One of my favorite things to do while traveling is wander. Just walk around without a plan and see what I find. The French would call me a flâneur, a passionate spectator of the streets, and I couldn’t agree more. I often like to take it a step further and bring my camera with me, too. It can be a challenge to capture the essence of what I see, but that only really adds to my fun.
Lisbon is the perfect place to flâner because it is rich in details. And Lisbon photography? 🤌✨ A proverbial feast for the eyes. The kind of place where an entire day can be spent strolling, without checking off a single attraction or ‘to-do’, and still be a wonderful day.
Because I stumbled upon so many delights during my week in the city, I wanted to create a corner of the internet dedicated to them all. For my own memories, trip inspiration and a virtual escape. So, without further ado, I present the details of Lisbon I noticed and loved.
I. First Impressions
The way the city reveals itself
Color. There’s nothing gray about Lisbon, it’s drenched in color. From bright corals to greens & blues and everything in between.
Azulejos. Portuguese tiles that add beauty and function to walls both inside and outside the buildings of the city. They also serve as proof that anything can stand to be accessorized.
Doors. Whether big, detailed, colorful, tiled or all of the above they command attention and set the scene for an entrance.
Street signs. The Portuguese said just make them useful? Nah, let’s add some pizzazz.
Portuguese cobblestones, also known as calçada Portuguesa. Again, streets and sidewalks could be just that, but why be basic?
Sewer covers. Waste, elevated.
II. The Rhythm of the Streets
Getting around, Lisbon-style
Hills & stairs. I often muttered to myself while climbing each, “The people of Lisbon do not need a gym” lol. Every destination carries within its route a mix of cardio à la changes in elevation.
Trams. Equally cute, charming, photogenic and practical.
Motorbikes & Tuk tuks. Less cute, charming and photogenic than trams, but equally practical.
Cars. I was told by a Portuguese guide that the people of Lisbon love to drive. It’s ingrained in their culture. The fact that parking can be a scavenger hunt or a game of Tetris and public transport is cheaper? Apparently, not a deterrent. Locals will be driving.
Miradouros. Scenic little rewards for all the aforementioned elevation-related cardio.
III. Unexpected Company
The little encounters along the way
Flowers. Everywhereeee. Signed, bougainvillea et al.
Cats. Not as prominent as in other cities I’ve visited (looking at you, Istanbul), but a welcome surprise nonetheless.
Pigeons. Don’t ask me why, but the Portuguese ones hit different.
Peacocks. Yes, peacocks. Roaming free around the area of St. George’s castle. Lisbon does birds differently.
History. From ancient trading post → the world's first global empire → modern European capital, Lisbon has seen some things.
IV. Things Made, Found & Loved
Lisbon’s creative side
Ceramics. There’s no such thing as having too many pretty things made from clay.
Cork. A national treasure. And used in more than I ever would have guessed.
Street Art. City things, you know.
Flea Markets. Treasure hunts sprawled out across the city. “How will I pay for this?” and “How will I get this home?” included.
Bookstores. Specifically, home to the world’s oldest operating one!
Mailboxes. There’s nothing like seeing how a place does something so ordinary.
V. The Delicious Interupptions
Indulgences for every occasion
Coffee. Usually an espresso, unless you’re me, in which case please add milk.
Sweets. Endless pastries and gelato. Along with a claim for the world’s best chocolate cake. Yes, that’s right.
Fish, sardines. It would be near impossible to throw anything in Lisbon without hitting one or both of these. They’re absolutely everywhere, in every form. And I think that’s exactly how the Portuguese like it.
Wine. Small country, big impact. Did you know the Portuguese drink the most in the world per capita? Cheers to that.
VI. The Feeling of Lisbon
The parts that stay with you
The water. An integral part of the city, Lisbon’s maritime identity shows up repeatedly — from its ferries and fishing traditions to its food and waterfront life. Not to mention, lighthouses aplenty.
The light. Call me crazy, but the light is different in Lisbon. Softer and more romantic. The city seems to always be aglow. Add in all the days of sunshine? And the show it puts on during sunrise & sunset? Ooooo weeee.
Aging. Lisbon reminded me that new doesn’t always mean better and broken can still be beautiful. As one of the oldest cities and capitals in Europe, Lisbon has age. It wears it well though and maybe even gets better with time.
The way the Portuguese linger. Long lunches, time together, a rush for nothing. It's a city I felt rewarded me for taking my time. They wouldn’t call me a flâneur, not their language, but they sure do seem to understand the concept.
