The 7 most Instagrammable spots in Lisbon

Lisbon is a great short break city and has become really trendy over the last few years. If you’re like me, you plan some (if not all) of your trip around getting the best Instagram pictures. The city is built on seven hills, which means there are more than a few panoramic viewpoints. From museums to pastel paintwork and quaint streets, these are the best places to snap for your feed.

 

1. Praça do Comércio
Praça do Comércio is a beautiful square, lined on two sides with porticoes. On the third side is Rua Augusta arch. The arch, which is adorned with statues, is over 100-foot high and leads through to Lisbon’s main street. Daffodil yellow paintwork each side of the arch blends perfectly with the city’s yellow trams.

Insider Tip: The square is usually packed so you’ll need to get there early for the best shots.

2. Santa Justa Lift
Also known as the Carmo Lift, it’s a neo-gothic lift and it’s quirkily gorgeous. The 147-foot iron tower makes for a great shot either from the street or from the top of it. When you get to the top head up to the spiral staircase to the viewing platform for amazing views of the city.

3. The Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology (MAAT)
MAAT was once a power station that has been repurposed on the banks of the Tagus river. The shell-shaped contemporary building has amazing wave-like lines and arches. Visitors can walk over the curved roof and down an outside staircase that leads to the water. The tiles on the building reflect water, light and shadow.

Insider Tip: Go in the evening and watch the setting sun turn the building gold.

4. Belém Tower
A short walk from the MAAT is Belém Tower. It’s over 500 years old and was built in the 16th century to protect Lisbon from invaders who tried to sneak up the river. The setting beside the river is gorgeous on a sunny day. Add the blue sky that’s so common in Lisbon and you’re sure to get the perfect shot!

5. Elevador da Bica
This is probably Lisbon’s most photographed street. It’s where the Bica funicular, a national monument, has trundled up and down Lisbon’s steepest of streets since 1892. The street is lined with small buildings with flower-filled verandas.

Insider Tip: Go to the top to capture the two yellow funiculars as they pass each other. The Tagus River in the background makes the perfect backdrop.

6. Alfama
Virtually everywhere you look in Alfama is Instagram heaven and you could snap away to eternity in this gorgeous Lisbon district. Alfama is one of the city’s oldest neighbourhoods and you’ll find every kind of photo opportunity here. Pastel painted walls, steep steps disappearing into crumbling arches and terracotta rooftops can be found around every corner.

7. Miradouro da Senhora do Monte
There are some stunning views of the city from Lisbon’s seven hills. Miradouro da Senhora do Monte has the biggest and best view over the city’s rooftops to the castle and out towards the Tagus River. You can see Santa Justa Lift, Christ the King Statue and the 25 de Abril Bridge, which looks remarkably like San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge. Being the highest viewpoint you’ll need to climb the highest hill to get to it. Or you could take tram 28 which stops on nearby Rua da Graça. If you don’t fancy the climb, head to the 25 de Abril bridge where you’ll get stunning views of the city and Christ the King Statue.

We fly to Lisbon up to twice daily from Dublin and up to four times a week from Cork.

Book your trip to Lisbon now at aerlingus.com.

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