10 Most Instagrammable Places in Lisbon

Arco da Rua Augusta is a giant arch inside a bright yellow building surrounding the Commerce Plaza, offering Instagram-ready surroundings, columns, corridors and architecture. This is one of Lisbon's more famous Instagram spots and a must-see place. Try to capture the ideal angle so you can see the statue standing inside the arch. This place can get crowded during winter weekday mornings, so visit on a weekend morning for the best photo ops.

A pro-tip: don't stop at the single photo of the statue. Walk through and take a picture the other way as well. The plaza is 12 minutes south of the city centre.

Ler Devagar bookstore offers the chance to get into that reading state of mind while capturing colourful photos of shelves upon shelves plus beautiful artwork and historic surroundings. This place has even been named by prestigious publications like the New York Times as among the most beautiful bookstores in the entire world. It's inside one of the city's hippest spots, the LX Factory, and is stuffed with antique printing presses, a grand staircase, sculptures like the flying bicycle and even 2 bars where you can grab a beer or cocktail.

You're welcome to pull down a book, grab a coffee and sit and read, just to be among people having great conversations. It's 16 minutes southwest of the city centre.

Padrão dos Descobrimentos, or the Monument to the Discoveries, offers scenic architecture along a riverwalk path and a huge sculpture that honours the accomplishments of Portuguese explorers. You can photograph the intricately carved monument itself and then climb to the top for panoramic photos of the surrounding region. This is a spot that's sure to garner tons of likes and create conversation on your social media feed. The monument is also a centrally-located spot on many tours of the city, so you'll likely walk through it at some point.

Whether you're snapping the monument itself or using it as a base to photograph other areas, it's a solid spot. It's just 19 minutes from the city centre.

Belem Tower is one of the best-known sights in all of Lisbon and a must-grab photo for your social media feed, with historical significance and stunning panoramic views for miles. This spot was the launching point for many famous explorers such as Vasco da Gama and Henry the Navigator. You can cross a wooden pedestrian bridge to get inside the tower and snap tons of photos of the surrounding region or capture the historic architecture from outside. The best time to snap the bridge is at sunrise or sunset when it's closed to visitors.

Inside, you can catch narrow stone staircases and old prison cells, as well as the harbour. It's 20 minutes west of the city centre.

Mural Graffiti Fado Vadio is a famed graffiti wall in the Escadinhas de São Cristóvão in honour of a traditional genre of Portuguese music on a formerly decrepit building. The musical style that it honours is part of the World Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The painting itself was the project of a small group of activists and artists seeking to improve and revitalise the neighbourhood where it's located. It's filled with iconic symbols of the music and famous singers of the city and region.

The mural is a colourful, vibrant, and culturally significant spot to photograph for your Instagram feed. It's also in the heart of downtown, just a 20-minute walk from the city centre.

Pink Street in Baixa is precisely what it sounds like: an entire street painted pink that also features a scenic bridge in the background and cobblestone sidewalks. This spot offers some of the brightest, most quirky, and unique photo op spots you'll find throughout Lisbon. It's iconic to the city and is also located in the heart of the city centre for easy access.

To catch the best photos of this street, come in the morning just after the businesses open when the crowds are the thinnest, and the streets cleaned. It's also a nightlife centre dotted with bars and clubs, so if you're looking for a good time, pop in after dark.

Elevador da Bica is a funicular or ascensor that rises up the steep hill to reach the top of the Barrio Alto or Bica neighbourhood, offering picturesque photos. You'll see colourful and distinctive buildings, and the wagon itself is worthy of a picture. You'll also pass quaint boutiques and independent shops with beautiful facades, rustic houses with decorative garlands and a wealth of small restaurants and classic pavement cafes. A photograph here will let you capture the heart and soul, the very essence of not just Lisbon, but Portugal.

Elevador da Bica is among the most famed funiculars in the city, and capturing the right photo requires patience. It's only 11 minutes from the city centre.

The Lisbon Cathedral is the oldest church in the city and offers an easy stop on your explorations with historic architecture and great neighbourhood views. The outside of the church alone is enough to light up most social media feeds. Still, you can also go inside for a tour to explore gorgeous stained glass windows, intricately carved statuary, and astounding scenery that dates back hundreds of years. The church is a working cathedral, so visitors are asked to exercise restraint and respect, especially while Mass is in session.

The cathedral is a natural stop as you explore the town. It's easy to access, located only a 23-minute walk from the city centre.

The Santa Justa Lift is a metal structure that dates back to the early 20th century and offers panoramic views of the city around from its stunning viewing platform. This lift will take you to a pedestrian path along a metal bridge which takes you to even higher ground to capture panoramic pictures of the entire surrounding landscapes. Coming here at sunset is highly recommended for photos of colourful rooftops that reflect the pink, red and orange lights in the distance.

Before you ascend, however, be sure to take a shot of the lift itself, which also makes for an interesting photo. It's only 7 minutes drive south of the city centre.

Miradouro de Santa Luzia is a famous spot from which to capture a staggering image of Lisbon's brilliant sunrises over the water from atop a scenic hill. From the terrace, you'll catch not only coastline views but the brilliant red roofs of houses. The terrace itself is also Instagram-worthy. Its magnificent décor features lovely mosaic tiles and intricate columns covered with plants and flowers in the entire rainbow of colours. Not only is it an ideal viewpoint to capture the whole city, but a perfect spot for a romantic selfie to commemorate your trip.

You'll have to do a bit of climbing to reach the terrace, but it's worth it. It's just 7 minutes drive south of the city centre.