Searching for the best Instagram spots in Lisbon? This guide full of 15 ideas has got you covered!
I spent two weeks in Portugal during one of my summer vacations. I am absolutely amazed by all of Lisbon’s iconic beauty.
Its historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and views over the water are just some of the many things that make it so photo-worthy. Especially its infamous yellow trolley!
This guide is divided into the top photo spots by neighborhood to also use as a planning guide.
Some of my favorite photography spots in Lisbon are Ruta de Bica, free viewpoints in the Bairro Alto and Alfama districts, and the winding, narrow streets that make Lisbon so charming!
15 Best Lisbon Instagram Spots
Bairro Alto
1. Ruta de Bica
Ruta de Bica is charming, historic, and one of my favorite places to visit in Bairro Alto!
This iconic photo spot features Lisbon’s yellow tram at the top of a tall, narrow street.
Visitors climb the narrow steps to get to the top to take amazing photos before the tram departs every 15 minutes.
It’s a perfect spot to capture Lisbon’s charming and vibrant atmosphere.
Explore the surrounding streets and alleys for more photo opportunities!
2. Charming Streets
Beyond Ruta de Bica, you will find tons of charming streets while simply wandering the Bairro Alto neighborhood.
Bairro Alto is full of narrow, cobblestone streets with colorful buildings and tiled facades.
The charming architecture, vibrant street art, and wrought-iron balconies make it a beautiful spot for photos.
Wandering the streets of Bairro Alto is also one of my favorite activities on a 3 day Lisbon itinerary.
⭐Popular Lisbon Hotels
3. Bairro Alto Miradouro
The Bairro Alto Miradouro, formally known as Miradouro de Sao Pedro Alcantara, is the perfect place to catch stunning views of Lisbon and its colorful buildings.
This popular photo spot also offers a glimpse into the local culture with street art, musicians, and vendors selling traditional Portuguese snacks.
Cais Do Sodre
4. Famous Pink Street
Pink Street (Rua Nova do Carvalho) is Lisbon’s vibrant nightlife hub.
The street’s distinctive pink pavement was built in 2011 during an urban renewal project.
The vibrant pink pavement creates a striking backdrop for photos, especially when paired with the street’s lively atmosphere.
Keep in mind that it’s often crowded and dirty. Arrive early for a clear shot.
Alfama District
5. Santa Justa Lift
Santa Justa Lift is a unique and elegant piece of Lisbon’s history.
Standing 45 meters tall, it offers stunning views over the Baixa neighborhood, São Jorge Castle, and beyond.
The lift’s intricate ironwork and towering design make it a striking subject for photos, especially when framed with the surrounding cityscape.
A ride to the top costs €5.30, with an additional €1.50 for access to the viewing platform. The lift operates daily, with hours varying depending on the season.
Tip: The lift lines are known to always be long during all seasons.
I recommend enjoying the beauty from ground level.
6. Sao Jorge Castle
Sao Jorge Castle is a historical fortress built on Lisbon’s highest hill!
From its ancient walls, you can capture sweeping views of the city, the Tagus River, and the iconic red rooftops.
The castle’s Moorish architecture, with its towering walls and battlements, adds to the rich history you can photograph.
Entry costs €15 for adults, with discounts for seniors, youths, and Lisbon residents. The castle is open daily.
Tip: Purchase tickets in advance or arrive when the castle opens to avoid waiting in very long lines.
7. Carmo Convent
Carmo Convent is one of Lisbon’s most photogenic ruins. The open-air nave, framed by towering Gothic arches, creates a stunning visual contrast between the stone and sky.
Soft light filters through the ruins, casting dramatic shadows on the columns and floors.
The peaceful, almost eerie atmosphere makes it perfect for atmospheric shots.
Entry costs €7 (or €5 with a Lisboa Card), and it’s open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM.
⭐Popular Lisbon Tours
8. Rua Augusta Arch
Rua Augusta Arch is one of the best-known photo spots in Lisbon.
Standing at the opening of Lisbon’s bustling Rua Augusta street, the Rua Augusta Arch makes for a stunning photo.
It also leads directly into Praca de Comercial, the largest plaza in Lisbon.
Simply visiting the arch is considered one of the best things to do on a Lisbon itinerary.
9. Miradouro de Senhora do Monte
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte offers one of Lisbon’s most breathtaking panoramic views.
From this elevated spot, you can capture sweeping vistas of the Tagus River, São Jorge Castle, and the iconic red rooftops of Baixa.
The peaceful atmosphere makes it ideal for relaxed, atmospheric shots
10. Miradouro das Portas do Sol
Miradouro das Portas do Sol in Alfama provides amazing views over the Tagus River.
You can capture the famous orange rooftops of Lisbon and even get a glimpse of the iconic São Jorge Castle in the background.
Visitors claim the best time to visit is during sunset when the golden hour lighting makes for stunning photos.
Baixa
11. Lisbon Cathedral
Lisbon Cathedral (Sé de Lisboa) is one of the city’s oldest and most iconic landmarks.
The cathedral’s Romanesque façade, towering bell towers, and massive stone arches make it an amazing photo opportunity.
Inside, the dark stone walls and beautiful stained-glass windows create a moody atmosphere perfect for shots.
Entry is free for the main church, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the cloisters and treasury.
LX Factory
12. Ler Devagar
Ler Devagar Bookstore is one of Lisbon’s most photogenic hidden gems. Inside a former printing press, its soaring ceilings and stacked bookcases create a dramatic, layered backdrop.
The highlight is the flying bicycle sculpture suspended in mid-air—quirky, surreal, and totally Instagrammable.
Entry is free, and the soft lighting plus artsy vibe make it perfect for cozy, creative shots.
Tip: Book lovers also like snapping photos in Livraria Lello (thanks to its Harry Potter vibes in Porto).
13. Flower Truck
LX Factory features a weekly market every Sunday. A favorite spot of many visitors is the beautiful, antique flower truck shortly past the entrance.
The antique style of the truck paired with flowers in a modern and industrial atmosphere makes for an artsy photo opp.
Visiting Lisbon’s beautiful markets is also one of the most underrated tips for any traveler’s first time in Lisbon.
Belem
14. Belem Tower
Belém Tower is a fairytale-like fortress perched on the edge of the Tagus River.
Its blend of Moorish, Gothic, and Manueline styles makes every angle Instagram-worthy, especially at golden hour when the light hits the stone.
Visitors will see carved turrets, a tiny watchtower, and sweeping views of the water from the top.
Entrance to the tower itself costs around €6, but the best photos can be captured from the outside, which is completely free.
Tip: There are tons more UNESCO Sites near Porto.
15. Jeronimos Monestary
Jerónimos Monastery is one of Lisbon’s most iconic photo spots.
Its Manueline architecture is packed with dramatic arches, carved stone details, and intricate cloisters—perfect for wide shots and detailed close-ups.
Inside, golden light filters through massive windows, highlighting gothic ceilings and ornate pillars.
Entry requires a ticket (around €10), but the surrounding gardens and exterior views are free and just as photogenic.
Belem is one of the top spots in Lisbon. Even if you are short on time, you can still include it in a 1 day Lisbon itinerary.
Conclusion
Lisbon is filled with stunning, Instagram-worthy spots that capture the city’s rich history and vibrant culture!
From historic monuments to colorful streets, each location offers unique photo opportunities.
Whether you’re exploring iconic landmarks or hidden gems, Lisbon’s beauty is sure to make your feed pop.
