20 Best Photo Spots in Lisbon Recommended By a Local
Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and one of the most picturesque cities in Europe. Orange rooftops, unique landmarks, and river views make it a perfect destination for photography lovers.
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But before we dive in…
The most popular tours in Lisbon:
- 🛺 Explore the historic center of Lisbon on this private half-day sightseeing tour by tuk-tuk
- 🏰 See Portugal’s natural and architectural wonders on a small-group, guided tour of Sintra and Cascais from Lisbon
- 🍲 Uncover Lisbon’s culture and cuisine while you walk around two of its neighborhoods during this excursion
- 🚢 Admire Lisbon at its most magical during this sunset tour on the Tagus River
- 🚶 On this private tour, see the best that Portugal’s capital has to offer and listen to history-rich commentary from a personal guide
Best photo spots in Lisbon
Arco da Rua Augusta
This famous arch is in the heart of Lisbon. It does come with a price and it usually gets very crowded, so I advise you to wake up early and start your day with this vibrant attraction. If you need some extra motivation, you will find many pastry shops that offer the best Pastel de Nata around.
TIP! If you have time, wait for the iconic yellow tram and snap a photo with another characteristic object!
Porticos of Arco da Rua Augusta
Since you are here, don’t forget to include these beautiful porticos. Many people miss this obvious photo spot, but you can create beautiful aesthetics. Especially if nobody is around. For a unique effect, bring your zoom lens – the distance will let you play with perspective.
Streets of Mouraria
Let’s discover something unseen and let’s get lost in Mouraria. Mouraria is as raw as it can get – people playing cards on the streets, the smell of fresh fish around, and laundry hanging on the buildings. That’s the true charm of the city! And that’s where you can find cute corners and take authentic street photos.
Bica
What is even more popular than the yellow trams of Lisbon? Probably this cute elevator called Bica. It is an iconic photo spot that you cannot miss, however, it does get crowded. Make sure you come early or you will have to wait in line because it is one of the best photo spots in Lisbon.
TIP! One of the elevators always is parked up while the other one is down in the garage. This means that the one in the garage is clean, yellow, and graffiti-free. Maybe you will have to wait for the clean one, but I think it looks much better in the photos.
Ler Devagar in LX Factory
Who doesn’t love books, right? Ler Devagar introduced a new concept of a bookshop as a meeting place, a space for debating ideas, for reading, for artistic experience, or even for taking a perfect photo.
Nowadays it is considered one of the 20 most beautiful bookshops in the world, so trust me. It is worth the hype. And after snapping your photo, you can discover the coolest project in Lisbon – LX Factory.
Fronteira Palace
Another azulejo paradise, however, this is probably the best-kept secret of Lisbon. Even many locals do not know about this place. Blue azulejos meet green and lush gardens – total eye candy if you ask me.
If you are planning to visit the interior of the palace, you will need to join a guided tour. Available time slots are limited, so plan accordingly. You can pick a suitable time and buy your ticket here.
Instead, gardens are open from Monday to Saturday from 9.30 am to 6 pm (last entry at 5.30 pm).
Entrance ticket is 7 euros and kids under 12 can enter for free. You can purchase your ticket here or at the entrance of the complex.
Bairro Alto
Bairro Alto is considered a party area of Lisbon, but that’s a vibe that you won’t find anywhere else. It gets even better in July when streets are decorated for Saint Antonio. Come for a drink and don’t forget to snap a photo.
Church of São Vicente of Fora
Azulejos, Azulejos, Azulejos. Church of São Vicente of Fora holds the largest collection of Baroque azulejo titles. This means a lot of cool photo options. On top of that, you get a beautiful view over Lisbon and Tejo. And you get to learn more about the history and art of Lisbon.
An adult ticket costs 8 euros, but you can get a reduced fare if you are under 25, over 65, or have a Lisbon Card. Children under the age of 12 can visit for free. It is open every day from 10 am to 6 pm and the last admission is at 5 pm.
Belem Tower
Belem Tower is the most photographed monument in Lisbon, so keep working on stats and create your postcard as well. Sunrise mission is something that you should consider for that perfect capture. And you can reward yourself with Pasteis de Belem after.
