Wondering where to go to get the best photos of Lisbon?
Discover the most instagrammable spots in Lisbon in this guide to the city’s most photogenic locations, including historic buildings, pretty narrow laneways and a few hidden spots that very few tourists know about
Use this guide to the best Lisbon Instagram spots to create the perfect city itinerary, no matter how long you’re staying for!
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The Best Instagram Spots In Lisbon
Doca de Alcantara At Sunset
By Sonia Carey On Travels
Doca de Alcântara, located on the banks of the Tagus River, is a must-visit Instagram spot in Lisbon. The dock, a lively area with a wide range of waterfront bars and restaurants, is especially mesmerising at sunset.
Located slightly off the beaten path from the centre of Lisbon, Doca de Alcântara is accessible by tram or short taxi ride from most central districts like Bairro Alto or Baixa.
As you approach, you’re greeted by a collection of boats in the marina, set against a backdrop of the iconic 25 de Abril Bridge and the Christ the King Statue. The bridge, resembling San Francisco’s Golden Gate, offers a stunning contrast at sunset when the sky and river turn orange and pink.
The best time to visit is undoubtedly during the golden hour. Arriving a bit early not only allows you to scout the perfect spot without rush but also to enjoy the transformation of the sky as the sun sets. For that flawless shot, walk out to the farthest pier (past the ANL Remo rowing club building), where you can capture the panoramic view.
A tip for photographers: bring a wide-angle lens to encompass the expansive beauty of the dock, and consider using a tripod for those perfect, crisp evening shots. Doca de Alcântara at sunset provides a breathtaking slice of Lisbon, promising memorable and unique Instagram photos!
Miradouro Do Senhora Do Monte
By Maggie at Pink Caddy Travelogue
Many of Lisbon’s best Instagram spots are in front of its beautiful buildings or monuments, but you need to have at least one place that offers a view of the whole city. One place for that is Miradouro do Senhora do Monte. Lisbon has a number of miradouros, or viewpoints, but this is one of the best!
The “Viewpoint of the Lady of the Mount” is so named for the glass-encased image of the Virgin in front of the nearby chapel. From here, you can see all the way from Lisbon’s castle to its northern districts. It’s beautiful at any point of the day, but it’s one of the most popular spots to end a day in Lisbon by watching the sunset (this time of day can be a bit crowded if you’re looking for photos without people in them).
The easiest way to get here is via Tram 28, which has a stop nearby (Rua da Graca). If you have a Lisboa Card, you can ride the tram for free. If you’re coming from the Belem district, you can also take a Green Line metro to Intendente. From there, it’s a few blocks uphill to the vista (I recommend plugging in “Miradouro do Senhora do Monte” into your GPS because it is a bit off the beaten path – click here for a shortcut with that). Or, if you’re not up to the hike (because it is VERY uphill), hire a taxi, Uber, or tuk-tuk.
Cape Roca at Quinta da Regaleira
One of the best Instagram spots in Lisbon is located in Sintra, Cape Roca, which is known as Quinta da Regaleira. This amazing town is located 30 kilometers west of Lisbon and in the center of Portugal. It is the home of ancient castles, extravagance palaces, and beautiful natural sceneries.
The cheapest way to get to Quinta da Regaleira by train. You can take Rossio Train Station in downtown of Lisbon. It takes about 45 minutes to get to the Sintra. Once you arrive to Sintra, you can take either a bus, taxi, tuk-tuk, or walk from the train station. It takes about 30 minutes walking from the bus station, or 10 minutes by taxi.
Quinta da Regaleira is filled with beautiful sceneries and mesmerizing settings that makes it one of the most beautiful destination in Sintra. This palace is surrounded by gardens, lush park, chapel, grottos, and towers.
You can enjoy landscape photography and wildlife photography. Along the way, you can spot several of birds singing and dancing around the garden. The flower blossom is beautiful during fall, so fall is the best time to visit Quinta da Regaleira.
