Lisbon, the vibrant capital of Portugal, seems tailor-made for the Instagram age. Its charming streets, historic landmarks, and colorful neighborhoods create a picturesque backdrop for any photo.
Whether you’re a professional photographer or just an enthusiastic traveler, Lisbon offers countless spots that will make your Instagram feed shine.
In this travel guide, we’ve curated a list of 15 best Lisbon Instagram spots to help you capture the city’s essence and share it with the world. Each location has unique charm and beauty, from iconic viewpoints to hidden gems.
So grab your camera, put on your walking shoes, and get ready to explore the most photogenic spots in this stunning city.
15 best Instagram spots in Lisbon
Elevador da Bica
The Elevador de Bica, a historic funicular built in 1892, is one of Lisbon’s most iconic landmarks. It offers a nostalgic glimpse into the city’s past as it climbs a steep hill between the Cais do Sodré and Bairro Alto neighborhoods.Â
Its bright yellow exterior, contrasting beautifully with the river in the background, makes it one of the city’s most fantastic attractions.Â
For the perfect Instagram shot, frame the tram against the backdrop of the narrow, cobblestone streets and colorful facades. Remember to snap a photo from inside the tram, where you can capture the cozy, vintage interior and the stunning city views from the windows.
Santa Luzia Viewpoint
The Miradouro de Santa Luzia, overlooking the Alfama district, offers one of Lisbon’s most breathtaking and tranquil views. It is my favorite Instagram spot in Lisbon.Â
The sweeping panorama of the city’s red-tiled rooftops and the sparkling Tagus River, combined with the serene atmosphere, make it a perfect Instagram spot for a peaceful photo session.Â
Further, the viewpoint’s beautiful azulejos (traditional Portuguese tiles) add vibrant blue to your photos, and the early morning light enhances the colors, creating a magical atmosphere.
Also, the lush gardens surrounding the viewpoint, with the purple bougainvillea growing over the pergolas, create the perfect setting.
Praça do Comércio
Praça do Comércio, also known as Terreiro do Paço, is a grand square that epitomizes Lisbon’s historic charm.
The famous expansive plaza, framed by impressive neoclassical buildings and opening to the Tagus River, provides a stunning photo backdrop.
The square is dominated by the magnificent Arco da Rua Augusta, a triumphal arch that adds a touch of grandeur to your shots.
The warm, golden hue of the sunset often complements the square’s elegant design, making it a particularly magical time to visit. However, due to the square’s popularity, mornings would be much better for that perfect Instagram photo.
Ler Devagar Bookstore in LX Factory
The LX Factory is a creative hub located in a former industrial complex. Within it lies a hidden gem: a charming bookstore that exudes character and creativity.Â
This bookstore stands out for its collection of books, eclectic decor, and artistic ambiance. The exposed brick walls, quirky artwork, and eclectic furnishings create a visually stimulating environment perfect for photography. There are large windows that allow natural light to flood in, enhancing the colors and textures of the space.Â
Capture the vibrant energy of this location by focusing on the exciting details and unique decor elements that make it so special.
Lisbon Cathedral
The Lisbon Cathedral, or Sé de Lisboa, is the oldest church in the city and a must-see for history enthusiasts and photographers. Its imposing Romanesque facade, with its two sturdy towers and rose window, tells a story of the cathedral’s long history, which dates back to the 12th century.Â
The interior is equally impressive, with its medieval arches and atmospheric lighting. For the best photos, focus on capturing the grandeur of the exterior and the intricate details of the cathedral’s design.Â
Early morning light highlights the textures and shadows of the cathedral’s stonework.Â
The Lisbon Cathedral is one of the popular Tram 28 route stops. If you want to capture the tram with the cathedral, come shortly after sunrise, as the cathedral is on a bustling street.Â
Lisbon Instagram spots
Pink Street
Pink Street or Rua Nova do Carvalho, is one of Lisbon’s most famous Instagrammable locations.Â
Once known as a red-light district, this vibrant street has been transformed into a lively hotspot with its striking pink pavement and colorful bar façades.Â
The street’s playful and eclectic vibe is perfect for capturing dynamic, eye-catching photos.Â
The best time to photograph Pink Street is during the golden hour, when the warm light adds a magical touch to the vibrant pink hues.Â
Don’t miss the opportunity to photograph the lively atmosphere in the evening when the bars and restaurants are bustling with activity, adding energy and excitement to your shots.
Green Street
Contrasting sharply with Pink Street, Green Street, or Rua da Cintura, offers a more subdued yet equally photogenic experience.Â
The lush greenery of the street’s foliage provides a refreshing backdrop for photos, creating a tranquil atmosphere amid the urban environment. The street is lined with charming buildings adorned with vibrant tiles and decorative details, which make for exciting and colorful shots.Â
Early morning is the best time to visit Green Street, as the soft light highlights the greenery and allows for a peaceful, uncluttered photo session. The street’s serene ambiance is perfect for capturing the quieter side of Lisbon.
