Under a stark blue sky, the Convento do Carmo is a reminder of devastation left by the 1775 earthquake that hit Lisbon. Explore this majestic site, where you can wander around the Gothic ruins juxtaposed by contemporary sculptures and a small yet amazing museum on Lisbon’s history.

Located between the Chiado and Bairro Alto districts of the Portuguese capital, the Convento do Carmo stands atop guarding Lisbon along with the Castelo de Sao Jorge. It’s ideal for history and architecture buffs.

Founded in 1389 for the Carmelite Order and built by Nuno Alvares Pereira, the Convento do Carmo was ruined by the 1755 magnitude 9 earthquake, which at the time also destroyed much of Lisbon. The roof of the convent collapsed on the congregation as it was attending Mass on that All saints’ Day killing tens of thousands.

Following this event, a big fire destroyed most of the church stuffing. Somehow a large number of art pieces survived the earthquake and were distributed among the different churches of the city. There was an attempt to reconstruct it in new-gothic style but works were interrupted during the 19th century and ultimately, a decision to not rebuilt it was made.

The roof was left unrestored, and today, the skeletal shape of the arches remain, still attracting visitors from all around the world. Most of the architecture of the Convento do Carmo dates back to the 1300s but during the 16th and 18th centuries Manueline details and windows were added.

Tip: To get a great shot of the Convento do Carmo from the back, head to the Santa Just lift viewing platform.

Know before you go

• All the information and panels in the archaeological are available both in Portuguese and English.
• Wi-Fi is available at the Convento do Carmo.
• Guided tours are available, feel free to ask at the ticket office when the next guided tour will take place.

The archaeological museum

After visiting the ruins of the Convento do Carmo and taking dozens of photos head to the archaeological museum featuring a small collection (1,000 items) that was donated by archaeologists in the 19th century.

The Carmo Archaeological Museum, which was founded in 1864, was the first museum of art and archeology in the country. Displaying artifacts from the pre-historic era through the Middle Ages, in addition to a collection of medieval religious and heraldic items.

Here you can expect to find:

• Pre-historic Bell-beaker artifacts dating over 5,000 years
• Roman “Sarcophagus of the Muses”
• The Gothic tomb of King Ferdinand I
• The Baroque tomb of Queen Maria Anna of Austria
• An Egyptian mummy and two South American mummies (a young boy and a young girl from Peru).

Getting to the Convento do Carmo

The Convento do Carmo is only a short walk away from the Baixa-Chiado metro station reachable on the green or blue lines. It’s also near the Santa Justa Elevator.

Read blog: Lisbon in photos: Postal-perfect spots

Admission fee & opening hours

To get inside the Convento do Carmo costs 5 euros (as of 2023). If you have the Lisbon Card you will get a discount. Thankfully we didn’t see huge lines outside, but we went there early in the morning so perhaps this was the reason. The archaeological museum is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm from October to May, and until 7pm from June to September. It is closed on January 1, May 1, and December 25.

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Panoramic views, tile-covered facades, and pastéis de nata.

Lisbon, the legendary Portuguese city, has become a very popular place, drawing visitors from all over the world with its beautiful architecture, historic sites, food, and it’s sunny days. The ancient city is famous for the many Miradouros, where locals enjoy sprawling views over Lisbon.

Most of the Miradouros have a little café where you can sit down, enjoy an Aperol Spritz, and soak in the cool vibe of Lisbon – a must do for anyone visiting the city. Below are just some of the sites you must visit when in Lisbon, but don’t forget to slow down and lets the hours meander by in one of its Miradouros.

Se Cathedral

Built in 1147, Se Cathedral is the oldest and most important Roman Catholic Cathedral in Lisbon. The different architectural styles – Romanesque, Gothic and Baroque – of Se Cathedral are because it survived several natural disasters, including the notorious 1775 earthquake, which forced the city to restore many times over. Classified as a National Monument since 1910, Se Cathedral looks like a medieval fortress given its thick wall and two bell towers.

Inside the cathedral there is the fountain where Saint Anthony of Padua was baptized, along with a 14th century gothic chapel and 14th-century sarcophagi. You can also visit the cloister where remains of its Roman, Arab, and Medieval past can be found, and also a balcony featuring nice views of Lisbon and river. To get to Se Cathedral you can ride the iconic tram 28 which will leave you a few steps from the Cathedral.

Alfama

Alfama is the quintessential quaint neighborhood in Lisbon. Located at the foot of the Castelo de São Jorge, dotted with panoramic viewpoints (miradouros), charming and cobbled streets and colorful facades; giving the neighborhood it’s relaxed vibe. Alfama is also the birthplace of Fado, the most famous genre of Portuguese music which tugs at your heartstrings with its melancholic melodies. In Alfama, make sure to take the opportunity to grab a good cup of coffee, or a nice adult beverage, while enjoying wonderful views over Lisbon. Don’t forget to grab something delicious to eat as well.

There are lots trendy shops which you can purchase typical stuff from Portugal – all those tiled souvenirs and boutique clothing. To get to Alfama, take the famous tram 28 which will leave you at the top of Alfama or put on comfy sneakers and be prepared to get a good sweat. I suggest that after visiting the top sights you just get lost in its charming streets and enjoy the charm that this neighborhood radiates.

Read blog: Alfama, Lisbon Portugal: Best things to see and do

Castelo de São Jorge

Perched high above the city, as it is located on the highest hill in Lisbon, the Castelo de São Jorge is an icon seen from many parts of Lisbon. In the 5th century, a small fortress was constructed by the Visigoths which was then expanded by the Moors in the mid-eleventh century. The appearance of the castle as it looks today started during the reign of Afonso I of Portugal.

