Although I wouldn't characterize Lisbon as a symmetrical city due to its hilly terrain, the one…read moretruly symmetrical area in the city is this waterfront plaza, a model of balance between land and sea in its clean layout and openness to the Tagus River. It defined my first impression of Lisbon on my first visit, and enhanced my awareness of the city's rich maritime history on my most recent visit with Jamie W. Built after the 1755 earthquake destroyed the Royal Palace that stood on the grounds, this public square is anchored by the majestic Augusta Street Arch, the stone gateway through which people enter from downtown (Photo 2). In front at the center of the plaza is the equestrian statue of King José I (Photo 8). Surrounding us were bright yellow arcades framing three sides of the plaza in a U shape. The arcades were lit up in appropriately dramatic fashion at night. We eventually made our way to the waterfront where we looked back on the panoramic view of the square from the Cais das Colunas columns and marble steps (Photo 6). You can picture how visiting dignitaries must have arrived by boat and got their first impression of the city. If there's a single snapshot that defines Lisbon, it's this one. RELATED - Exploring Lisbon? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/ayZwwRJHQd

This is a popular site in Lisbon. It's a big plaza with lots of little shops and restaurants…read morenearby. Three sides of the square are surrounded with bright yellow walls/buildings, while the fourth side of the square is made up by the water! I think that's a cool feature! You enter it through a big, pretty stone arch, and in the very center of the plaza is a statue. When I went, I enjoyed hearing a man sing opera under the arch. It contributed to a nice atmosphere. It felt fitting. I came across this location more than once so it's relatively easy to get to depending on where you are/where you're going. I had sardines for the first time at a restaurant in the plaza, and I wish I could remember the name of the restaurant! They were so good!!! They had a nicer flavor than I expected- mild and salty with maybe a bit of sweetness too. Crispy thin texture on the outside, too. And much larger sized fish than I expected. I was lucky to be there during sardine season/festival, so I'm sure that helped.

Lisbon apparently has 20 miradouros, gathering spots with vista points from which panoramic views…read moreof the city can be found and savored. This one is in the historic Graça district on Lisbon's highest hill and offers a breathtaking panorama of the city. Jamie W and I wrapped up our Graça street mural walk here (review: https://yelp.to/sOE0B7X6gL). It turned out to be ideal timing because it was close to sunset and views of landmarks were unobstructed. We could see the Castelo de São Jorge, the Tagus River, the 25 de Abril Bridge, and the terracotta roofs of both the Alfama and Baixa neighborhoods. So significant was this viewpoint that Portugal's first king, Dom Afonso Henriques, built his fortress here and the Chapel of Our Lady of the Mount was erected. It still stands here. It's imperative to be here during witness the sunset hour because the otherwise white stone is bathed in orange and pink hues. CORRESPONDING REVIEWS Graça Murals: https://yelp.to/sOE0B7X6gL Miradouro das Portas do Sol: https://yelp.to/5snB5Xau8U Miradouro de Santa Luzia: https://yelp.to/dosoL9mFbD Miradouro de Santa Catarina: https://yelp.to/X3AgM3QM0j RELATED - Exploring Lisbon? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/Kn-CxzlTze

4.5 stars. Miradouro da Senhora do Monte or "Viewpoint of Our Lady of the Mount" is the highest…read morepoint in the Graca neighborhood and offers beautiful panoramic views of Lisbon. It is named after its statue of Nossa Senhora do Monte, the Virgin, which is in front of a chapel that was built in the 1700s. When my husband and I were on vacation in Lisbon, our tour guide drove us here on a tuk tuk. We spent many minutes viewing the surrounding city--the 25 de Abril Bridge, the Sanctuary of Christ the King, Sao Jorge Castle, the Tagus estuary, the orange rooftops of buildings, and much more. The only negative aspect of this area was two women who were pressuring us to purchase jewelry, and they refused to accept our no's. Our tour guide, however, intervened and told them something in Portuguese to get them to leave us alone.

You'll find many shops and restaurants on this street. It starts from the arc Praça do Comércio. A…read morebit touristy but a nice experience. Once a historical commercial hub of Lisbon giving it a great vibe even today.

Rue Augusta was my favorite street in Lisbon. This famous street is a bustling shopping area where…read moreshops and restaurants abound on either side. The street itself is beautiful with intricate tiled patterns throughout. It's also a popular spot for street entertainment. If you walk to the end of the street, you'll end up at the Praca de Comercio. The Rue Augusta makes for a lovely stroll and the site of several attractions. It's a can't miss in Lisbon!

