Miradouro Portas do Sol viewpoint - What you need to know

Miradouro das Portas do Sol viewpoint – What you need to know about one of Lisbon’s “Do not miss” gems.

View of Alfama and the Tejo River from Lisbon's Miradouro das Portas do Sol viewpoint. There is a palm tree in the foreground of the picture.

What to expect at Miradouro das Portas do Sol viewpoint

Alfama neighborhood and the Tejo River seen from the balcony of the miradouro das Portas do Sol viewpoint

Portas do Sol means Gates of the Sun in Portuguese. This scenic viewpoint is great at any time of day, but also offers one of the best sunrises in Lisbon.

Fantastic view of the São Vicente de Fora Church and Monastery, the dome of the National Pantheon, and the Alfama neighborhood below. You also get a view of the cruise ship terminal on the Tejo River.

Lisbon cruise ship terminal seen from the Miradouro das Portas do Sol viewpoint with the old houses of Alfama and their terra cotta roofs in the foreground

There is also a statue of Sao Vicente (St. Vincent) the patron saint of Lisbon. He is holding two ravens and a boat – the symbols of the city of Lisbon. The statue by sculptor Raul Xavier has been standing here since 1949.

A statue of St. Vincent, the patron saint of Lisbon, holding a boat and two ravens - the symbols of the city. This statue is found on the balcony of the Miradouro das Portas do Sol viewpoint, overlooking Alfama and the Tejo River. In the background are the bell towers of Igreja de São Vicente de Fora Church — Statue of St. Vincent holding the symbols of the city – a boat and two ravens.

Next to the statue, you will find a kiosk serving coffee, drinks, and snacks. There is also a larger cafe and terrace below this balcony. The cafe’s website: Portas do Sol | Drinks & Food

Portas do Sol Coffee and Cocktail Bar just below the Miradourodas Portas do Sol, with a view of the São Vicente de Fora belltowers on the left and the dome of the National Pantheon on the right

A stairway leading downhill from the kiosk also opens onto a tunnel covered in comic strips by Nuno Saraiva illustrating the history of Lisbon.

Comic strip at Miradouro das Portas do Sol tells the story of the history of Lisbon — Nuno Saraiva’s comic strip at Miradouro das Portas do Sol tells the story of the history of Lisbon

The comic strip that tells the history of Lisbon frames a view of the Church of São Vicente de Fora and a palm tree at the Miradouro das Portas do Sol — View of Igreja de São Vicente de Fora church seen through the comic strip tunnnel at Miradouro das Portas do Sol

While you are here, you should be sure to go both a few meters uphill and a few meters downhill of the Portas do Sol viewpoint. On the opposite side of the street, you will find a brilliant tile mosaic portrait of Fado singer Amália Rodrigues by local artist Vhils.

Almost adjacent to Portas do Sol on the downhill side is another amazing miradouro – The Santa Luzia scenic viewpoint, possibly the most beautiful spot in Lisbon.

Miradouro das Portas do Sol viewpoint hours and admission

The Miradouro das Portas do Sol viewpoint is always open, and it is free of charge.

How to get to Miradouro das Portos do Sol

Tram 28E and Tram 12E both depart from Praça Martim Moniz. Tram 12E will have a much shorter line.

You could walk uphill, following the Tram Tracks as well.

Bus 737 departs from Praça da Figueira behind (east of) the Rossio Metro Station, and stops near the Miradouro das Portas do Sol before turning left and continuing uphill from the castle.

Largo das Portas do Sol

GPS Coordinates: 38.71275956956254, -9.13024080224188

What else is near the Miradouro Portas do Sol viewpoint

Artist Vhils (Alexandre Farto) tile portrait of Fado legend Amália

Artist Vhils (Alexandre Farto) tile portrait of Fado legend Amália is approximately 45 meters uphill from the Miradouro das Portas do Sol, on the opposite side of the street, located behind a city bus shelter
Miradouro da Santa Luzia Another of Lisbon’s best viewpoints and most romantic spots with its arbor, its Bougainvilla and blue and white tiles is just a few meters downhill from the Miradouro das Portas do Sol
Miradouro da Graça A guide to the beautiful Miradouro de Graça viewpoint is a five-minute uphill climb to the Graça neighborhood from the Miradouro das Portas do Sol.
Lisbon Cathedral Lisbon Cathedral | All you need to know before you go perhaps three minutes downhill from Portas do Sol, on the same side of the street.
Roman Theatre and Museum A small archaeological museum with Roman artifacts from the area, located behind the cathedral at Patio de Aljube 5.
Aljube Museum of the Resistance Aljube Museum – learn about Portugal in the 20th century three minutes downhill from Portas do Sol on the opposite side of the street.
Saint Anthony Church and Birthplace – Next door to the Aljube museum, opposite the cathedral
Tram 28E Where does Tram 28 stop? All you need to know about Tram 28
Castelo de São Jorge In and around Castelo de São Jorge – Lisbon’s castle
Alfama neighborhood – You will find Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, with its Fado Houses and its own stunning viewpoints.
São Vicente de Fora Visit São Vicente de Fora in Lisbon: Everything you need to know about the old monastery with its two cloisters and huge collection of blue and white azulejo tiles.
Feira da Ladra Feira da Ladra – Lisbon’s 750-year-old flea market takes place behind São Vicente de Fora on Tuesday and Saturday mornings
Santa Engracia – The National Pantheon The dome in Lisbon, Santa Engrácia – The National Pantheon of Portugal

To learn more about other miradouros or scenic viewpoints in Lisbon, read my article, Lisbon’s Best Miradouros and Scenic Viewpoints – A visitor’s guide