One Week In Lisbon - Walking Tour guide and 18 Best Photo Spots
Portugal, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, is a paradise for photographers seeking diverse and captivating scenes. I traveled to Lisbon with my kids for the second time after 5 years (see below: Apollo at 3 vs 8 years old). We have spent 10 days in Portugal this time, exploring Lisbon and Lagos, a beach town in the coastal Algarve in the south.
Apollo in Lisbon at 3 yo
Apollo in Lisbon at 8 yo
In this post, I’ll share three walking tour routes, as well as my 18 favorite photo spots in Lisbon.
In the next post, I’ll share our itinerary and favorite photo spots in Lagos, Algarve.
Logistical Tip
Our entire Portugal trip was split into 4 accommodations:
Day 1 - 2: Marriott Hotel, Lisbon. Our 8 yo son self taught himself swimming in Albania a few weeks before, and was eager to swim more. We didn’t do much outside the swimming pool for the first two days.
Day 3-5: airbnb in Baixa, Lisbon (highly recommend). Baixa is a neighborhood known for its grid layout, elegant squares, and historic architecture, It’s very centrally located and perfect to explore the bustling area in the heart of Lisbon.
Day 6-8: road trip to Lagos, Algarve. Lagos is a coastal gem that enchants visitors with its golden cliffs, picturesque beaches, historic charm, and vibrant atmosphere, creating a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural allure. I’ll elaborate more in the next post.
Day 9-10: airbnb in Belem, Lisbon (highly recommend). Belem is a historic waterfront district known for its iconic landmarks, including the Belém Tower and the Jerónimos Monastery, offering a blend of cultural richness, maritime heritage, and delectable pastries.
Note that we visited Lisbon 5 years ago and stayed in Alfama, the old town. I’ve created three videos for that Lisbon trip (including our visit to Sintra, Cabo de Roca, Cascais) and would not repeat our highlights from that trip below.
Lisbon
walking tour route 1
My kids and I spent 7 hours completing the tour below in 98F (37C). It would be a lot easier to walk and see more if it weren’t this hot. For every viewpoint, ice cream was a must! Nobody asked for bathroom stop even with bottles of drinks for the whole day. I clicked over 700 photos, and revisited memories we had 5 years ago in this beautiful city.
1. São Jorge Castle
A majestic fortress perched atop the city's highest hill, offering panoramic views of the historic neighborhoods, the Tagus River, and beyond.
This iconic medieval castle, with its imposing walls and towers, transports visitors to a bygone era while providing a captivating glimpse into Lisbon's rich history and architectural splendor.
For my kids, instead of the view, their favorite part was the peacocks running around the castle. For me, the walk in the historic Alfama neighborhood, where we stayed 5 years ago gave me a sense of nostalgia.
2. Miradouro das Portas do Sol
A breathtaking viewpoint that unveils a postcard-perfect panorama of the city, with the Alfama district and the red-tiled rooftops extending towards the Tagus River.
Miradouro das Portas do Sol, Lisbon, Portugal
This scenic terrace not only offers a picturesque snapshot of Lisbon's historic charm but also creates an intimate and romantic atmosphere, making it a must-visit spot for those seeking stunning vistas and a touch of local enchantment.
3. Church of Our Lady of Grace (Convento da Graça)
A historic church known for its simplicity and traditional Portuguese architecture, nestled in the charming Graça neighborhood.
With its whitewashed facade and distinctive tiles, the church exudes a serene beauty, inviting visitors to explore its interior and appreciate the quiet elegance of this local gem.
4. Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
Perched on one of Lisbon's hills, this viewpoint offers panoramic views of the city, making it an ideal spot to capture the red-tiled roofs, historic neighborhoods, and the Tagus River.
Sunset here would paint the city in warm hues. But my kids were on a strike. It took me several ice cream breaks to get them to walk up to this point, and they refused to sit in the sun or walk anymore… until I got a tuktuk. So regretfully, I didn’t get my sunset shot here.
