My Photography & Travel Guide to Lisbon, Portugal (With Special Guest Dr. Scott Berger)
Portugal was an under-the-radar destination, as travelers preferred to visit Paris, London, or Rome. Lisbon is a vibrant and colorful capital. It has everything a traveler could want: incredible architecture, iconic old trams, cobblestone streets, great food & wine, fabulous art, history, and dozens of great photography locations. It's certainly not under the radar any longer!
Have you tried the Pastéis de Nata deserts? That alone is a reason to come to Portugal.
In this guide, I will provide my recommendations for where to stay and eat and the best photography locations.
Where to Stay
I recommend staying in Bairro Alto, in the heart of Lisbon. You will be surrounded by the best attractions, restaurants, and culture, and it is a fantastic base for exploring the city.
Our Airbnb View
A few hotel recommendations:
Luxury Options
The Lumiares Hotel & Spa: Situated in the bohemian Bairro Alto area, where you’ll find a maze of restaurants, bars and nightlife,
Bairro Alto Hotel: Located in the heart of the city, this elegant hotel combines traditional Portuguese design with contemporary luxury. Take advantage of their rooftop terrace!
Corpo Santo Lisbon Historical Hotel - One of the best hotels in the city with views of the Fernandina Wall, which was built in 1373. Due to the 18th-century Pombaline architecture of the building, all of the rooms are different and unique. It’s a gorgeous and convenient place to stay in Lisbon.
Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon - A wonderful hotel with a confusing name. Overlooking Parque Eduardo, which stands in the center of the city and faces down towards the river, it’s as close as you can come to feeling on top of a city with refreshingly few tall buildings. This is the hotel we stayed in.
Views from The Four Seasons
Mid-Level Options
Lisboa Pessoa Hotel: Inspired by the poet Fernando Pessoa, this charming hotel offers comfortable rooms, a rooftop terrace, and a prime location near Bairro Alto.
Hotel Santa Justa: Modern amenities meet historical charm in this centrally located hotel, perfect for exploring the city's main attractions.
LX Boutique Hotel: Nestled between Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré, this boutique hotel offers uniquely decorated rooms and a welcoming atmosphere.
How Long Should I Stay?
To truly experience Lisbon's magic, plan for at least 4-5 days. This gives you ample time to explore the neighborhoods, indulge in the local cuisine, and capture those perfect photos. Plus, you will want to take a few day trips to Sintra or Cascais.
The Azulejo Tiles
Best Time of Year to Visit
Lisbon is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit is from March to May or September to October. These months offer pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and beautiful natural light for photography.
Getting Around the City
Lisbon's public transportation is efficient and affordable. The iconic trams, buses, and metro make it easy to navigate. Uber and Bolt are also widely available and convenient to get around.
Parque Eduardo VII by the Four Seasons Hotel
If you love to walk, and if you’re ready for some exercise (Lisbon is a hilly city) you can get many places within central Lisbon by foot.
Where to Eat
Lisbon's food is simply fantastic, especially if you're a seafood lover. The seafood here is exceptionally fresh and delicious. One of the best ways to experience a new city is to taste the local cuisine.
Of course, you must try the iconic bacalhau (codfish) and pastel de nata. But Lisbon's food scene offers a lot of other delicacies. From the Grilled sardines to the clam dish Ameijôas à Bulhão Pato, the classic Bacalhau à Lagareiro (cod in the oven), and the octopus version, which is called Polvo à Lagareiro. Also, Portugal’s most famous soup, Caldo Verde (a traditional soup made with potatoes, chouriço sausage, and thinly sliced collard greens or kale), is a must.
One thing that you cannot miss is the incredibly delicious pastries that are found throughout Portugal, pastel de nata—the Portuguese custard tart. Make sure to get them hot and add cinnamon and sugar—you can easily eat 3 of these or more—just amazing. Our absolute favorite one, and we did a lot of research, is a pastry shop called Mantegaria, found in Time Out Market.
Restaurants
Here are some of our favorite restaurants:
Taberna da Rua das Flores: This cozy taberna serves up delectable small plates with a focus on local ingredients.
Time Out Market: Time Out Market (also called Mercado da Ribeira) is a fantastic food hall with restaurants, cafes, food stalls, and coffee shops. There must be 40 restaurants, and it’s perfect for lunch. We went two or three times.
