Lisbon is a gorgeous city! Beautiful views, charming yellow trams, colourful tiles everywhere you look. Add to that it’s packed with history and plenty of delicious food, coffee and wine spots and you’ve got the recipe for a perfect weekend city break. My first trip to the Portuguese capital city was way back in 2014 and whilst I’ve returned to the country a couple of times since then (to Porto & Carvoeiro) this was the first return to Lisbon. It was so long overdue as I’ve been spotting so many pretty photo spots all over Insta and I’ve been wanting to get my camera on them for so long. But often when you’ve already been somewhere (even if it was pre being into photography) it’s difficult to prioritise over a new (and very shiny) location. Anyway. One of my friends had not been before and I really had a hankering to see it again with a lens ready to snap away.
1. Miradouro das Portas do Sol
One thing you need to know about Lisbon is that it is prettyyyy hilly. But with the calves burning you will be rewarded with stunning views, called miradouros. A few are going to feature on this list but I’m going to begin with Miradouro das Portas do Sol which is in the heart of Alfama, the historic Old District of Lisbon. The views are phenomenol and it’s a great photography spot.
2. Livraria Ler Devagar
Livraria Ler Devagar is a stunner of a bookshop in the LX Factory creative hub in Lisbon. You may have spotted a picture of this bookshop on Insta already and the above is the iconic shot. I love all the books rising so far up the wall and the industrial feel of the shop juxtaposed together.
3. Rua Augusta Arch
This triumphal arch makes a striking shot with its soaring size, detailed designs and fabulous Lisbon yellow buildings that lead up to it.
4. Bica Funicular
Lisbon is well known for its yellow transportation and the Bica Funicular is one of these. The funicular rides up to Largo Calhariz at the top of the route and it is anchored in place. The view is iconic with the cheery yellow carriage sitting on Lisbon’s steep streets looking out across the city behind.
Currently, all of the historic yellow cable driven funiculars are out of operation due to the terrible derailment tragedy in 2025. Only the modern funicular, opened in 2024, is running.
5. Torre de Belém
The Torre de Belém is one of Lisbon’s most well known landmarks and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built in the early 16th century and symbolises Portugal to the explorers as they would set off on their journeys of discovery across the seas. The architecture is fabulous and if you come for a good sunset, your camera will be in for even more of a treat!
6. Miradouro de Santa Luzia
Another fabulous miradouro is Santa Luzia which you may spot Insta sunrise photos from. It’s a terraced spot with gorgeous tiles which are nearly as good as the view. In bougainvillea season, the blooms are everywhere and add an additional pop of colour. This can be a pretty busy viewpoint so do try and catch sunrise for a (hopefully!) clearer shot.
7. Lisbon Cathedral
The Cathedral of Lisbon seems to perch on a hilly corner of the historic Alfama district and honestly can catch you by surprise! Alfama has so many twists and turns with architectural gems hidden around every street bend and the Cathedral does somewhat seem to hit you out of nowhere! Try and come early to enjoy the view without too many crowds around.
8. Calçada do Duque
This charming corner of Lisbon was a stumble upon find. We were making our way back to the hotel after a day out and about exploring and this was part of the route that Google Maps took us on and what a treat it was! This is such a pretty corner with the bougainvillea giving a sweep of colour, the curvature of the steps and a view right across to the other side of hilly Lisbon!
9. Rua Verde
Green Street was another Insta gem that I stumbled upon as we were just exploring around the city. It’s super cute and its name comes from the many plants and flowers that adorn the street. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes and little shops to meander your way between.
10. Foxtrot
Foxtrot is a bar near Barrio Alto which is an Art Deco stunner. The entrance. is gorgeous and perfect for an Insta twirly shot. I wish we’d been able to come back on an evening to enjoy the interior as well!
11. Miradouro da Graça
Another glorious view out across Lisbon and its rooftops is from Miradouro da Graça beside Igreja de Graça. We came here twice, during the day and then again at sunset where the colours of the sunset seemed to match the colours of the city.
12. Jerónimos Monastery
In particular, it is the two storied cloisters which make the best photo opportunity in the Monastery although you’ll find plenty of other details to snap as you make your way around this breathtaking place. Jerónimos Monastery is another excellent example of the Manueline style that can be seen around the city.
13. Praça do Comércio
A grand square in the city which faces out to the sea you’ll find plenty of spots to photograph. The best one in my opinion is to head under the arches (above) and take the view from one end to the other and ideally have someone to walk down the middle to show their symmetry off.
14. Breakfast Lovers Tram 28
This is one of the best spots to snag a shot of a legendary tram rolling past on its journey. We visited at 2pm for coffee and managed to get this perfect seat and enjoyed watching the trams pootling past!
15. Arco de Jesus
An ancient gate leading into the city is what this street is famous for but it’s the fabulous blue and white tiled building that caught my eye as a perfect spot for a quick photo op and a great Insta walking background.
16. Rua de O Século
At the lower end of Rua de O Século, there is a great IG shot where lines of focus come together and there is a stunning tiled building right ahead of you. Make it an even better shot by capturing a tram heading by as well.
17. Rossio Station
Lisbon doesn’t necessarily have a main / central station but Rossio feels a lot like it could be one. It takes the Neo-Manueline design which nearby Pena Palace also is and the front entrance is gorgeous.
18. Casa São Miguel
Casa São Miguel is a pretty little pastry shop and cafe in Alfama. Snap a photo of its gorgeous exterior and then pop inside to sample their delicious treats.
19. Santo Amaro Chapel viewpoint
The Ponte 25 de Abril is a bridge in Lisbon which spans the Tagus River and resemble the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge. Find yourself a viewpoint to get a great shot facing out towards the bridge. One spot is at the Santo Amaro Chapel viewpoint which is only ten minutes away from LX Factory (although does involve a pretty steep hill).
20. Time Out Market
The Time Out Market in Lisbon is the original Time Out food market and it’s a great spot to grab lunch, especially if you’re with a group where everyone wants something different. Head up to Martins Bookshop for the shot across the market and check out the beautiful books while you’re there.
21. Azulejos (colourful tiles)
Portugal is known for its absolutely stunning colourful tiles (also known as azulejos) which are both decorative and functional. Find your favourites as you stroll the city and snap away. I absolutely love a Portugal post dedicated to only tiles 😉 In Lisbon, you can even visit the National Azulejo Museum!
For more Portugal content take a look at these other posts below 👇
Cat x