5. Rua Augusta Arch (Arco da Rua Augusta)
One of Lisbon's most iconic landmarks, Rua Augusta Arch is located in the bustling Commerce Square, this triumphal arch serves as a stunning frame for both wide-angle shots and detailed close-ups. The only challenge was the crowd.
6. Praça do Comércio
Lisbon's grand waterfront square, is a symbol of the city's regal splendor, framed by majestic yellow buildings, an expansive marble arc, and an equestrian statue of King José I.
This historic square, facing the Tagus River, exudes a timeless elegance, inviting visitors to soak in its monumental beauty, stroll along its wide promenade, and admire the iconic Arco da Rua Augusta.
Don’t count on a quiet and clean background when photographing on the square, which is full of activities. It’s the best place to practice street photography or candid photo style.
walking tour route 2
8:30pm in the US was typically our kids' bedtime. Having spent 8 weeks in Europe, we are living the European way - finishing lunch at 4pm and starting dinner after 8 or 9pm. This gave me guilt free opportunities to stay out and photograph during sunset. I just haven't completely ignored the guilt of still munching on food at midnight.
7. The National Coach Museum
A captivating showcase of ornate and historically significant carriages, housing one of the finest collections in the world, including carriages used by Portuguese royalty and European nobility.
The museum's opulent setting within the Belém district, coupled with its diverse and well-preserved exhibits, provides visitors with a unique journey through the history of transportation and royal elegance.
Even we haven’t visited as many museums as we wanted to while traveling with kids, we sporadically mixed museums into our itinerary for kids to learn art, history, science etc. I’d say this museum was a perfect one for both kids and adults to enjoy.
8. Pastéis de Belém
Stop at this renowned bakery and café, celebrated for its iconic Portuguese custard tarts, or pastéis de nata, characterized by flaky pastry and a rich, custard filling, offering a delectable taste of tradition in the historic Belém neighborhood.
Let me be honest, the egg tarts were tasty (we tried five years ago as well) but they weren’t something so special that you wouldn’t find anywhere else. If your time is tight, and don’t like long lines and crowd, you can skip it. We took the “take out” line and it was faster than we thought.
Also, this was not necessarily a photo spot per se but a good stop if you want to capture something special in Belem, Lisbon.
9. Monument to the Discoveries (Padrao dos Descobrimentos)
This iconic monument pays homage to Portugal's Age of Discovery and features larger-than-life sculptures of prominent historical figures, including explorers like Vasco da Gama and Henry the Navigator. The monument stands at the edge of the Tagus River and serves as a symbol of Portugal's maritime heritage.
Photo tip
Photographing summer travel could be challenging. You have to deal with strong and harsh light, and oftentimes big crowd.
Sometimes improving your photo has nothing to do with your camera. It could be shifting the location, the angle or the time, or a combination of all.
The best time to photograph Monument to the Discoveries is during the golden hours, either after sunrise or before sunset, when the light is soft and the shadows won’t be harsh.
You don’t have to photograph the statue right in its front, especially if your lens is not wide enough, or you have tons of people around. Compare the above three images, the right one was taken during sunset across the street.
Similar tip also applies to any outdoor scenes. See examples of Jerónimos Monastery and Empire Square below.
10. Belém Tower (Torre de Belém):
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Belém Tower is a photographer's dream. Capture the intricate Manueline architecture against the backdrop of the Tagus River, and visit during sunset for magical golden-hour shots if you can.
Since we visited at midday, the light was very harsh and the crowd was big. We walked around the area briefly, took a pineapple drink, and decided to move on.
11. Este Oeste Restaurant
Nestled within the Centro Cultural de Belém, the restaurant is an elegant dining establishment known for its contemporary decor, panoramic views of the Tagus River, and a culinary experience that fuses Portuguese flavors with a modern twist.
Try your luck with an outdoor table, and enjoy the view. The food was great, so was the tiramisu.
Photo tip
For those of you traveling with kids. Sometimes the difference between a good photo and a bad one is simply a meal. Don’t photograph your kids when they are hungry (or sleepy), you can’t force them to smile.
