The lower level of São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint
Lisbon’s most romantic hilltop viewpoint faces the castle, seen on the opposite hill. It's a landscaped terrace split into two levels, dotted with busts of historical and mythological figures, and with two kiosk cafés serving drinks and light meals.
The fountain on the upper level of the viewpoint
The upper level is paved with Portugal’s traditional cobblestone designs, and has a fountain at the center. A tile panel added in 1952 illustrates the monuments that can be seen from here, and there’s also a monument from 1904 paying tribute to Bairro Alto’s newspaper sellers (the neighborhood was Portugal’s press center at the time).
Kiosk café at the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint
The lower level is a geometric garden and features a fountain hidden on the wall, which received the waters of a reservoir of the city’s monumental aqueduct.
The convent facing it (Convento de São Pedro de Alcântara) is one of Lisbon’s few attractions that remain overlooked by travel guides. It’s a building from 1670 that opened to the public for the first time in 2014, revealing an outstanding marble chapel and a baroque church with a gilded altarpiece and tile panels illustrating the life of St. Peter of Alcantara, after whom the viewpoint was also named.
São Pedro de Alcântara offers one of the best views of the castle's hill
Going up and down the hill next to the viewpoint is Elevador da Glória, an iconic funicular from 1885.
How to Get to the São Pedro de Alcântara Viewpoint
From downtown, take the Glória Funicular from Praça dos Restauradores. From Chiado or Bairro Alto it’s a short walk up the hill, or you can take tram 24 which departs from Praça Luís de Camões. If you’re in Cais do Sodré, take bus 758, which departs from next to the train station.
You may ride the funicular, tram, and bus for free with the Lisboa Card.
Rua de São Pedro de Alcântara, Bairro Alto
Attractions Nearby
From the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint, you may walk to São Roque Church, which has one of Lisbon’s richest interiors. In the opposite direction is the Príncipe Real district, with its gardens and trendy shops and restaurants.
Where to Stay by the São Pedro de Alcântara Viewpoint
The Lumiares Hotel
Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara is right at the doorstep of this hotel divided into apartments. The rooftop restaurant offers even more views, and the spa provides some pampering after a day of walking up and down Lisbon’s hills.
The Independente Suites & Hostel
The suites and dorms of this luxurious hostel face Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara. They’re in a renovated 19th-century palace and are uniquely decorated with vintage pieces. On the rooftop is a trendy restaurant, with a birds’-eye view of the viewpoint.