Inside the Castelo’s walls you can visit a museum, towers, and a moat. We paid 13 euros (in April 2023) to enter this attraction which makes the Castelo de São Jorge the most expensive attraction in Lisbon. However, it’s well worth it as there is plenty to see and panoramic views over Lisbon. One thing you wont expect is the legions of peacocks basking in the castle’s shade on hot days.

As expected, the Castelo de São Jorge attracts a lot of tourists so the lines can get long. We visited it during the late afternoon and thankfully there weren’t too many people.

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Miradouro das Portas do Sol

This viewpoint was one of my favorites. We actually stayed in a hotel located ½ block away so we visited it quite a few times to take in the panoramic view featuring colorful roofs and the towers of the Monastery of St. Vincent and the dome of the National Pantheon in the background. You will probably recognize this view which is featured in several postcards so this is a location that you must photograph. This viewpoint is located in the Alfama neighborhood and very close to the Miradouro de Santa Luzia.

Miradouro da Graça

In my opinion the Miradouro da Graça has one of the best views of the Castelo de São Jorge. You’ll see many locals meet to enjoy a drink in the shade of the pine trees, while enjoying panoramic views of the Tagus river, the orange rooftops of the city and the Castelo de São Jorge on the left.

Take advantage of stopping by this viewpoint during your visit to Alfama and the Castelo, it’s a great pitstop to rest while you are navigating the notorious Lisbon hills. If you decide to avoid the steep walk, take tram 28 and get off at the “Graça” stop. The Miradouro da Graça is close to the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte (where some locals usually put on an adhoc musical performance), which shouldn’t be missed either.

Elevador de Santa Justa

This is a perfect example of post-Eiffel iron architecture, where the metal bends to the whims of the designer. The Elevador de Santa Justa, one of the most unique structures in the city, is one of Lisbon’s transportation systems to navigate its hills.

The elevator is also the fastest way to take you from the Baixa district to the Lago do Carmo. Standing at 147 feet (45 meters) tall, the Elevador de Santa Justa takes you to an observation deck with has panoramic views of the whole city and a perfect angle of the imposing specter of Castelo de São Jorge. If you don’t want to pay the fee to take the Elevador de Santa Justa you can still reach the panoramic terrace located behind the Convento do Carmo.

Arco da Rua Augusta

Located in Lisbon’s Praça do Comércio, the Arco da Rua Augusta is a historical monument which symbolizes the city’s rebirth after the 1755 tragedy that the natural disasters leveled at Lisbon.

It can be found at the end of Rua Augusta which is the city’s main pedestrian street but it faces Comércio Square. Only 35 people can visit the top at a time but we didn’t see any lines so it’s not (yet) a popular attraction. You can visit the top of this iconic buildings (the entrance is a bit hidden and easily missed) to get 360° panoramic views views of the Baixa district and the Tagus river.

Ascensor da Bica

The nineteenth century Ascensor da Bica is the most photographed funicular in Lisbon. Get ready to find lots of people holding the cameras eagerly waiting for the tram to ride between Rua de São Paulo and Largo do Calhariz which lead up to the Bairro Alto and Bica neighborhoods.

While the ascent is only a few meters, it’s located on one of the steepest hills in Lisbon, so I suggest you ride the picturesque funiculars. This is definitely an beautiful trip with colorful houses dotting the streets and the Tagus river in the background. The Ascensor da Bica has been considered a national monument since 2022 – and don’t forget to photograph it from different angles.

Convento do Carmo

The ruins of the Convento do Carmo are also a key attraction to visit. In 1775, an earthquake destroyed most of the city and made the roof of the convent collapse on the congregation attending mass on that fatal day. Even though the convent was never rebuilt, the Gothic arches still stand.

The location where the main altar was now houses a small archaeological museum with an eclectic collection of pieces from all periods of Portuguese history. Expect to find tombs, ceramics and mosaics, an Egyptian mummy and two South American mummies form Peru.

The Convento do Carmo was undergoing some renovations while we visited so we couldn’t take the photo we wanted. However it’s still very photogenic and there is a very good shot from the Elevador de Santa Justa that captures the back of the convent.

Padrão dos Descobrimentos

Standing on the banks of the river Tagus in Lisbon, the Padrão dos Descobrimentos is a monument commemorating the 500th anniversary of the death of Henry the Navigator, who discovered Cape Verde, and the islands of the Azores and Madeira.

The Padrão dos Descobrimentos is 170 feet tall and is close to the Tower of Belem and the Jerónimos Monastery. The monument symbolizes a caravel headed by Henry the Navigator who is followed by 32 leading figures from the Era of the Discoveries including Vasco da Gama, Pedro Álvares and Fernando Magellan. There are exhibitions rooms and an observation deck at the top with views of the city. You can either climb the stairs or take the elevator.

While this place will get packed, along with Belém Tower, it’s an absolute must see while you are in town.

Belém Tower

The Belém Tower is a 16th-century fortification which was originally built do defend Lisbon, it was then turned into a Lisbon and then a customs center for individuals arriving in the city. It is classified as a World Heritage Site (Portugal has many!) since 1983 and is a great example of the Manueline style of architecture that was very common in the early sixteenth-century in Portugal.

The Belém Tower has 5 floors – the Governor’s Hall, the Kings’ Hall, the Audience Hall, the Chapel, and a roof terrace offering views of the Tagus river. You can also see the pits where prisoners were thrown into. Since this is an iconic building expect long lines and tourist buses parked next to each other. After your visit, you can walk to the pastry shop that first sold the legendary pastéis de nata, Lisbon’s most famous baked treat.

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Pastéis de nata

Portugal is well-known for its pastéis de nata – an egg custard tart pastry, that you will probably see at most of the bakery shops. It seems that these pastries were created before the 18th century by Catholic monks. During these time, the monasteries used large quantities of egg-whites for starching clothes so they had plenty of yolk leftovers to make pastries, and this is how the pastéis de nata were born. Since we were in Belem, we visited the Pastéis de Belém, a very popular bakery for selling these pastries.