Casa do Alentejo
Casa do Alentejo – a little hidden getaway in the middle of busy Lisbon and a restaurant full of stories. When you enter, you will find an outdoor courtyard where locals come to relax, enjoy the atmosphere, and hide from tourists surrounding Rossio Square.
Once a palace, it’s since been used as a school, casino, and now a restaurant (in a beautiful ballroom on the second floor).
Carmo convent
The Carmo convent was intentionally left roofless as a reminder of the earthquake that destroyed Lisbon in 1755. The property now houses the Carmo Archaeological Museum and you should certainly visit it during your time in Lisbon. The feeling is surreal!
It is open from 10 am to 6 or 7 pm depending on the season. The convent is closed on Sundays. The adult entrance fee is 7 euros, but reduced fares are available. If you have a Lisbon card, it will cost you 5 euros instead.
Jerónimos Monastery
Details, details, details! Most of the people rush over to the queue to get inside as soon as possible but take a walk around the monastery of Lisbon and appreciate all the architectural work.
Also, if you are on the clock and you do not have time to visit inside, make a quick stop at Igreja Santa Maria and you will find it on the right side of the entrance.. And it is completely free (but stunning!).
The monastery opens at 9.30 am, so I recommend you to be there a bit before opening time to enjoy the place without big crowds. As an alternative, you can visit a few hours before closing time which is at 6 pm. Please note that the monastery is closed on Mondays.
💶 The entrance ticket costs 15 euros and you can buy it here. If you have a Lisbon card, you can access Jerónimos Monastery for free.
Pink Street
Pink Street of Lisbon is located in Cais do Sodre and nearby Santos area which is a perfect mix between historical and hip. It is one of those areas that always offers something new no matter how many times you visit.
During the night, this place is filled with people celebrating life, but during the day you can take unique Instagram photos.
EDIT 2024: they added umbrellas on the top of Pink Street.
Miradouro de Santa Luzia
Little azulejos garden with a beautiful view over Alfama and Tejo. This is probably one of my favorite photo spots in Lisbon and I can’t even count how many photos I have taken photos here. Beautiful any time of the day, but even better for sunset photos. Yes, it does get crowded but with patience you will get a beautiful photo from this iconic spot.
Calçada do Duque
Calçada do Duque offers the best view over the castle, however, many people miss this spot. In my opinion, it’s such a beautiful panoramic view over central Lisbon, that you can’t miss it.
Elevador do Lavra
Remember Bica? Well Elevador do Lavra is the least popular version of it, but still extremely pretty! I still consider it hidden and you can have all cable car to yourself. It takes you to gorgeous area of Lisbon where, once again, tourists do not go often.
Visigothic Wall
How to find this relatively hidden spot in Lisbon? When going from Santa Luzia viewpoint to Portas do Sol, you will notice stairs on your right and voila – it’s there! Yet so many people miss it and you can snap a photo at any time of the day!
Santa Justa Lift
Impressive place and even more impressive views if you decide to go up with it, but extremely crowded and not an easy photo spot option. Make sure you bring your wide angle and come early to avoid the line. If you decide to go up, buy a regular bus/metro ticket (or daily ticket), it will cost you 1.50 EUR instead of 5 EUR.
Church of Nossa Senhora das Mercês
Beautiful church hidden between tiny streets of Lisbon. You should bring your zoom lens and see what a unique photo you can create. It is located in the center of Lisbon yet you wont find many tourists around, so come for a local experience as well.
Ponte 25 de Abril
Some San Francisco vibes in Lisbon, cool bars and beautiful promenade. Ending your day in Lisbon with beautiful sunset view over Tejo and magical Ponte 25 de Abril. I simply couldn’t help but add it to the list of best photo spots in Lisbon.
In conclusion..
I hope this article makes your life easier and you can find all your favorite photo spots in Lisbon. Lisbon is a great place to get lost, but you might be on the clock, so this should help you plan your trip. Let me know what your favorite is!
I would love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any feedback or additional tips, leave a comment below. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Or explore other destinations on this travel blog.
Pin it for later and make sure you know the best photo spots in Lisbon!
Gorgeous pictures: I wonder how you manage to get them without other people around??
