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It’s official. This summer, more residents appear to be favouring the Portuguese capital of Lisbon for its metropolitan convenience and luxurious coastline.
Lisbon is fast becoming Europe’s worst-kept secret, with its city and beach combination winning over holidaymakers from all around the world. In fact, the volume of short-term rentals in the capital represents a density six times higher than in Barcelona and 3.5 times higher than in London.
While Lisbon is famously a hilly destination that can catch some tourists off-guard, these inclines coupled with its western-facing coastline make for some of the most stunning sunset vistas in the world, let alone Europe.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at eight places to experience a Lisbon sunset that deserve to be included in your next visit’s itinerary:
1. Watching the Ferries at Dusk
If you’re looking to experience Lisbon like a local, one of the city’s most soothing traditions is to find a quiet spot to watch the ferries travel between the Estação Fluvial and Barreiro on the other side of the River Tejo.
With the unmistakable Ponte 25 de Abril connecting the city over the river as a backdrop, there’s no better place to watch the sun go down. What’s more is that the experience can be enjoyed in the heart of the city and can be combined as part of a riverside free walking tour of Lisbon.
2. Take the Tram to Graça Viewpoint
Lisbon’s tram network is not only charming but essential for scaling the city’s hilly landscape. To complete a quintessential experience in the Portuguese capital, hop on the number 28 tram to Graça in the late afternoon to watch the sunset at the famous Miradouro da Graça viewpoint.
Miradouro da Graça is a terrace that offers beautiful panoramic views of the city. Located between a cosy cafe and the nearby Graça church, there are plenty of sights to enjoy as you wait for the showpiece sunset.
3. Enjoy the View at São Jorge Castle
São Jorge Castle sits atop the Lisbon skyline and is not only a wonderful historical artefact dating back to the city’s Roman roots but also an excellent place to enjoy at dusk.
The castle itself is an eye-catching tribute to Lisbon’s resilience, having survived the devastating earthquake experienced by the city in 1755. São Jorge remains an essential landmark for any itinerary, whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a long stay in Portugal.
At 318 feet above sea level, São Jorge Castle offers amazing views of the city and the River Tagus, which makes for a great sunset scene.
4. Take a Sunset Cruise
As Europe’s only capital city on the Atlantic coast that also offers river access, there’s perhaps no better place to enjoy a stunning sunset cruise down the River Tagus.
Many tour operators run routes that leave from the Terreiro do Paço ferry terminal, with boat rides running below the iconic Ponte 25 de Abril bridge and back to port.
5. Views with Fado Music in Alfama
If Mancunians love to live like a local, then taking a trip to Lisbon’s historical district of Alfama should be high on the agenda.
Alfama is the city’s traditional old town and is home to Portugal’s Fado musical genre, which is characterised as both soulful and melancholic in equal measure, with yearning guitar chords that’s in tune with Lisbon’s working-class roots.
Alfama is another winding and hilly area of the city, but it means that visits to the old town’s Fado venues can reward tourists with both marvellous music and views to match.
6. Explore Lisbon’s Stunning Beaches
Lisbon’s Atlantic coastline is almost perfectly westerly facing, meaning that a trip to the city’s nearby beaches at Carcavelos and Guincho, both of which are accessible by a short bus ride, can reward visitors with one of Europe’s most pristine sunsets.
Sunsets on the Lisbon coastline are popular among locals and tourists alike, so it pays to get settled early to enjoy the view in a nice, peaceful spot.
7. Enjoy Ginjinha at a Rooftop Bar
Most European destinations have rooftop bars, but few boast the kind of views that Lisbon offers.
The best-loved local tipple is Ginjinha, which is a sour cherry liquor that gets its name from the ginja berries used to make it and can serve as the perfect accompaniment to enjoy from one of the many rooftop locations surrounding the city, like the V Rooftop Bar, SEEN Sky Bar, and Park Rooftop.
8. Leafy Sunsets at Miradouro de São Pedro
The Portuguese word ‘miradouro’ literally translates to ‘viewpoint’, and it’s worth looking out for the term when you’re in Lisbon to find the city’s best vistas.
For those who are looking for a view from greener surroundings, Miradouro de São Pedro offers a beautiful view of the city below and really comes into its own at sunset as lights from the buildings throughout the skyline begin to glisten in the evening sky.
Lisbon in the Golden Hour
Lisbon’s Atlantic coastline and hilly terrain make the Portuguese capital a marvellous place to enjoy some of Europe’s best sunsets.
The city may be an excellent destination for culinary delights, nightlife, music, and sports, but don’t let Lisbon at dusk pass you by. There may be no better city in Europe to enjoy the golden hour.
