![\"Blue](\"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Lisbon-Plants-On-Blue-Tiled-House.jpg\")
<\/p>\nLisbon is one of the most beautiful European capital cities, with fantastic and unique opportunities for photography because of the variety of different experiences it offers, all within an hour\u2019s journey of the center.<\/p>\n
I like to visit Lisbon during the warmer months between April to October to take advantage of the almost constant sunlight. When taking photos, I\u2019m looking for natural light to create an atmosphere in the pictures and Lisbon offers plenty of inspiration in the architecture and the people.<\/p>\n
If you want to take more original photos, in this article, I will show you where to go to get the best experiences and results and how to look at places from a different perspective: From the old city and castle in Alfama, the Belem Tower to the incredible modern architecture of The Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology.<\/p>\n
In addition to the architecture, there are wonderful nature reserves and sits on the Tagus River. This city has so much inspiration that it\u2019s hard to fit everything in. <\/p>\n
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As time is precious once you arrive at your destination, I like to prep and set up some contacts before I arrive. If I\u2019m travelling to take pictures, it\u2019s good to have basic knowledge about some of the people and places I\u2019ll be photographing.<\/p>\n
I like to create mood boards that show the themes, moods, and colours I want to achieve for a series of pictures. Putting together a mood board ahead of time is a great way of getting on track and reflecting on my ideas and thoughts on the pictures I should seek out and the ones I should discard because the idea has been overused.<\/p>\n
I use Adobe Photoshop<\/a> to create my boards. The Adobe Express mood board maker<\/a> is free and allows you to customize and create something that reflects your vision.<\/p>\n There are other inspiring tools like Canva<\/a>, which provide drag-and-drop design tools for their collection of customizable templates.<\/p>\n I like to feel independent, so I often rent private homes when I travel. I also like to stay in different areas of Lisbon to get a feel for the neighbourhoods.<\/p>\n I have stayed in vacation rentals in the old district of Alfama and, recently, in Lisbon’s Cais do Sodr\u00e9 area.<\/p>\n I like the community atmosphere of the Selena Secret Garden Hotel<\/a>, which has rooms, co-working spaces, a pool, and many activities for people to get to know one another.<\/p>\n I went along to one of the rooftop welcome drinks evenings, and it\u2019s great to watch the sunset and swap stories.<\/p>\n On a larger budget, The Vintage<\/a> is a lovely mid-century modern-styled hotel in the Principe Real district. It has a relaxed mood with a rooftop bar and vintage sound sessions every Tuesday and Thursday.<\/p>\n It can be overwhelming to choose the right place to stay in Lisbon, with so many different neighborhoods and hotels to choose from. However, we’ve narrowed down your search to the top hotels and vacation rentals in Lisbon.<\/p>\n Lisbon has some great photography, arts and crafts and unique painting tours and experiences. Here are some great options:<\/p>\n Ocean\u00e1rio de Lisboa<\/a> located at the Parque das Na\u00e7\u00f5es is well worth a visit. It\u2019s a world-renowned aquarium with huge glass viewing panels where you can see and photograph sharks, rays, and hundreds of other species. The aquarium is very well-lit from the inside, so you can get great pictures without reflections in the glass.<\/p>\n The aquarium also works on conservation and breeding programmes to increase the number of endangered species and studies conservation medicine. I\u2019d suggest buying your ticket online as there can be queues during the high season.<\/p>\n The Telecabine<\/a> runs from the Oceanarium to the Vasco da Gama Tower and Bridge, the city\u2019s tallest building and Europe\u2019s longest bridge. The journey takes about 10 minutes, and it passes over a pretty park with trees and paving on one side and the Tagus River on the other, so it gives you an unusual overhead viewpoint for your pictures.<\/p>\n If you ride at sunset, you get a beautiful light. There\u2019s a 10% discount with the Lisboa Card<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Miradouro de Santa Luzia<\/a> viewing point in Alfama is a famous landmark. It offers amazing views over the city and the Tagus River. The blue and white tile panel shows Lisbon\u2019s royal palace before the 1755 earthquake.