Where to Take the Best Photos in Lisbon? Our 10 Must-See Spots

The capital and largest city of Portugal, which is also the only capital city on the Atlantic coast (the others are on islands) and the westernmost city in continental Europe. It includes modern art, historical neighborhoods, tiled buildings, and breathtaking views. It has a ton of beautiful locations! Although it is difficult to pick only ten, we have compiled a list of our top ten locations for stunning photos while you are there.

We're sharing our top picks for breathtaking photo spots in Lisbon in this guide. In order to avoid crowds and capture the ideal light, we also advise you on the best time and method to visit each location.

Let's take a tour of the city's most picturesque locations, ideal for making memories along the way.

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1. Belém Tower

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Belém Tower is a 16th-century structure in Lisbon that was used as a ceremonial entrance to the city and as a place for Portuguese explorers to dock and disembark. Although it integrates other architectural elements, it is a notable example of the Portuguese Manueline architecture and was constructed during the height of the Portuguese Renaissance. Portugal's colonial and maritime might in early modern Europe is represented by this tower. Constructed from Lioz limestone, the structure consists of a 30-meter, four-story tower and a bastion.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A 16th-century fortress sitting right on the water, full of maritime charm.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Early morning to avoid the crowds and catch the calm light.
• Photography tip 📷
  Shoot from across the water for a full view of the tower and its reflection.

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2. Jerónimos Monastery

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One of Lisbon's most notable examples of late Portuguese Gothic Manueline architecture is the Jerónimos Monastery. In the parish of Belém, next to the Tagus River, is the Jerónimos Monastery, a former Order of Saint Jerome monastery. In the 16th century, it served as the necropolis of the Portuguese royal line of Aviz. However, in 1833, a state decree secularized it, and its ownership was given to the nonprofit organization Real Casa Pia de Lisboa. Together with the neighboring Tower of Belém, the Jerónimos Monastery was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A stunning example of Manueline architecture, rich with detail and history.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Mid-morning for soft light and fewer tourists inside.
• Photography tip 📷
  Capture the cloisters—look for light patterns on the arches.

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3. Alfama District

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The Alfama is Lisbon's oldest district, spanning the slope between the Tagus River and the São Jorge Castle. Along with a portion of the two streets, Freguesia da Sé: Rua do Barão" and "Rua São João da Praça, the district is home to the freguesias of São Miguel, Santo Estêvão, and São Vicente de Fora. Along with a plethora of Fado eateries and bars, it is home to numerous significant historical sites. There are more terraces on Alfama's slopes from which to see the city.

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• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood is full of winding alleys, tiled facades, and Fado music.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Evening, when the streets come alive with local sounds and lights.
• Photography tip 📷
  Use a wide lens to catch the charm of narrow lanes and local life.

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4. Praça do Comércio

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At 175 by 175 meters, the Praça do Comércio is one of Portugal's biggest squares and faces the harbor in the country's capital. The plaza, which faces the Tagus to the south, is still referred to as Terreiro do Paço in Portuguese since it was the location of the Paço da Ribeira until it was devastated by the massive Lisbon earthquake of 1755. The plaza was entirely renovated as part of the Pombaline Downtown reconstruction following the earthquake. Praça do Comércio was designated a National Monument of Portugal in 1910, a few months before the Portuguese Republic was established.

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• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A massive, open square by the river framed by yellow arcades and history.
• Best time to visit  📅
  Late afternoon to watch the light hit the arches and the water.
• Photography tip 📷
  Shoot wide to include the arch, statue, and river together.

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5. LX Factory

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Lisbon is home to the business and creative hub known as LXFactory. The structure, which was renovated in 2008 and is now a symbol of invention, creativity, and business with industrial inspiration, is situated in the Alcântara district, a former industrial region of the Portuguese city. Located in a former industrial site, this cultural and creative complex features stores, restaurants, cafes, co-working spaces, and art installations. Live performances, exhibitions, and fairs are regularly held at LX Factory.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A creative hub inside old warehouses—street art, indie shops, and food spots.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Afternoons for good light and a lively vibe.
• Photography tip 📷
  Focus on murals and quirky decor—perfect for Instagram shots.