The line was crazy long, but since it’s a huge place we were seated in 10-15 minutes so the wait ended up not being so painful. The pastéis de nata are delicious but to be honest I found them quite filling – I ate one and that was enough for me. If you want to take a cool photo, there is a wall of azulejos outside the Pastéis de Belém, that you can use as a background to photograph the pastéis de nata.

After eating your fill, it’s time to brave the lines and visit Jerónimos Monastery.

Jerónimos Monastery

The Jerónimos Monastery, also called Hieronymites Monastery, is a former monastery of the Order of Saint Jerome in the Belem neighborhood of Lisbon. Built in 1500, the Jerónimos Monastery is a great example of the Portuguese Gothic Manueline style of architecture in Lisbon and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. In addition to visiting the cloister and the gardens, you can also visit the tombs of Vasco da Gama and Luís de Camões.

We tried going twice but didn’t succeed as the lines were extremely long, and were very slow in advancing. There are two lines – one for presold tickets, and one for purchasing on the spot. To be honest, both lines went around the block. The second time we purchased the tickets in advance, but it seems everyone had done the same.

After spending 45 minutes in line with the sun beaming on top of our heads we gave up. My advice is that you get there very early in the morning, and by early in the morning I mean before it opens its doors, and be prepared to wait. This is a very popular attraction and there are plenty of buses full of tourists. An alternative is to take a tour – I’m sure you will be able to get inside much faster.

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Labyrinthian streets, terracotta roofs and panoramic viewpoints – Alfama is one of the best neighborhoods to explore in Lisbon.

Alfama is the oldest and most picturesque neighborhood in Lisbon, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that is packed with tourists snapping photos all around and walking its labyrinthian streets. This iconic neighborhood is ideal for your stay as it is essentially in the middle distance of almost every attraction in the city. Colorful houses with terracotta roofs, traditional coffee shops, panoramic viewpoints and charming boutique stores, make this neighborhood a must visit while in Lisbon.

In fact, many of “the” postcard or social media images you first see of Lisbon are taken directly from Alfama. If you are staying in Lisbon for a few days, maze-like Alfama is best explored on a walking tour – there is nothing better than “getting lost” in this neighborhood streets and finding hidden gems in every corner.

Alfama is located on the slope between the São Jorge Castle and the Tagus river. If you are staying in another neighborhood, you can either walk up or take the historic no. 28 tram which winds through Alfama on its way up. Thanks to its sturdy foundations, it was nearly the only neighborhood in Lisbon which wasn’t greatly affected by the 1755 earthquake.

Things to do in Alfama

Explore the Se Cathedral: Featuring different architectural styles, this cathedral is the oldest and most important Roman Catholic Cathedral in the capital. The Se Cathedral has survived several natural disasters through time and therefore has undergone multiple restorations. Due to its location, it is the most popular spot to take a picture, as the tram gently glides past the cathedral’s entrance.

Inside the cathedral you can find the fountain where Saint Anthony of Padua was baptized along with a 14th century gothic chapel and 14th-century sarcophagi. Additionally there is a unique cloister which features remains of its Roman, Arab, and Medieval past. If you go inside, do not forget to visit its balcony featuring views of Lisbon.

Walk up to the Castelo de São Jorge: This is probably Alfama’s most popular attraction which has been dominating Lisbon’s skyline since the 11th century. It’s quite popular and full of tourists but given its size you won’t feel overwhelmed.

See if you can spot the peacocks roaming around the towers showing off their colorful feathers.

Inside the Castelo, take time to explore its museums, walls, towers, and moat. For me, the best part of this Moorish castle are the panoramic views over Lisbon and its various districts. As of April 2023, the cost to go in was 13 euros.

Get sweeping views at the Miradouro das Portas do Sol: This scenic viewpoint offers panoramic city views of the traditional Alfama houses with terracotta roofs, the towers of the Monastery of St. Vincent, and the dome of the National Pantheon in the background.

There is also a statue of St. Vincent; renowned as Lisbon’s patron saint and who is holding a boat with two ravens, the symbols of the city. This is a great spot to stop for a drink where you can enjoy marvelous views and the neighborhood’s bustling atmoshphere. You can combine a visit to the very close to the Miradouro de Santa Luzia as they are virtually next to each other. I recommend you visit this viewpoint in the afternoon when the sun shines into the terracotta roofs of Alfama’s houses.

Read blog: Miradouro das Portas do Sol: The best view of Alfama

Explore the Miradouro de Santa Luzia: Miradouro de Santa Luzia is located a five-minute walk from the Miradouro das Portas do Sol. Because it’s small in size, this Miradouro gets packed with tourists at all times.

Head to this viewpoint to enjoy more sweeping view over the Tagus river, the terracotta roofs, and a the occasional local playing a Fado on their guitar. The views from the Miradouro de Santa Luzia are not as expansive as from the Miradouro das Portas do Sol but it will give you a chance to capture views from different angles. It’s will also give you a great picture for social media as the picturesque viewpoint has some stunning tilework.

This Miradouro is located next to the church of Santa Luzia. There are two tile murals that can be found on the church’s southern wall: one of them shows Lisbon before its destruction by the 1755 earthquake, and the other illustrates the Crusaders storming the castle in 1147. Just past the viewpoint, some locals will prop up an impromptu ginjinha stand, the famous cherry liquor drunk in Portugal.

Stop by the Miradouro da Graça: The Miradouro da Graça has one of the best views of the Castelo de São Jorge. And it’s about a 7-minute walk from the Miradouro de Santa Luzia. Here is a great place to grab a drink while enjoying panoramic views during sunset, when it becomes more popular with locals and tourists alike. Locals will congregate here and some even put on performances.

