15 Best Photo Spots in Lisbon + Photo Tips From a Local

15 best photo spots in Lisbon, Portugal

1. Rua Augusta Arch

Rua Augusta Arch is one of the best photo spots in Lisbon and easily one of the most recognizable Lisbon photo locations. The symmetry, sculptures, and details all come together to make this a spot you’ll want to photograph from more than one angle.

If you get lucky and spot the yellow tram passing through Praça do Comércio, try to line it up under the arch, it is one of the most Instagrammable spots in Lisbon when the timing works out.

For a different perspective, head up to the top of the arch. It is open from 10 am to 7 pm, so not ideal for the light (unless you are visiting in winter and can see the sunset from the top), but it is a great photo spot with amazing Lisbon views.

One of my favorite hidden angles is actually from the second floor of Fábrica da Nata on Rua Augusta. You can grab a pastel de nata and shoot the arch from the balcony. It’s a quiet spot, especially if you’re after less common Lisbon photo locations.

📸 Photo tip! To avoid the crowds, come early. The light is better, the square is quieter, and you’ll have a better chance of capturing a clean shot. Ideally, I would plan to arrive at sunrise.

2. Praça do Comércio

Praça do Comércio is definitely one of the best Instagram spots in Lisbon and a must-visit for anyone interested in Lisbon photography tips. 

The bright yellow Pombaline buildings surrounding the square, combined with the open view of the Tagus River, make it an incredible place to capture from different angles. 

From the square, you can capture King José I on horseback, the Tagus River, surrounding palaces, and the iconic Rua Augusta Arch. Don’t forget to snap a photo of the elegant porticos and the beautiful details under the arch.

Just like the Rua Augusta Arch, Praça do Comércio requires an early start, but the good news is that you can easily combine these two locations and even finish in time to visit Alfama without crowds.

👆🏻Just a heads-up: this square often hosts popular events, so you might find it crowded with stages, markets, or even marathon setups. During wintertime, you will find one of the most popular Christmas trees in Praça do Comércio.

3. Lisbon Cathedral

Lisbon Cathedral, also known as Sé de Lisboa, is one of the best photo spots in Lisbon and stands as one of the most beautiful places in the city. As Lisbon’s oldest church, it has a mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture. 

The iconic trams run right in front of the cathedral, so with a bit of patience, you can get a fantastic shot of Tram 28 or Tram 12 (equally pretty, just a bit less popular!).

For a unique angle, follow Rua Augusto Rosa towards Rua da Saudade and use a telephoto lens to capture the cathedral’s edge framed by the 25th of April Bridge peeking in the background.

I recommend heading to the Cathedral right after you finish with Praça do Comércio and the Arch. This is another early Lisbon photo spot that gets crowded easily. 

Bring a wide-angle lens for the full cathedral view, and patiently wait for the tram to pass by for that classic Lisbon postcard.

4. Viewpoints in Lisbon (also known as Miradouros!)

The viewpoints or miradouros are some of the best photo spots in Lisbon and offer some of the best views of the city. Perched on Lisbon’s hills, they give you a chance to see the iconic rooftops, churches, and the Tagus River all at once. 

You’ll need to put in a bit of effort to reach them, but once you’re there, the reward is worth it. After visiting just two or three miradouros, you’ll start to recognize the city’s layout from above, with views that stretch across Alfama, Baixa, and beyond.

The most popular viewpoints include Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara, Miradouro de Santa Luzia, Miradouro das Portas do Sol, Miradouro da Graça, and Miradouro da Senhora do Monte. 

These are some of the prettiest places in Lisbon and are usually high on every traveler’s list. They do get busy, especially around sunset, so if you’re hoping for clean shots, come early.

If you’re after hidden photo spots in Lisbon with views, there are a few quieter options I love. Miradouro de Santa Catarina, Miradouro do Monte Agudo, and Miradouro de Santo Estêvão are usually empty, and they offer really beautiful views of Lisbon.

But my personal favorite is Miradouro de Santo Amaro. It’s a bit further from the city center, but that also means no crowds. Plus, it pairs perfectly with a visit to LX Factory if you’re planning to explore that part of Lisbon.

