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Sunrise

Sunrise at the Top of Lisbon

Start your day before the city wakes. Catch the first light from the highest viewpoint in Lisbon, then head down for a historic coffee.

Best time: 15 JanAbout 135 min

Timeline

  1. 06:38

    Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

    Walk to Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, the highest viewpoint in the city. Arrive before the sun breaks the horizon to find a quiet spot on the terrace. The Capela de Nossa Senhora do Monte frames the eastern sky, and as the sun rises, you will see the light spill over the rooftops of Lisbon to the south.

  2. 08:08

    Elevador do Lavra

    Descend from the hill and head to the Elevador do Lavra. This historic funicular is the oldest in the city, offering a smooth, mechanical ride down the steep slope. It is a quiet moment to watch the city stir below as you travel from the residential heights toward the historic center.

  3. 08:53

    Café A Brasileira

    Finish your morning at Café A Brasileira. By this time, the classic café is open and bustling. Order a coffee and sit in the main room or the basement restaurant. The atmosphere here is steeped in literary history, once the favorite haunt of Fernando Pessoa.

Local tip

The walk from the viewpoint to the funicular is steep. Allow extra time if you are not used to hills. The café is busy, so be prepared to wait for a table if you choose to sit.

Check before you go

  • Café A Brasileira opens at 08:00. On 15 January, sunrise is at 07:53, so you will arrive at the café just after it opens.

Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Lisbon (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

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