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6. Tram 28 Ride

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One of the greatest ways to explore the city is the well-known Tram 28, which takes passengers up or down a hill for 40 minutes through ancient neighborhoods including Graça, Alfama, and Baixa. The route passes numerous historical sites, such as the castle and church. Campo Ourique and Martim Moniz are connected by Tram 28. Praça Martim Moniz is the boarding location. It is less than a five-minute walk northeast from Figueira Square, the center of Lisbon. The route passes via the well-known tourist destinations of Baixa, Estrela, Alfama, and Graca.

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• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  It’s a classic yellow tram that takes you through old, narrow streets.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Morning, before it gets too crowded.
• Photography tip 📷
  Snap it while turning on a curve — it looks iconic!

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7. Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

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A serene location for viewing the city's terracotta roofs and golden sunsets, this is one of Lisbon's best vantage spots. The Senhora do Monte viewpoint is situated in front of the Chapel of Nossa Senhora do Monte and is part of the parish of São Vicente. The Mar da Palha, the Castle of São Jorge, a portion of downtown Lisbon, and the estuary of the River Tagus are visible to the south from here. To the west, you can see the Monsanto Forest Park from Bairro Alto, and to the north, you can see the valley of Avenida Almirante Reis.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  One of the best viewpoints to see the whole city from above.
• Best time to visit 📅
  At sunset, when the sky turns golden.
• Photography tip 📷
  Use the railing as a frame for wide city shots.

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8. Time Out Market

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A food hall called Time Out Market Lisboa is situated in Portugal's Mercado da Ribeira in Cais do Sodré. The top chefs in Portugal are housed in a dynamic food hall. An excellent spot to sample Lisbon in a single afternoon. It is the first of Time Out magazine's planned food hall projects, having debuted in May 2014. About 36 eateries and kiosks with regional specialties may be found in the Lisbon market.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A big indoor market with tasty food from top chefs and locals.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Late afternoon for lunch or early dinner.
• Photography tip 📷
  Capture the food stalls and colorful dishes overhead.

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9.  São Jorge Castle

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The freguesia of Santa Maria Maior is home to the famous São Jorge Castle. The castle hill has been inhabited by humans since at least the eighth century BC, and the site's earliest fortifications date back to the second century BC. Because it was the site of several fortresses that were occupied in succession, the hill where Saint George's Castle is located has played a significant role in Lisbon's history. The castle has been used as a royal residence, a military barracks, the location of the Torre do Tombo National Archive, and presently a national monument and museum since the 12th century.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  An old castle on a hill with amazing city and river views.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Morning, when it’s calm and the light is soft.
• Photography tip 📷
  Climb the walls for great shots of rooftops.

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10. Padrão dos Descobrimentos

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Located in the parish of Belém, the Padrão dos Descobrimentos is a spectacular monument along the river that honors Portuguese explorers. It is a popular location for photos because of its striking size and shape. Leopoldo de Almeida created the sculptures, and Cottinelli Telmo designed the architecture. Constructed in 1940 during the Portuguese World Exhibition, the first monument honoring the historical personalities involved in the Portuguese Discoveries was placed prominently on the right bank of the River Tagus and was built of perishable materials.

• Why is it exotic? 🤔
  A huge riverside monument shaped like a ship’s prow.
• Best time to visit 📅
  Late in the afternoon, when the sun hits it just right.
• Photography tip 📷
  Step back to fit the whole monument in your frame.

Final Thoughts

These are the top photography spots you won't want to miss in Lisbon. However, there is much more to see and enjoy, as the city offers endless photo opportunities. Take a walk and explore more, and make both your day and your photos amazing. Hopefully, this guide will help you capture your best moments in Lisbon.

Ready to explore?
Don’t forget to bring extra storage, because you’re going to take a lot of photos.

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