View over downtown Lisbon and the triumphal arch on the waterfront from Miradouro do Torel
One of Lisbon’s last hideaways, Torel is a little-visited garden and viewpoint. Created in the 18th century and once private property, it opened to the public in the 1960s, offering a view over Baixa and Avenida da Liberdade. It’s named after its original owner, who resided in one of the mansions nearby.
Fountain at the entrance of Jardim do Torel
This hilltop was once home to aristocrats but, over the last decades, many of their homes were in a state of disrepair, until recent renovations. Two of them have been turned into a beautiful hotel, the Torel Palace.
Lisbon's modern districts can also be seen from the Torel viewpoint
The garden is split into two levels. The upper one is shaded by trees, while the one below it is a terrace with a café. In between is a pond with an 18th-century mermaid statue, which sometimes becomes a pool in the summer.
Calçada de Santana, a picturesque street framing a river view, a short walk from the Torel viewpoint
How to Get to the Torel Viewpoint
To reach Jardim do Torel, you’ll need to take the Lavra funicular, Lisbon’s oldest. At the top of the hill, when you step off the funicular, walk to the left.
You may ride the funicular and the city's metro, trams, buses and trains for free with the Lisboa Card.
Rua Júlio de Andrade, Pena
Attractions Nearby
From the viewpoint, go down Rua Câmara Pestana, past the funicular, and turn right to Calçada de Santana, a picturesque street that goes down the hill and is home to Igreja da Pena, a church from 1705 that hides a rich gilden interior. At the bottom of the hill you’ll reach Praça Martim Moniz and the neighborhood of Mouraria.
Where to Stay by the Torel Viewpoint
Torel Palace Lisbon
To wake up to views similar to those seen at Jardim do Torel, stay at this late-1800s mansion nearby. It’s divided into beautiful suites mixing the classic and the contemporary, and features a swimming pool on the terrace overlooking the city.
