Miradouro de Santa Luzia

Santa Luzia is the tiled terrace on the western edge of Alfama, beside the church of the same name, with a pergola of bougainvillea, a small garden and azulejo panels set into its walls. Two of the panels are the reason to look rather than just photograph: one shows the Praça do Comércio as it was before the 1755 earthquake, with the royal palace still standing on the site, and the other depicts the Christian assault on the Moorish castle in 1147. Below, the view runs over Alfama's tiled roofs, the domes of São Miguel and the National Pantheon, the container port and the Tagus. It is one of the most photographed spots in Lisbon and is on the tram 28 route, which means it is crowded from mid-morning, with buskers, sellers and photographers competing for the railing. The adjacent Portas do Sol terrace gives a similar view with more room.

What you actually see

• The azulejo panels - the pre-1755 Praça do Comércio and the 1147 castle assault.
• The Alfama view - tiled roofs, church domes, the port and the river.
• The pergola - bougainvillea over a small garden terrace.
• The tram - the 28 stopping directly at the viewpoint.

When to go

Year-round. Thirty minutes. Early morning is the only quiet time; from mid-morning it is packed and stays that way until dark.

Honest expectations

Small and very crowded, with the railing occupied continuously. Buskers and sellers work it constantly. Pickpocketing is common where tram 28 stops. Portas do Sol next door is larger and less congested for the same view.

Nearby

Portas do Sol is a few steps north; the cathedral is downhill and the castle above.