Sunrise mission haha. I like to wake up early and with a bit of patience, you can avoid the crowds in your photos.Thank you!
You made me want to visit Lisbon again just to take these beautiful pictures. Such lovely photographs! ❤️
Your Lisbon pictures are STUNNING! I can’t believe you’re a local!
Thank you so much! I wasn’t born in Lisbon, but I lived there for 4 years. Moved during pandemic, but I know the city insane out 😍
Beautiful photography as always. Loved the library photo spot. Very unique!
Thank you so much ❤️
Definitely looks like an amazing city to photograph! I also love all your outfits – super cute!
Yes, it is 😍 And thank you so much!
Lisbon is a a truly picturesque place I have been dying to visit for a while now! These shots just prove it. So stunning, thanks for a great guide!
Always happy to share! And I’m sure you will love Lisbon, so don’t postpone it for too long 😍
Beautiful photos, as usual! There are so many gorgeous spots for photos in Lisbon. Also, I love your blue shoes!
Thank you so much, Susan 😍 and you are right, Lisbon is full of gems!
Love your pictures and all your dressies! You certainly inspired me to visit Lisbon!
Yay! So happy! And thank you so much 😍
Such beautiful photo spots in Lisbon! I would love to go it is amazing!
Thank you so much, Lisa!
Wow, I loved (virtually) going around Lisbon through your lens. These are some incredibly beautiful images – I think my favourite picks would be the Ler Devagar and the Pink Street 🙂
Hah, that’s nice of you to say! Thank you so much 😘 And sounds like a great start!
I can’t wait to visit Portugal & I love taking photos. Your pics & photo spots in Lisbon look amazing! Thank you!
Glad to hear that! And Portugal is full of photo opportunities so I’m sure you will love it! 😍
Wow your outfits are beautiful! Thanks for the awesome post.
Oh thank you!!
The architecture art the Jerónimos Monastery is absolutely fascinating!! So many beautiful places to see! Lovely!
Yes, Lisbon full of beauty! Glad you like it 😍
What a helpful post, it is obvious you are a local AND that you have a background in photography! You offer so many helpful suggestions and your photos, as always, are beautiful!
Thank you so much, Erica! I’m just very passionate about photography and practiced for many years now!
Beautiful photos! You really make the town’s architectural and cultural highlights come alive. Appreciate the gorgeous visuals and the descriptions – love the bookstore!
Oh thank you so much! Highly appreciate your feedback ❤️
Gorgeous photos! My friend and I were just reminiscing about our trip to Lisbon and eating Pasteis de Nata. Now I want to go back and get better photos!
Thank you so much! I hope you can go back to Lisbon at some point and not only for photos… it’s such a fun city 😍
Lisbon has such lovely architecture. I’m a big fan of the blue Azulejo type tiles. I’d love to see the inside of Ler Devagar, it looks huge.
It’s certainly big for a book shop! And you will find azulejos all around Portugal, so I hope you can visit soon 😍
An absolutely enjoyable post!! You are the whole package. Great photographer, beautiful clothes, shoes, and accessories, and simply picture perfect! I really loved your photo in the roofless convent and by the Porticos of Arco da Rua Augusta and at Fronteira Palace. Honestly, they were all spectacular.
Ohh thank you so much! It means a lot! It took me a lot of years of practice and I still have a long way to go, but it’s so nice to read feedback like that 😍
I adore the Azulejos! Gorgeous. I also love the architectural details at the monastery. Thanks for all the excellent tips on how to capture these iconic locations!
My pleasure!! And sounds like you need a trip to Portugal – it’s full of azulejos 😍 Thanks, Lisa!
So beautiful! I appreciate all the effort and time you must have taken to get this all just right! It will help when I find myself in Lisbon. 🙂 Thank you for a great post!
Oh thank you so much, Gail! I’m glad you appreciate it ❤️
You are looking fabulous in your beautiful dresses Lasma (as always!) You always find such perfect photo spots. I am hoping to visit Lisbon next year for my brother in laws wedding, so it is exciting to see how gorgeous it is! 🙂
The Ler Devagar in LX Factory in particular looks incredible!!
