Best Photo Spots in Lisbon

Lisbon has become one of my favourite places to visit. From the colourful buildings, to the amazing food, to the beautiful sunsets over the Tagus – I’ve completely fallen for this city! I wanted to share some of our favourite photo spots in Lisbon where you can really capture the beautiful energy of this city.

Arco da Rua Augusta

One of the most photographed places in Lisbon, and a shot you’ve definitely seen all over Instagram! Standing beneath the grand Arco da Rua Augusta in Lisbon is a must for any traveller looking to capture the perfect photo in the heart of the city. This spot can get very busy so I recommend going early morning if you’re wanting to get a shot without so many people in. You can even climb to the top of the arch (there’s an elevator that will take you halfway up then some stairs) for panoramic views of the city.

Rua do Telhal

For a picture perfect snapshot of Lisbon’s vibrant charm head to Rua do Telhal, where a row of colourful houses creates a stunning backdrop for photos. This hidden gem really captures Lisbon’s unique aesthetic, with the colourful facades and intricate tilework. We found the best place to get the shot was to climb up the stairs on the road opposite. Be careful of cars passing by as this street can get busy, and be mindful of the locals living in the houses - we took a break from shooting at one point to give a lady some privacy whilst she hung her washing out on her balcony!

Miradouro de Santa Luzia

The Miradouro de Santa Luzia is one of Lisbon’s most picturesque viewpoints and the perfect spot for a stunning photo. Overlooking the terracotta rooftops and winding streets, this charming terrace offers breathtaking views of the city. The tiled walls, pillars, and pergola help to frame the shot perfectly, and offer a great space for you to pose against the beautiful backdrop. It does get very busy here so you might have to be patient if you want to get the shot! It’s particularly popular at sunset, and there’s often street vendors and musicians here too which make it the perfect place to relax a while and watch the sun setting over the city.

Miradouro Portas do Sol

Just a few minutes around the corner from Miradouro de Santa Luzia is another popular viewpoint, Miradouro Portas do Sol. From here you can capture a panoramic shot of Alfama’s maze-like streets, whitewashed buildings, and iconic red rooftops – a view that Lisbon is so easily recognised by. It can get very busy here and there are often group tours which stop here, so again, patience is needed to get a shot in the best spot at the corner where the iron fence meets.

Elvador de Bica

No trip to Lisbon is complete without a picture of one of the iconic yellow trams! Elvador de Bica is a funicular that connects the lower Cais do Sodre district with the lively Bairro Alto. The tram makes the journey back and forth between the two districts and pauses for a few minutes at each end, making it one of the best places to snap a shot with a tram. I recommend catching the tram when it stops at the top of the street so you can get the leading lines behind the tram, going down into the steep street below. Or try ducking down one of the side streets and getting a shot of the tram side on - you’ll have to be quick to catch it going by, or you can always wait for the next one!

Ler Devagar

Ler Devagar is a bookshop located in the creative hub of Lx Factory, amongst many other vibrant bars, restaurants and shops. A bookshop might not feel like your typical photo spot, but Ler Devagar’s towering bookshelves make for a unique backdrop for a shot. The industrial vibes of the shop really add to the character, and with the winding staircase, whimsical artwork, and bicycle sculpture suspended from the ceiling, there’s plenty of opportunities to get a distinctive shot.

Case Das Colunas

Opposite the Arco da Rua Augusta, across the plaza, is a small beachfront which overlooks the Tagus river. This is a great spot to get a shot with the 25 de Abril suspension bridge in the background, and is even better at sunset when the light makes the river Tagus sparkle. It does tend to be quite busy here, but you can usually get a spot sitting on the wall to watch the world go by. There’s street musicians here which really add to the relaxing vibe, and there’s always someone making incredible sculptures out of sand! Easily one of my favourite spots in Lisbon.