There’s probably no city with quite as many rooftop bars as Lisbon – and it’s no surprise, given how many stunning views the notoriously hilly city has. Views out across the River Tagus, sweeping towards the Atlantic; views across the city itself, labyrinthine neighbourhoods of narrow streets roofed in terracotta tile, grand neoclassical buildings painted bright colours, architectural landmarks from the Moorish castle to the iconic bridges… and so much sunshine. Natural, then, that one of the best things to do in Lisbon is to soak up the city from on high at one of the many rooftop bars. They’re a diverse bunch, from chic and clean-lined hotel bars to bright little places in revived bairros, made for big nights out with friends or a chilled glass of vinho verde as the sun sets.
If seeing the city from above is top of your travel plans (and it should be), our advice is to allow plenty of time to enjoy the moment. Some of the more popular bars, such as Park or Lumi, can get busy during peak months, so you may have to wait (but it’s always worth checking to see if you can book in advance). And remember your sunglasses and sunscreen – not all rooftops have shade, and the Lisbon sun is notoriously bright. And don’t rush off to your dinner reservation – it’s normal to eat late in Portugal, so allow yourself plenty of time to just be.
Also not to be missed are the city’s many miradouros, or viewpoints. Not technically rooftop bars, and therefore not listed below, these are often open spaces placed in prime viewing positions. Many have kiosks selling drinks, and they can become the busiest spots in Lisbon at prime sunset time. Some of my personal favourites include Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara and Miradouro da Graça.
Whether you want to be living it up with locals or finding the fanciest spots in the city, these are the rooftop bars in Lisbon you should be bookmarking for your next trip.