Thank you so much, Josy! And that’s so exciting, I’m sure you would love Lisbon, I hope it works out 😍
Your photos are stunning! I really loved the shot of you at Ler Devagar! I’m a book lover so I would probably never leave lol. You captured the cities colors beautifully. Thanks for sharing!
Oh thank you so much! Sounds like you need to visit it asap! You can also grab a drink and read books there 😍
Carmo convent looks incredible and fascinating that it is supposed to be that way! Must say something about their usual weather around there too 🙂 I haven’t made it to mainland Portugal yet, but it is certainly on my list. Thanks for the inspiration!
Always happy to share! And I really hope you can visit soon, Portugal is amazing. And full of great photo opportunities!
Great photos and guide! I definitely missed some spots when I was there!
Thank you! Maybe it’s a sign that you need to go back to Lisbon 😍
We just got home from Portugal and your post already had me yearning for a return visit. I love the great mix of sights you have highlighted in Lisbon. I now wish we went inside the Carmo Convent.
Oh that’s exciting, low key jealous as I always miss Portugal 😍 And Carmo Convent is a great place to visit!
Great Pictures! I love Bica, and it’s good to know to wait for the cleaner one. And that library is amazing!
Thanks, Megan! Glad you liked it ❤️
We absolutely loved Lisbon so much that we “accidentally” missed our flight and then rebooked a stayed an extra day. Great post!
Haha I can understand why, Lisbon is absolutely amazing 😍
You really found a lot of great aesthetic backgrounds! I would love to take a photo in Bairro Alto or in front of Belem Tower – thank you for sharing! 🙂
Thank you! I love to share and your feedback is so motivating! 😍
Wow, you’re photos look absolutely stunning! I would love to visit the XL Factory, it looks amazing!!
Thanks Lena, I’m glad you like it! ❤️
Great photo guide! I now see that I missed a lot of spots on my trip to Lisbon! Bummer! Guess I need to again, right 🙂
Thank you! Well, I used to live here, so I had a lot of time… it’s hard to do it all in one trip 😀 So yes, additional trip sounds like a great idea!
Hello. Great job. I did not anticipate this. This is a fantastic story. Thanks!
Thank you!
Gorgeous city! I would love to go to Lisbon and see that whole area. The photos are beautiful and love the architecture.Ann
Glad to hear that, Ann! I really hope you get a chance to visit one day, because Lisbon is absolutely amazing!
i love love love all your pretty dresses!! Lisbon looks like an absolute dream, especially the pink street. thanks for the tip about Elevador do Lavra, it seems like that better option than Bica.
Always happy to help! And thank you so much for your kind words ❤️
Wow!! All of these photo spots are so, so beautiful! What gorgeous photos. I would like to take pictures at all of these spots, but I think my favorite is Miradouro de Santa Luzia 🙂
That Miradouro is truly magical, good choice! And thank you so much ❤️
these pictures are gorgeous! you definitely found the best spots!
Thank you so much! 🥰
Lisbon looks like such a beautiful city to photograph and to just wander around and enjoy. Fab post Lāsma. Although…if I am honest, I would never be able to replicate this. You have sooo many gorgeous dresses even when you travel!
That is such a nice comment, thank you ❤️ I actually used to live here, so this is content and dresses of 3 years, but Lisbon certainly makes it much easier. Thanks once again!
I always try to streamline my packing and travel light, but all of your dress shots inspires me to maybe try something a little different for my next trip.
Well I used to live in Lisbon, so didn’t have to pack all these things, but I know what you mean. At least one fabulous dress is a must, right? ❤️
This is amazing! I love Lisbon, so many great corners! Love your photos!
Thank you so much, Tamara ❤️
So finally you did it! I was so waiting to see something from Lisbon! This is really the ultimate guide for the best photo spots!
I know Lisbon too well, so it is hard to squeeze it all in just one article haha. Thank you Flavio ❤️
Ohhh so beautiful! You made me miss Lisbon so much! There are still a few places that I haven’t visited. Love the shots! They look so pretty and effortless 🙂
Ah I think you have a good reason to go back to Lisbon then? Hopefully one day! And thanks for your kind comment, Aga ❤️