Top Instagrammable spots in Lisbon

Here is a list of all the Instagram-worthy spots that you must check out when you are in Lisbon. For the must-do activities and a travel itinerary for Lisbon, you will love to read my other blog post: Things to do In Lisbon.

1. LX Factory

This mini-city within the city of Lisbon has restaurants, galleries, shops, and bars reviving 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.

2. 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-colored pavement. With its many bars and night clubs. While it’s the buzzing center of the nightlife in Lisbon, it’s pretty quiet during the day and becomes an Instagram-worthy spot in the city.

3. Belem Tower

The Belem tower is probably the iconic 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 pic from outside with the tower in the background looks epic and dreamy.

4. Jerónimos Monastery

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 beautiful arches and architecture make it perfect for your Instagram dreams to come true.

5. Elevador de Santa Justa

An old elevator in the center of the square in Lisbon serves no other purpose but for you to go up and take a panoramic view of the city. What could be better than something built for photography 🙂

6. Elevador da Bica

Lisbon was built on 7 hills and is called the city of seven hills. Trust me a simple stroll through the city can easily turn into a workout! 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.

To get the perfect Insta shot, you’ll need a little bit of patience, as the tram only runs every 20 minutes. It is also one of the only trams that hasn’t been painted and covered in either adverts or graffiti. Hence head over here and get that iconic pic of Lisbon sitting in a yellow tram.

7. 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 and the terrace of Santa Luzia. But the neighborhood is more famous for the many Fado bars around every corner and all the beautiful tiled buildings as well as graffiti covering the streets.

8. 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, making it a “MUST VISIT” spot.

9. 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.

Castelo de São Jorge

10. Bridge 25 de Abril

The first time I saw this bridge it reminded me of the San Francisco bridge, apparently, they were built by the same company. The 25 de Abril is a suspension bridge connecting Lisbon to the municipality of Almada over the Tagus river, hence the bridge is also called the Tagus river bridge.

Several movies have been filmed on the bridge, including some scenes in the 1969 James Bond film On Her Majesty’s Secret Service when James Bond is in a car driving across a bridge with Marc Ange Draco‘s henchmen, and it is also featured near the end of the movie when Bond marries Tracy and drives across the bridge with her in Bond’s Aston Martin. It definitely makes for a beautiful photo spot, especially if you haven’t visited San Fran like me 😛

11. Carmo Convent

This is the coolest spot in my opinion. Welcome to a beautiful convent whose exterior half structure was destroyed in the great 1755 Earthquake of Lisbon, leaving its inner structures exposed.

Don’t worry , it is safe to visit and makes for beautiful architectural spot.

12. Comercio Square

In between the Tagus river and Baixa neighborhood, Comercio Square (a.k.a. Terreiro do Paço) and its Rua Augusta Arch are a must-visit site in Lisbon. Besides the main square and the arch, the archway is really cool for photos.

It’s always bustling with people and it’s also a really good place to enjoy the sunset in Lisbon.

13. Casa do Alentejo

This former Moorish Palace is one of those well-kept secrets in Lisbon. Located right behind a very popular street and with a tiny front door, you could easily miss it.

Behind its modest entrance, you’ll find its impressive courtyard and beautiful tiles.

14. Padrão dos Descobrimentos

Padrão dos Descobrimentos is a monument on the northern bank of the Tagus river estuary, in the civil parish of Santa Maria de Belém, Lisbon. Located along the river where ships departed to explore and trade with India and the Orient, the monument celebrates the Portuguese Age of Discovery (or “Age of Exploration”) during the 15th and 16th centuries.

It is just a few mins from Belem Tower and offers amazing panoramic view of the sea and the city.

15. Visit Sintra

If you have the opportunity, it’s really easy to visit Sintra from Lisbon either on public transport or in your own car.

The most popular attractions on Instagram are featured below:

  1. Pena Palace
  2. Quinta da Regaleira
  3. Monserrate Palace

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