We can thank whoever had the ingenious idea of building Lisbon on seven hills for the mind-boggling amount of viewpoints spread across the city. Couple this with its excellent selection of swanky rooftops and you have a city that is just begging to be photographed. Taking height makes it possible to appreciate the brilliantly bizarre Lisbon skyline: there’s the 25 de Abril suspension bridge stretching over the azure Tagus River, which looks like it’s plucked out of San Francisco; the Cristo Rei statue that gives the city a Brazilian flare; and the charmingly-overlapping tiled townhouses with their terracotta roofs making the foreground as pretty as a picture.
For 360˚ Views… Amoreiras
We wouldn’t blame you if hitting a shopping centre isn’t quite what you have in mind as you dream of your Lisbon getaway, but a quick visit to the rooftop of Amoreiras won’t go amiss. Soaring 570ft above sea level, the viewing deck atop this shopping centre is one of the best places to get panoramic views across the entire city and all of its many sites. There are a handful of free long-range focus monoculars dotted around, as well as informative maps of the city, making it easy to pinpoint everything from the Tagus River and the 25 de Abril bridge to São Jorge Castle, Belém Tower and the Cristo Rei monument.
For the Location… Top Chiado
As you find yourself wandering through the stylish district of Chiado, where contemporary boutiques rub shoulders with historic sites, you might glance up and see a flurry of activity happening at the base of the former Carmo Convent. No, you’re not mistaken – there is a beautiful restaurant and bar set in the spacious terrace of this beautiful site, just a couple of storeys above the busyness of the shopping avenue below. The terrace is casual and spacious, with comfortable loungers, grassy areas and an elegant outdoor bar. As you’re not too high up, this is a great spot for people watching, but you can also soak in lovely views of the Santa Justa Elevator and São Jorge Castle.
For a Local Crowd… Park Bar
The next of our picks for the best rooftops in Lisbon is something of an open-secret among locals. While the bar does succeed in attracting an international clientele, whether they actually make it up onto the swanky rooftop is another matter entirely. Of all places, Park Bar is located on the sixth floor of a fairly grungy car park. There’s no working lift, just six floors of winding ramps leading up to a beautiful rooftop bar. Those undeterred by the abnormal entrance are rewarded with exceptional views across downtown Lisbon and out to the Tagus River, as well as a trendy, plant-filled decor and a great menu of classic cocktails and tasty nibbles.
For Food… Silk Club
Located on the rooftop of an old historical building in the heart of Chiado, the enchanting Silk Club restaurant and bar is a place that matches its incredible 270˚ views across downtown Lisbon with a delectable Japanese-Mediterranean fusion cuisine. You can tuck into carefully-curated (and beautifully-presented) dishes like bluefin tuna belly sashimi, mimasu (caviar and tuna tartare) and ultra-fresh marinated seafood. The atmosphere is luxurious and sophisticated, with an understated contemporary design, kind and considerate service and extensive selection of fine wines and cocktails.
For Nightlife… Ferroviário
While you can easily stay put in Silk Club for a spot of nightlife (the restaurant turns into an upscale club after midnight), one of our favourite spots in town for a memorable evening is located near the Santa Apolónia train station. In fact, its name, Ferroviário, means ‘railway’. But back to the fun stuff. By day the rooftop terrace attracts a loyal local crowd with its tropical design and laid-back feel – think wicker furnishings, twinkly lights and plenty of plants. Things step up a notch after the sun goes down, with live gigs, special DJ guests and even open-air cinema nights. Couple this with its peaceful backdrop of the azure waters of the Tagus Estuary and voilà: you have a bar that glides gracefully into our roundup of the best rooftops in Lisbon.
For a Different Perspective… Cristo Rei Monument
One of the best ways to get unmatched – and certainly unusual – views of Lisbon is to hop across the river to the piercing Cristo Rei monument, which looks like the long-lost little brother of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro. While Lisbon’s monument continues to serve as an important Portuguese pilgrim destination, one of its biggest draws among travellers today is its 260ft observation deck, which offers breathtaking views of the river and Lisbon’s lesser-seen facade.
Header Image: Olivier Romano