Take the iconic tram 28: Photos of trams are featured in almost every postcard showing Lisbon and can be found in many places of the city. Tram 28 is full of tourists most of the time who decide to hop on this iconic tram. Tram 28 connects Martim Moniz with Campo Ouriqu goes on its route through Graca, Alfama, Baixa and Estrela.

Remember this tram gets packed so if you want to secure a seat it’s better to get on in the early stops! Given their ability to squeeze through Lisbon’s narrows streets, the trams have survived the competition from cars and buses as the preferred mode of transport. The average intervals between each vehicle is 9 to 12 minutes and the entire trip can take up to an hour.

Visit the Fado museum: Fado was born in Alfama. Fado is a music genre that can be traced back to the 1820s. Fado is characterized by longing, mournful and melancholic tunes and lyrics and there are various places where live fado can be heard at night. The Fado museum opened in 1998 and here you can explore collections donated by singers, lyricists, musicians, composers that will let you see and experience Fado. Also, don’t miss the chance to listen to this characteristic music while visiting Lisbon.

Explore the church and monastery of Sao Vincente de Fora: This Church, built in 1582, has the world’s most extensive collection of baroque tiles. It is dedicated to Saint Vincent of Saragossa, who is the patron saint of Lisbon, and whose relics were brought from the Algarve to Lisbon in the 12th century. From the rooftop there is a nice view of Alfama, the Tagus river and the dome of the National Pantheon.

Tips for visiting Alfama

Wear comfy shoes: In Alfama and in Lisbon more generally, the streets are extremely steep,so I imagine that people living in Lisbon don’t need a gym and get their exercise by walking up and down the streets. There is a good reason why Lisbon is also called “The City of Seven Hills”.

Therefore, we recommend you bring comfortable shoes such as sneakers. No high heels or flip flops are recommended as the cobblestones streets might make you trip. Keep in mind any funiculars will normally be jammed packed, so take your time walking uphill.

Head to Alfama in the early morning: Since we stayed in a hotel in Alfama for a few days, we had the chance to experience this neighborhood early in the morning when the floods of tourists are still sleeping. This is a great time to wander its street and have the neighborhood for yourself only – at least for a few hours!

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Do you wonder what are the best tours you should take during a visit to the wonderful city of Lisbon? Look no more, we have compiled the best tours you should consider booking while in Lisbon. They are all from Viator, our must trusted tour booking site that we have booked several times in different countries.

Private City Tour: Highlights of Lisbon

If you are short of time while in Lisbon and want to take in as much as you can in a day, this tour is perfect for you. This a private tour which will take you to see the best that Lisbon has to offer while listening to a history-rich commentary from your personal guide. Traveling on an air-conditioned vehicle (temperatures can be very high during summer) you’ll be able to explore the well-known neighborhoods of Chiado, Alfama, Baixa, and Belem on foot. Lisbon is deceivingly big and the distances between the hot neighborhoods can be too far to walk, especially in the summer heat.

You’ll be picked up at your hotel, cruise terminal or airport (you can choose between a morning or afternoon departure) and stop by some of the most famous miradouros (viewpoints) to take in panoramic views over Lisbon. You’ll also have the chance to visit the Igreja and Museu São Roque (at your own expense as the fees are separate) to admire its collection of jewels, art and gold. After a stop in Chiado to walk its charming streets, you’ll head to Belém, home of the Belém Tower (Torre de Belém), the Monument of the Discoveries and the Monastery of St Jerome. Don’t leave Belem before trying its famous pastel de nata!

Lisbon Traditional Boats – Sunset Cruise

Explore Lisbon from a different perspective by joining a sunset cruise and navigate the calm water of the Tagus River while enjoying Portugal’s famous Vinho Verde. The cruise will let you enjoy unobstructed views of the Belém Tower, Lisbon Cathedral, Castelo de Sao Jorge among other attractions.

This tour is very flexible; it lets you choose from several departure times throughout the day. This is an ideal alternative sightseeing experience for first-time visitors. The cruise takes approximately 2 hours in a 1947 traditional boat that has a maximum capacity of 50 people. Take the opportunity to capture amazing photos with Lisbon and the setting sun in the backdrop.

Treasures of Lisboa Food Tours

If you are a foodie, this is the right tour for you. Join this small group tour and navigate through the Alfama quaint district (the oldest neighborhood in Lisbon) while learning about the eclectic cuisine that combines the cuisine of the land and the sea.

During this tour you will enjoy 18 tastings of homemade and unique foods and beverages, so we recommend you come to the tour hungry. Note that if you are vegan, vegetarian or can’t eat fish this is not the tour for you. Because this tour will allow you to stop at family-owned restaurants that are very different from each other, it will give you a great overview of the food in Portugal’s capital city. The tour will also stop by at some of Lisbon’s miradouros and learn the history of Portugal and Alfama.

Three cities in one day: Porto, Nazare and Obidos from Lisbon

If you are spending a few days in Portugal and have time to explore further from Lisbon, we recommend you take this tour to the medieval village of Óbidos, see the typical fisherman’s life in Nazaré and discover Porto, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The journey starts in Óbidos – surrounded by ancient walls and still preserving this town maintains medieval charm with its cobbled and narrow streets and historic buildings. Look up to see the Castle of Óbidos, declared one of the 7 wonders of Portugal.

The trip continues to Nazaré, where the tour will make a stop at the Forte de Sao Miguel. This town is well-known for the giant waves that attract surfers from all over the world. The last stop is Porto, where you will join a 1h30 walking tour to discover the Old Town, Igreja do Carmo, Estação São Bento, Igreja São Francisco and Ponte Don Luis. This tour will have a maximum of 30 travelers.

True 4Hour/Half day TukTuk Tour of Lisbon – Local Overview!

If you don’t have much time in Lisbon and want to make the most out of your visit, this is the tour for you. Explore the historic center of Lisbon and beyond in an eco-friendly tuk-tuk (a large golf cart of sorts).

