Lisbon’s Little Secrets
Updated 21 April 2023
Lisbon’s full of little gems off the beaten path. Here are a few secrets you won’t find in most tour guides.
Aqueduto das Águas Livres
If you go to the Alcântara valley you can’t miss the Aqueduto das Águas Livres, once the main water distribution system in Lisbon, more than 58km long. Best of all, you can visit it. It’s a fairly long but unforgettable walk where you’ll be able to see Lisbon from above. Aqueduto das Águas Livres was built to bring the water to Lisbon center, a imposing building with 21 round arches and 14 central ogival arches.
Miradouro do Recolhimento
This mostly unknown terrace opened to everyone in the spring of 2015. Known as “the garden of Rua do Recolhimento”, it’s hidden by the São Jorge Castle. Catch some shade under its olive trees and enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of old Lisbon.
Miradouro de Santo Estevão
Miradouro de Santo Estevão is a little secret in the Alfama neighbourhood. It’s hidden next to Igreja de Santo Estevão (St. Stephen’s Church) and is one of Lisbon’s sweetest and calmest terraces. It’s a great starting point to explore Alfama’s picturesque houses and alleys.
Palácio Pombal
Palácio Pombal (Pombal Palace) is a 16th century building located at Rua de O Século in the Bairro Alto neighbourhood. This is where the Pombal family lived until the 1755 earthquake. In 2009 this palace was reborn when an investigation platform called “Carpe Diem Arte e Pesquisa” (Carpe Diem Art and Research) setup inside it. Carpe Diem is focused in investigation, experimentation and studies about contemporary art. The palace has 17 rooms with open exhibits.
Miradouro da Rocha do Conde de Óbidos
Miradouro da Rocha do Conde de Óbidos is a little far from the city center, but next to Lisbon’s nightlife in the Santos neighbourhood. It has a little garden and a great view from Tagus River. There is also a rooftop restaurant facing the Tagus, with a unique view over Lisbon — Catch Me.
