Weekend in Lisbon

Series of hilltop viewpoints in the oldest neighbourhood, offering panoramic cityscapes. No tickets needed, just a good pair of shoes.

Tip: Start at Miradouro das Portas do Sol for morning light, then walk up to Miradouro da Graça for sunset. Avoid the packed tram 28—walking is faster and free.

Lisbon's oldest neighbourhood, with narrow alleys, tile-covered buildings, and panoramic viewpoints. No entry fee to wander.

Tip: Start at Miradouro das Portas do Sol just before sunset for golden light on the rooftops. Avoid the tram 28 route for quieter streets.

Lisbon's oldest quarter with narrow alleys, Fado houses, and panoramic viewpoints like Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.

Tip: Start at the top (Graça) and walk downhill to avoid steep climbs. Best in early morning for fewer crowds.

A plain Jesuit church exterior hides one of Europe's most ornate chapels, decorated with marble, gold, and precious stones. The chapel of St John the Baptist cost a fortune in 1740s Rio.

Tip: Skip the paid museum upstairs unless you're keen on religious art. The church itself is free and the main attraction.

The old Moorish quarter of narrow alleys, steep staircases and washing lines. No map needed—just wander.

Tip: Start at the cathedral and walk uphill towards the castle. The best views are free. Avoid trams 12 and 28 at peak times; locals hate the crowds.

A wide, breezy viewpoint over the Tagus River and the 25 de Abril Bridge. Good for sunsets, and the grass slope fills with people drinking beer from the kiosk.

Tip: Get a super bock from the bar across the street—it's half the price of the kiosk. Bring a blanket as the pavement gets cold by night.

Large formal park sloping down from the marquês de pombal roundabout. Manicured hedges, geometric flower beds, and a glass-walled greenhouse. Fine view over the city from the top.

Tip: The greenhouse has a small tropical garden and café — cheap coffee and a quiet spot. The park is breezy, so bring a jacket even in summer.

An 8-hectare botanical garden tucked behind the university. Palm trees, cycads, and a fern grotto. Quiet even in summer.

Tip: Free entry weekends. Bring a book for the bench under the giant rubber tree at the far end. Closed for lunch (1pm-2pm).

A 19th-century botanical garden near Príncipe Real with towering palms, a bamboo grove, and small greenhouses. Peaceful, well-kept, and rarely crowded.

Tip: Free on Sundays. Best mid-morning when it's quiet. Bring a book—there are wooden benches tucked away near the fountain. The cafe outside the gate does a decent espresso.

Viewpoint with a small garden, benches and a kiosk selling drinks. Overlooks Alfama and the castle, with far fewer tourists than Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.

Tip: Bring a picnic and sit on the wall steps; the kiosk sells coffees for under €1.