I’ve Lived in Lisbon for 4 Years—Here’s My No. 1 Travel Tip for Visiting Portugal (and It’s Free)

Locals and travel experts agree: there’s one thing you should absolutely not skip when visiting Portugal. And best of all? It’s absolutely free.

There’s a lot to love about living in Portugal. It’s a nation absolutely brimming with history, culture, and oh-so-fantastic food.

But when people visit and ask me for advice on what to see, do, and eat, I’m more than happy to share my personal recommendations (seriously, slide me a DM, and I’ll share my private Google doc with you). There is, however, one travel tip I think everyone plotting a vacation here needs to know. And that is you should never—ever—skip a sunset. 

Portugal’s skies are well-known for their bright blue appearance, often credited to its low air pollution and northern winds. And while the entire nation experiences spectacular sunsets thanks to its varied landscapes and wide ocean views, few spots are as perfect for a momentary pause to watch the sun go down as in Lisbon. 

“Few cities capture the magic of a summer evening quite like Lisbon. As the sun begins to set, Lisbon transforms under a unique light, painting the sky in shades of pink, orange, and lilac,” Turisomo Lisboa shared in a statement provided to Travel + Leisure. “From riverbanks to rooftops, and from historic gardens to modern marinas, Lisbon offers an array of stunning vantage points to experience this daily spectacle.” 

Sunset hour is by far my favorite time in the city, as everything seems to slow down, with people heading to miradouros, gorgeous little designated viewpoints that often come with a small kiosk selling wine, beer, and sodas, all over the city. 

While I am particularly partial to the Miradouro do Jardim do Torel, as it’s my neighborhood’s viewpoint that also has the coolest view of the city skyline, Turisomo Lisboa did offer a few other suggestions. 

“One of Lisbon’s most treasured riverside locations is Ribeira das Naus, set between Cais do Sodré and Praça do Comércio,” the tourism board explained. “With its expansive pedestrian areas along the Tagus River, this central spot provides sweeping, unobstructed views where the late-afternoon sky glows in warm tones.” 

Further west, Turisomo Lisboa pointed to the Champalimaud Foundation in Belém, which it says has a “serene and contemporary setting for sunset viewing. Known for its striking modern architecture, the space is complemented by wide-open views of the Tejo River.” 

Want a great view outside of the city? Try Cabo da Roca, a scenic overlook outside of Sintra along the coast, which also happens to mark the westernmost point of continental Europe. “The site is also home to a historic lighthouse, built in 1772, which still guides vessels along the Portuguese coast today,” the tourism office added. 

It noted one more place to catch an epic view, Jardim do Rio, which also allows you to take in the entire Lisbon skyline. All you need to do is cross the river via the ferry (which is only a few euros and takes about five minutes) to get there. “Nestled along the south bank of the Tagus, this tranquil green space frames Lisbon against the backdrop of the 25 de Abril Bridge and the river’s mouth,” the tourism office said. “Its peaceful environment makes it one of the most picturesque spots for sunset gazing on the opposite shore.” 

And while all these are great, the reality is, you’re never really far from a fantastic viewpoint that will leave you awestruck come sunset. Just plug the word “miradouro” into your Google Maps while you’re here to find the closest one to you. Then get ready to make new friends over a cheeky drink with conversations that will last long after the sun goes down.