The best photo spots in Lisbon — and when they're empty

Lisbon is one of Europe's most photogenic cities, which means the famous spots are busy. The good news: almost every one of them is quiet at the right time of day. Here's our list, roughly from east to west, with the timing that makes the difference.

Alfama and Graça

1. Miradouro de Santa Luzia

Azulejo panels, a flowered pergola and rooftops tumbling to the river. By 10:00 it's shoulder to shoulder; at sunrise you might be alone. Alfama guide.

2. Largo das Portas do Sol

The wide version of the same view, with São Vicente de Fora's white dome. Stand at the balustrade and look east for the classic frame.

3. Alfama's lanes and stairways

Washing lines, tiled doorways and steep stairs between the viewpoints and the cathedral. Early morning is quiet and the light bounces softly between the walls. Remember that people live here.

4. Tram 28 on the narrow streets

The classic yellow tram squeezing between buildings — the narrow stretch around Rua das Escolas Gerais is famous for it. Photograph from the pavement, never the tracks, and early in the day before the queues start.

5. Miradouro da Senhora do Monte

Lisbon's highest viewpoint and the best sunset in the city. Popular at golden hour, empty at dawn. Senhora do Monte guide.

6. Miradouro da Graça

Pine trees, a kiosk and a view of the castle and the bridge. Relaxed, local and lovely at sunset.

Baixa and the river

7. Rua Augusta Arch

The triumphal arch between Rua Augusta and Praça do Comércio. At sunrise the pedestrian street is empty and the arch catches the first light. Praça do Comércio guide.

8. Cais das Colunas

Marble steps and two columns leading into the Tagus — magical at dawn, crowded by lunchtime.

Bica, Bairro Alto and Cais do Sodré

9. Rua da Bica de Duarte Belo

The steep funicular street with a glimpse of the river at the bottom. Best from the top in the morning. The Bica funicular has been out of service since late 2025, but the street is just as photogenic. Bairro Alto guide.

10. Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara

A garden viewpoint looking east across the valley to the castle, glowing in the late afternoon.

11. Miradouro de Santa Catarina

A lively terrace with a view of the river and the 25 de Abril Bridge — at sunset you'll share it with a friendly crowd.

12. Pink Street

Rua Nova do Carvalho, painted pink and hung with umbrellas at times, is a nightlife street. Mornings are quiet — and the only time you'll get clean photos.

West: Alcântara and Belém

13. LX Factory

A former industrial complex under the bridge, now full of shops, murals and a famous bookshop. Weekday mornings are calm; weekends are busy.

14. Belém Tower

The 16th-century fortress at the river's edge. Arrive early, before the queues. Belém guide.

15. The MAAT roof

The museum's white, wave-shaped roof can be walked over and makes a clean, modern backdrop with the bridge in view — great at sunset.

Tips for photographing Lisbon

• Go early. Sunrise solves 90% of crowd problems in Lisbon.
• Mind your step. The limestone pavement is slippery; watch the trams and tuk-tuks.
• Look up and down. Tiled façades, iron balconies and the patterns of the calçada make great details.
• Be respectful. Many of the prettiest lanes are homes. Keep doorways clear and don't photograph residents without asking.
• Leave the drone at home. Much of central Lisbon is restricted airspace. See our permits guide.

Three quieter spots most visitors miss

Miradouro do Recolhimento

A small, calm viewpoint just below the castle walls, looking over Alfama's rooftops towards the river. It's a good alternative when Santa Luzia is crowded.

Largo do Chafariz de Dentro

A small square at the bottom of Alfama, home to the Fado Museum. Early in the morning it's quiet, with pastel façades and the lanes climbing away behind it.

Jardim da Estrela

A romantic 19th-century garden with a lake, a bandstand and big old trees, opposite the white dome of the Basílica da Estrela. Shady and peaceful — perfect for families and maternity sessions.