Best Photography Spots In Lisbon

Lisbon is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe I’ve had the pleasure of exploring. Between the mild climate and breezes off the sea, hills to climb with gorgeous vistas, and the beautiful red tiled roofed buildings and ancient ruins, you can see why it’s become such a popular tourist destination as of late. Combine it with the delicious Portugese food, vino verde and pasteis de nata, Lisbon and Portugal more generally will have you coming back for more.

In this post, I’ll list out some of the incredible photography spots within this view filled city. Along the way, you’ll hopefully get to discover all that gives Lisbon it’s charm.

Photography highlights in the city center

One of the joys of Lisbon is getting a little lost in it’s ancient streets. Some of my favorite places to wander and take photos are:

The Afalma neighborhood

As the oldest neighborhood in the city, you can expect that old world charm, cobble stoned streets, and narrow alleyways. It’s such a joy to wander aimlessly here, stumbling upon cute doorframes and views of the water.

A narrow, sloped street lined with colorful apartment buildings and balconies, with one person walking on the right sidewalk.

Praca de Comercio

This is the main commercial center. With it’s unique yellow paint and arches, especially where the Praca meets the sea, you can find some ideal shadow photographs here.

Castelo de Sao Jorge

This castle (tickets required) offers unparalleled, 360 degree views at the top of the city. Plus, wandering around the Castle and learning about it’s history is worthwhile too – there’s evidence of humans building fortifications on the hilltop from the 1st century BC!

Cityscape view through a stone arch window, showing buildings, greenery, and a partly cloudy blue sky.

View of a city with red-tiled rooftops, a large river, and a bridge in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

The ruins of Convento do Carmo

This site is free, however you can buy a ticket to see it lit up at night if that’s more your style. This was a medieval convent that was destroyed in the 1755 Lisbon earthquake. It’s eery shell of itself is fascinating to photograph.

Ruins of a stone building with tall arches and columns, open to a clear blue sky.

Elevador da Bica

This cute yellow funicular helps enunciate the steepness of the hills in Lisbon – take a photo of it from the side to appreciate the angle even more!

A yellow funicular tram car travels up a steep, tiled incline inside a well-lit tunnel.

Rua nova do carvalho

Pink painted streets, what’s not to like? Also a few fun bars to check out.

Outdoor tables and people line a narrow, pink-painted pedestrian street between tall buildings in a European city.

Miradouro de Santa Luzia

The city is filled with Miradouro – or vista lookouts. Bring a drink and enjoy the sunset.

View of a coastal European town with terracotta rooftops, church domes, and a cloudy sky, overlooking the sea.

Tram 28

The tram itself is fun to photograph, but if you ride it from end to end along route 28 you get a great cheap tour of most of the city.

A yellow tram passes by the Arco da Rua Augusta under a blue sky in Lisbon’s Praça do Comércio.

Portugese Food

And hopefully, enjoy it’s deliciousness!

Along the way, make sure to try some Portugese sardines (Sardinhas assadas) or anything with Bacalhau, a famous fish dish served many different ways, like with eggs, potatoes, backed or with cream and cheese. My favorite is Bacalahu com natas, which is a casserole like dish. Sip some vinho verde, green wine grown in Portugal which is efervescent and light, perfect for a summer day.

A metal plate with boiled potatoes, grilled sardines, lettuce, onion, tomato slices, and green peppers on a table.

Sites of West Lisbon

Torre de Belem (Belem Tower)

This tower in the sea is best photographed at high tide.

A historic stone tower stands by the riverbank under a clear blue sky, with water and sand in the foreground.

Jeronimos Monastery

A gorgeous monastery with nice shadows and angles from the arches that surround the courtyard. Also, a cool place to hang out to beat the summer sun!

Ornate stone arches and detailed carvings adorn the cloister of a historic monastery with an open courtyard below.

A stone cloister with arched walkways, detailed carvings, and a courtyard with green grass and a small circular fountain.

Pasteis de Belem

Home of the original Portugese egg tart, this large cafe is a foodie photographer’s tream.

A cup of hot chocolate with whipped cream and two Portuguese pastries on plates sit on a grey table.

Padrao dos descobrimentos (Monument of the Discoveries)

This enormous statue commemorates the seafaring, explorer history of Portugal – think Vasco de Gama and Henry the Navigator.

Large stone monument with sculpted historical figures on a ship, set against a clear blue sky.

Monumento aos combatentes do ultramar (Monument to the Overseas Combatants)

This beautiful statue and water feature combination offer sharp angles and beautiful colors to photograph.

Large triangular monument rises from a shallow reflective pool under a clear blue sky, with several flags visible in the background.

Day Trips from Lisbon

Sintra

Beautiful yellow castle on a mountainside with views of the surrounding forests. It’s great fun wandering the huge complex.

Yellow castle tower with arched windows and a domed roof overlooks a forested landscape under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

Courtyard with geometric tile floor, arched stone columns, patterned walls, and a large shell planter with a fern in the center.

Quinta da regaleira

Near to Sintra, this private home turned museum has beautiful gardens to explore. In it you’ll find the masonic initation wells. These mystical wells offer photograph opportunities from above and below.