Top places to photograph in Lisbon in 2024

A 2277-meter long railroad suspension bridge over the Tagus River that connects the city of Lisbon to the city of Almada, in Portugal.

The Belem tower dates from the 16th century and is a popular tourist location in Lisbon that was built to defend incoming forces.

This is the best spot to photograph the Moorish fairytale palace of Monserrate with its ornate architecture and colourful gardens.

The square in front of the Monument to the Discoveries is known as Rosa dos Ventos (wind rose) or compass rose. Its construction was a gift from the South African government to Portugal.

The 50-meter compass is made from different types of limestone, including lioz, a rare type of limestone found only in Sintra. At the center of the compass is the mappa mundi (medieval European map) showing the routes of Portuguese ships during the Age of Discovery (15th-17th centuries).

The square is bordered by the traditional calçada portuguesa black and white cobblestones that create a wave pattern. Details of the compass include 5 small compass roses, 3 blowing faces representing the wind, a mermaid, a mythical fish, and Neptune.

The Mercado da Ribeira has been around since the 12th century—though in different locations. By the 17th century it was known across Europe. The current structure opened in 1882 and housed the city’s main wholesale market. The market moved in 2000 and the building fell into disrepair. However, in 2014, Time Out [a global media and hospitality business] took over the space and now it is the biggest food market in Lisbon. The market is busy from opening to late evening.

The gourmet food hall takes the concept of “food court” to a new level. The food served here has been curated by an independent panel of experts. All food served has received either 4 or 5 stars from Time Out’s food writers and critics.

Praça do Comércio, became the home for the royal residence after it was moved from the Castelo de São Jorge in 1511. After the 1755 Earthquake destroyed the palace along with its library of 70,000 books, the square was completely remodeled as part of rebuilding the Baixa neighborhood. While the earthquake caused substantial damage, it was the tsunami (the most powerful ever to hit Europe) that flattened the palace and most of the Baixa district. More than 30,000-75,000 people died in Lisbon. When completed, government buildings stood along three sides of the square with arcades for shops. The south side of the square was left open and faces the Tagus River.

It was first known as Terreiro do Paço (Palace Square), but the name was later changed to reflect its new function—government ministries including those that regulated customs and port activities. The square reflected the wealth of Portugal during the late 18th century. Many a captain and merchant planned their perilous sea voyage to Brazil, India, and Southeast Asia from this square.

On February 1, 1908, King Carlos and his son Luis Felipe were assassinated as they passed through the square. Shots were fired by at least two men. The King died immediately, Luis Filipe was mortally wounded, and Prince Manuel was hit in the arm. The assassins, members of the Republican Party, were shot on the spot by police.

Later in 1974, this was the location for the first uprising of the Armed Forces Movement which overthrew the Caetano regime in a bloodless revolution.

Bairro Alto (“the upper neighborhood”) is a relatively new neighborhood compared to some of Lisbon’s other districts. It got its start in the 16th century when urban expansion made its way outside the walls of the historical city.

The Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara is a terraced garden in the Bairro Alto which gives you a panoramic view of the city and Castelo de São Jorge.