12. Centro Cultural de Belém
A modern cultural complex situated along the Tagus River, celebrated for its contemporary architecture and diverse array of cultural events, including concerts, exhibitions, and performances.
With its sleek design, expansive spaces, and scenic location, the cultural center serves as a dynamic hub for arts and creativity, inviting both locals and visitors to immerse themselves in Portugal's vibrant cultural scene.
13. Jerónimos Monastery
This is a must-visit. If I have to pick only one place to visit in Belem, this is it. A masterpiece of Manueline architecture, adorned with intricate stone carvings that depict maritime motifs, religious scenes, and botanical elements.
This UNESCO World Heritage site, with its colossal size and ornate detailing, stands as a testament to Portugal's Age of Discovery, making it a must-visit landmark that encapsulates both historical significance and architectural brilliance.
Do not go during the day, you’ll only see crowd and long lines. Visit during the sunset hour if your schedule allows.
In fact, instead of photographing the monastery right in its front, try to photograph it across the street at Praça do Império, or Empire Square.
We visited Jerónimos Monastery, which was within walking distance from our second airbnb in Lisbon, right before its closing without having to line up or purchasing tickets. It was extremely crowded during the day though. My kids and I were the last three people in the monastery. Having the whole place to ourselves was such a lucky and special experience.
14. Empire Square (Praça do Império)
As mentioned above, Empire Square is right across the street from Jerónimos Monastery, and Monument to the Discoveries on the other side. It is a grand square that complements the majestic architecture of the monastery, featuring gardens and fountains.
The square offered a serene and picturesque setting, particularly in the evening when the crowd disappeared. Try to practice landscape photography during golden or blue hours. Use a tripod, or simply put your camera on the elevated concrete, do a long exposure and capture the serenity.
Empire Square fountain and Monument to the Discoveries in blue hour, Lisbon, Portugal
Walking Tour Route 3
This route was not as well planned as the above two, but rather a random stroll.
15. Elevador de Santa Justa
A striking wrought-iron elevator tower that ascends from the Baixa district to the Bairro Alto, offering both a functional transportation and a panoramic viewpoint.
This architectural marvel, resembling a Gothic tower, presents a unique blend of utility and aesthetics, providing visitors with breathtaking views of Lisbon's cityscape and the Tagus River.
We took the advice from our airbnb host. Instead of joining the crowd and paying to take the elevator up, we went from the other side next to Carmo Archaeological Museum, and entered from the top.
Santa Justa Lift, Lisbon
The view was not as great as offered by São Jorge Castle or Miradouro da Senhora do Monte, but it was a different skyline of Lisbon.
16. Avenida da Liberdade
A number of ice creams and churches away, we arrived at Avenida da Liberdade, a grand tree-lined boulevard known for its upscale shops, historic architecture, and vibrant atmosphere, providing a luxurious setting for leisurely strolls.
Lined with fountains, statues, and designer boutiques, the avenue exudes an elegant charm that beckons both locals and visitors to enjoy its sophisticated ambiance.
17. Campo dos Mártires da Pátria
For two young boys who had no interest in fashion or walking in the scorching heat, this stroll was obviously not a good idea. We quickly switched plan and took a detour to a local park Campo dos Mártires da Pátria.
The park might not be something unique for international tourists, but we enjoyed its tranquility. A chicken family particularly drew our kids’ attention, so did the muscovy ducks.
18. D'Bacalhau Restaurant
We took a ride with my step-brother’s family to D'Bacalhau Restaurant near the aquarium. It is a culinary haven specializing in Portuguese cuisine, particularly the iconic salted codfish, offering a cozy ambiance and a diverse menu celebrating the flavors of this traditional dish.
We visited the aquarium and the nearby area 5 years ago. They were featured in this video.
This wraps up our one week trip in Lisbon during week 8 and 9 of our 2023 Europe trip. No matter if you are a traveler or photographer, if you are into historic charm or vibrant modernity, Lisbon will indulge you with its diverse range of cityscape, warm culture and spirit. It is truly a coastal gem in Europe.
This is our second trip to Lisbon, and will sure not be the last. Coming up next is Algarve, Portugal.
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