Whether you're a solo traveler, photography lover, or just curious about Lisbon's magic, this post shares how I spent my first 24 hours — plus tips to help you make the most of your own journey.

Visiting Lisbon had been on my list for a long time.

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 a rough idea of where to start, a camera around my neck, and curiosity in my pocket.

And Lisbon delivered.

Between tiled staircases, golden hour light, unexpected pastel moments, and one of the most scenic walking tours I’ve ever joined, this city had me chasing shadows and stories from the very first hour.

Here’s how my first 24 hours unfolded — through a wanderer’s eyes and a photographer’s lens.

☀️ Wander Without a Plan

My first tip? Don’t plan your route. Lisbon rewards the curious.

I spent the first few hours simply walking. No destination. Just instinct. I followed the sound of tram bells, passed tiled doorways and laundry blowing like flags.

📸 Photo Tip: Morning light (before 9:30 AM) creates rich contrasts. Look for shadows cutting across staircases, and reflections bouncing off azulejos.

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

Normally, I skip guided tours — I prefer to experience cities by myself. But Lisbon is layered. You need someone to help peel it open.

I joined a walking tour that took us through Rossio, Chiado, Baixa, and into the winding alleys of Alfama. We stopped often for stories, snacks, and photos. It gave me historical context and a list of places to return to later with my camera.

In Alfama, locals were prepping for the summer festival: colorful banners stretched across streets, string lights hung from balconies, and neighbors buzzed with quiet anticipation.

We tried green wine (light, slightly fizzy), crispy codfish bites, and of course, pastéis de nata. Between bites, I captured market stalls and mosaic walls.

📍 Tip: Take the walking tour early in your trip. It helps you map the city and find hidden gems you wouldn’t stumble on alone.

📸 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.

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.

🚋 A Love Letter to Lisbon’s Streets

Every tram, laundry line, and elderly couple on a balcony felt like a story.

My favorite place for spontaneous shots? Alfama. No question. It’s textured, lived-in, and intimate.

This is where I started falling for Lisbon — not the landmarks, but the in-between moments. The rhythm of the street. The way the city holds light. The way it made me feel bold.

📸 Photo Tip: Shoot in burst mode when photographing trams — they move fast and turn corners dramatically. Play with framing them against staircases or street art.

⛵ 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.

Seeing Lisbon from the water felt surreal. The same streets I walked that morning were now glowing and distant. A moment of stillness. A full-circle close to a full day.

✨ Stepping Out of My Comfort Zone

This trip wasn’t just about seeing — it was about growing.

I challenged myself to ask strangers on the street if I could take their portrait. It was terrifying at first. Exposing myself like that, being vulnerable.

But something about Lisbon gave me courage. Its warmth. Its cinematic streets. Its gentle pace.

And it paid off.

I captured real faces. Laughter. Quiet glances. Layers of Lisbon you can’t get from buildings or landscapes.

📊 Recap: How to Capture Lisbon in a Day

Best light: Mornings before 9:30 AM and golden hour after 6 PM.
Where to shoot: Alfama for raw street moments, Baixa for symmetry and architecture, Pink Street for playful contrast.
Local bites: Pastéis de nata, crispy codfish, green wine.
Solo tip: Join a walking tour early.
Gear advice: Comfortable shoes, a lightweight camera setup, and an open mind.

📷 My Camera Setup

All photos in this post were captured using my Fujifilm X-T30 II with a Fujinon 27mm f/2.8 pancake lens — a compact, lightweight combo perfect for street photography and travel. I love how discreet it feels while still delivering beautiful image quality.

Your turn.

Let Lisbon lead you. Walk without a plan. Ask for the shot.

Let the city teach you how to see again.

Stay tuned — more Lisbon magic coming soon.

💎 Hidden Gems and Unique Finds

🌇 Best Viewpoints

🚶‍♀️ Quiet spots you’d walk past if you didn’t know better

Just Me, Lisbon & a Camera