Quinta da Regaleira was designed by an Italian architect in the 1800s, and ever since it becomes a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers beautiful and relaxing
The Inverted Well At Quinta da Regaleira
Staying within the grounds of Quinta da Regaleira, our next best Instagram spot in Lisbon and Sintra is the infamous inverted well!
Doused in Knights Templar mysteries, these steep stairs lead to a network of underground tunnels. Their use is mostly unknown, which only adds to the eerie atmosphere as you descend into the ground.
Now, don’t let our camera trickery fool you. The Inverted Well is perhaps the most popular attraction within the grounds. It is very busy and you’re not given much time to stop and take photos, so our biggest tip is to have your camera ready and be prepared to go around again if you don’t get the shot you want.
National Tile Museum
By Steffanie at Europe By Design
Lisbon is known for its gorgeous tiles (Azulejo) throughout the city which cover everything from houses and churches to stairways and fountains.
One of the best ways to learn about the history and tradition of these beautiful tiles is a visit to the National tile museum. The museum is set in a former 16th century convent founded by Queen D. Leonor.
While there are many instagram worthy spots throughout the museum, the Madre de Deus church is absolutely stunning. This Baroque church is covered with sparkling gilding, elaborately carved wood and painted tile creating one of the most opulent churches in Lisbon.
The museum can get quite busy so if you want the best instagram shots make sure to come early or right before closing when the crowds thin out.
The museum lies a couple miles east of the city center. Walking from the Castelo de Sao Jorge or the Praca do Comerico, for example, will take about 40 minutes. Public transportation is another easy option as there is the Igreja Madre Deus (Museu Azulejo) stop very close to the museum.
Bonus: Consider taking a tile making class at the museum for the perfect souvenir.
Pink Street
By Marga at Discover Portugal
Lisbon is already a very colourful city, but some spots are even more vibrant. One of those places is Pink Street! The small pedestrian street is literally pink in colour, and the many colourful umbrellas complete the area.
Back in the day, it was an area filled with seedy bars, but in 2013, the pavement was painted pink, and ever since, it’s been called Pink Street. At night, Pink Street is still a lively and popular place to go out. But if you arrive early in the morning, you’ll have it to yourself, and it’s the perfect time to take some pictures!
Pink Street is very centrally located and a minute’s walk from Cais de Sodré station. The official name is Rua Nova do Carvalho, and it’s open 24/7.
After visiting Pink Street, you can enjoy a meal at the famous Time Out Market. Or go venture out and try to discover the nearby Green Street. This area thanks its name to the many green plants. It’s less known, but it is also a great spot to take some images or to enjoy a meal!
Rossio Square
By Megan from The Endless Travellers
Rossio Square, also known as Praça Dom Pedro IV, is arguably one of the most underrated Instagram spots in Lisbon. Located in the centre of the city, just a 10 minute walk from Praça do Comércio, Rossio Square has been one of the most important meeting places in the whole of Lisbon since the Middle Ages.
So, why is this square one of the best Instagram spots? It is honestly so beautiful. Either end of the square are two huge, ornate, Baroque-style fountains, with a statue of King Pedro IV in the centre. At one end of the square is the National Theatre, with tall columns and a traditional Portuguese style.
The main standout feature of Rossio Square is its wave-like tiled pavement, with rows of cream and grey. This adds a really unique feature and can be used to add interest to any Instagram photo, creating leading lines to perfectly frame your subject.
For the best shot, head to the south side of the square (closest to the river), where you can capture the beautiful fountain, statue, and National Theatre all in one, with purple Jacaranda trees in the background. Alternatively, position your camera side-on to the fountain and allow the wave-like tiles to draw your eye towards it. A lower angle works well with this shot!
Ultimately, Rossio Square is one of the most beautiful and underrated photo spots in my opinion. Even if you’ve only got one day to explore Lisbon, you can’t miss Rossio Square off your list!
