This morning I decided to take full advantage of the spring sunshine and explore Lisbon solo, camera in hand. With temperatures rising and a clear sky overhead, it felt like the perfect day to revisit some of my favourite spots in the city — and capture them through my lens.
I kicked off the walk around 10 AM near the striking new EDP building on Rua Dom Luís I. Its modern lines and glass facade always contrast beautifully with Lisbon’s historic charm. From there, I made my way toward the river, heading straight for the Ribeira das Naus. This spot has a wide promenade with wooden decking and one of the best riverside esplanadas for soaking up the sun. I took a moment here to enjoy the view, watching people jog past, couples sip coffee, and the ferryboats quietly glide across the Tagus.
Continuing along the river, I soon arrived at the iconic Praça do Comércio. This square, once the grand entrance to the city for arriving ships, was rebuilt after the 1755 earthquake and has since stood as a symbol of Lisbon’s resilience and openness to the world. I paused to take a few shots of the grand arcades and the Arco da Rua Augusta towering over the cobbled pavement. Did you know that the square once housed the royal palace, and today it’s still known by locals as “Terreiro do Paço”?
From there, I turned into the heart of the city and began the climb up Rua do Alecrim, eventually reaching the vibrant Largo de Camões. This small yet iconic square is named after Portugal’s greatest poet, Luís de Camões. And just as I arrived, the famous Elétrico 28 trundled by, its wooden frame creaking charmingly as it climbed the hill, packed with curious visitors peering out its windows.
With the sun still shining, I continued upward to the Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara. This is one of my absolute favourite viewpoints in Lisbon. From here, you can see the castle, the rooftops of Alfama, the Tagus River, and the dome of the National Pantheon all in one panoramic sweep. I stayed for a while, snapped some photos, and watched a street musician play soft fado on a classical guitar.
Heading back down, I wandered through the Bairro Alto, where the contrast between quiet morning streets and buzzing nightlife is always fascinating. During the day, it reveals another side — traditional Portuguese restaurants, pastelarias, and signs for fado houses that come alive after dark.
I descended through the famous Rua da Bica, stopping of course to admire the yellow funicular that makes its way up the steep incline. This little street has become one of the most photographed in Lisbon — and for good reason. The view down to the river, with colourful facades and laundry swaying on the balconies, feels straight out of a postcard.
I wrapped up my photowalk around 12 PM, and honestly? I lost count of how many tourists asked me to take their photo — or to pose with them! 😄 It’s always a pleasure to share the joy of exploring Lisbon with others.
And if you’re visiting Lisbon soon, why not turn your walk into something special? A 1-hour photo session is more than just pictures:
- It’s a memory you can take home (and print in high resolution to hang on your wall)
- It’s a fun experience with family, a partner, or solo
- It’s a chance to discover Lisbon through a local’s eyes — and leave with photos that feel truly yours
If you’d like to book a relaxed, natural, and totally local Lisbon photo session, just send me a message or email me at martim.dotti@gmail.com — I’d love to meet you!
Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family — I’ll make sure the experience is fun, relaxed, and completely tailored to you.
👉 Interested? Let’s talk!
📩 Email me: <a href="https://📩 Book via Email“>martim.dotti@gmail.com
📸 Follow along on Instagram: @shoots.md
🌍 Explore more: www.mdfotografia.blog
Pingback: My Quest for the Best Fado Experience in Lisbon (Yes, I Cried a Little) – MD Fotografia