Lisbon
Last updated: 19 January 2026
written by Daria Trinkhaus, photography by Nico Trinkhaus
Lisbon is our home. Even though we have been living in a small town on the coast for some time now, Lisbon is still the centre of our lives. However, the capital of Portugal was not love at first sight for us. On the contrary, during our first stay, after a few days, we wanted to escape. It was only after getting to know it through the eyes of our Portuguese friend that we began to understand and love this place.
In this guide, we would like to be the same kind of guides to Lisbon that our friend was to us in those early days. And we hope that in this way you too will fall in love with this ‘city of light’ and paradise for photographers.
Lisbon light
The light in Lisbon should be the prelude to any article about this city, especially for photography. The fact is that countless advertisements for European companies are filmed here precisely because of this phenomenon.
When you get off the plane and leave the airport building, you will notice that something is different about this place. Everything seems brighter, shrouded in a white glow. Sometimes, even on a very cloudy day, you may need sunglasses. Professor of physics Ana Maria Eiró[1], among others, has written about this natural phenomenon in Lisbon. Let us explain it to you.
- Firstly, Lisbon is located in southern Europe. This means that the days here are longer and sunnier than in Berlin or London, for example.
- Secondly, the Tagus River, which flows through Lisbon, reflects the sun’s rays, which illuminate the city.
- Thirdly, Lisbon’s climate is influenced by winds from the Atlantic Ocean. Northern winds from the Atlantic bring masses of polar air that clear the smog and provide conditions for a clear atmosphere. This results in bright days with exceptional visibility.
- Fourth, Lisbon is paved with light-colored marble, and the buildings are painted in bright colors or lined with polished tiles. These elements of the city reflect light and give the surroundings an otherworldly glow.
[1] https://feed.jeronimomartins.com/light/the-magic-of-the-light-of-lisbon/
One of the few times that people can walk across the famous 25 de Abril Bridge is during the Lisbon Half Marathon. The bridge is usually only for cars and trains, but for thousands of runners, it becomes a unique stage that gives them a view of Lisbon that they can’t get anywhere else.
The 25 de Abril Bridge is one of Lisbon’s most famous landmarks. It crosses the Tagus River and connects the city to its southern outskirts. The name comes from the Carnation Revolution on April 25, 1974, which was a turning point in Portuguese history. It ended decades of dictatorship and started democracy.
Table of Contents
Travel Writer
Daria Trinkhaus is a writer, who loves to discover the hidden stories behind each and every place she visits.
The best seasons to visit lisbon
Nico’s favorite seasons for photography are spring, fall, and sometimes even winter. During these times, the air is clear due to frequent, cleansing rains, and the clouds are downright dramatic. Not to mention that Lisbon is less crowded then, making it easier to capture landmarks without tourists.
This view of the sunrise in Lisbon is taken from our balcony. And if you look at the buildings in the foreground, you can probably guess that our apartment with a view of Lisbon or the ocean isn’t the only one. This means that finding an ok priced apartment was much easier for us in this city.
Lisbon is also known as the “White City”. Because it lies on a river, the sunlight diffuses and illuminates the buildings with an almost “heavenly” glow. We admit the sun is a big reason for us to escape Berlin in the winter.
If you plan to visit Lisbon around this time of year, it is worth considering staying for at least a week or even two. Portugal experiences heavy rainfall, especially in December, March, and April. Sometimes, even a large part of Lisbon is flooded and impassable. However, during this time, you can see some of the most spectacular sunrises or sunsets. However, you need to be patient and accept that out of seven days of your stay, the opportunity to see spectacular light will only occur a few times and for a short time.
alfama and photography
miradouros in alfama
Alfama is the oldest district in Lisbon. During the great earthquake of 1755, almost all of Lisbon was razed to the ground, except for two districts: Alfama and Ajuda. For this reason, Alfama has a taste of Lisbon’s former glory, when great explorers established Portugal’s connections with the rest of the world. It is here that you will find buildings with the most interesting paintings on tiles – called azulejos.
Due to the fact that this district is located on hills, here you will also find the best views of Lisbon with its “explosion of colors.” To find the viewpoints, just look for the places marked as ‘miradouro’ on the map – Portuguese for “viewpoint.”
