A different Lisbon photography guide: best spots and tips

Discover the best Lisbon photography spots and useful tips to get the best memories from Portugal!

I have been more than once in Lisbon, and I plan on visiting it again. This is something rare on me, someone that loves discovering new places, cultures, countries… but Lisbon is special. Compared to its sister Porto, Lisbon is chaotic, noisier, and more cosmopolitan. It is easy to navigate, but easy to get lost, and it has plenty of photo opportunities, something that I am always looking for in any city that I visit. If you love street photography, Lisbon has a special light. It won’t be long until I visit it again. Until then, these are my top Lisbon photography spots, and some tips on how to capture the city!

DISCLAIMER: This is not a what to see in Lisbon guide. There is a lot of overlap, but some spots like the Padrão dos Descobrimentos are very interesting from a historical site, but not as a photography location. Don’t leave already! This guide might help you discover some less known spots or see Lisbon with a different eye when you visit it.

Lisbon religious photography spots

Sé de Lisboa:

Lisbon’s cathedral (Sé in Portuguese) was built in 1147bc, although as most Romanesque churches, it has been destroyed, rebuilt, and modified through the centuries. Now it has an interesting mix of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles. It is listed in this guide for two specific reasons:

• Its cloister: I am a huge fan of cloisters, and I find them a very interesting place for photography. In fact, this is not the only cloister featured in this guide. I found it quiet, with lots of details. Of course, the first part will depend on the date, hour of the day… but the little details make it worth it.
• The surrounds: Even if you are not into cloisters, get close to the Sé. Cathedrals are usually in elevated positions and this is not an exception. The tram line that passes next to the Cathedral, the narrow streets, or the cute kiosks are perfect photographic opportunities.

Igreja do Carmo

Old and historical cities tend to have many religious buildings. Yet, Lisbon has one of the most interesting churches I have ever visited, and it is a perfect spot for different photography, as it is a church without a ceiling. It is not the only one of its kind, but in this case, the reason for its condition is unique: an earthquake.

Make sure to look up, and find the half windows, destroyed arches… Unlike other churches, this one has plenty of light and perfect conditions for photography. Attached to the church there is an archaeological museum, that has no interest for photographers, but is interesting if you are into history.

Monasterio dos Jeronimos

Wrapping up the religious photography spots of Lisbon with the Jerónimos Monastery. This is both the main tourist attraction and a perfect photography location. Oh, and the second cloister of this list. Beautiful from the outside and the inside, it is a bit of a tourist trap, as the number of people trying to sell you things in the area is overwhelming, and the queues can be pretty long on high-season.

However, it is a beautiful monastery, with an astonishing 2 story cloister. Look for the details, not that the main picture is not beautiful, but it will most likely be crowded.

The surrounds of the Monastery are beautiful, and it is one of the locations to taste the typical Pasteis de Nata, a delicious custard tart with cinnamon. Make sure to have at least one! Moreover, in front of the monastery, there is the Padrão dos Descobrimientos, a huge monument commemorating the 500 years since the death of Infante Don Henrique, a Portuguese sailor, with a viewpoint over the Tagus estuary and the sea.

Lisbon urban photography spots

Between you and me, this is the real Lisbon and the one I loved. The random street art, little shops, the light… These are my favorite Lisbon photography spots (and some tips).

Miradouro de Santa Luzia

This is just one of the many viewpoints in Lisbon. All of them are special and have their unique view. However, this is my favorite one. Waiting for sunset from this spot is when I understood why many people say Lisbon has a special light. The sun, the views over the Pantheon, the estuary… Make sure to get there early, as it is a well-known spot, but even with people around, it doesn’t feel crowded.

LX Factory

Lisbon is a city of contrasts. From the old historical Jerónimos Monastery to the chaotic night vibe of the city. However, if there is a spot that I can’t recommend enough for photographers, it is the LX Factory. Even during the daytime, when everything is closed, it is worth visiting this area full of graffiti and street art (more info about street art below).

