I’ve experienced many cities in Europe, but Lisbon is my favorite to photograph. The bright colors, azulejos, ocean views, and vibrant culture are my dream aesthetic. Lisbon has photo spots at every turn, but I created this list of 5 best photo spots in Lisbon, to maximize your time and to ensure that you’ll get the best photos! If you’re a planner like me, you’ll definitely want to add these spots to your Google Map list.
1. View Point
View Point, located in the Alfama neighborhood, is my favorite view of Lisbon. It’s an observation deck that feels like a giant patio overlooking the Tagus River. The view is just incredible, and it’s my favorite spot in the whole city. I’ll let the pictures below speak for themselves, but sunset here is magical. There’s a couple bars and restaurants by View Point, so it’s the perfect place to spend an evening and watch the sunset.
View Point is busiest in the afternoon, when people from the cruise ships descend on the city. So I recommend visiting in the morning or evening in the busier summer months.
2. Miradouro de Santa Luzia
Just a staircase away from View Point, Miradouro de Santa Luzia is another amazing (and very popular) observation deck in Alfama. Miradouro de Santa Luzia is part of a beautiful garden called Praça Júlio de Castilho, covered in traditional azulejo tiles and bright flowers. There’s a pergola and a view of the Tagus River, making it one of the best photo spots in Lisbon. This spot gets very crowded in the summer, so I recommend going before 10am or later in the evening.
3. Alfama Neighborhood
Even though View Point (#1) and Miradouro de Santa Luzia (#2) are located in Alfama, it truly deserves it’s own spot on the list. The whole neighborhood is a photograhper’s dream! I spent an entire day walking around, taking photos, and finding the best photo spots.
Afama is Lisbon’s oldest neighborhood, filled with historic charm and gorgeous moorish architecture. It’s famous for the (very) hilly, cobblestone streets, yellow trams, tile-covered buildings, and phenomenal ocean viewpoints. Originally a fishing town, Alfama is the most iconic and picturesque neighborhood in Lisbon. It’s the area that made me fall in love with Lisbon, and in my opinion, the best place to take photos.
This is why I highly recommend booking your hotel or Airbnb in Alfama. The location is perfect for everything you’ll want to do in Lisbon. But if you’ve already booked your accommodation elsewhere, I suggest spending an entire day in Alfama. Don’t forget your camera because this place is beyond photogenic!
4. Arco da Rua Augusta
Arco da Rua Augusta is an iconic photo spot in Lisbon, built in 1755 to symbolize resilience after the 1755 earthquake. The area around the Arc is very spacious and pedestrian friendly. You can take photos under Arco da Rua Augusta, especially if you’d like a photo with a tram in the background. Or you can take photos from Praça do Comércio, which is the giant plaza across from Arco da Rua Augusta.
If you’re interested, you can also climb Arco da Rua Augusta to enjoy the view from the top.
5. Santo Estêvão Belvedere
Santo Estêvão Belvedere is a shaded, cozy rooftop tucked away in Alfama. It’s easily found on Google Maps, but it feels like a hidden gem. This spot offers a view of several different streets, giving you a unique perspective of Alfama. Santo Estêvão Belvedere is one of the best photo spots because you don’t have to worry about direct sunlight or a crowd of people. Definitely stop here while you’re exploring Alfama!