Some of the most popular viewpoints in Alfama are the adjacent Miradouro das Portas do Sol (translated as Viewpoint of the Gates of the Sun) and Miradouro de Santa Luzia, located slightly below the first miradouro. It was from Miradouro das Portas do Sol that I took what is probably my favorite photo of Lisbon. Nico photographed the city’s typical rooftops just after sunrise.
Some of the most popular viewpoints in Alfama are the adjacent Miradouro das Portas do Sol (translated as Viewpoint of the Gates of the Sun) and Miradouro de Santa Luzia, located slightly below the first miradouro. It was from Miradouro das Portas do Sol that I took what is probably my favorite photo of Lisbon. Nico photographed the city’s typical rooftops just after sunrise.
Miradouro de Santa Luzia offers a similar view. However, photographically speaking, it is a viewpoint that allows for flexibility in experimentation. This is due to the fact that the miradouro is decorated with typical azulejos tiles and pergolas with colorful flowers, which are ideal for foreground elements.
Another typical viewpoint over Alfama is the observation terrace at the walls of São Jorge Castle, which is ideal for the early hours of the day. The morning air is clearer, although capturing this view in the fog can also be interesting. However, when it comes to this place, you have to take into account the climb to the castle and the likelihood of entering its grounds (visiting hours may be limited).
São Jorge is one of Lisbon’s oldest and most historically significant sites. The first fortifications were constructed to protect the city. This panorama from São Jorge castle, reflects the reason this hill was so crucial offering control, visibility, and a commanding view over Lisbon.
Miradouro da Senhora do Monte is technically a different district of Lisbon than Alfama—Graça—but it is located close to the city’s main attractions and offers spectacular views of Alfama. Nico chose this location for sunset. Miradouro da Senhora do Monte is not as crowded as other miradouros, so the chances of finding a place to set up a tripod are high.
This photograph was taken from Miradouro de Nossa Senhora do Monte, near the district of Graça. Less frequented than many of the city’s viewpoints, it is nonetheless one of the most atmospheric. Located on one of Lisbon’s highest hills, the viewpoint offers an expansive sunset view that rewards the climb and highlights why these elevated positions play such an important role in experiencing the city.
the streets of alfama
Alfama is a district of Lisbon that we return to regularly – and have done so in all the years since we have been living in Portugal. Each time, we joke (and this joke never gets old) that we are again in a place we don’t know yet. Narrow streets with colorful buildings decorated with azulejos, laundry hanging out of windows, unexpected courtyards with orange trees, charming cafes – all of this offers an opportunity to capture the authentic Portugal in photographs. And I haven’t even mentioned the trams yet, which could be the subject of an entire series of photos.
Alfama is home to the most famous trams in Lisbon, like the number 28 line, which goes through old neighborhoods. A lot of these trams used to be part of the public transportation system, but now tourists use them, especially during the busy season.
When there aren’t as many people around, you can see the trams’ design and how they move through Alfama’s small streets better. These trams in Alfama are a part of Lisbon’s history and visual character as a mode of transportation, no matter what time of year it is.
belÉm
Our second favorite district in Lisbon is Belém (some Portuguese people would pronounce this name “blem”). One of the reasons is probably the fact that we lived nearby and loved our daily walks around Belém and along the Tagus River. Above all, however, it must be admitted that this is one of the most photogenic parts of the Portuguese capital.
A walk with a camera in hand can be commenced successfully from the Doca do Santo Amaro marina by the 25 de Abril Bridge. Although it is difficult to capture the famous bridge itself from such a close distance, the surrounding area is suitable for creative shots of architectural details – or views from nearby restaurants.
Queijo de Azeitão is a traditional Portuguese cheese that has become famous around the world. The Great Taste Awards named it one of the best food products in the world. It has a unique look and feel, and it is traditionally served by cutting off the top and scooping out the soft inside with a spoon. This is a ritual that shows how deeply rooted Portugal’s food culture is, specially in wine and cheese pairing. Vinho Verde, a young Portuguese wine that comes out just a few months after the grapes are picked, goes well with it.
Probably the most photogenic building in Lisbon is MAAT. Unfortunately, you need a bit of luck to capture this contemporary art museum. And I’m not just talking about the weather conditions, but also the mood of the security guard. When Nico took a photo of MAAT at sunrise, the place was empty, and he was able to set up his tripod without any problems.
When you look closely at The Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology (MAAT), you can see some of Lisbon’s architectural style. The reflective tiles are like traditional azulejos, and the flowing lines and curved shapes are like the city’s older streets and coastal identity.