<\/p>\n I visited at dawn to catch the rising sun and found some girls still out celebrating from the night before and cooling off around the beautiful fountain. The place was deserted and looked so romantic with the Bougainvillea blossom growing on the pergola. The colours at that time of day are cooler and less saturated until the sun starts to rise over the horizon.<\/p>\n The yellow Tram 28 passes<\/a> through the districts of Alfama, Baixa, Estrela, and Graca. The route starts at Martim Moniz, heads to the Gra\u00e7a quarter, and continues to Campo Ourique (Prazeres). The tram can get very crowded, so it is worth getting on at the start of the route to get a seat, leaving you room to take pictures out of the window.<\/p>\n If you want to photograph the tram from the outside, there are many spots along the route, but I like the yellow colour of the tram against the formal yellow-painted buildings of Praca Do Commercio,<\/a> which is worth a visit in its own right.<\/span><\/p>\n Lisbon\u2019s most iconic monument, The Belem Tower<\/a>, rises from the river, where it served as a beacon to the many explorers who departed from this site in the 15th and 16th centuries. It\u2019s a protected World Heritage Site and is a symbol of the Age of Discovery.<\/p>\n The Time Out Market at Mercado da Ribeira<\/a> is fantastic, and I really recommend a visit to people-watch and try some of the amazing food on offer.<\/p>\n You can curate your meal at this cluster of food stalls \u2013 mainly outposts of bigger restaurants where you can sample their menus in a relaxed atmosphere and at a reasonable cost.<\/p>\n There is a huge variety of delicious savoury and sweet dishes that you can order, take away, and eat at the central, shared tables. It\u2019s a bit like communal eating and seeing what others have ordered is fun. You can also choose different drinks to have with your food.<\/p>\n The ferry to Cacilhas<\/a> is a great way to get a river view of the 25 de Abril Bridge.<\/p>\n The ferry departs from Cais do Sodr\u00e9 to Cacilhas<\/a>, the waterfront district directly across the river in Almada. The journey takes less than 10 minutes, and the ferries run every 15-20 minutes, more often during rush hour. Once in Cacilhas, buses to Cristo Rei and Costa da Caparica depart from the terminal on the left.<\/p>\n The ferry looks quite retro, and I love taking pictures around the terminals and en route, especially at twilight.<\/p>\n I was lucky to get an outside table at the Ponto Final Restaurant<\/a>, which has great views over the water and serves classic Portuguese plates and wine. You can walk there along the riverfront from the ferry.<\/p>\n Right on the banks of the Tagus River, the Museum of Art, Architecture, and Technology is a fantastic piece of modern architecture created by Amanda Levete Architects. Using Portuguese traditions of craft and ceramics, the tiles on the overhanging, curved roof structure bounce light off the water and into the building and create much-needed shade. There is also a restaurant and caf\u00e9 there.<\/p>\n Originally an industrial complex dating back to 1846, in 2008, the unrenovated spaces were taken over by offices, caf\u00e9s, restaurants, and shops. It has a market on Sundays, selling everything – crafts, new and vintage fashion, accessories, and fresh produce from local suppliers.<\/p>\n Search for the Ler Devagar bookstore<\/a> in the complex. It\u2019s a cavernous store, four storeys high, with floor-to-ceiling new and used books and a music section on the top floor.<\/p>\n A visit to Lisbon isn\u2019t complete without a Pastel de Nata, a Portuguese custard tart with a flaky crust. You can buy them all over the city, but the best and most iconic come from Pasteis de Belem<\/a>. It originally opened in 1837 and is just as busy today.<\/p>\n I think their signature navy and white Pastel de Nata gift boxes make lovely presents for friends and family back home in.<\/p>\n Manteigaria has several patisseries around the city, and their speciality, the Pastel de Nata da Manteigaria, is really delicious.<\/span><\/p>\n Copenhagen Coffee Lab<\/a> roasts its own coffee beans and bakes its own bread and pastries. It has a few caf\u00e9s around Lisbon, but my favourite is in Alfama, with its vaulted brick arches, indoor plants, and outdoor tables. A delicious cardamon bun is the perfect way to start the day.<\/p>\n Honest Greens<\/a> has restaurants in different areas of Lisbon. All have great menus and interiors, but the roof terrace at the Principe Real branch takes some beating. Here, you can eat healthy, delicious food at an affordable price. It\u2019s very relaxed and people often use it as a place to work as well.