18 Best sunset spots Lisbon Portugal

Lisbon is a city of beautiful sunsets and unforgettable moments. From the hilltop terraces to the panoramic views, there is no shortage of beautiful sunset spots Lisbon has to offer.

One of my favourite sunset experiences was cruising down the Tagus River on a sailing boat, feeling the wind in my hair and the sun on my skin as I took in the views of the city from a different perspective.

But there are many other spots that offer equally breathtaking views, such as Park Rooftop, a rooftop bar tucked away at the top of a parking garage with a cool vibe and great views of downtown Lisbon.

Of course, there are also the classic sunset spots like Miradouro de Santa Luzia, Miradouro São Pedro de Alcântara, and Miradouro de São Jorge, all offering unique views of the city and its landmarks.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, why not head across the Tagus to Elevador Panorâmico da Boca do Vento in Almada or the Cais do Ginjal on the south bank for a more secluded sunset experience? Taking the ferry over to Almada is one of my top picks for things to do in Lisbon and was where we saw one of the best sunsets in Lisbon.

In this blog post, I’ll share 18 of the best places to watch the sunset in Lisbon so you’ll be well prepared. Make sure to add them to your Lisbon itinerary!

Best sunset spots in Lisbon

Check out the list of the best sunset Lisbon views to plan your own Lisbon sunset tour!

Miradouro de Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen (Miradouro da Graça)

The Miradouro da Graça, also known as the Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen viewpoint, is a top destination in Lisbon for enjoying one of the best sunset views in the city. The viewpoint is named after the famous Portuguese poet and is located on the Santo André hill.

One of the reasons why this is such a good sunset spot in Lisbon is that it’s where Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen wrote many of her famous poems, including one that is now inscribed in Portuguese under her bust in the middle of the park!

From this vantage point, you can see panoramic views of some of the oldest and most historic neighbourhoods in Lisbon, including Alfama, Lisbon city centre, and the castle.

It’s definitely one of the best spots in the city to capture stunning photos of the sunset.

The open-air café at the viewpoint is a great place to relax and enjoy the sunset with a drink.

While it may be a popular spot for sunset in Lisbon, it’s definitely worth visiting for the amazing views and the unique cultural significance of the location.

Sunset cruises on a sailing yacht

My favourite way to enjoy the sunset is from the water on a sunset sailing cruise on the Tagus River.

As the sun sets behind the city skyline, you’ll feel the gentle sea breeze on your skin, listen to the calming sound of the waves, and can enjoy a wine or a beer as you sail along.

It’s such a nice and relaxing way to experience the city!

During the cruise, you’ll get to see many of Lisbon’s iconic landmarks, such as the 25 de Abril Bridge, the Cristo Rei statue, the Belem Tower, and the Jeronimos Monastery, all illuminated by the warm colours of the setting sun.

Check out this guide to the best Lisbon boat tours

Cais das Colunas

For an unforgettable sunset experience in Lisbon, you don’t want to miss the stunning views from Cais das Colunas, by Comércio Square.

This is one of the most popular spots among travellers in Lisbon to enjoy the vibrant colours of the Lisbon sky at dusk, particularly during the autumn months when the sun sets behind the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge.

Cais das Colunas is a historic location in Lisbon that has been used for centuries as a gateway for sailors and merchants. In fact, it was from this spot that famous explorers like Vasco da Gama set off on their expeditions to the New World.

Today, Cais das Colunas is a popular place to enjoy the views of the Tagus River and the surrounding cityscape. The location is particularly stunning at sunset when the sky is ablaze with colours ranging from orange and pink to deep purple.

You’ll also get a great view of the 25 de Abril Bridge as it crosses over the Tagus River. This suspension bridge is often compared to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco due to its similar design and colour.

Jardim do Torrel

It doesn’t get much better than this Lisbon miradouro if you’re looking for somewhere peaceful.

I’d go out there and say this is one of the top spots for the best sunset in Portugal.

Jardim do Torel was one of my favourite places to visit in Lisbon as this viewpoint has a beautiful garden, benches and views of downtown Lisbon and the hills around the city.

The garden is a tranquil oasis in the middle of the bustling city, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sunset.

The park is named after the Torel Palace, a historic mansion that once stood on the site. The mansion was owned by a wealthy Portuguese family in the 19th century and was later converted into a hotel.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic spot in Lisbon to watch the sunset or a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, Jardim do Torel is definitely worth a visit.

Ribeira das Naus

Ribeira das Naus is a really cool place to watch the sunset in Lisbon. The whole boardwalk alongside the Tagus River is perfect for a nice stroll in the sun during the evening.

You can pretty much sit anywhere by the river to watch the sunset, but if you walk towards the bridge, there are some bars and cafes.