On other occasions, he had to smile at the security guard and take photos only with his phone.
However, nothing is impossible for those who want it! And it is definitely worth seeing MAAT in the early morning hours. Not only does the light of the sunrise spectacularly illuminate the museum’s contemporary, elegant architecture, but above all, you are there alone. Well, maybe sometimes in the company of other photographers.
Another must-see in the Belém district is the Monument to the Discoveries on the Tagus coast and the Jerónimos Monastery just across the road.
Like MAAT, the Monument to the Discoveries is best visited in the early morning hours. It is easier to take pictures of the monument without tourists then. Besides, it can be an interesting experiment to capture the Monument at night with stars. This is one of Nico’s favorite photographic motifs. The Monument to the Discoveries in Lisbon was built to commemorate Portuguese discoveries, and the starry sky gives the photo a tone of curiosity, courage, and adventure.
Don’t you think?
The Jerónimos Monastery is thematically linked to the Monument to the Discoveries, although its architectural style is completely different. The Jerónimos Monastery was built at the end of the 15th century on the orders of King Manuel I. It is said that the king wanted the monastery to be built on the site where Vasco da Gama spent his last night before his first voyage to India.
The Jerónimos Monastery was built in the Manueline style, which combines Gothic elements with ornaments typical of Portugal during the Age of Discovery. If you pay attention to the details of the monastery, you will notice, among other things, maritime motifs – ropes, anchors, corals, shells, sailing knots – but also plants from exotic countries.
So it is not only the views of the entire monastery that can be interesting – the details also provide a lot of inspiration.
The Belém Tower was also built in the Manueline style. It was Lisbon’s ceremonial tower and part of the city’s defence system. According to legend, it was originally located in the middle of the Tagus River. However, after the great earthquake of 1755, the riverbed changed, leaving the tower stranded on dry land. In the evenings, however, when the tide comes in, the waters of the Tagus begin to flow around the walls of the building. By positioning your camera low enough, you can create the effect that the Belém Tower is still in the middle of the river. “Timeless travel” in its essence!
In the 16th century, the Belém Tower was built out of limestone to help protect Lisbon along the Tagus River. It was also the official entrance to the city. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Portugal’s most famous symbols. It is closely linked to the Age of Discoveries and the country’s maritime history.
We could write books about Lisbon. So let’s treat the above summary as just an introduction to a guide to the capital of Portugal. More parts will surely follow soon!
Frequently asked questions
Lisbon is famous for its unique, bright light, which delights both photographers and filmmakers. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon: its geographical location in southern Europe, the reflection of sunlight off the Tagus River, the clean air from the Atlantic Ocean, and the bright, marble-paved streets and colorful building facades. All this gives the city a distinctive, almost magical glow.
The best times to visit Lisbon are spring and fall, and even winter. That’s when the light is clearest and the city is less crowded. In winter, you can count on spectacular sunsets and dramatic clouds, although you have to be prepared for rain. Summer is hot and full of tourists, which is why photographers often avoid this period.
It is undoubtedly Alfama – the oldest district, which survived the earthquake of 1755. Narrow streets, colorful buildings with azulejos (Portuguese tiles), laundry hanging from windows, and the smell of oranges create the atmosphere of old Lisbon. It is the perfect place for walking and taking authentic photos of Portuguese life.
The most famous viewpoints are:
– Miradouro das Portas do Sol – classic panorama of Alfama at sunrise,
– Miradouro de Santa Luzia – with decorative tiles and pergolas,
– Miradouro da Senhora do Monte – a wide view of Alfama and the center of Lisbon,
– the terrace at São Jorge Castle.
Each of them offers a different light and perspective, so it is worth visiting several at different times of the day.
Belém is a district steeped in history and symbols of Portuguese geographical discoveries. Here you will find:
– Belém Tower – formerly standing in the middle of the Tagus River, built in the Manueline style,
– Monument to the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos) – best photographed at dawn or at night under the stars,
– Jerónimos Monastery (Mosteiro dos Jerónimos) – a masterpiece of Manueline style, rich in maritime motifs,
– MAAT Museum – modern architecture with unique light at sunrise.
The Manueline style is a unique Portuguese architectural style from the time of King Manuel I. It combines Gothic elements with ornamentation inspired by maritime discoveries—ropes, shells, anchors, and exotic plants. In Lisbon, the best examples are the Jerónimos Monastery and the Belém Tower, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.