Just Me, Lisbon & a Camera
Lisbon had been calling me for years. As a photographer, I’d seen countless images of its golden light, steep alleyways, tiled walls, and dreamy sunsets. I knew I had to see it for myself — not just visit, but feel the city, capture its rhythm, and let it guide me.
So I landed with just a rough idea of where to start, a camera and curiosity. And Lisbon delivered. Here’s how my first 24 hours unfolded — through a wanderer’s eyes and a photographer’s lens.
☀️ Morning Wanders Without a Map
I spent my first few hours simply walking — no destination, just instinct. Lisbon is the kind of city that rewards the curious. I followed the sound of tram bells, passed tiled doorways and laundry blowing like flags.
I passed through iconic Praça do Comércio, stood still under the Arco da Rua Augusta, then found myself walking toward Pink Street. Despite the crowds, something about the contrast — faded buildings and that loud magenta floor — pulled me in. It might sound touristy, but visually, it’s a playful pop of color tucked between old buildings — the kind of contrast I love shooting. Morning is best before the crowds and chaos kick in.
🌍 A Local Guide Who Brought Lisbon to Life
Usually, I skip guided tours — I prefer to explore cities by myself. But Lisbon is layered. You need someone to help you peel it open.
I joined a walking tour that led us through Rossio, Chiado, Baixa, and deep into Alfama. It wasn’t just history — it was culture, food, and plenty of photography stops.
📸 Photography tip: Use a fixed lens to slow down and observe more. Lisbon’s streets are narrow, colorful, and filled with movement — it’s not about sharpness, it’s about feeling.
In Alfama, I noticed locals busy preparing decorations and setting up for the upcoming summer festival — colorful banners and strings of lights filled the narrow streets. It felt like the whole neighborhood was quietly gearing up for celebration.
We tasted green wine right there — a fresh, slightly tangy local favorite — and tried crispy pastéis de bacalhau — crispy codfish cakes that are crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside. We aslo tried the pastel de nata (the classic Portuguese custard tart). Perfect little bites between photo stops.
Later, we made it to the beautiful Miradouro de Santa Luzia. That was my first real moment of “I’m here.” The tour ended, but I kept going.
📸 Photography tip: Take the tour early in your trip. It helps you map photo locations to revisit — and gives you context that deepens every shot.
🚋 A Love Letter to Lisbon’s Streets
Every tram, laundry line, and elderly couple on a balcony felt like a story. My favorite area for spontaneous shots? Alfama — no question. It’s raw, real, and full of life.
This is where I started falling for Lisbon — not the landmarks, but the in-between moments. The light. The rhythm. The intimacy.
⛵ Ending the Day on the River
As the golden hour approached, I boarded a sunset sailing cruise on the Tagus River — a spontaneous decision that became one of the highlights of the trip.
We glided under the 25th of April Bridge — Lisbon's answer to the Golden Gate — and drifted past the Cristo Rei statue, eerily reminiscent of Rio's Christ the Redeemer.
The 25th of April Bridge closely resembles San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge because they share the same striking red color and similar suspension design. In fact, the 25th of April was built by the same company that constructed the San Francisco landmark, giving Lisbon a bridge that feels both familiar and grand.
Nearby, the Cristo Rei statue was inspired by Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer. Both statues depict Jesus with outstretched arms, symbolizing peace and protection, standing tall overlooking their cities from high vantage points. Together, these two landmarks create a powerful visual connection to some of the world’s most iconic sights — yet they remain deeply tied to Lisbon’s own unique story.
There was something surreal about seeing the city I had just walked from a completely different angle — calm, glowing, reflected in water. A perfect end to a full day of movement, moments, and stillness.
Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone
This trip wasn’t just about seeing — it was about stepping out of my comfort zone. I challenged myself to ask strangers on the street if I could take their portrait. It was terrifying at first — exposing myself like that — but the city gave me courage. Something about Lisbon's warmth, its cinematic streets, made me braver. And it paid off. Stay tuned for the results.
Stay Tuned for Part 2
💎 Hidden Gems and Unique Finds
🌇 Best Viewpoints
🚶♀️ Quiet spots you’d walk past if you didn’t know better
