Lisbon is a city of viewpoints. From the miradouros on its hills you look down on terracotta roofs, church domes, the Castle and the wide Tagus. They’re also at the top of steep climbs — which is exactly why the tuk tuk became Lisbon’s favourite sightseeing vehicle. Here’s the classic viewpoint route, how Alfama works since the 2025 restrictions, and the tours to book.
The 6 viewpoints of a classic tuk tuk tour
| Viewpoint | Neighbourhood | What you see | Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senhora do Monte | Graça | The widest panorama: Castle, Baixa, the river | Highest viewpoint of the old city |
| Graça (Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen) | Graça | Castle and downtown under pine trees | Kiosk terrace for a drink |
| Portas do Sol | Alfama | Alfama’s roofs, São Vicente, the river | Most photographed spot |
| Santa Luzia | Alfama | Azulejo panels, bougainvillea, the Tagus | Two minutes from Portas do Sol |
| São Pedro de Alcântara | Bairro Alto | The Castle facing you across Baixa | Great at sunset |
| Santa Catarina | Santa Catarina | The 25 de Abril bridge and the port | Lively at sunset |
A typical 2-hour viewpoints route
- Start in Baixa or at your hotel, past Praça do Comércio.
- Lisbon Cathedral (Sé): a short stop at the Romanesque façade.
- Santa Luzia and Portas do Sol: Alfama from above; your driver may suggest a 10-minute walk down into the lanes.
- São Vicente de Fora and the Pantheon dome.
- Graça and Senhora do Monte: the best panorama of Lisbon.
- Back via Mouraria, the birthplace of fado, and Martim Moniz.
- Optional finish at São Pedro de Alcântara in Bairro Alto.
Can tuk tuks still enter Alfama?
Partly. On 1 April 2025, Lisbon banned tuk tuks from 337 streets in seven parishes — including Santa Maria Maior (Alfama, Castelo, Baixa) and São Vicente — and limited them to designated stopping places. The city also plans parking permits and opening hours (9 am–7 pm) in a regulation still being finalised. In practice, licensed tours drive the main roads that serve the viewpoints and drop you where Alfama’s alleys begin. Many visitors find this better: the most beautiful parts of Alfama are its stairways, which no vehicle ever reached anyway.
Lisbon’s best viewpoints by private tuk tuk
Best for photos- Duration: 1.5–2 h
- Price: ≈ €80–120 per tuk tuk
- Group: private
A route built around the miradouros, with time at each one. Ask for the first slot of the day for empty terraces.
Check availability on GetYourGuide →Private eco tuk tuk city tour
Old town classic- Duration: 2 h
- Price: ≈ €80–130 per tuk tuk
- Vehicle: electric
The viewpoints plus the Cathedral, Mouraria and Graça, in a quiet electric tuk tuk.
Check availability on GetYourGuide →Read also:Eco & electric tuk tuks in Lisbon
Sunrise, golden hour or sunset?
- Morning (9–10 am): soft light from the east on the Castle, few people, cooler in summer.
- Golden hour: warm light on the roofs; the west-facing viewpoints (São Pedro de Alcântara, Santa Catarina) shine.
- Sunset: the most popular slot — book days ahead in summer. If the city’s planned 9 am–7 pm hours for tuk tuks apply, summer sunset tours may be shortened. See our sunset and themed tours guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best viewpoint in Lisbon?
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte offers the widest panorama of the old city. Portas do Sol and Santa Luzia are the most picturesque over Alfama.
Can you visit Alfama by tuk tuk?
Yes, along the authorised roads around and above Alfama. Since April 2025 many inner lanes are closed to tuk tuks, so tours include short walks.
How long does a viewpoints tour by tuk tuk take?
About 1.5–2 hours for 4–6 viewpoints with stops.
Is a tuk tuk better than tram 28 for the viewpoints?
Tram 28 is cheap but crowded and doesn’t stop for photos. A tuk tuk stops at each viewpoint and includes commentary.
Affiliate disclosure: this guide contains affiliate links to GetYourGuide. If you book through them we earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Prices are indicative and were checked at the time of writing — the live price on the booking page always prevails.