These are the places where I've photographed dozens of surprise proposals, and which end up being the setting for many of these very special moments. Although they are very popular places with significant tourist interest, there are several ways to avoid the crowds and still create an unique and intimate moment.
I also take this opportunity to let you learn a little more about each of the places, because perhaps they might be exactly what you're looking for!
PORTAS DO SOL VIEWPOINT
This is the most popular viewpoint in the city, overlooking the colorful houses of Alfama and the Tagus River. Perhaps that's why it's also referred to as the "balcony of Lisbon," the truth is that it's an extremely touristy place with a lot of people around!
And do you know why it's called Portas do Sol (Gate of the Sun)? Because one of the entrance gates in the city walls, called Porta do Sol (Gate of the Sun), was located here. And that name is quite suggestive for this place, since it was the place in the city where the first rays of the rising sun hit!
Can you imagine proposing here, at sunrise, knowing the history of this place?
SÃO PEDRO DE ALCÂNTARA VIEWPOINT
Together, these three viewpoints: Portas do Sol, São Pedro de Alcântara, and Senhora do Monte are perhaps the most popular and crowded in the city.
And it's easy to understand why: the views speak for themselves! From the São Pedro de Alcântara viewpoint, you can see the city's lower town topped by the castle hill and São Jorge Castle itself. From here, you can also see the Lisbon Cathedral, the Tagus River…
It is undoubtedly a special and unique place, with a breathtaking view and, despite its popularity, because it is much larger than the Portas do Sol viewpoint and is divided into two platforms, it ends up giving less the felling of crowdeness.
BELÉM TOWER
The Belém Tower is an icon of the city, initially built as a defensive fortress on the Tagus River and a point of embarkation for the Discoveries, the tower later served as a customs house, lighthouse, and prison.
Its setting is unique, with the Tagus River all around and an unobstructed view to the other bank. From here, it is possible to see the Monument to the Discoveries, the 25th of April Bridge, and the Christ the King statue.
In addition, it allows for numerous different framing options, which can bring a touch of exclusivity to your proposal!
Could this be the witness you are looking for for your special moment?
COMÉRCIO SQUARE OR TERREIRO DO PAÇO
The most well-known and visited square in the city, but also the most beautiful, this is one of the places where I have captured many unique and special moments, and which may be exactly what you are looking for.
Did you know that this is actually one of the largest squares in Europe? The Palace of the Kings of Portugal was located here for almost two centuries, flanked on three sides by a building complex recognized by its yellow color and on the remaining side by the Tagus River, where the Cais das Colunas (Columns Wharf) is located.
From here it is possible to see the river, of course, the 25th of April Bridge, but also the hill topped by São Jorge Castle!
Although these are incredible places to photograph such a special moment as a surprise proposal, it's important to realize that these are very touristy locations and therefore have other types of space occupation, such as street vendors, musicians, etc., which can compromise the idea of an intimate and peaceful moment you might want to create.
Furthermore, it's also necessary to understand that it's impossible to erase all the people around you who appear in the photographs, and because they are such busy areas, security concerns also arise.
So how can you propose in these places without anyone around?
I promise to make a post with all the tips that can help you create such a moment in a unique place that is just yours!
Stay tuned!