This walking tour takes you through Alfama and Graça, two of Lisbon’s most historic and picturesque neighborhoods. Along the way, you’ll visit stunning viewpoints (miradouros) and pass by fascinating landmarks, each with its own story.
The Viewpoints (Miradouros)
1. Miradouro de Santa Luzia
Location: Largo Santa Luzia, Alfama
A charming terrace adorned with azulejo tiles depicting Lisbon’s history. Offers views of:
- São Jorge Castle – A Moorish fortress turned royal palace.
- Tagus River & Alfama rooftops – The oldest district’s maze-like streets.
- Church of Santo Estêvão – A Baroque church rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake.
2. Miradouro das Portas do Sol
Location: Largo das Portas do Sol, Alfama
One of Lisbon’s most famous viewpoints. Overlooks:
- São Vicente de Fora Monastery – A 17th-century Augustinian monastery.
- National Pantheon – Originally a church, now the resting place of Portuguese icons like Amália Rodrigues.
3. Miradouro de São Vicente
Location: Near the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora
A quieter spot with views of:
- The monastery’s grand dome – Built in the 16th century.
- 25 de Abril Bridge & Cristo Rei – Inspired by San Francisco’s Golden Gate.
4. Miradouro do Recolhimento
Location: Near Rua do Recolhimento
A hidden viewpoint with a more intimate feel, overlooking Alfama’s rooftops and the docks of Santa Apolónia.
5. Miradouro da Graça
Location: Largo da Graça, Graça
A lively terrace with sweeping views of:
- São Jorge Castle & downtown Lisbon – Perfect for sunset.
- 25 de Abril Bridge & Cristo Rei – Stunning at golden hour.
6. Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
Location: Largo da Senhora do Monte, Graça
The highest viewpoint in Graça, offering 360-degree panoramas of Lisbon.
7. Miradouro do Chão do Loureiro
Location: Near Rua da Senhora do Monte
A small, lesser-known viewpoint with a local neighborhood feel.
Landmarks You’ll Walk By
1. Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa)
📍 Largo da Sé
One of Lisbon’s oldest buildings (12th century), built after the Christian Reconquest. Its Romanesque towers and Gothic cloister are must-sees.
2. Museum Aljube Resistência e Liberdade
📍 Rua de Augusto Rosa 42
A former political prison, now a museum documenting Portugal’s dictatorship (Estado Novo) and resistance movement.
3. Quirky Tree (Árvore da Vida)
📍 Near Rua dos Cegos
A surreal tree sculpture with faces carved into its trunk, blending nature and street art.
4. Alfama Coração (Alfama Heart)
📍 Rua dos Remédios
A colorful heart-shaped street art installation, symbolizing the soul of Alfama.
5. Jardim Júlio de Castilho
📍 Near Largo das Portas do Sol
A small, peaceful garden with views over Alfama, named after a famous Portuguese writer.
6. History of Lisbon Mural by Nuno Saraiva
📍 Calçada de São Vicente
A large comic-style mural depicting Lisbon’s history, from the Phoenicians to modern times.
7. Museu de Artes Decorativas (MUDE)
📍 Rua da Madalena
Housed in a 17th-century palace, this museum showcases Portuguese decorative arts from the 15th-19th centuries.
8. Fundação Ricardo do Espírito Santo Silva
📍 Largo das Portas do Sol 2
A museum and school of traditional crafts, preserving techniques like gold leafing and furniture-making.
9. "Eyes" by Eduardo Fonseca
📍 Rua de São Tomé
A striking street art mural of expressive eyes, symbolizing Lisbon’s hidden stories.
10. "Calçada" da Amália, por Vhils
📍 Rua de São Miguel
A portrait of fado legend Amália Rodrigues, carved into the pavement by renowned artist Vhils.
11. Igreja e Convento do Menino Deus
📍 Rua do Menino Deus
A Baroque church with a beautiful tiled interior, built in the 18th century.
12. Arco do Castelo
📍 Near Rua do Chão da Feira
A stone archway leading to São Jorge Castle, framing a picturesque view of the city.
13. Castelo de São Jorge
📍 Rua de Santa Cruz do Castelo
Lisbon’s iconic Moorish castle, offering panoramic views and a glimpse into medieval history.
14. Jardim da Graça
📍 Largo da Graça
A lovely garden with shaded benches, perfect for a break before continuing the tour.
15. Murales Caracol da Graça
📍 Escadinhas do Caracol da Graça
A spiral staircase mural covered in colorful street art.
16. Igreja da Graça de Lisboa
📍 Largo da Graça
A 17th-century church with a stunning interior and a viewpoint in its courtyard.
17. Rua da Senhora do Monte
A charming street leading to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, lined with traditional houses.
18. Capela de Nossa Senhora do Monte
📍 Largo da Senhora do Monte
A small 18th-century chapel near the viewpoint, with a peaceful atmosphere.
Final Tips for the Tour
✅ Best Time to Go: Early morning or sunset for the best light.
✅ Wear Comfortable Shoes: Alfama and Graça are full of steep, cobbled streets.
✅ Take Breaks: Stop at cafés, enjoy the viewpoints, and listen for live Fado music in Alfama.
✅ Explore Side Streets: Some of Lisbon’s best surprises are hidden in its alleys!