The best places to photograph in Lisbon

Whomever walks the steep streets of Lisbon, more particularly in Bairro da Graça, will find the Viewpoint of Senhora do Monte, on the Santo André Hill, the highest part of the city of Lisbon. Here you literally have Lisbon at your feet, a panoramic view over the typical Lisbon houses, the São Jorge Castle, the Tagus River and the 25 de Abril Bridge. It is one of the best photographic spots for those who want to take a panoramic view of the city of Lisbon as a souvenir. 

The Viewpoint of São Pedro de Alcântara is probably the best known of all the viewpoints in Lisbon. It is located in the São Pedro de Alcântara Garden and offers a magnificent view over the city. It has a terrace and benches where you can sit and relax while enjoying views of the São Jorge Castle, "Downtown Lisbon", the Mouraria and the Alfama areas. Here you will also find a tile panel that will help you understand and locate the main points of interest.

If the Viewpoint of São Pedro de Alcântara is one of the best points to observe the historic area, the Portas do Sol Viewpoint is the best for enjoying the view of the Tagus River and the Alfama area. This landscaped space, with the pergolas providing shade for visitors, is an authentic postcard perfect for your panoramic photographs. From here you can also observe the dome of the Church of Santa Engrácia (The Panteão Nacional).

Located on the hill of Santo André, the Graça Viewpoint is also known by the name Sophia de Mello Breyner Andresen, as a bronze bust was placed here in honour of the poet. Located right in front of the Church of Nossa Senhora da Graça, this viewpoint has a roof shaded by stone pines and a terrace, where you can rest and enjoy the view of the city with some freshness on days of intense heat. A very pleasant retreat in one of the Portuguese capital's historic districts.

The Santa Justa Elevator is one of the most visited attractions in Lisbon. In addition to the interest and curiosity in getting to know this structure designed by Mesnier du Ponsard, after going up in the elevator, you have access to one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the city, which you can access via a spiral staircase. From the terrace of this tower, you can enjoy the splendid view over the “Pombaline Downtown”, the Castle of São Jorge and the Tagus River.

There is no better way to end a tour of the “Pombaline Downtown” than to go up to the viewpoint of the Rua Augusta Arch. From here you can see Rua Augusta and Praça do Comércio in all its splendour. With the Tagus River as a backdrop and the statue of Joseph I on horseback in the centre of Praça do Comércio, the usual movement of people in this place makes this viewpoint a very interesting spot to record a dynamic photo of Lisbon.

The Torel Garden, located in the hill of Santana, is a romantic space with nooks that invite you to a quiet walk, a few minutes of rest or to simply enjoy the company. It is known by many as the “garden of love”. It has two lakes, one with a fountain, and a bust of the pianist Viana da Mota. The viewpoint of this garden has benches in the shade that allow you to admire the view over Avenida da Liberdade and the hill of São Roque.

The Castle of São Jorge is one of the most visited monuments in Portugal. It has the viewpoint with the most complete view of Lisbon. This place is, therefore, from the Tower of Ulisses, one of the most privileged places to photograph the city, from the historic area to the Monsanto forest area, the Tagus River and the Monument to Cristo Rei.

The Interpretative Centre of the 25 de Abril Bridge, better known as Pilar 7, allows for a unique discovery of the 25 de Abril Bridge. The experience culminates with the ascent, via an elevator, to a breath-taking panoramic viewpoint, on a platform with transparent materials. If you look down, you'll see right under your feet, the Tagus, the bridge deck, and the cars moving between the two banks of the river. It may seem scary to you, but from there you have a view that you can't find anywhere else and it's worth any shiver down your spine.

The Amoreiras Shopping Centre was just a commercial space, but today it is also an attraction thanks to the viewpoint at the top of the building. We often see tourists in this centre with the purpose of doing this experience. Located at the top of the emblematic Amoreiras Tower, the Amoreiras 360° Panoramic View is one of the highest points in the city and offers a unique 360-degree view, overlooking all perspectives of Lisbon.