Alma: A Michelin-starred restaurant delivering innovative dishes inspired by Portuguese flavors. It’s an excellent place for lunch or dinner and not so expensive.
Alma
Cervejaria Ramiro: This is one of the most popular restaurants in Lisbon. It lives up to its famous seafood reputation for serving outstanding seafood at reasonable prices. It was so good we went twice.
Belcanto- located in the Bairro Alto. This is a higher-end Michelin Star restaurant led by Jose Avillez. It is listed as one of the top 50 restaurants in the world. The food and service were outstanding. We enjoyed the tasting menu, which was incredible.
Ponto Final - a small fish restaurant on the other side of the bridge from Lisbon that is simply wonderful. The location right on the water is amazing.
Gelateria Nannarella—delicious ice cream
Pastéis de Belém – Pastéis de Belém is the original place that started selling Portuguese egg tarts, dating back to 1837.
Manteigaria — there is nothing like having their Pasteis de Nata served hot right out of the oven with cinnamon and sugar. These were my favorites.
Coffee Shops
Fábrica Coffee Roasters: Enjoy expertly crafted coffee in a stylish, industrial setting.
Copenhagen Coffee Lab: A cozy spot offering great coffee and a relaxed atmosphere.
Hello, Kristof: A trendy café with excellent coffee and a selection of international magazines.
Photography Gear
Camera:
Mirrorless or DSLR Camera: Choose a camera with good low-light performance and high resolution. Canon R5, Sony A7IV, or Nikon Z7.
Lenses:
Wide-Angle Lens (16-35mm): Ideal for capturing Lisbon’s stunning architecture, narrow streets, and expansive cityscapes.
Standard Zoom Lens (24-70mm): Versatile for general photography, street scenes, and portraits.
Telephoto Lens (70-200mm): Useful for capturing details from a distance, such as architectural features or candid shots of people.
Accessories:
Tripod: A lightweight, travel-friendly tripod for long exposures and night photography.
Polarizing Filter: Helps to reduce reflections and enhance colors, particularly useful for shooting water, blue skies, and outdoor scenes.
ND Filters: Neutral Density filters are useful for long exposures during the daytime.
Extra Batteries and Memory Cards: Always carry spares to avoid running out of power or storage space.
Lens Cleaning Kit: To keep your lenses clean from dust and smudges.
Camera Bag: A comfortable, weather-resistant bag to carry and protect your gear. Look for one with easy access and good padding.
Best Photography Locations in Lisbon
Lisbon is a city that is made for Photographers. There are so many great places to photograph. Here are some of the best locations:
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte:
This was my favorite viewpoint in Lisbon. It is a perfect location for sunrise/sunset shots. I visited twice at Sunrise. Since Lisbon is so hilly, you can capture the red roofs of the houses with the Sao Jorge Castle in the background.
Belém Tower:
This is probably the most iconic shot in Lisbon. I recommend visiting at Sunset and shooting the tower against the backdrop of the Tagus River. It is located in Belém, an area of Lisbon located on the mouth of the Tagus River about 6 km from the city's center.
If I could only shoot 1 location in Lisbon - this would be it.
Belém Tower was a defense tower that was built in the 15th century.
Jerónimos Monastery:
The Jerónimos Monastery is a truly beautiful monastery that is a must-see in Lisbon. It was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and it is located just by the Belém Tower.
The Details on the Outside are Spectacular
Try to get tickets before you arrive—it’s so incredibly beautiful. You could easily spend a few hours walking around. Once you are finished, you can get a snack at the Pasteis de Belem next door.
There are two main sections that you can visit at Jerónimos Monastery: the cloisters and the main cathedral.
There are so many details to photograph in this iconic site.
Padrão dos Descobrimentos
Padrão dos Descobrimentos (Monument of the Discoveries) is a 52-meter (170-foot) tall monument on the Tagus River. It is also very close to the Belem Tower. The monument was built in the 1940s to honor the Portuguese Age of Discoveries during the 15th and 16th centuries.
I liked taking photos from opposite sides of the monument.
