Most instagrammable spots in Lisbon and Porto

This was one of those covid third time lucky trips for me. So finally having made it to Lisbon I was determined to see all the sights! I travelled with British Airways from Heathrow to Lisbon (a quick 2 hour flight) and while there took the train to Porto for a day (3 hour train ride). I stayed at the very lovely Memmo Principe Real which was a great location to be based for all the main sights. I also loved using Uber while in Portugal, so easy and very cheap way to get around, although I saw most of the sights on foot.

I made a plan before arriving of the things I wanted to see and I google mapped everything.

Top instagrammable sights Lisbon

Belém Tower – This monument was erected for the purpose of serving both as a gateway to the city of Lisbon and as a defence against possible invasions and attacks from the Tagus. This was about a 1.5 hour walk from the city but easily reached in an Uber for £5ish.

Jerónimos Monastery – Very close to Belém Tower (I walked between the two). A National Monument and was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. Step onto these significant grounds for a snoop around. It was closed the day I visited but you can buy a ticket to go inside or free with Lisboa card.

Alfama – The Alfama is the oldest neighborhood of Lisbon, It is a delightful maze of narrow cobbled streets and traditional houses. Great to wander around and just take it all in.

The Sé Catedral – Lisbon’s most important and iconic religious building.

Time out Market – a very cool space to eat and drink. Everything has been chosen, tasted and tested by an independent panel of city experts. Great atmosphere, with lots of groups of people coming here to meet up for a bite to eat or a cocktail.

Rossio Square – Praça do Rossio, is Lisbon’s nerve centre. The square is situated in the city’s Baixa neighbourhood, it’s the liveliest area in the capital of Portugal and where many locals and tourists meet up.
Barrio Alto – This neighbourhood is best known for its many shops and places to go out, especially in at night. Like in many parts of Lisbon, you can stroll in this area and enjoy the picturesque narrow streets.
Tram no 28 – did you even go to Lisbon if you didn’t take 300 photos of trams as they rattle and screech through the narrow streets of the city? The number 28 is the most famous tram and a great route to get on for a wee trip through the city.

Praça do Comércio – Lisbon’s main square. It was built on the site where the old Royal Palace used to exist before it was destroyed by the earthquake of 1755. The southern end of the plaza is open and looks out onto the Tagus River. The other three sides have yellow-coloured buildings with arcades all along the façade.

Pink Street – The Pink Street is one of the top tourist attractions in the city, its essentially a very small street that is painted pink. Its one of the main nightlife areas and used to be Lisbon’s red light district.

The Santa Justa Lift – old iron tower is an elevator that links downtown to the Chiado district up on the hill. It boasts some of the best views over the centre of Lisbon, mostly used by tourists.

Street art – Lisbon has some cool street art which is encouraged in the city. You can even go on tours that display the best art.

Top instagrammable sights Porto

Cais da Ribeira – This riverfront is classic Porto, taking in the whole spectacular sweep of the city.

Luís I Bridge – a double-deck metal arch bridge that spans the River Douro between the cities of Porto and Vila Nova de Gaia in Portugal.

The view from the other side of Luís I Bridge

Igerja do Carmo – The famous ruins are what now remains of the only church constructed in Lisbon that predominantly reflects pure Gothic design.

Camara Municipal do Porto – Porto’s city hall and a very impressive structure.

São Bento Railway Station – One of the world’s most outstanding train stations, the beautiful Sao Bento, is one of Porto’s key transportation joints and an unmissable landmark of the city.

Chapel of Souls – also known as Capela das Almas in Portuguese, is a relatively small church which is considered as one of the oldest historic centres of Europe. The chapel is located right in the middle of the main shopping street of Porto, named Rua de Santa Catarina.