This tour gives you the opportunity to customize your itinerary and check out the top landmarks that are the most interest to you including Bairro Alto neighborhood, the Jerónimos Monastery, the lookout point at Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, and many more. The tour is offered in Portuguese, English, French, Spanish and pickups from central hotels and Airbnbs can be arranged.

Private Driver around Lisbon – Customizable Tour

This tour is for everyone who likes to have flexibility in customizing the sightseeing itinerary. Instead of following a set schedule, create a plan that fully reflects your interests alongside your private guide. Explore Lisbon by air-conditioned vehicle (essential during the country’s summer months which can get unbearable hot). The vehicle is also equipped with WI-FI and bottled water.

Sintra Full-Day Private Tour – A Journey through Wonderland

Even if you are in Lisbon for a weekend, you have to visit the town of Sintra. This private tour will transport you to a magical town which seems to have emerged from a fairy tale. Your personal guide will be in charge of arranging all the details to explore Pena Palace and Quinta da Regaleira, stroll through UNESCO-listed Sintra, and the nearby town of Cascais. Keep in mind that you can only choose three monuments to visit so choose wisely.

360º Lisbon: Helicopter Flight, Boat Trip & Old Town Walking

The 360º Lisbon tour combines a guided walking stroll with a helicopter ride and sailing on the Tagus River. The tour starts at Rossio square and then takes you to the Elevador da Glória, a famous Lisboa yellow tram that will take you to Bairro Alto.

Here enjoy views of the São Pedro de Alcântara Miradouro. Continue the tour to Igreja de Sao Roque, thechurch with the most valuable chapel in the world and then observe the Carmo Ruins of the Carmo Convent destroyed during the earthquake of 1755. Other stops include the Cathedral of Lisboa, and Praça do Comércio.

Then you will take Boat trip on the Tagus River from the center of Lisboa to Belém and admire the Torre de Belém and Padrao dos Descobrimentos. The tour ends with a helicopter ride to admire the breathtaking views of Lisboa’s monuments like the impressive Jeronimos Monestry or the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge from another perspective.

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In a city chock full of viewpoints, Miradouro das Portas do Sol is a perfect lookout offering sweeping views over the Alfama neighborhood and Tagus River.

The Miradouro das Portas do Sol viewpoint, located in the popular neighborhood of Alfama, must be among the most photographed spots in Lisbon – and for good reason. The “Gateway of the Sun” name is quite accurate as crowds of locals and tourists flock to watch the sunsets.

This viewpoint is probably Lisbon’s most visited viewpoint by tourists, but the vibrant energy from vendors and musicians add to its charm. Chances are that you must have seen a photo of this miradouro already as there are several postcards featuring it.

In the middle of the beautiful terrace, you will find a statue of Sao Vicente (St. Vincent) the patron saint of Lisbon which has been standing there since 1949. The Miradouro das Portas do Sol is not only popular because of its stunning views but also because of its location on the route to the Castelo de São Jorge. Turn the corner and wait for the trolly to coast by – you’ll get an instant “postcard” shot for social media.

This miradouro offers magnificent vistas over the Tagus River and the cruise ship terminal, two important landmarks: the Sao Vicente de Fora monastery and the National Pantheon and the terracotta roofs of Alfama. This is a great spot that showcases the true beauty of Alfama.

Even though this miradouro is packed most of the days, the most popular time to stop by is at sunset. If you can and are staying close by, try to visit it during sunset or early in the morning – you will have it all for yourself!

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What to do

If you need to catch your breath after all the walking you have done, the Miradouro das Portas do Sol is the perfect spot to grab a drink and take in these magnificent views. There is a small kiosk which serves fruit juices, beers, wine, cocktails and coffee and gets very busy during the day as well as a larger café on the terrace. Near this miradouro you can also find souvenir shops, cute boutiques and winding streets.

While you are visiting the miradouro, look for a staircase close to the kiosk (or follow the sign to the public restrooms) which leads downhill and take a left to find a tunnel covered in comic strips illustrating the history of Lisbon by muralist Nuno Saraiva.

How to get to the Miradouro das Portas do Sol

The Miradouro das Portas do Sol is located in Alfama which is easily reached by public transportation or on foot (prepare to get a good workout). Trams 12 and 18 which depart from Praça Martim Moniz conveniently stop across the streets from the Miradouro das Portas do Sol. You can also catch bus 737 which departs from Praça da Figueira and stops a few feet away from the miradouro.

There is no fee to enter this magnificent miradouro and is open 24/7.

Nearby attractions

• Miradouro de Santa Luzia (1 minute away): This viewpoint is located in the lower part of Alfama and next to a church that bears the same name.
• The Castelo de São Jorge (5 minutes away): This military fortress offers really nice views of Lisbon and you will get a chance to walk its walls and get inside the towers.
• Museum of Portuguese Decorative Arts (1 minute away): This museum features decorative arts from the 15th through 19th centuries.
• Se Cathedral (5 minutes away): Built in 1147, the Se Cathedral is the oldest and most important Roman Catholic Cathedral in the capital.

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Anyone looking for a medieval castle featuring amazing views over the town of Sintra? Then this is the perfect spot for you.

Looming above the surrounding forest, the Castelo dos Mouros gives you spectacular views over the town of Sintra. Despite not being as popular or elegant as Pena Palace, the Castelo dos Mouros deserves a visit while visiting Sintra. This is a great castle ruin that is still fairly intact despite abandonment, fires, and even earthquake damage – you will get a sense of what it must have been like to have been a medieval watchman on its ramparts. With winding walls measuring 450 meters long, and imposing lookout towers throughout, you’ll want to photograph every corner of the Castelo.

Tip: When visiting the Castelo dos Mouros bring comfortable shoes. No high heels or new shoes. As mentioned earlier, there are hundreds of steps along the way. We visited on a sunny day, but I imagine that if it rains it might get slippery. Also, because Castelo dos Mouros sits 210m above the town it might get chillier so bring a sweater with you if it’s not that warm. Bottom line: just make sure you dress accordingly.