Start at the Cais do Sodre metro station and walk right. It’s near here that I saw one of the best sunsets!

The view is super romantic with the red Ponte 25 de Abril bridge and the towering Cristo Rei statue in the background. It’s like a beach in the middle of the city!

On weekends this area can get really busy but there’s usually plenty of space still.

Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

This is a lookout point you definitely don’t want to miss during your Lisbon itinerary!

Miradouro da Senhora do Monte (Our Lady of the Hill) is the highest point in the area and you get the most awesome view of the Alfama district from up there. Just be warned, you have to climb uphill quite a bit to get there, so be ready for a good workout!

The view is totally worth it though.

You can see practically all of Lisbon’s top landmarks with your own eyes. And if you’re not sure what you’re looking at, there’s an old tiled map to help you out!

What I love about this viewpoint is that there are lots of shady trees, and sometimes there’s a local artist playing live music for you. The last time I was there, there was even a coffee truck selling pasteís de nata and espresso shots.

If it’s too crowded, you can always go to the Miradouro dos Barros, where there will be fewer people.

If you look carefully enough, you’ll be able to find a small statue of the Virgin and the Nossa Senhora do Monte Chapel dedicated to the martyred Bishop Saint Gens.

The current castle, rebuilt in the late 17th century, is historically known for protecting women in childbirth, and many locals and outsiders alike come here just to seek its blessing – pretty cool!

Parque Eduardo VII sunset

Parque Eduardo VII is the biggest park in central Lisbon and has the most beautiful walkways with neatly clipped hedges and mosaic patterns.

If you walk up from Marquês de Pombal Square, you will see lots of people enjoying the park and the stunning views.

The park is also a great place to watch the sunset or sunrise in Lisbon. It’s a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the city.

Inside the park, there are also three “estufas”. The “estufa frio”, or cool greenhouse, has a wooden roof and is inside a quarry. The other two are traditional hothouses with glass ceilings that house exotic plants and various cactuses.

On the other side of these hothouses, you can find a sports pavilion dedicated to Carlos Lopes, a Portuguese national hero who won the marathon at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles.

The park is also known for hosting concerts and outdoor events. So, if you’re in Lisbon for a special occasion, check out Parque Eduardo VII to see if there’s anything happening there.

Park Bar – Sunset bar Lisbon

Looking for a cool spot to watch the sunset in Lisbon?

Check out Park – a rooftop bar hidden in the Bairro Alto neighbourhood on top of a parking garage!

From up there, you can see all around the city and enjoy the views while sipping on a beer or cocktail.

This is where we went on our first evening in Lisbon after watching the sunset from one of the miradouro and it was pretty cool.

There’s always something happening at Park – resident DJs and artists play all kinds of music, from South American tunes to jazz and hip/hop beats. And during the summer, they even have outdoor movies and theme parties!

Miradouro de Santa Catarina

Santa Catarina viewpoint is one of the most popular sunset spots in Lisbon, especially if you’re in the Bairro Alto neighbourhood.

The Santa Catarina neighbourhood is full of adorable pastel-painted houses and is close to the Elevador da Bica; a cute tram that goes up the steep hillside.

Many locals come here to enjoy the views, music, and atmosphere and the viewpoint itself is inside a gated area, also known as Jardim do Alto de Santa Catarina, with concrete blocks for seating and a large statue of Adamastor, a mythical sea monster.

If you want to sit and enjoy the views and live music that’s slightly away from the crowds, you can go early and snag a seat at one of the cafes and bars – Quiosque do Adamastor café, Noobai Rooftop Bar, and Pharmacia cocktail bar.

Cais do Ginjal

If you want to experience an even more amazing sunset in Lisbon, take a short ferry ride to Cacilhas on the south bank of the Tagus River by the Cais do Sodre station.

From there, it’s only a 10-minute walk to the Cais do Ginjal viewpoint, where you can enjoy the best view of Lisbon at sunset!

This spot is a favourite among locals and for good reason.

There are plenty of great restaurants and terrace bars where you can try delicious Portuguese dishes and drinks while waiting for the sun to set.

Do book in advance though! The restaurants open at 7 pm and often have a long line by then with lots of people wanting to visit the best sunset restaurant Lisbon has to offer.

If you want great views while you eat, then I recommend Atira-te ao Rio and Ponto Final, both with amazing views and good food.

However, my personal pick is to enjoy the sunset from one of the parks a bit further along the water then ride the elevator up the cliffside and grab dinner at Petisco da Lata Bistrô.

Rio Maravilha rooftop, LX Factory

Another cool sunset spot Lisbon has to offer is the rooftop bar, Rio Maravilha, in LX Factory.

From the rooftop, you’ll get a great view of the 25 de Abril Bridge and the Cristo Rei statue, both of which will frame one of Lisbon’s stunning sunsets.