<\/p>\n Lupita Pizzaria<\/a> on Rua de S\u00e3o Paulo near Cais do Sodr\u00e9 makes delicious sourdough pizzas. It’s open at lunchtime and in the evenings. It\u2019s a small, lively place, with the front open to the street in summer. They don\u2019t take bookings, but you can go on the list for a sit-down and takeaway and have a drink in a bar while you wait for your name to be called.<\/p>\n Tapisco<\/a> offers the best from Spain and Portugal. The food is modern but based on traditional flavours. Tapisco serves Spanish tapas and Portuguese petiscos and vermouths. They have tables and seats at the counter so that you can watch your food being prepared.<\/p>\n I like to buy local produce and make simple food at home, especially if my rental apartment has a balcony or outdoor space. It is also a bit easier on your budget if you\u2019re staying longer. The rentals often have the basics like seasonings and olive oil in the kitchen cupboard, and if not, I would like to leave these things for the next visitor.<\/p>\n A cool, independent place to shop for food and wine is called Mercearia Po\u00e7o dos Negros<\/a> in the Po\u00e7o dos Negros neighbourhood.<\/p>\n I like drawing inspiration from the labels on the wine bottles and the handcrafted produce they sell in this well-stocked little deli.<\/p>\n The 24-hour, 48-hour, or 72-hour Lisboa card includes free public transport in and around the city, entry to some museums and attractions,<\/span> and trains to Sintra and Cascais.<\/p>\n If you have already visited these attractions, the Navegante Card<\/a> (formerly Viva Viagem), is a quick and easy way to pay for journeys on public transport in Lisbon. It\u2019s valid for a year after purchase and can be topped up for use on public transport in station vending machines and ticket offices.<\/p>\n I have also used my Uber app in Lisbon and it was cheaper than I expected for the journey and worked well. They also offer Uber Transit, which allows you to see nearby bus or subway routes to help you plan your route.<\/p>\n If you want to pack in as many photo locations as possible during your stay, I like to use the Citymapper app<\/a>, which plans a route for you to get from place to place and gives you a choice of methods of transport. It also estimates your time of arrival, so you never have an excuse to be late again!<\/p>\n Sintra<\/a> is a beautiful town near Lisbon, renowned for Pena Palace and the Castelo dos Mouros. The eccentric, fairytale palace rises at the top of a hill. You can take a ride up the hill, but I chose to walk, and I can share that I walked nearly 100 floors that day!<\/p>\n If you are travelling by train to Sintra from central Lisbon \u2013 Rossio or Oriente station, I\u2019d recommend getting a return ticket. Tickets and train times<\/a> from Camboios de Portugal. The journey is 47 minutes.<\/p>\n Sintra railway station dates back to 1887 and has the most beautiful Portuguese azulejos tiles in the booking hall.<\/p>\n Cascais<\/a> is a lovely seaside town 30 minutes from Lisbon. It has sandy beaches, traditional houses and a relaxed holiday atmosphere during the summer months. The light here shimmers and sparkles as it reflects off the water. The houses and tiled streets look like they have been made for a film set.<\/p>\n You can sit and enjoy a cold drink at one of the cafes overlooking the beach. I tried a jug of Sangria packed with ice and fruit and it was so refreshing. There are many lunch places to eat and drink.<\/p>\n Ericeira is renowned for its surfing beaches, chilled ambience and food scene. It\u2019s been designated as a World Surfing Reserve<\/a>, which maintains and guarantees the marine life in surrounding waters.<\/p>\n The waves in the area are great for all levels of surfers, from beginners to professionals. I took a Carris Metropolitana<\/a> bus from Campo Grande terminal, which took 45 minutes. It is worth looking up the timetables before you leave.<\/p>\n The bus has a kind of holiday atmosphere, with surfers making their way over to the waves. Don\u2019t be afraid to engage with people along the way. It enriches my experience and allows me to learn more about other people\u2019s lives.<\/p>\n Why not take the opportunity to use a film camera for this trip?<\/p>\n Phone cameras are great, but with very little practice, you could be shooting your experiences with a film camera. The negatives and prints have a lovely retro quality, often with a little grain and a beautiful colour range.