What is the Castelo dos Mouros?

Be transported to the eras of knights and Muslim conquerors when visiting this fortification. Founded in the 10th century, during the Muslim occupation of the Iberian Peninsula, the Castelo dos Mouros strived to protect its surroundings along with the maritime access routes to Lisbon. It was such an imposing fortress in its heyday, that when a Viking war chief spotted the castle from sea, he had to stop for a visit. The Moors were here until 1147 when Sintra was handed over to Afonso Henriques, who was the first King of Portugal.

Then shortly thereafter, it was abandoned, having to survive a litany of damage over the epochs. Fast-forwarding to the 19th century King Ferdinand II renovated the castle including the damaged part of the Christian burial grounds of the Church. The Castelo overlooks the town of Sintra and is classified as part of the Sintra Cultural Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What to do

Enjoy panoramic views: The Castelo dos Mouros is composed of a double belt of walls and gives you magnificent views of the town of Sintra with the Atlantic Ocean in the background. And from here you can spot Sintra’s top attractions including the Quinta da Regaleira, Pena Palace and the National Palace of Sintra (on a clear day you can even see Lisbon). If you have a camera with a good lens, your photos will be spectacular.

Read blog: Sintra, Portugal pictures that will make you fall in love

Climb to the towers: Do not forget to also visit the towers – the largest being the Torre Real, which can be reached by climbing up 500 steps from the main courtyard. Yes, we already told you there is plenty of walking at the Castelo! This tower provides the best views with the Palace of Pena forming the backdrop, and it was King Ferdinand’s favorite tower.

Visit the cistern: Since the Castelo gave protection for people, there is also a cistern that provided water and can still be visited today. The Cistern is covered with a vault and has the capacity amounting to around 600m3.

Stop by the silos: The use of silos for food storage space (including for cereals and grains) was introduced in Al-Andalus by Muslims (the mid to southern section of the Iberian Peninsula) with several inside and outside the Castelo. They come in all shapes and sizes, carved into rocks of the hill.

View the tomb: In the tomb there is an inscription that reads “What man brought together, only God may separate” given the inability to distinguish whether these were Christian or Moorish human remains. The tomb was commissioned by King Ferdinand given that the Christian burial grounds of the church was damaged, and bones had to be stored somewhere else. There is also a small museum nearby (a few feet away) with artifacts dating back to pre-history.

Explore tours to the Castelo dos Mouros

How to get to the Castelo dos Mouros

There are several ways to get to the Castelo dos Mouros:

On foot: It’s possible to walk up to the Castelo dos Mouros from downtown Sintra. It should be about 2 kms uphill. However, we don’t really recommend it as it is very high up the sierra. Once you get to the entrance, you still need to walk up another 400 mts to get to the castle itself and then you have tons of stairs all around. We suggest you save your energy. However if you really want to walk up and exercise, remember to bring comfortable shoes and water because there are no shops along the way.

Uber: This was our preferred option – very convenient, extremely reliable and not expensive.

Bus 434: This is another option that you can explore. Buses leave from the center of Sintra and stop at the most popular attractions including the Castelo. However, these buses are extremely packed during the high season (and frankly in the low season as well) so you might have to wait for a bus that’s not crowded. The good thing about these buses is that you can hop on and off for 24 hours and visit all attractions.

Tuk tuk: There are plenty of tuk tuk offering to give you a tour of the most visited attractions. We hear that they sometimes overcharge so keep this in mind and agree on the price of your trip in advance so there are no surprises.

Opening hours and tickets information

Sintra is a very popular destination given that it has so many amazing attractions. Therefore, it gets very crowded and no one wants to stand in line for hours (especially on cold or hot days). I recommend you head early to the Castelo dos Mouros. When we visited, we arrived around 10 am and it was almost empty. I imagine everyone else was in line at Pena Palace. We also bought the tickets in advance just in case. We recommend you do the same – especially if you are visiting during the high season.

As of April 2023, the ticket costs 8 euros per person. The castle hours are from 9:30am to 8pm in spring and summer and in the autumn-winter season from 10am to 6pm.

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Without any doubt, Sintra is an enchanting historical town set against the backdrop of rolling green hills.

In this quaint town, you will find it surrounded by some of Portugal’s most beautiful gems – extravagant palaces and historic castles – but also charming coffee shops and cobblestoned streets. It’s incredible that all of these amazing attractions are located in such a small radius of each other.

When visiting Lisbon, a day trip (at the very least) to Sintra is a must. It’s only a 40-minute train ride from the capital so there are no excuses (and tickets are 2-3 Euros). If you only have one day to spend in Sintra, I recommend you focus only on visiting Pena Palace and the Moorish castle. If you don’t want to go by yourself, taking a tour is also a viable option. Viator tours are highly reliable and we have selected a few for your consideration below.

If you are wondering if you should rent a car, the answer is no. Sintra’s streets are tiny, parking is a pain, and you need to be an expert driver to maneuver the zigzagging hilly roads that lead to the town’s main attractions.

We fell in love with this delightful town and we hope the photos below inspire you to visit Sintra, we promise you won’t regret it.

Read blog: Sintra, Portugal attractions that are a must visit

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Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sintra, Portugal. This magical town is full of must-see attractions, from palatial estates to labyrinthine gardens, this is one part of the country you cannot miss.

Located only a 40-minute train ride from Lisbon, Sintra draws visitors from all over the world. Recognized as a UNESCO cultural landscape, the town of Sintra offers magnificent attractions including the famous Pena Palace, the Castelo dos Mouros, Palace of Monserrate and many others.

Surrounded by wooded hills, exploring Sintra on foot means a lot of climbing up and down. While the historic center of the town of Sintra is pretty small, it offers plenty of cafes and restaurants to take a break from the busy days you probably will spend exploring this magnificent area.