Belém Tower
The Belém Tower, or Torre de Belém, is a stunning example of Manueline architecture and a symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discoveries.Â
This historic fortress, which once guarded the entrance to the Tagus River, stands out with its intricate carvings, crenelated towers, and ornate detailing. To showcase its grandeur and architectural details, capture the tower from various angles for the best photos.Â
The golden hour provides a beautiful light that accentuates the textures of the stone and creates a warm glow.Â
MAAT Museum
The MAAT Museum, or Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology, is a contemporary architectural masterpiece located on the banks of the Tagus River.Â
Its sleek, wave-like structure and innovative design make it a striking subject for photography. The museum’s white façade, which ripples like water, contrasts beautifully with the surrounding landscape. The best time to photograph the MAAT is during the golden hour when the soft light enhances the building’s curves and textures.Â
The museum’s reflective surfaces and modern design create a dynamic visual effect, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to capture Lisbon’s contemporary side.
While there, you can take beautiful photos of the 25 de Abril Bridge, which hugely resembles the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge.Â
São Jorge Castle
São Jorge Castle, perched atop one of Lisbon’s hills, offers panoramic views and a rich historical backdrop that will enrich your Instagram photos.Â
The castle’s ancient walls, towers, and battlements provide a dramatic photo setting. From its vantage points, you can view Lisbon’s rooftops, the capture sweeping Tagus River, and the surrounding hills.Â
The castle is a captivating subject, with its rugged stonework and picturesque ruins. Sunset or early morning light is ideal for capturing the castle in a soft, golden glow. The castle grounds also feature lush gardens and charming walkways that add variety to your photos.
Lisbon Instagram spots
Monument to the Discoveries
The Monument to the Discoveries, or Padrão dos Descobrimentos, is a striking tribute to Portugal’s maritime explorers.Â
This impressive monument, shaped like a caravel ship, features statues of key figures from the Age of Discoveries, including Henry the Navigator and Vasco da Gama.Â
The monument’s dramatic design and location along the river make it a compelling subject for photography.Â
The best shots are often taken from the base of the monument, where you can capture the grandeur of the structure against the sky.Â
Early morning or late afternoon light provides the best conditions for highlighting the intricate details and creating a dramatic effect.
Jerónimos Monastery
The Jerónimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a masterpiece of Manueline architecture and a symbol of Portugal’s seafaring history.Â
The monastery’s ornate façade, intricate carvings, and beautiful cloisters offer endless opportunities for stunning photographs.Â
The soft, golden light of early morning or late afternoon enhances the intricate stonework and creates a warm, inviting atmosphere.Â
The monastery’s serene courtyards and grand interior spaces provide excellent photo opportunities.Â
Carmo Convent
The Carmo Convent or Convento do Carmo, is a hauntingly beautiful ruin that tells the story of Lisbon’s past.Â
The convent’s gothic arches and crumbling walls create a dramatic and atmospheric setting for photography. The contrast between the convent’s ancient architecture and the surrounding modern cityscape makes for striking photos.Â
Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for the best light, which enhances the textures and shadows of the ruins. The convent’s open roof and picturesque surroundings add to its charm, making it a captivating subject for any photo enthusiast.
National Tile Museum
The National Tile Museum or Museu Nacional do Azulejo, is dedicated to the art of Portuguese tiles, known as azulejos.
This museum showcases an impressive collection of these colorful ceramic tiles, a Portuguese architecture hallmark.
The museum’s exhibits feature everything from historical tile panels to contemporary designs.Â
Natural light streaming through the museum’s windows gives the ceramic tiles a beautiful glow, making them appear even more vibrant and captivating.
Rossio Train Station
The Rossio Train Station, or Estação do Rossio, is a true architectural gem in Lisbon and a unique Instagram spot.
This historic railway station, built in the late 19th century, is renowned for its ornate façade and Moorish-inspired design.
The interior is equally impressive, with a grand hall adorned with ornate tiles and an elegant clock.
For the best photos, capture the station’s façade from across the street to fully appreciate its grandeur. Inside, the details of the tilework and architectural features make for captivating close-up shots.Â
Each spot highlights a different facet of Lisbon’s charm, from its rich history and vibrant culture to its stunning architectural achievements. Whether snapping the picturesque views from Santa Luzia or capturing the intricate azulejos at the National Tile Museum, Lisbon offers endless opportunities to create memorable and striking images.
Enjoy your photographic journey through this beautiful city, and let its timeless beauty inspire your creativity.