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re using a film camera and want to have your film processed by a pro lab while you\u2019re in Lisbon, Carmencita Film Lab<\/a> at the LX Factory can develop, print, and scan negatives. They also sell many film stocks and ship<\/span>.<\/p>\n Lisbon provides so many fantastic experiences in one place. I hope you’ve found my Lisbon photo guide helpful.<\/p>\n The light, the welcoming people, and some of the best photo opportunities in Europe – walk on the beautiful, tiled houses, the ancient monuments, the world-renowned modern architecture, and the delicious food culture – make it a must-visit destination.<\/p>\n It\u2019s so easy to visit the unique towns along the coast and the beach, all wrapped up in one-holiday destination. This is only a taster of all the amazing things you can experience here, so book a trip for yourselves. I can guarantee you won\u2019t be disappointed.<\/p>\n We hope that this article has inspired you to visit Lisbon! If you have questions about Lisbon or tips to share with our readers please leave these in the comments below.<\/b><\/i><\/p>\n Want to write for We Are Travel Girls? Visit our<\/i><\/b> Contribute Page<\/i><\/b><\/a> to submit your article.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n![\"Olivia](\"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Lisbon-Olivia-Moodboard.jpg\")
<\/p>\nWhere To Stay In Lisbon<\/h2>\n
![\"Lisbon](\"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Lisbon-Rental-Apartment.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"twilight](\"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Lisbon-Selena-Secret-Garden.jpg\")
<\/p>\nBest Hotels and Vacation Rentals In Lisbon<\/h2>\n
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![\"Lisbon](\"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Lisbon-Rental-Apartment-View.jpg\")
<\/p>\nBest Tours To Take In Lisbon<\/h2>\n
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![\"Aerial](\"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Lisbon-Alfama-Staircase-Photo-Tour-2.jpg\")
<\/p>\nNine Places To See In Lisbon<\/h2>\n
1) Visit Ocean\u00e1rio De Lisboa<\/h3>\n
![\"Vasco](\"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Lisbon-Vasco-Da-Gama-Bridge.jpg\")
<\/p>\n2) Ride The Telecabine Cable Car<\/h3>\n
![\"aerial](\"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Lisbon-Telecabine-Cable-Car.jpg\")
<\/p>\n3) Visit Miradouro De Santa Luzia<\/h3>\n
![\"Lisbon](\"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Lisbon-Pasteis-De-Belem.jpg\")
<\/p>\n4) Ride On The Tram 28<\/h3>\n
5) Visit the Belem Tower<\/h3>\n
![\"Lisbon](\"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Lisbon-Pastel-De-Nata-Belem.jpg\")
<\/p>\n6) Explore The Time Out Market<\/h3>\n
![\"Time](\"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Lisbon-Time-Out-Market.jpg\")
<\/p>\n7) Take The Ferry To Cacilhas<\/h3>\n
![\"sunset](\"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Lisbon-Cacilhas-Ferry.jpg\")
<\/p>\n8) Visit The MAAT Museum<\/h3>\n
9) Explore the LX Factory<\/h3>\n
Breakfast In Lisbon<\/h2>\n
![\"Interior](\"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Lisbon-Copenhagen-Coffee-House.jpg\")
<\/p>\nWhere To Eat In Lisbon<\/h2>\n
![\"Interior](\"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Lisbon-Honest-Greens.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"fresh](\"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Lisbon-Bowl-Fresh-Peaches.jpg\")
<\/p>\nShop and Cook In Lisbon<\/h2>\n
\nSome of the supermarkets in Lisbon sell fresh seafood and ripe, delicious fruit and vegetables.
\nPingo Dolce has many stores and stocks fresh produce. Continente<\/a> has great prices on store cupboard items and wine.<\/p>\n![\"Lisbon](\"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Lisbon-Mercearia-Poco-Dos-Negros.jpg\")
<\/p>\nGetting Around Lisbon<\/h2>\n
![\"view](\"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Lisbon-River-Tagus-View.jpg\")
<\/p>\nShort Trips Out Of Lisbon<\/h2>\n
![\"view](\"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Lisbon-Sintra-Landscape.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"seascape](\"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Lisbon-Santa-Marta-Lighthouse-Museum-2.jpg\")
<\/p>\nExperiment With Film<\/h2>\n
![\"girls](\"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Lisbon-Sea-View-Ericeira.jpg\")
<\/p>\nLisbon Photo Guide Wrap Up<\/h2>\n
![\"surfers](\"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Lisbon-Surfing-Ericeira.jpg\")
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