5. Yellow elevators of Lisbon

The yellow elevators are some of the most photographed spots in Lisbon, small, vintage-looking funiculars climbing steep streets with that classic yellow paint that pops in photos. 

For Lisbon photos, the Ascensor da Bica is one of the most famous Lisbon Instagram spots and probably the elevator you’ve already seen all over social media. You will want to photograph it from Bica – Lg. Calhariz on Rua do Loreto.

Elevador da Glória connects Restauradores to the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint, so it’s easy to combine with other photo stops. I like photographing this one from the bottom of the hill, especially when the walls are covered in fresh street art. 

Elevador do Lavra is less known and much quieter, but it still has the same classic look, worth a quick detour if you’re nearby. You can usually get fantastic shots inside since there aren’t many people around.

Then there’s Elevador da Graça, the newest of the group, but it doesn’t have the same old charm as the others. Still, it’s a nice backdrop if you’re heading toward the Miradouro da Senhora do Monte.

Santa Justa Lift is also part of Lisbon’s elevator scene, but it’s a completely different experience. It’s a vertical lift rather than a funicular and not yellow, but the iron structure and viewing platform make it worth visiting.

💡 They’re not the most comfortable way to get around and to be honest, I wouldn’t recommend riding them unless strictly necessary. The ride is short, often crowded, and not really worth the price. But visually? They’re perfect.

6. Pink Street

Pink Street is one of the most popular Instagram spots in Lisbon. The bold pink pavement with hanging umbrellas above makes it one of the best places to take photos in Lisbon, but only if you time it right.

The truth is, Pink Street looks a lot better in photos than it usually does in real life. Early in the morning, you’ll often find delivery trucks, bins, or leftover chaos from the night before. 

If you’re wondering how to photograph Pink Street without people and want to get a nice shot without trucks and rubbish around,  I recommend visiting on a weekday and arriving around 8.30 am.

Most tourists arrive around 9 am, which gives you enough time to get photos. Even if there are other photographers around, with a bit of patience, you can get the job done.

Alternatively, I think it is a great photo spot in the evening, and the crowds add a perfect liveliness to your photos.

7. Ler Devagar in LX Factory

Ler Devagar is one of the best Lisbon Instagram spots and probably the most photographed bookstore in the city. Tucked inside an old printing warehouse at LX Factory, this space is a dream for book lovers and photographers.

Tall white shelves packed with books, an industrial spiral staircase, and a flying bicycle sculpture suspended from the ceiling. It all comes together to make one of the best Lisbon photography spots.

Once you are done with your photos, make sure you check their book collection. You will also want to hang out around the LX factory and visit other stores, or check out the street art around.

8. Streets of Mouraria

Mouraria is one of the most authentic neighborhoods in Lisbon and easily one of the best photo spots in the city, without the usual crowds. While Alfama usually gets all the attention, Mouraria feels like its quieter, more relaxed cousin.

If you’re looking for lesser-known Lisbon Instagram spots, this is the place to explore. Start your walk on Rua João do Outeiro and slowly make your way up. You will find street art, azulejos, and the everyday life scenes that make Lisbon photography so unique.

Eventually, you’ll reach Jasmim da Mouraria, a charming little square that is tucked away from the rest of the city. If you’re after secret photography spots in Lisbon, this one is a gem.

9. Casa do Alentejo

Casa do Alentejo is one of the most underrated places in Lisbon for photos, and most people walk right past it without even noticing. Hidden behind a plain doorway on Rua das Portas de Santo Antão. 

Originally built as a palace for the Counts of Valenças in the late 19th century, the building is a beautiful mix of Neo-Moorish architecture and traditional Portuguese design. The ground floor patio is my favorite part, quiet, atmospheric, and a dream to shoot.

Upstairs, there’s a grand dining room that now functions as a restaurant. It’s stunning to see, but to be honest, the food and service don’t match the space. I still recommend popping in during opening hours.

If you’re wondering where to take photos in Lisbon that feel a little off the beaten path, Casa do Alentejo is a must. It’s central, beautiful, and somehow still under the radar, which makes it even better.