Panorâmico de Monsanto
By Ana Veiga from We Travel Portugal
For anyone looking for a more unusual, or urban art spot for their Instagram posts look no further than Panorâmico de Monsanto. This abandoned panoramic restaurant is sometimes referred to as a crashed UFO. It can be found on Serra de Monsanto, a large hill that overlooks Lisbon and the Tagus River. Not only is it a unique historical site, it’s also an urban art destination. You’ll find murals, stained glass windows, as well as art pieces and sculptures. It’s a spot in Lisbon that’s really like no other!
The hilltop restaurant originally opened in 1970 but did not last particularly long, before being used as an office, a bingo hall, and then a nightclub. By the early 2000s it was abandoned and in a state of disrepair. In 2017, it was structurally repaired and made safe again. Today, it offers those near 360-degree views and can be safely enjoyed.
The top Instagram spots are inside where you’ll find an impressive stained-glass window on a spiral staircase, the semi-underground parking lot that’s now covered in murals – including a few dedicated to Stranger Things, or the former restaurant floor where you’ll find more artwork, but also the stunning views across Lisbon and the Tagus River.
To get there, you can take bus 711 from Marqués de Pombal in the direction of Alto da Damaia (running approximately every 20 minutes) and head to the stop called Avenue Tenente Martins. From there it’s a short walk along a road called Estrada da Bela Vista and should take around 10 minutes. Alternatively, Lisbon’s array of ride sharing apps will drop people off directly at the site.
Ascensor da Gloria
By Nancy Michelle Cote from Ericeira Family Adventures.
One of the most iconic spots for a great pic is the Ascensor da Gloria, right next to the Sao Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint. Lisbon is known for its 7hills, and locals all know they are easiest to overcome by getting on one of the several trams in Lisbon.
Trams that pull you up the steep streets are called elevators. They are actually trams which run up and down a short fixed path and run every 5 to 10 minutes. This elevator is great because of the awesome graffiti on the platform right next to its topmost stop, as well as the colourful buildings surrounding it.
Getting a shot from below is great, especially on a beautiful sunny day, or from above where you can see the tracks taper off in the distance.
Afternoon Tea At The Ritz
By Zhen from A Love Letter To Asia
One of my favorite things to do in Lisbon is to have Afternoon Tea at The Ritz- as the high tea comes with such delicate and beautiful pastries, served in a grand hall filled with art, it’s also one of the best places to take photos for Instagram!
The hotel is slightly uphill from Lisbon’s famous Avenida Liberdade (where you find all the designer shops) so I recommend taking an Uber (inexpensive.) It is possible to walk over too, if you want the exercise!
Afternoon tea has been served at The Ritz from the very first day it opened its doors on November 1959 (but the exact menu changes from time to time.) Today, you enjoy tea in the Almada Negreiros Lounge, so named for the artist whose works populate the room. With its high ceilings, lovely art, and view of the Eduardo VIII Park, you’ll be hard pressed to find an ugly spot here!
When I visited in November 2023, the hotel was running a special promotion with Guerlain, so for the price of 58 Euros, you not only enjoy the delicious afternoon tea set (which includes a glass of champagne), you also get a travel size set of Guerlain’s new Orchidee skincare. Some afternoon tea sets that I’ve had in the UK can be a bit too heavy and too sweet, but the one at The Ritz was perfectly balanced. We enjoyed pastries such as a honey and lemon dessert with yuzu choux and a lavender and hibiscus macaron.
We found it so worth it and so enjoyable, we went for tea twice in a week! Don’t forget to book early, as spaces are limited!
Jeronimos Monastery
By Karen From Outdoor Adventure Sampler
Jeronimos Monastery is a stunning landmark in the parish of Belem in Lisbon. The monastery, built in the 1500s, is an example of the renown Portuguese Manueline style that incorporates maritime elements.
Jeronimos Monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is close to the Tower of Belem that also has the same distinction. These two sites along with the Algarve’s Benagil Cave are touted as the iconic landmarks of Portugal you must visit.