We walked in this neighborhood and it was surrounded by many nightclub and bar options. Most…read morebecome alive later in the night but walking through the streets is a treat. We came back later and the place was thriving with vendors and an awesome DJ! The food was amazing and i had the best churros I've ever tasted! Walking around the park and dancing to the incredible music the DJ played made for a very memorable evening. And you can see a beautiful view of the entire city!

Man, what a great discovery. We had an amazing evening there enjoying a fantastic live band that…read moreplayed everything from amazing blues to Jimi Hendrix' foxy lady. Great music loving crowd. Inexpensive drinks. If you're in Lisbon you've got to visit this place.

A 100% must visit in my opinion! One of the most stunning properties in Sintra and from the…read moreoutside, you don't think much but WOW, the gardens are spectacular. Expect lots of walking but there's so many areas to see from the towers to the caves, to the sculptures. Enchanting is just the word for it. We took an uber after seeing other landmarks in Sintra and it was relatively easy to book and affordable.

The grounds here are beautiful. Definitely worth wandering around for a couple of hours on the…read moretrails, caves, tunnels, and, of course, the Initiation Well and palace itself. I was there in August, and yes, it does get crowded, but it's still an enjoyable experience. If you walk there from the train station, there are also lovely views along the way and the town itself is quaint.

You could spend your entire holiday in Lisbon walking from one photogenic viewpoint to the next…read more Because of the city's hilly terrain, there are about twenty official miradouros that could easily fill up your Instagram account. This one Is conveniently just a few steps downhill from the marginally more popular Miradouro das Portas do Sol (review: https://yelp.to/hq023Rr-Va). True, Portas do Sol provides the more panoramic view, but Santa Luzia has the more romantic atmosphere because it boasts a pergola draped in bougainvillea and a wall covered in historic blue-and-white azulejo tile panels. There's even a reflecting pool with benches ideal for honeymooners. The buskers realize it's the ideal setting for performing in front of change-carrying tourists (Video 2). RELATED - Exploring Lisbon? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/fnVsPaN2ho

Miradouro de Santa Luzia: one of the 7 hill. You've got that Alfama view of red rooftops tumbling…read moretoward the water and the Tagus just out there looking like a magazine ad. Oh, and don't forget the azulejos at the church: because why have a basic white wall when you can slap history in tile form all over it? Gorgeous spot.

I am SO glad someone from our hostel took us here! Not only is the view absolutely amazing, but…read moreit's a perfect place to hang out with a couple of beers and enjoy the live music. Even though it was packed, everyone seemed to find a place to sit, perch, or dance, and there were just generally good vibes all the way around. Don't be surprised if you run into familiar faces! Sunset seems to be the most popular time to be there, so if you're looking to get a bit more space to sit or are with a larger group, definitely get there early. It got cooler at night, also, so you could always just layer up and bring a sweater with you. I would also recommend a mini stash of toilet paper/tissue and some hand sanitizer, as the washrooms are pretty gnarly if you plan on squatting :)

You won't get the most spectacular city landscape views here, but this miradouro does provide…read morepanoramic views over the Tagus River and the 25 de Abril Bridge (Video). With a wide open concrete platform, it's a lot more laid back than the more crowded vista points at Miradouro das Portas do Sol and Miradouro de Santa Luzia in Alfama. I presume tourists are less inclined to scale the hillside streets that lead here because it definitely feels more like a locals' spot. Fortunately there's an adjacent kiosk cafe (Quiosque do Adamastor) should you need nourishment for your trekking efforts. It'll help make your climb down easier. CORRESPONDING REVIEWS Miradouro das Portas do Sol: https://yelp.to/pdn6dAdjN5 Miradouro de Santa Luzia: https://yelp.to/tEeimT9V6H RELATED - Exploring Lisbon? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/5pEUTw6es1

When Jamie W and I arrived in Lisbon, the first thing we did was take a long walk on the…read morecobblestone streets to Alfama, the city's historic center. This spot was the destination I had in mind as I knew the sunset view from here would provide the ideal introduction to Lisbon for Jamie. Alfama's rustic cityscape is full of red rooftops and whitewashed buildings, which provides ripe Instagram material. As you'd expect, the wide terrace gets crowded during magic hour when selfie-itis reaches epidemic proportions. There's an open-air cafe, but we didn't bother trying it since we realized edible temptations awaited us after our obligatory stop here. The adjacent Miradouro de Santa Luzia is just a few steps below and offers a terrace colonnade where buskers play their music for tips. RELATED - Exploring Lisbon? Here's a collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://yelp.to/6UdREADBcP

The viewpoint is steps away from the more popular Santa Luzia viewpoint. The big balcony above…read moreAlfama gives you views of the red tiled rooftops. Honestly, you can find this view in many locations around Lisbon so I didn't feel as if it's a must stop.