10. History of Lisbon Mural by Nuno Saraiva

The History of Lisbon Mural by Nuno Saraiva is one of those Lisbon Instagram locations no one knows. It is tucked between Miradouro de Santa Luzia and Miradouro das Portas do Sol, so you can easily add it to your Lisbon photo walk. 

Alfama is packed with postcard views, so it’s easy to miss cute corners like this. But if you’re after quiet photo spots in Lisbon with views, this one is a must.

As the name suggests, the mural illustrates Lisbon’s history through hand-painted panels. Behind it all, you’ll spot a fantastic view of São Vicente de Fora, especially pretty in the soft morning light.

Just be aware that sometimes parts of the mural are covered with graffiti (they do touch it up often), so I tend to focus more on the view when that happens.

The best part? Hardly anyone stops here. While crowds gather just a few meters away at the famous miradouros, this little spot stays peaceful, making it one of the secret photography spots in Lisbon you’ll be glad to have to yourself.

11. Carmo Archaeological Museum

The Carmo Archaeological Museum is one of the most unique photo spots in Lisbon, thanks to its dramatic open-air ruin set against the sky. The convent was partially destroyed in the 1755 earthquake, and has been left without a roof ever since. 

It is open from 10 am to 7 pm from Monday to Saturday, so during the summer season, the lights are not the best and will require some extra editing to get a beautiful final result.

However, beyond the photography, this is one of the best places to visit in Lisbon. Especially if you want to learn more about the history and the 1755 earthquake.

12. Belem Tower

Belém Tower is one of the most Instagrammable places in Lisbon and a must if you’re chasing the best Lisbon photo spots. Sitting right on the Tagus River, the tower looks like something straight out of a fairytale.

When it comes to the interior, there is not much to see inside the Belem Tower, and it can be visited in 30 minutes. Unless you have a lot of free time and you decide to purchase a Lisbon Card, don’t waste your time with the interior.

But the exterior of the tower deserves an early wake-up call. It quickly gets packed, and it becomes almost impossible to get a good photo of Belem Tower.

13. Jerónimos Monastery

Jerónimos Monastery is one of the most impressive buildings in Lisbon and deserves a top spot in any Lisbon photo guide. Located in Belém, this stunning monastery is one of the best places to capture detailed Gothic Manueline architecture.

The cloister is easily the highlight and one of my favorite spots for Lisbon photos. The symmetry, arches, and shadows all work together for some beautiful compositions. I recommend bringing a wide-angle lens.

Attached to the monastery, you’ll also find the Church of Santa Maria de Belém. It’s free to visit and often much less crowded than the cloister, but just as photogenic. 

⏰ The monastery opens at 9:30 am, and if you want to avoid the crowds, it’s best to be there at least 30 minutes before opening. It’s closed on Mondays, so keep that in mind when planning your visit.

💶 The entrance ticket costs 18 euros and you can buy it here. If you have a Lisbon card, you can access Jerónimos Monastery for free.

14. Ponte 25 de Abril

Ponte 25 de Abril is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city and a must for your Lisbon photo guide. With its red suspension structure and resemblance to San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, it’s instantly recognizable.

This is also one of the most Instagrammable places in Lisbon during golden hour. I recommend heading to the waterfront near MAAT, where you can frame the bridge with the museum’s modern curves in the foreground.

Another great spot is the Miradouro de Santo Amaro. As you already know, this is one of the best hidden viewpoints in Lisbon with a unique view of Ponte 25 de Abril.

15. Fronteira Palace

Fronteira Palace, tucked away in the Benfica district, is a bit removed from the city center, but that just means fewer crowds and more time to enjoy one of the best photo spots in Lisbon in peace.

The palace dates back to the 17th century and is still home to the Marquesses of Fronteira, which already makes it feel a bit like stepping into a secret. But what really makes this place worth a visit is the tile work. 

The gardens are filled with massive azulejo panels that stretch across entire walls, framing fountains, staircases, and balustrades. You won’t find anything else like this in the city.

If you want to visit the palace interior, you’ll need to book a guided tour, and photography is not allowed. But even if you just stick to the gardens, it’s easily one of the best hidden photography spots in Lisbon.

FAQ: Best Photo Spots in Lisbon