Searching for the best Instagram spots in Lisbon? This guide full of 15 ideas has got you covered!
One of my favorite ways to seek inspiration for a new trip is to find the best photo spots.
Sure, I’m not going on a trip just to take photos, but searching for photography fuels the wanderlust.
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 the charming city that it is.
Each picturesque district tells a story captured in the cobblestone pathways, vibrant facades, and scenic overlooks.
This list will help you uncover these photogenic locales, ensuring that every snapshot reflects the city’s unique charm.
As a bonus, you’ll find yourself weaving through Lisbon’s culture and history as you journey from one spot to the next!
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 downward 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 throughout the Bairro Alto neighborhood.
With colorful buildings, traditional Portuguese tiles, and unique architectural details, there is always a photo opportunity waiting around the corner.
Wandering the streets of Bairro Alto is also one of my favorite activities on a 3 day Lisbon itinerary.
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
The “Pink Street”, with its vibrantly colored pavement, stands out as a striking canvas that brings a unique aesthetic to every snapshot.
The contrast of the pink ground against the vivid yellow arch and the light blue building in the backdrop creates a vibrant blend of colors that photographers adore.
Keep in mind that it’s often crowded and dirty. Arrive early for a clear shot.
Alfama District
5. Santa Justa Lift
The Santa Justa Lift isn’t only a mode of transportation; it’s a notable photographic subject from the ground level, with its neo-gothic structure and intricate ironwork providing a striking contrast against the Lisbon skyline.
For those willing to pay, the lift offers an opportunity to ascend to the top and enjoy a panoramic city overview.
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
Perched atop Lisbon’s highest hill, Sao Jorge Castle is a historical fortress that offers unparalleled views of the city.
The castle’s strategic vantage point provides photographers with the opportunity to capture sprawling panoramic shots of Lisbon’s undulating landscape, with the Tejo River embellishing the background.
Tip: Purchasing tickets in advance or arrive when the castle opens to avoid waiting in very long lines.
7. Carmo Convent
The Carmo Convent in Lisbon is an amazing place for taking photos. It has old stone arches and ruins that tell a story of history and make a cool backdrop for pictures.
The open roof lets in natural light which is perfect for photographers. It’s also a bit quieter than other spots, so you can take your time to get a great shot.
Plus, from the convent, you get a great view of the city which is really beautiful, especially at sunset.
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 during 1 day in Lisbon or even 4 days in Lisbon.
9. Miradouro de Senhora do Monte
The Miradouro de Senhora do Monte offers a serene and elevated viewpoint, rewarding visitors with a breathtaking vista of Lisbon’s cityscape and the distant Atlantic Ocean.
Photographers appreciate the spot for its unobstructed panoramic views which enable them to capture Lisbon’s vibrancy in a single frame.
10. Miradouro das Portas do Sol
For breathtaking views of Lisbon’s rooftops and the Tagus River, head to Miradouro das Portas do Sol in Alfama.
This popular viewpoint is a must-visit for any photo enthusiast!
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
The Lisbon Cathedral, with its imposing façade and twin bell towers, serves as an iconic photo location that captures the essence of the city’s rich history.
Getting there is straightforward, as it’s located in the heart of the Baixa district, which is easily accessible by tram, bus, or a short walk from the nearby Rossio Square.
Entrance to the cathedral is free, so photographers can snap pictures without worrying about the cost.
Plan to spend around half an hour here to fully take in the awe-inspiring Gothic architecture and to capture both its grand exterior and the solemn beauty of its interior.
LX Factory
12. Ler Devagar
The Ler Devagar bookstore at LX Factory is not just popular for book lovers, but also a highly sought-after photography spot in Lisbon.
This urban building captivates visitors with its industrial charm and the visually stunning array of books that reach from floor to ceiling, creating a dynamic and textured backdrop for photos.
Unique features such as a vintage bicycle whimsically suspended in mid-air add an element of surprise and creativity to the scene, making it a favorite for capturing extraordinary and artistic 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
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is like a giant stone castle sticking right out of the riverbank.
Plus, it’s got all these neat little balconies and staircases that make your photos look epic.
Best of all, it doesn’t cost a dime to walk around the outside and take as many pictures as you want, but if you want to explore the inside, there’s a small fee.
Tip: There are tons more UNESCO Sites near Porto.
15. Jeronimos Monestary
Jeronimos Monastery is another UNESCO site around the corner in Lisbon’s Belem District.
This place is huge, and it’s got a bunch of fancy designs carved all over its walls, so your photos will definitely have that wow factor.
Inside, there’s a massive church with super high ceilings and cool light shining through the windows, which is great for taking some awesome pictures.
It’s free to enjoy the beauty from outside, but if you want to grab those cool shots inside, there’s a ticket you’ve got to buy.
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.
More Amazing Photography near Lisbon
Consider trips outside of Lisbon to expand your photography lens further!
- Sintra: Colorful Castles
- Sintra Beaches
- Porto: Second largest City
- Matosinhos: Sea Castles
Final Snapshots
With its vibrant colors, historic architecture, and stunning views, Lisbon is a photographer’s dream.
Whether you’re capturing the intricate designs of the Belem Tower, snapping a panorama from Sao Jorge Castle, or immortalizing the sunset at the Tagus River, the photo opportunities are endless.
Remember to bring your camera as you stroll through the quaint Alfama district or explore the modern Parque das Nações.
Each spot offers a unique backdrop that tells a story of Lisbon’s rich culture and beauty.
