiado neighborhood, is the terrace Café-Bar BA at the Bairro Alto Hotel. It’s a great place for a relaxing afternoon or evening with a drink and one of the best views in the city. The wicker seating invites evenings for lounging and the environment is known as a tranquil one.

Also on Martim Moniz, adjacent to Topo, is the Hotel Mundial. Head up to the ninth floor and you will have a closer view of the Castelo de São Jorge. Where Topo is laid back and casual, however, the rooftop at Hotel Mundial is trendy and sophisticated with white furnishings decorating the space. This location sometimes holds city events, but is normally available for a snack or meal, a drink and socializing.

If a colorful surrounding is what you’re looking for, Príncipe Real is the neighborhood to head to. At Lost In, purple, pink, and yellow furnishings decorate the terrace bar at the back of an Indian shop. The views here are on the terrace, and it also looks over the city and towards the castle.

Lost In, Rua D.Pedro V Nº56-D, Lisbon, Portugal, +351 917 759 282

Lost In | © Miguel Garrido Muñoz

The upscale shopping district at Avenida da Liberdade is the setting for this next location. DJs and live music accompany the city views from this super-trendy and sophisticated spot. Anyone who visits this year will be in for a treat too since the hotel has been undergoing renovations and the Sky Bar will see a facelift beginning in April.

Tall buildings and lower rooftops surround the Upscale Bar in Amoreiras, but the view is still pretty phenomenal. Lounge beds and seating are arranged around an infinity pool, which makes it a cool spot for the heat of summer as this location is only open from March to September. The caveat is the 50 euro cost to spend the day poolside if you’re not a guest of the hotel.

The gradually sloping exterior of the new MAAT building has stairs built in so visitors can walk straight to the roof. Standing directly alongside the Tejo River, the 360-degree panoramic views include a unique angle of the river, the 25th of April Bridge and the Cristo Rei Monument. Inside, the museum acts as a meeting ground for curious minds to delve into the categories of art, architecture, and technology, three subjects that symbolize Lisbon’s modern, progressive face and its hopes for the future.

Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology, Av. Brasília, Lisbon, Portugal, +351 21 002 8130

Stairs on the MAAT building | © Miguel Garrido Muñoz