The bar serves great cocktails and, if you’re hungry, you can also order some food from the restaurant.

They have a variety of options, from traditional Portuguese dishes to international cuisine, so there’s something for everyone.

Make sure you go early to snag a good spot because this place can get pretty busy during peak times.

Miradouro São Pedro de Alcântara

Miradouro São Pedro de Alcântara is a must-visit spot in Lisbon when the sun is setting. This scenic point offers some of the most unbeatable views of the cityscape.

But what sets this location apart is its setting. There are trees and plants and plenty of seating too. It’s a great place to visit no matter the time of day but it’s extra special come sunset.

Belém Tower

One of the best spots in Lisbon to see the sun go down is by the famous Belém Tower.

The tower was built in the 16th Century as a fortress to protect Lisbon from invasions, now it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You can enjoy the sunset from just next door to the tower along the waterfront and it’s such a beautiful spot.

The added benefit of seeing the tower at sunset is that it’s so much quieter around it in the evening than during the day. While the entrance to the tower will be closed, you can still get a great view of the tower without going inside.

Miradouro de Santa Luiza and Miradouro das Portas do Sol

The Miradouro de Santa Luzia is an amazing place to see the beautiful views of the Alfama district and the Tagus River.

When you get there, you’ll see the small church of Santa Luzia nearby, which is very pretty and worth checking out.

One of the walls of the Miradouro has some special blue tile panels that show important events from the past and from the Miradouro, you can also see the church of Santo Estêvão and the São Miguel church.

The sunset view from here is stunning and the viewpoint has two levels, including the Miradouro das Portas do Sol nextdoor, and many outdoor areas where you can rest before you continue on to the nearby castle.

Castelo de São Jorge

When you climb up to the top of the Sao Jorge Castle, you’ll see one of the most amazing views of the whole city.

The castle is on a hill, which means you can see everything!

Once you’re done looking at the view, you can go down to the Miradouro do Castelo de São Jorge. It’s a great place to sit down and relax while watching the sunset over Lisboa.

The castle has seen a lot of history and during its time it’s been a fortress, a home for kings, and even a lookout for ships.

It’s a popular place to visit during the day, but it’s even more special around sunset in my view!

A top tip from our walking tour guide is to pack a picnic (just don’t take glass), and enjoy a picnic with the sunset from the castle grounds!

Rua Augusta Arch

During the summertime, one of the best spots to catch the sunset in Lisbon is at the Arco da Rua Augusta.

This is a huge stone arch that sits at the end of Rua Augusta, one of the busiest streets in Lisbon.

The arch faces Comercio Square, one of the biggest squares in Lisbon, and offers an incredible view of the city centre.

You can even climb to the top of the arch for an even better view since the arch extends its opening hours, so you can stay and admire the sunset for longer. Make sure to bring your camera along, as this is definitely a spot you’ll want to snap some pictures of!

MAAT Rooftop

The MAAT, also known as the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology in Belém, is a great spot for art enthusiasts and architecture admirers.

The building itself has a very unusual shape and I think more people come to check out the architecture of the museum rather than what’s inside it!

From the rooftop of the museum, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of the river and bridge as well as the cityscape of Lisbon. It’s an amazing spot to watch the sunset.

Elevador Panorâmico da Boca do Vento

Okay, so I know we’re talking about sunsets in Lisbon, but this one is actually a little bit outside the city and involves a ferry trip to get there.

Over in Almada, the Elevador Panorâmico da Boca do Vento involves a beautiful waterfront walk and a free ride in an elevator to the top of the cliff where you can kind of get two sunsets in one!

From the top, you’ll get an amazing view of the river and Lisbon’s bridges. And if you want to watch the sunset from the beach, you can do that too!

Final thoughts on the best places to watch the sunset in Lisbon

Lisbon offers some of the most spectacular sunset spots in the world and now you’ve hopefully got a big list of where to watch sunset in Lisbon for your trip.

From hilltop miradouros, to a view over historic landmarks and sunset sailing cruises, there are endless ways to experience the beauty of the setting sun in this charming city whether in views over the city center or not.

The Santa Catarina viewpoint, Sao Jorge Castle, Cais do Ginjal, Miradouro Sao Pedro de Alcantara, Belem Tower, Miradouro de Santa Luzia, Miradouro do Castelo de Sao Jorge, Arco da Rua Augusta and MAAT, are just a few of the amazing places where you can catch a glimpse of the magnificent sunset over Lisbon.

Whether you are looking for a quiet and secluded Lisbon sunset spot, a lively atmosphere with live music and drinks, or a historical landmark with panoramic views, Lisbon has something for everyone.

Alternatively, you could check out sunset Cascais spots by the beach!

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to experience one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world in this magical city.

Last Updated on August 9, 2024 by Hannah