We spent two days in Sintra, which gave us plenty of time to explore the top attractions and to relax while in town. You can definitely see the Pena Palace and Castelo dos Mouros in one day, but there are plenty of other attractions that you should visit. We highly recommend you spend the night while visiting as you wont have to rush to beat the crowds.

Exploring Sintra, Portugal

As mentioned before, don’t try to explore the main attractions on foot. They are quite far away from each other, despite having hiking signs that say otherwise, as all the attractions are high above the town. Just to get to some of the most popular attractions including Pena Palace and Castelo dos Mouros you would need to walk uphill for quite a while – some spots will say 30 minutes, but with the sun and incline it can easily take an hour. Additionally, when you finally get to the entrances, you’ll find there is a lot more walking involved to get to the attractions themselves. We highly recommend you save your energy, especially since Uber is cheap and quick.

Keep in mind that you will most likely have a hotel in the middle of town, and if you take the train, it could be quite a walk. Don’t use apple or google maps, they will take you through the “short cuts” of hills and maze-like streets. Follow the winding road to the center of town and from there it’s an easy walk to your accommodations.

There are quite a few ways to explore the town:

• By Uber: By far our preferred option. It wasn’t expensive and it was really reliable. Most of the Ubers are operated by locals who grew up in the area and will give you tips on what not to miss…and where to eat well.
• By Tuk Tuk: There are several Tuk Tuk in the center of town offering to take you to some of the attractions. These can be a fun experience, but they are a 100% tourist trap. We heard that sometimes they can overcharge you so be careful.
• By bus: Bus 434 can be caught from the center of Sintra. It costs approximately 12 euros and offers unlimited rides at that price within 24 hours. We were going to go with this option but after seeing how packed this bus gets, we decided to switch gears. These buses ride every 15-20 minutes. Mind you there is another bus (435) on the same stop, but it takes you through a different route…we never saw it in the entire stay.
• Walking: As mentioned walking to the main attractions is doable but they are for those looking to hike. It’s better to explore the historic center on foot, and venture into the modern parts of Sintra as well. Once you leave the touristy center, you’ll find lots of quaint shops and cafes.

We have compiled below some of the main attractions that you shouldn’t miss while visiting Sintra.

Quinta da Regaleira

The intriguing Quinta da Regaleira was built between 1904 and 1910; it features religious references mixed with occult symbols both inside the palace and in the gardens. Featuring a mix of the Manueline, Renaissance, Medieval and Classical styles, Quinta da Regaleira is classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO as part of the “Cultural Landscape of Sintra”.

For me, the most interesting section of the Quinta da Regaleria was the initiation well which served ceremonial purposes including Tarot initiation rites. For obvious reasons, the initiation well can get packed – especially in the high season. We recommend you get to Quinta da Regaleira early and book your tickets in advance. Once you get to the well, start walking down and feel the cold coming out. When you reach the bottom, get ready to explore the caves before reaching the exit.

Pena Palace

By far, Pena Palace is the main highlight of a visit to Sintra. I am not going to into too much detail about this Palace since we have a blog dedicated exclusively to it. Pena Palace is by far the most touristic attraction in Sintra, and it’s crazy crowded all year round. Therefore, expect long lines even if you get a timed ticket. Although is a pain to see people everywhere, Pena Palace is so magnificent that you will forget about the long lines. Do not leave without exploring the gardens specially two viewpoints: The Cruz Alta and St Catherine’s heights which will give you a great opportunity to photograph the colorful castle exterior.

Check out our blog about our visit to Pena Palace.

Castelo dos Mouros

When visiting the Sintra, you can’t help but to look up and see the Castelo dos Mouros, constructed in a 400 meter hill, looming above the town. The Castelo dos Mouros should be in the top attractions you visit. I recommend you don’t walk all the way up but rather take an uber or other means of transportation to the gate.

Once you get to the top, you will have to walk for 400 mts (around 4 blocks) to get to the Castelo itself. I definitely recommend saving your energy- there will be a lot of stairs to climb later on. We bought the tickets in advance and went in the early morning, which was a great time since there wasn’t many people (probably everyone was at Pena Palace!); we were able to happily enjoy it without the crowds.

The Castelo offers magnificent views from its towers – you can spot Pena Palace, Quinta da Regaleira, the National Palace of Sintra and magnificent views all over town. On a clear day, you can even see Lisbon! Also, while visiting the castle, don’t forget to visit the silos – where cereals and other crops were stored, you will find some tombs where bones were kept. See if you can spot the carved inscription that reads “What man brought together, only God may separate” as the human remains from Christians and Moorish couldn’t be distinguished from. There is a small museum to the history of the hill, which contains neolithic pottery from over 5,000 years ago.

Palace of Monserrate

Again, we visited this Palace in the early morning and I highly recommend it. We didn’t have to be in line to purchase the tickets, which was great, allowing us to take our time to explore. An utter masterpiece, the Palace of Monserrate is a jewel that stands out among amazing attractions and offers beautiful gardens for a perfect for leisurely stroll. The gardens are worth a visit if you want to relax, and they feature plants from all the world, a rose garden, and a Mexican garden.

My favorite parts of the palace were the galleries, hallways featuring a set of columns and arches that give the effect of perspective and offer a wonderful opportunity for amazing photographs. You can also visit a chapel (in ruins) which is engulfed by vegetation, the main hall which evokes Ancient Greece (look up to observe the magnificent cupola), the sacred art room and the dining room. It’s quite a unique place among an area of palaces, and will make your trip to Sintra complete.

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These photos will make you fall in love with Lisbon.

Lisbon is best known for the viewpoints (miradouros) offering sweeping views of the city, its traditional Fado music, the tasty pasteles de nata and the colorful facades featuring colorful tiles (azulejos).