Photo Credit my beautiful wife Zena
Alfama District:
Alfama is the oldest district in Lisbon, with a history dating back to the Moors. Walking through its narrow, winding streets feels like stepping back in time, offering a glimpse into the city's rich past.
I loved wandering through narrow streets and capturing old Lisbon. I think it's better to visit this area very early in the morning when it's less crowded. It is hilly but beautiful. Here are some suggested walking tours to follow.
The district is home to historic buildings, including Sé de Lisboa (Lisbon Cathedral), São Vicente de Fora Monastery, and the National Pantheon.
Alfama retains a traditional and authentic Portuguese atmosphere, with locals going about their daily lives, small family-owned shops, and traditional Fado music filling the air from local taverns.
Tiled Blue “AZULEJO” Houses
Azulejos are a distinctive and beautiful element of Portuguese culture and architecture, especially prominent in Lisbon. The term "azulejo" comes from the Arabic word "al-zellige," meaning polished stone. In Portuguese, it refers to ceramic tiles, usually square, decorated with colorful and intricate designs.
Azulejos often feature geometric patterns, floral designs, and scenes depicting historical events, religious themes, and everyday life.
Rua Nova do Carvalho or “The Pink Street”
Once the meeting point for sailors, local criminals, and prostitutes, it developed an unsavory reputation, but the scandalous buildings have turned into works of art; Lisbon’s “Red Light District” is long gone, but the Pink Street is a fun area to photograph.
MATT Museum
The modern MAAT is located in the Belém district of Lisbon, along the Tagus River, near the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery. The museum is known for its striking contemporary architecture. Designed by the British architect Amanda Levete and her firm AL_A.
If you come back at the right time of day like my friend Scott Berger did then you will get a photo like this
Photo Credit Dr. Scott Berger
Praça do Comércio:
Praça do Comércio (Commerce Square), also known as Terreiro do Paço (Palace Yard), is one of Lisbon's most important and iconic public squares. The square was the location of the Ribeira Palace, the royal residence of Portugal, which was destroyed in the devastating earthquake of 1755. The reconstruction of the square symbolized the city's recovery and renewal.
25 de Abril Bridge:
The 25 de Abril Bridge is a suspension bridge that resembles the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. The American Bridge Company designed the bridge and also constructed the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.
Santa Justa Lift:
The Santa Justa Lift is a fully functioning elevator in downtown Lisbon that dates back to 1902 and was designed by Raul Mesnier de Ponsard, a student of Gustave Eiffel. The elevator was a symbol of class and advancement in Portugal.
São Jorge Castle—
An 11th-century castle with great views. One of the top things to do in Lisbon is explore Castelo de São Jorge. Originally built by the Moors in the 11th century as a citadel on the top one of Lisbon’s hills, the castle has had a long and eventful history.
Bairro Alto—
The district is characterized by its 16th-century architecture, with narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and historic landmarks that give a glimpse into Lisbon's past.
Bairro Alto is a hub for Lisbon’s artistic community. You’ll find vibrant street art, small galleries, and studios showcasing local and international artists.
Ascensor da Bica
The Ascensor da Bica, also known as the Bica Funicular, is one of Lisbon's iconic funicular railways. It was inaugurated on June 28, 1892, making it a historic piece of the city’s transportation network.
The funicular runs through the narrow, picturesque streets of the Bica neighborhood, offering scenic views of the city and the Tagus River. As you ascend or descend, you’ll pass by charming old buildings and vibrant street art. The colorful trams against the backdrop of steep streets make for wonderful photos of Lisbon.
Vasco da Gama Bridge
The Vasco da Gama Bridge over the Tagus River in Lisbon is the second longest bridge in Europe. This is a truly magical location.
Unfortunately, I did not have a chance to photograph it while I was in Lisbon. Luckily, my good friend, Dr. Scott Berger, took an incredible photo of the bridge. Scott kindly allowed me to use his photo.
Scott’s photo stopped me in my tracks. It is a stunning composition with a beautiful leading line, reflections, and a sunburst, and it was taken at the right time of day. It is as good as it gets.
Photo Credit: Dr. Scott Berger
Lisbon Cathedral –
The Lisbon Cathedral is the oldest church in the city, dating back to the 12th century. It was built shortly after the Christian reconquest of Lisbon from the Moors in 1147, making it a vital part of the city's history.