The Jerónimos Monastery serves as a historical monument to Portugal’s rich maritime heritage during the Age of Discovery. Portuguese explorer Vasco de Gama is buried in an ornate tomb in the monastery.
At night, Jerominos Monastery is lit up with a golden hue that accents the intricate stonework and religious carvings on the exterior. The statues of religious and royal figures are bathed in artificial light.
Night time offers an opportunity for photographers to capture the monastery’s grandeur. The interplay of light and shadows can result in dramatic photos.
Ler Devagar bookstore at LX Factory
By De Wet & Jin From Museum of Wander
LX Factory is one of the quirkiest locales in Lisbon, and curious minds, photographers, hipsters, and normal people like you and me should not miss it on a trip to Lisbon. It’s a wonderful mishmash of creative spaces, graffiti art, live music, restaurants, cafes, bars, and galleries.
One place that stands out as the most photogenic is Ler Devagar bookstore. This hotspot is a reader’s dream and an Instagrammer’s paradise.
Housed in a former printing factory, this unique bookstore retains an industrial charm, characterized by its high ceilings, exposed pipes, and expansive spaces filled with an eclectic collection of books.
The centrepiece of Ler Devagar is undoubtedly its striking interior, which features a massive floor-to-ceiling bookshelf with an art installation of a flying bicycle rider flying in the air.
For the best photo, have the photographer stand on the upper level while you go and pose in front of the bookshelf on the opposite staircase with the flying bicycle in the mid-ground.
Beyond its visual appeal, Ler Devagar serves as a cultural hub, hosting art exhibitions, literary events, and live music, further enriching the experience. Its blend of literary culture and artistic flair makes it a standout spot in Lisbon and one of the most Instagram-worthy locations in the city.
Carmo Convent
By Maria From MapAndCamera
In the centre of Lisbon, in the Chiado district, you will find one of Lisbon’s most striking landmarks, the Carmo Convent. The Carmo Convent was built in the 14th century. Today it houses the Carmo Archaeological Museum. The devastating earthquake of 1755 almost destroyed it. Now some gothic ruins remain, which make a perfect backdrop for photography.
Take the Santa Justa elevator to reach the Carmo Convent. The bottom entrance of the Santa Justa elevator is near Rossio Square. Once you exit the elevator at the top, follow the walkway. At the end of it, the ruins of the Carmo Convent will be on your right. The walkway itself is one of the best places to take panoramic pictures of Lisbon.
The Carmo Convent is open from 10 am to 7 pm, so it is almost impossible to take advantage of the golden hour light. Instead, visit when there are some clouds in the sky. Take advantage of the natural light from the open roof. Use the lines of the arches to frame your shots and take some photos of the sky through the arches.
Belem Tower
By Tamara From My Elated Odyssey
If you’re looking for one of the best Instagram spots in Lisbon, head to Belém Tower! This 16th-century monument is one of the most significant attractions in Lisbon. In addition, you can get some incredible IG-worthy photos here.
As an official UNESCO World Heritage Site, Belém Tower is a fortification decorated in Manueline architectural style. It was constructed to protect Lisbon from oncoming enemy raids.
Belém Tower is located in Lisbon’s Belém district along the Tagus River. You can easily reach it by walking along the bank or taking an Uber.
It doesn’t take much to capture a great shot at the fortification. One of the best angles is facing the river from the left side. You’ll notice a bridge on this side, and the lighting hits the tower phenomenally.
If you want to capture the best lighting, head to Belém Tower at sunrise or sunset. Coming at sunrise will also help you avoid crowds swarming the spot.
Lisbon is full of beautiful Instagram spots. Whether it’s the sunset at Doca de Alcântara or the unique charm of Pink Street, the city offers endless photo opportunities that promise to brighten up your travel memories. We hope this guide helps you find the best Instagram spots in Lisbon. Don’t forget to share your favourite photos and tag us!
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