Trams

Lisbon is famous for its yellow trams, and they are everywhere. I mention it in my Lisbon photography tips below, but trams are something that makes this city special. There are 3 specific spots that I like for taking photos of trams:

• By the Cathedral: as I mentioned in the first part of this guide, there is a fantastic spot for tram photography just in front of the Sé de Lisboa.
• Lluís de Camões Square: The most famous Tram Route in Lisbon, the Number 28 has a stop in this square. Another attraction of this square is the Manteigaria, my favorite place to get Pasteis de Nata in Lisbon!
• Calçada de Glória: a steep narrow street full of street art and with 2 trams that communicate the Barrio Alto area and Restauradores/ Avendida da Libertade. A very beautiful spot.

Street art

This was what made me fall in love with Lisbon. I am not a very good street photographer, I am more into landscape, nature, cityscapes… but Lisbon made it easy. There is inspiring art everywhere.

Lisbon is safe, but be aware of pickpockets, especially if you go in more shady or underground areas. However, you will find street art everywhere, although you have to be looking for it to take that special shot.

Lisbon monumental (viewpoints) photography spots

Although this is not a what to visit in Lisbon list, there is some overlap between the touristic spots and monumental photography spots. These are my favorite Lisbon monumental photography spots, as well as some tips on how or when to photograph them.

Santa Justa Lift

One of the most characteristic elements from Portugal’s capital is the Santa Justa lift. Lisbon is a hilly city. Although all attractions and spots are within walking distance, steep streets are everywhere. One way to avoid the almost vertical alleys of Lisbon is taking the Santa Justa lift. In the middle of the city, there is an old lift with a very curious design. The lift itself is not that interesting from a photographic point of view, but the view from the elevated corridor that connects it with the upper part of the city is really beautiful.

Make sure to visit it at sunrise or sunset. It is not oriented specifically for any of those moments, but it is when the best light happens.

Castelo San Jorge

If there is a good viewpoint of Lisbon, it is the Castelo San Jorge. After walking on some of the hilliest streets in Lisbon, the views over the city are the perfect reward. Access to the castle is not free, but it is an interesting place to visit and to photograph. Foggy days give that special touch to the view. However, if it is too foggy, it is not worth paying as there will be no views over the city, which arguably are the highlight of the visit.

Pantheon

If you visit the Miradouro de Santa Luzia, you will notice the circular vaults of the pantheon in the distance. Also known as Church de Santa Engracia, it is both beautiful from the inside and the outside. My favorite part, though, is the view from the exterior terrace. The entrance fee is 3€, although it is free on Sunday Mornings and some National holidays. For the football and history fans, in this church, there is the tomb of one of the best football players in history, Eusébio.

Outside the Pantheon there is a colorful mosaic, perfect for some Instagram photos.

Belem tower

This is the reason why I must go back to Lisbon. The Belem Tower is one of these places that changes a lot depending on the moment of the day. At 11 am it is usually crowded, and tourists are everywhere. Yet, early on the morning or at dawn, the Tower manifests as what it is, the imponent old gateway to Lisbon.

Try to capture the reflection of the Tower on the water. Aim for a windless day with high (or at least not low) tide!

Ponte 25 de Abril

Hilly, beautiful, and has an enormous suspension red bridge. No, it is not San Francisco, it’s Lisbon.

The 25 de Abril bridge is an impressive structure that connects Lisbon with Almada, a city located on the other side of the Tagus estuary. If you have a free evening cross the bridge and enjoy the sunset from the Sanctuary of the Christ King (Santuário de Cristo Rei), with a fantastic view over Lisbon at the feet of a 110m statue of Christ (similar to the one in Rio de Janeiro).

These are my favorite Lisbon photography spots and some tips on how to enjoy them. I can’t wait for my next trip to this fantastic city, full of life and history. No matter the type of photographer or traveler, Lisbon is a city that will not leave anyone indifferent.

Have you visited Lisbon? What did you like the most? What is your favorite spot? Leave them in the comments! To get in touch with me, find me on Instagram (@aniolvisuals) or send me an email for other inquiries at hello@aniolvisuals.com.