What I really liked is that you’re walking along in Lisbon through the narrow lanes of the city and all of a sudden you come to an opening within the streets and the magnificence of the symmetrical cathedral seems to come out of nowhere.
Trams
Trams are an iconic symbol of Lisbon, often featured in postcards, photographs, and travel literature. They represent the city’s unique character and history.
Many tram routes traverse Lisbon’s most scenic and historic neighborhoods, offering beautiful views of the city's architecture, hills, and the Tagus River. Routes like the famous Tram 28 take passengers through narrow, winding streets and past significant landmarks.
Trams provide easy access to historic districts such as Alfama, Baixa, Chiado, and Bairro Alto. Riding the tram allows visitors to explore these areas comfortably and conveniently.
Here is one last photo from my friend Scott Berger that just looks amazing
Photo Credit Scott Berger, MD
Street Art
Street art in Lisbon is a vibrant and integral part of the city’s cultural landscape. A former industrial complex turned creative hub, LX Factory is home to numerous large-scale murals and street art pieces. It’s a popular spot for both artists and art enthusiasts, offering a constantly evolving display of creativity.
Artists often incorporate themes related to Lisbon’s history and culture, blending the old with the new.
Street Photography
There are so many options for Street Photography in Lisbon. I especially like the streets of Alfama, with their cobblestones and traditional houses, which provide endless photographic opportunities.
Lisbon is just one of those cities with endless beautiful streets to photograph. The area in the Alfama above the Lisbon Cathedral was one of my favorite areas.
Day Trips FROM LISBON
There are some wonderful day trips you can take advantage of from Lisbon.
Sintra
Visiting Sintra, located just outside of Lisbon, is a must for anyone exploring Portugal. One of the most famous landmarks in Portugal, the colorful Palácio da Pena is a 19th-century Romanticist castle perched on a hilltop. Its vibrant colors, eclectic architecture, and stunning views make it a must-visit.
The land of castles and fairytales, Sintra is worth a day trip from Lisbon to see the incredible castles that dot the countryside.
Quinta da Regaleira This mystical estate features a gothic-style palace, lush gardens, hidden tunnels, and the famous Initiation Well. It's a place filled with symbolism and intricate designs, perfect for exploration and photography.
Sintra is easily accessible from Lisbon, just a short train ride away (about 40 minutes). This makes it a convenient day trip or a longer stay to fully explore its many attractions.
This medieval castle (Castelo dos Mouros) dates back to the 8th and 9th centuries and offers a fascinating historical perspective. With its ancient walls and panoramic views of the surrounding area, it offers a glimpse into Sintra's history.
After you finish your visit, stop at Casa Piriquita in Sintra. This is a delicious pastry shop in Sintra—if you go there, try the Travesseiro da Casa Piriquita.
Cascais
Cascais is a coastal town near Lisbon. It is a wonderful location to explore and have a leisurely lunch by water. Being a coastal town, Cascais is known for its delicious seafood. Enjoy fresh fish, shellfish, and other maritime dishes at local restaurants and waterfront eateries.
A fun fact: this city was the "capital of espionage" after World War II. Apparently, they would meet in the Estoril Palácio hôtel.
Cabo da Roca
Visiting Cabo da Roca, the westernmost point of mainland Europe, offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Cabo da Roca features stunning cliffs that rise majestically above the Atlantic Ocean. The panoramic views from the cliffs are breathtaking, offering a sense of awe and wonder at the natural beauty.
The sunsets at Cabo da Roca are spectacular. Watching the sun dip below the horizon from this vantage point is a magical experience, perfect for photographers and nature lovers.
Biblioteca Joanina—we did not see it, but I will go next time. It was closed on the day we wanted to go.
Special Festivals and Holidays
Santo António Festival (June 12-13): Celebrate Lisbon's patron saint with parades, music, and traditional sardine grilling.
Lisbon Marathon (October): Capture the energy and excitement of this annual event.
Christmas Markets (December): Festive decorations and holiday cheer make for enchanting photos.
Wrapping up
I highly recommend for everyone to visit Portugal. It is such a fantastic place to spend a few days. The people are so kind, the food is amazing, there is (pastel de nata :)), and there is so much to see. The cherry on top is that it is so photogenic!!
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