Let’s be honest, those Instagram-perfect shots have become SUCH an important part of our travels. And the city of Lisbon, with all that Mediterranean charm and lashings of colour, is a very photogenic place indeed. It’s easy to get lost in the streets of the city, admiring the facades, boulevards and up-hill alleys and to be honest, you could take a great shot around almost every corner, but to make sure you don’t miss out on some of the most impressive photo spots, I’ve roamed the city for days and compiled a list of the 10 most Instagrammable places in Lisbon, enjoy…
10. LX Factory
This mini-city within the city of Lisbon has seen restaurants, galleries, shops, and bars revive the abandoned buildings under the famous 25th of April Bridge. Built in the 1840s, LX Factory was a textile factory until it went out of business and the buildings were forgotten. Until 2012, when a team of creatives turned it around and the start-ups moved in. There’s a very Insta-worthy bookshop known as Ler Devagar, that you need to check out, but there are more than enough photo ops throughout the entire area – like the graffiti and art installations on the old grey walls of the factory. I’d also recommend a visit to the Rio Maravilha bar that brings all the Brazilian vibes with amazing cocktails and rooftop views.
Image source:Madeline Schuerz
9. Belem Tower
The Belem tower is probably the best-known sight in all of Lisbon and therefore a more obvious choice for a great photo spot. The tower was used as the departing point of many famous discoverers like Henry the Navigator or Vasco da Gama. A wooden bridge connects the tower, if you want to visit the inside. In my opinion it’s not really worth it, as it’s just narrow staircases, old empty cells, and a viewing platform. You’ll definitely get better pics from the outside. If you want the bridge empty as well you should come for sunrise or sunset, when the tower is closed to visitors.
View this post on Instagram
8. Jerónimos Monastery
Jerónimos Monastery is an absolute hotspot for Instagrammers. The building dates back to the early 16th century and was built with the money obtained by the Portuguese Discoveries. The Manueline style, named after King Manuel I, is a tribute to the golden age of Portugal and the voyages of the discoveries. While the monastery is home to a church, several museums and even the tomb of Vasco da Gama himself, it’s the incredible cloister that attracts everyone’s attention.
The cloister is not just breathtaking and full of symbolism but also the perfect spot for your Insta shots. Decorative columns, little spires, symbolic tiles and the sun-lit arches serve as the best photo props.
Maddy’s pro tip:
The famous Pasteis de Belem bakery is just across the street from the monastery. So if you crave the perfect dessert after your photo snapping, you should pay it a visit. Just be warned there’s usually quite a long line out front as their pastries are super popular.
Image source:Madeline Schuerz
7. Elevador de Santa Justa
Definitely not your typical tourist attraction, the Elevador de Santa Justa is a freestanding elevator right in the middle of the city of Lisbon. The 45m high tower connects the Baixa district (lower city) with the Chiado and Bairro Alto districts (upper city). What looks like a whole bunch of steel from the outside, bares quite the surprise when you step inside. Due to the iron structure, it has earned itself the nickname: Lisbon’s Eiffel Tower, which is ironic as it was built by one of Gustav Eiffel’s (the creator of the Eiffel Tower) associates.
The views from the elevator are stunning – my favorite part is the terrace on top of the tower. A small spiral staircase leads up to the platform and offers one of the best views of the city. The 360° view includes the Alfama district with the castle, the red roofs of the Baixa district, the port at the Tejo river and the Bairro Alto with the Carmo convent in the back. Views for days.
Image source:Madeline Schuerz
6. Carmo Convent
The Carmo Convent is one of the most picturesque ruins and also a reminder of the destructive earthquake that swept over Lisbon in the mid 18th century. Today the roof is missing and the ruined arches stand surrounded by the rebuilt city and serve as a very visible reminder of one of the worst days of Lisbon’s history, as well as a gorgeous backdrop for your Insta shots. There’s a small entrance fee to get in, but it’s definitely worth it. There are also a whole bunch of historic relics in the remaining rooms and a video room telling the story of the convent.
View this post on Instagram
5. Pink Street
One of the most photogenic streets in all of Lisbon is the famous Pink Street. It’s exactly as it sounds – a street with a pink-coloured pavement. With its many bars and night clubs, it’s become a party hotspot for locals and visitors and more often than not the street is filled with party-hungry people. While it’s the buzzing center of the nightlife in Lisbon, it’s pretty quiet during the day and becomes another Instagram-worthy place in the city.
Image source:Sara Darcaj / Unsplash
4. Elevador da Bica
Lisbon was built on several hills and a simple stroll through the city can easily turn into a work out! Luckily, trams and funiculars were introduced to navigate the steep streets. One of the most popular ones is the short tram line known as Elevador da Bica, which connects Rua de São Paulo in the Baixa neighborhood with Rua do Loreto in the Bairro Alto. The Elevador da Bica is by no means the only one, but quite impressive for the simple reason that the ride is only 250m long and more people wait along the way to take a picture of the tram than actually ride it. To get the perfect Insta shot, you’ll need a little bit of patience, as the tram only runs every 20 minutes. In the meantime, you can just take a walk up the hill and enjoy the beautiful colorful houses and decorative garlands.
View this post on Instagram
3. Alfama District
Alfama is the oldest neighborhood of Lisbon and possibly also the most authentic one. The cobble-stoned streets form a beautiful labyrinth that leads up to Lisbon castle. The whole neighborhood has a romantic vibe, which attracts a lot of tourists and photographers. The Alfama district is also home to a variety of important and old buildings, like the Lisbon Cathedral, Casa dos Bicos or the terrace of Santa Luzia. But the neighborhood is more famous for the many Fado bars around every corner and all the beautiful graffiti decorating the streets.
Image source:Madeline Schuerz
2. Miradouro de Santa Luzia
The Miradouro de Santa Luzia is a beautiful terrace located right next to the church of Santa Luzia in the Alfama District. The terrace doesn’t just offer incredible views over the coastline and the red roofs of the houses but it’s magnificently decorated. The walls are filled with beautiful tiles and along the pathway are columns that are usually overgrown by plants and flowers blooming in all different colors. This is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in all of Lisbon and a place for you to get a whole series of gorgeous shots for your Insta feed.
Image source:Madeline Schuerz
1. Lisbon Castle
Lisbon castle has reigned over the city for centuries. There are several different parts to the castle and it’s way worth taking some time to explore the whole area. There are several spots with stunning views over the whole city and harbor as well as a little museum and a cafe. Right at the entrance is a big square overlooking the Alfama district, but you should head in a little further and walk up the old castle walls.
View this post on Instagram
Bonus tip: Aguas Livres Aqueduct
In case you haven’t collected enough incredible shots, there’s one more place that definitely has the edge. The Aguas Livres Aqueduct is a still-working source of water that has withstood the last three centuries! A total of 109 stone arches reach from the countryside into the city and today it’s possible to walk on the Aqueducts when visiting the Water Museum and enjoy the view. You’re welcome!
Image source:Madeline Schuerz