It’s hard to pick the best attraction as it seems that every corner of the city has something to offer: a dominating castle, quaint streets and plenty of UNESCO World Heritage sites. This combined with friendly locals, nice weather and delicious food make Lisbon a top destination in Europe.

In this post, we have selected our best photos with the hope that they will inspire you to visit this beautiful and underrated country. Enjoy!

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The basic how-to’s for getting to Pena Palace, ticket types, best photo spots and other helpful tips.

Pena Palace, possibly the most colorful palace on the Iberian peninsula, was constructed in 1839 by King Fernando I, as a holiday residence for the Royal family. Pena Palace is a must visit while in Portugal – this multi-colored palace is the primary image on several postcards – is fittingly a fusion of several architectural styles including Gothic, Renaissance and Romanticism. Located on top of the highest peak of the Serra de Sintra, Pena Palace has this mystical air giving it both an idyllic and magical touch; trust me, you won’t get bored of photographing it from every angle possible.

Pena Palace is located in Sintra – a 40-minute train ride from Lisbon giving you little excuse not to visit it. If you prefer, there are also several tours from Lisbon that take you to Pena Palace and other popular locations in Sintra. On a clear day, Pena Palace can be seen from Lisbon. Check if you can see it from Lisbon’s several viewpoints.

Featured tours

What to see in Pena Palace

In addition to the gardens, where we go into depth in the next section, there are several sections of the palace which should be visited. My favorite were the terraces which allow you to look at the colorful exterior of the palace. Look for the Triton – a mythological monster that is half-man and half-fish, or merman – while in the Triton’s terrace.

The Courtyard of Arches is another part of Pena Palace that’s worth visiting. Here you can see the Portuguese landscape that surrounds Pena Palace providing you a backdrop for some really nice photographs of the palace’s exterior. The stairs in the Courtyard of Arches section leads you to a small tiled covered chapel (with an amazing altar) and the Wall Walk allows you to get really nice views of the Moorish Castle, the Quinta da Regaleira and the Palace of Seteais. Also, if you go inside the Palace, you will get a chance to see how royalty lived with late 19th century furniture, art, and the personal objects of the royal family.

The gardens of Pena Palace: Where to find the best views

The gardens of Pena Palace shouldn’t be overlooked – especially if you want to get nice photos of the castle’s exterior. Make sure to pick up a map once you enter so you know where you are going – the gardens can be a bit of a maze, and we got a bit turned around. There are also some signs to the most important attractions as well as the distance to get there, but some are not so obvious.

There are two viewpoints that I highly recommend – the Cruz Alta viewpoint and St Catherine’s Heights (my personal favorite). Apparently, St Catherine’s Heights was the favorite spot of the queen – easy to understand why as it offers a magnificent view of Pena Palace. To get here, you will need to look for the fish pond/fountain, then take the path that leads up and you will find a staircase you have to climb (there is also a ramp like path on the other side of the fountain which is easier), once you get to the top there is a stone bench where you can look at the palace’s colorful exterior.

The Cruz Alta viewpoint offers a nice view but the issue is that the trees have grown so much that the view is obstructed. We climbed up a rock to take the photo but I highly recommend you bring a stick with you – such as this one. This is a popular spot and the area to stand next to the cross is fairly small for the amount of people who visit.

Getting to Pena Palace

I highly recommend you don’t walk all the way to Pena Palace from the center of Sintra. There are signs that indicate that it will take you around 65-75 minutes uphill – believe me, you don’t want to lose all of your energy walking up to the castle. Once you get there, you will need it to walk around. Here are a few options to get to the castle:

• By Uber: This was our preferred option and wasn’t expensive, and very reliable, so I highly recommend it.
• By Tuk Tuk: There are several Tuk Tuk offering their service. I recommend you asked in advance the price to get you to the Palace. While this is fun way to see the area, they will overcharge.
• By bus: Bus 434 that you can take from the center of Sintra, is another option. It costs around 12 euros for unlimited rides. We considered this option but after seeing the long lines and how crowded the bus gets (doesn’t matter the time of the day) we quickly dismissed it. Bus 434 runs every 15-20 minutes. There is a 435 green line as well but we never saw it the entire trip.

Getting your tickets to Pena Palace

Pena Palace is among the most touristic attractions in Sintra, and in Portugal as a whole. Therefore, it gets packed…massively packed. We went in the offseason to visit, and the tourists’ lines were insane so I can’t recommend enough the importance of booking your tickets in advance. Pena Palace will most likely be the most touristy and crowded attraction no matter what time of year you go. So if you buy tickets online, you will be able to select a time slot. Plan early, we booked our tickets two days before visiting and morning tickets were already sold out. Make sure you are on time, if you miss your time slot you will be denied entry to Pena Palace.

We visited at 3:00 pm and the light was perfect for photos. I would encourage you go to early in the morning or late in the afternoon. However, please note that crazy lines of people eager to enter the Pena Palace are a certainty, it doesn’t matter the day you go or the time you choose. The beauty of the palace will make it worth it though.

Tip: if you get a timed ticket, please note that you need to be in line at the time indicated. Once you get to Pena Palace, you will have to walk (the sign says for 30 minutes) to get to the palace. Therefore, make sure you get to the Palace with plenty of time. You can visit the gardens prior to your entry time, so you won’t be bored visiting early.

Additional tips

• The Palacio da Pena sits 390m higher than the center of Sintra so it can get cold. In fact, when we visited in April the wind made it quite chilly despite being a sunny and quite warm afternoon. I recommend you bring a sweater or a jacket.
• Lines to get water/food are long so make sure you bring a bottle of water and a snack during your visit. We recommend you bring a sandwich or two from town and enjoy a picnic in the gardens.
• Bring comfortable footwear and thank me later.
• Don’t even think about driving to Sintra. The streets are tiny, super packed, and there is hardly any parking.

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